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Learning Activities for Kids

Marshmallow STEM Activities

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If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a stale bag of marshmallows in your cupboard.

It’s wasteful to just throw them away, but nobody wants to eat them. So, what can you do?

Try some STEM projects, of course! Here are 12 fun marshmallow STEM activities that will use up all of those stale marshmallows.

Build, learn, and explore with these fun marshmallow STEM activities for kids.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

STEM Activities with Marshmallows

Grab that bag of stale marshmallows and a few addition supplies. Pick out one of these fun marshmallow STEM activities, and get started learning with your kids. These activities are all fun and easy to do. And, you probably already have all the supplies you need.

Marshmallow STEM Activities

Build, create, and learn with these fun STEM activities with marshmallows.

Marshmallow Engineering STEAM Building Challenge

Use toothpicks and marshmallows to create some fun STEM building challenges.

Giant Marshmallows and Glow Stick Structures

Photo Credit: www.3princessesand1dude.co.uk

Take your marshmallow building up a notch by using glow sticks and giant marshmallows!

Easter Bunny Launcher: A Peeps STEM Experiment

Photo Credit: team-cartwright.com

Build a fun launcher for you Peeps! And, don't worry, you don't have to wait until Easter to build this. You can find Peeps for any holiday, or just use large marshmallows in your launcher.

Easy Marshmallow Catapult Activity

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Build a catapult with your marshmallows to launch even more marshmallows. So much fun!

How To Make Edible Marshmallow Slime Recipe (Strawberry)

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Use your marshmallows as the main ingredient in this edible slime recipe.

Building Shapes with Marshmallows and Toothpicks

Photo Credit: homeschoolpreschool.net

Combine math and engineering to build 2-D and 3-D shapes with toothpicks and marshmallows.

Marshmallow Shooter Kids Activity

Photo Credit: www.123homeschool4me.com

Build a shooter for your mini marshmallows.

Marshmallow Science Experiment-Color Change

Photo Credit: www.fantasticfunandlearning.com

What happens when marshmallows dissolve? Find out with this fun marshmallow science experiment.

Marshmallow Science Experiment

Photo Credit: www.fantasticfunandlearning.com

Use different liquids to see if it makes a difference in how marshmallows dissolve.

Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Science

Photo Credit: www.adabofgluewilldo.com

Does the temperature of hot chocolate affect that rate at which a marshmallow dissolves. Find out with this fun experiment.

PEEPS Parachute STEM Challenge

Photo Credit: thepreschooltoolboxblog.com

Create parachutes for your Peeps (or jumbo marshmallows) and experiment with gravity.

Marshmallow Star Constellations for Kids

Photo Credit: www.kcedventures.com

Use your marshmallows and toothpicks to build and learn about star constellations.

Fun Marshmallow STEM Activities for Kids

More STEM Activities for Kids

Hot Chocolate Science Experiment

Balloon STEM Activities for Kids

Spinning Tops Color Mixing STEM Activity

Winter STEM Projects for Kids

Get STEM Projects Through the Mail

Every month, we get a fun STEM box through the mail. Our Green Kid Crafts boxes that we get every month have been so much fun. We’ve explored bubbles, the human body, slime, and more fun stuff.

Each box comes with 3-4 fun STEM activities based around a certain theme. You can do like we do and subscribe to a monthly box. You can also buy single boxes based on specific themes.

Check out all the Green Kid Crafts boxes here.

Subscribe to get Family STEM Challenges delivered to your inbox

Wouldn’t it be so much fun to get STEAM family activities delivered to your inbox? I think so! That’s why I’ve created this fun series, STEAM Family Fun, to be delivered to your inbox. After going through all the letters in STEAM each week with a fun activity devoted to each, you’ll start receiving a fun STEAM activity once a month. (And I’ll also pop up in your inbox occasionally if I’ve got other fun things to share.)

Fill out the form below to start receiving STEAM Family Fun in your inbox.



Spelling Word BINGO

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BINGO has always been fun to play and it’s incredibly versatile.

You can use it to learn all sorts of things: numbers, letters, math facts, and sight words, and even spelling words!

And, that’s how we’re going to practice spelling words today. We’re going to turn our spelling word list into a fun game of BINGO. Get ready to have some fun while we play Spelling Word BINGO.

Turn your spelling homework into a fun game when you use this printable template to make your own Spelling Word BINGO game.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

Set Up Your Spelling Word BINGO Game

Before you begin, you’ll need to gather a few simple supplies.

You will need a printable BINGO template, spelling list, and small items to use as markers. I used flat glass marbles, but you could also use mini erasers, milk jug caps, rocks, pennies, or whatever else you can find.

Using your child’s spelling word list, you will need write one word in each of the squares of your BINGO board.

Tip: You can reusue your BINGO board if you laminate it! Just write your words on the laminated board with a dry-erase or washable marker. We love this laminator for home use.

Now it’s time to play. You can play this game with one or more kids. Print out a BINGO board for each kid and make sure the words you list are in a different order on each board.

Turn your spelling homework into a fun game when you use this printable template to make your own Spelling Word BINGO game.

Special note: To make things easier for you, I created a simple 4×4 printable BINGO board. You can click on the link below to download and print.

DOWNLOAD your Spelling BINGO template here.

How to play Spelling Word BINGO

One person will need to be the caller. (This is a great job for a parent!). The caller need to use the spelling list to call out words one at a time.

The player(s) put a marker over the word when you hear it. The first person to get a line across, down, or diagonal wins the game.

If you’re playing with only one child, you can challenge them to cover every word on the board.

Have fun learning while playing Spelling Word BINGO.

Make your own spelling word BINGO game for fun at-home spelling practice.

You may also like one of these spelling ideas:

LEGO Spelling Words

Writing Spelling Words with Paint in a Bag

Rainbow Writing Spelling Words

Little Spelling Boxes at Teach Me Mommy

Turn your spelling homework into a fun game when you use this printable template to make your own Spelling Word BINGO game. #spelling #education #CreativeFamilyFun

My Must-Have Resource for Spelling Word Practice Ideas

I’ve gathered all of my spelling practice ideas into a simple, printable ebook.

You can purchase a printable form of this book for $7.50 The book is designed to print and turn into a half-page size booklet. It’s perfect to keep at your homework station. Your kids can flip through and find a fun way to practice their spelling words.

The ideas will be convenient and ready to use. No need to turn on the computer every day for ideas.

Most activities require little to no prep time. And, if you make sure you have all the supplies on the Master Supply List (included in the book) on hand, you’ll be able to do any of these fun spelling word ideas any time.

Click here for my sales page where you can purchase a copy of the ebook.

Spelling practice printable ebook

Write Spelling Words with Paint in a Bag

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I don’t remember where I first saw the concept of paint in a bag. It’s brilliant, isn’t it?

I’ve seen it offered to kids from toddler age through preschool. It’s often a fun sensory experience and a no-mess way for kids to play with paint.

Having older kids, I’ve discovered that the fun shouldn’t end in preschool. We used our Paint in a Bag to practice our spelling words.

A child is using their finger to write words on a baggy filled with orange paint. The words "writing with paint in a bag" is on the image.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

How To Make Your Paint In a Bag

You’ll need a plastic food storage bag, paint, and some packing tape (or duct tape). I chose a freezer bag because the plastic is thicker and sturdier.

Pour paint in the bag while it’s laying flat. Squish it around a bit until you’ve filled the bag with a good layer of paint.

Carefully close the bag, trying to remove as much air as you can. Use the tape to seal the zipper top so that the bag won’t easily open.

A child is using their finger to write the word cat using a baggie filled with orange paint

Write Your Spelling Words With Paint In a Bag

Once your bag is ready, let your child use it to write their spelling words with their finger.

You can “erase” the word by flattening the bag with the palm of your hand. It’s fun to use this to write the words over and over.

Tip: My daughter loves to hold the bag up to the window on a sunny day. The light shining through gives it a fun glow.

I haven’t tested it out fully, but your paint in a bag will last for quite awhile, especially if you were able to get all the air out. Store your paint in a bag flat in a safe place and you can use it over and over again. If the paint starts drying out, just toss it and make a new one.

Your kids will jump at the chance to practice their spelling words if they get to write with paint in a bag.

Square image of a bag filled with orange paint held up to a window while a child uses their finger to write words

You May Also Like One of These Fun Ways To Practice Spelling Words

Make Scrabble Tile Spelling Words

Fun Spelling Practice with Dry Beans

Create Play Dough Spelling Words

My Must-Have Resource For Practicing Spelling Words

I’ve gathered all of my spelling practice ideas into a simple, printable ebook.

You can purchase a printable form of this book for $7.50 The book is designed to print and turn into a half-page size booklet. It’s perfect to keep at your homework station. Your kids can flip through and find a fun way to practice their spelling words.

The ideas will be convenient and ready to use. No need to turn on the computer every day for ideas.

Most activities require little to no prep time. And, if you make sure you have all the supplies on the Master Supply List (included in the book) on hand, you’ll be able to do any of these fun spelling word ideas any time.

Click here for my sales page where you can purchase a copy of the ebook.

Spelling practice printable ebook fanned out on a green background.

Fun Nonstandard Measurement Games

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It’s fun to explore measurement with some fun Nonstandard Measurement Games.

How many things can you measure? Measure a room, your foot, or even your full body.

This fun selection of measurement games are hands-on and engaging. They’re perfect for learning at home!

Nonstandard Measurement Games

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

What is Nonstandard Measurement?

Nonstandard measurement is when you use an object, other than a ruler, to measure the length or width of an object.

So, let’s go have some fun and use our feet, our hands, our toys, or even straws to explore measurement.

Fun Nonstandard Measurement Games

Measure with hearts, handprints, LEGO Bricks, and more with these fun math activities.

Nonstandard Measurement Games

Explore measurement with these fun nonstandard measurement games for kids. These hands-on math activities with make learning fun for your kids.

Valentine Nonstandard Measurement Activity

This Valentine's Day activity uses heart doilies to measure different items. But you can adapt it for any holiday by cutting shapes out of paper. (For example, you can measure with shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day.)

Measuring with Kind Hands

Photo Credit: rainydaymum.co.uk

Make Kind Hands, which are your handprints labeled with acts of kindness, to measure just how tall you are.

Measuring with the Foot Book by Dr. Seuss

Photo Credit: inspirationlaboratories.com

Place one foot in front of the other to measure all sorts of items with this fun idea inspired by Dr. Seuss's The Foot Book.

Fun Body Measurement Activities with a Piece of String

Photo Credit: igamemom.com

Use a piece to string to measure and compare the length of different parts of your body.

Measuring With Straws

Photo Credit: lifeovercs.com

Paper straws are a great tool to use for nonstandard measurement. Use them to measure and record the lengths of different items.

Measuring Activity For Preschoolers

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Use small blocks, such as Unifix Cubes to measure your hands and feet.

Handprint Measuring and Number Lines

Photo Credit: theimaginationtree.com

Use cutouts of your handprint to measure and then make a fun handprint number line with this fun activity.

Measuring Length in Non-Standard Units with Candy Hearts

Photo Credit: jdaniel4smom.com

Use candy hearts as a measuring tool with this great activity. Includes fun printables to help you measure.

Space Nonstandard Measurement Activity

Photo Credit: www.totschooling.net

Use some fun space-themed measurement printables to explore nonstandard measurement.

Measuring with Magna-Tiles

Photo Credit: www.andnextcomesl.com

Do you have Magna-Tiles at home? They're a fun tool to use to explore measurement with this activity.

Preschool Math Lesson : Lego Measurement

Photo Credit: www.notimeforflashcards.com

How many LEGOs tall is your drinking glass? Use LEGOs to explore measurement all around the house.

How to Make Bean Rulers

Photo Credit: pocketofpreschool.com

Make your own ruler out of dry beans to use while you explore nonstandard measurement.

Which one of these fun ideas do you think you’ll try with your kids?

Nonstandard measurement games for kids

You may also like one of these fun math activities:

Fun Hundred Chart Games and Activities

Backyard Measurement Scavenger Hunt

One Fish Two Fish Number Match

Making Ten with Cars

My Favorite Math Resources

We love using games to practice our math. It definitely makes learning fun. Here are some great ones you’ll love playing.

Snowball Toss Alphabet Game for Toddlers

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I’m always looking for ways to get kids moving and learning especially in winter when we’re stuck inside more.

Let’s practice letter recognition and letter sounds with a pretend snowball fight.

Toddlers and preschoolers will love this snowball toss alphabet game. And, once you’re done playing you can move on to more fun activities for toddlers.

Help your kids learn their ABC's with this fun Snowball Throw Alphabet game for toddlers and preschoolers.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

Materials You’ll Need for the Snowball Toss Game

Snowballs

Card stock(or paper)

Paper cutter (or scissors)

Tape (I used masking tape.)

Marker

Paper plates (or something similar – use plastic bowls, plates, or even pieces of paper)

I found 10 indoor snowballs for $3 at the Target dollar spot. Walmart is selling 20 indoor snowballs for about $10. You can also get indoor snowballs on Amazon. You could even make your own snowballs from balled up socks or crumpled paper.

The indoor snowballs remind me of giant pom poms, but they are weirdly squishy. You know how real snow feels when you make a snowball – that squishy, crunchy feeling? The indoor snowballs replicate that feeling.

Set Up Your Snowball Throw Alphabet Game

I used a paper cutter to cut a piece of white card stock into 1-inch squares. Then, I wrote a letter on each paper square. I drew a line at the bottom of each lowercase letter and some of the uppercase letters just so it was easy to tell which direction the card went.

Your toddler or preschooler will have fun moving and learning their abc's with this simple gross motor Snowball Toss Alphabet Game

I used uppercase and lowercase letters for our matching game. You could play the matching game with the same case to work more on introducing letters.

Select 10 letters to work with. (This helps focus on just some of the letters instead of the entire alphabet. If you have more snowballs, feel free to use more letters.)

Your toddler or preschooler will have fun moving and learning their abc's with this simple gross motor Snowball Toss Alphabet Game

Tape one lowercase letter to each snowball.

Now you’ll need a landing zone for the snowballs. I used small paper plates. You could use containers or even pieces of paper.

Tape one uppercase letter to each landing zone.

Your toddler or preschooler will have fun moving and learning their abc's with this simple gross motor Snowball Toss Alphabet Game

Place the uppercase letters on one side of the room. We lined the paper plates up near the wall.

Make a pile of snowballs on the other side of the room.

Practice the alphabet with this fun indoor snowball game for toddlers

Play this snowball toss alphabet game

Have your child pick up a snowball and find the letter on it. Ask him to say the name of the letter. (You can also have him say the letter sound.)

Now have your child throw the snowball across the room (towards the paper plates). I had my kids throw the snowballs at the wall.

Next, have your child pick up the snowball and find it’s matching letter on a paper plate. Say: “You have the little (lowercase) letter e. Can you find the big (uppercase) letter E?” Have her place the snowball on the correct letter.

Your toddler or preschooler will have fun moving and learning their abc's with this simple gross motor Snowball Toss Alphabet Game

Keep throwing snowballs and matching letters until you run out.

Then, you can reset the game and play it all over again. Use the same letters or practice different ones. (We stayed on the same set for a while. We’ll switch out the letters and play again another day.)

Your toddler or preschooler will have fun moving and learning their abc's with this simple gross motor Snowball Toss Alphabet Game

My toddler (age 2.5) and my preschooler (age 4.5) equally enjoyed this snowball toss alphabet game. They loved getting to throw the snowballs at the wall and then had fun finding the right letter.

Sometimes my toddler read the letters upside down and just made a match with whatever he thought the letter was. I had to have him slow down a bit and help him double check the letters.

Your toddler or preschooler will have fun moving and learning their abc's with this simple gross motor Snowball Toss Alphabet Game.

I love how this game gets kids moving and working on gross motor skills (throwing, bending, running, etc.) while practicing the alphabet.

Your toddler or preschooler will have fun moving and learning their abc's with this simple gross motor Snowball Toss Alphabet Game.

More Winter Themed Activities for Toddlers

Practice your numbers with this fun Snow Numbers Activity that uses real snow.

Use snow as a canvas for some Snow Painting.

Make a fizzy snow dough sensory bin.

Try some penguin painting, an easy art project that’s perfect for toddlers.

Learn your ABCs with this fun gross motor Snowball Throw Alphabet Game for Toddlers

Find All Your Supplies Here

You may already have some of the supplies you need at home. I know I always have a roll of tape and some card stock. But, if you’re looking to buy some of the supplies, here are a few that I recommend.