Popsicles
Popsicle sticks are perhaps one of the overused manipulatives in our homeschool. We use it for arts and crafts, Math, Language Arts, and Reading too. My kids thoroughly enjoy these colorful sticks.
Here are just some of the ways that we use these popsicle sticks, if not for ice cream!
Months of the Year & Ordinal Numbers
These sticks were colored by Little Miss using her water colors. I later on wrote the months of the year on each stick. This familiarizes them to all the months of the year in a colorful manner. Apart from this, I let them copy the words in a notebook for writing and spelling activities.
At the other end of each stick, I also printed the ordinal numbers from first to twelfth. They are able to put the months in proper order using this side of the stick.
It is also a good idea to teach them the important events like birthdays of the family members, and holidays that take place in each month. It will give a better recall to them.
Sorting by Alphabetical Order
Apart from reading and writing, these sticks can also be used to introduce sorting words by alphabetical order. Just mix all the sticks then let them sort according to calendar order, or alphabetical order.
We also do the same with the days of the week. Scramble the sticks, and them let them arrange in correct order. If they are in the mood for some writing exercises, we continue with copying the words on their notebook.
Colors
We have popsicles that have the names of each color on them. I let them pick the colors I call out, then read the words written on the sticks.
We also try to let them name other objects or hunt for things inside the house that have the same colors, for added fun!
Number Words
Here I have sticks with number words from one to ten, then another set with number words by tens from twenty to ninety. I call out numbers and let them pick the corresponding sticks with number words.
After putting together the sticks, they read the number words and write down the corresponding numerals. You can also ask them to sort the numbers from highest to lowest, or vice versa, ask what comes next, in between, etc.
This is a "notebook" that Little Miss made. She cut white paper into fourths and then bound them together. Of course, the artistic girl that she is, she has to put decorations on them too. She made this the Arabic way though, that opens to the right. LOL.
These are just some of the ways we use popsicle sticks in our homeschool. Sometimes, we will use them to make shapes and construct houses and fences, etc. We also use them for puzzles, which I will try to share next time.
How about you, what are the other ways you use these popsicle sticks for in your homeschool? We'd love to hear from you.
❤️ Arlyn
for this beautiful Hiveph badge!