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JDaniel4s Mom

growing & learning with him

Ugly Duckling Learning Activities

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This series of five Ugly Duckling Learning Activities focuses on fine motor tracing activities, coding, math facts, and pattern blocks. It is part of a monthly fairy tale series 3 Dinosaurs and I have been sharing for months. Below you will find the fairy tales previously shared.

After you explore these please take a moment to explore some of the other fairy tale sets. They represent sets from my blog and 3 Dinosaurs.

Jack and the Beanstalk

Little Red Riding Hood

The Three Little Pigs

Three Billy Goats Gruff

Gingerbread Man

The Little Red Hen

Goldilocks and Three Bears

Frog Prince

Books Based on the Ugly Duckling

Below you will find Ugly Duckling Themed Books to read to your children before exploring the activities.

The links below are affiliate links.

This version of the Ugly Duckling takes place in Africa and features African animals.

Little Golden Books were such fun to read when I was little. Here is an Ugly Duckling Golden Book that tells they tradition tale.

Ugly Duckling Themed Learning Activities

This series’ posts will be displayed below on the day they are posted. Please take the time to check all of them out.

Monday

The first Ugly Duckling learning activity is a roll and cover game featuring a swan and a cygnet or baby swan. Children will roll two dice and then cover the sum on the game board. It isn’t possible roll a one when you are practicing adding, but you can cover it when you subtract.

Ugly Duckling Easy Reader Book With Tracing is a fun 8 page book with tracing the words from the story of the Ugly Duckling. A fun way to work on handwriting and reading.

Tuesday

This set of Ugly Duckling Tracing Lines are a great way to work on fine motor skills. Children will connect the duckling to the swan as they trace from right to left.

Ugly Duckling Ten Frame Addition Printables has two sets of ten frame addition cards. You have filled out for the equation and partially filled out.

Wednesday

Yes, today’s Ugly duckling activity is another tracing activity. This one features uppercase and lowercase letters. A wavy water-like chevron border and swan graphic are also on each tracing card.

Ugly Duckling Greater Than & Less Than Clip Card Printables has kids comparing numbers with counting ducks and swans and then clipping the correct symbol on the cards.

Thursday

There are four different versions of the swan and the duck mats. They display a visual of the pattern block design and the shapes needed to build each design.

Duck and Swan ABC Sorting Printables is a fun letter sorting activity for kids to work on uppercase and lowercase letters with pictures that begin with that letter.

Friday

This set direct drawing pages features numbers and algorithms. The number two features the steps needed to draw a duck or maybe a cygnet.

Swan & Duck Blend Sorting Printable has all the beginning blends for kids to word. This allows you to work on different beginning blends and matching picture and blend letters.

More Bird Themed Activities

This slime themed duck activity is based on the book a Duck in a Truck.

This set of bird tangrams has a swan building mat and a duck.

Children will get build bird’s nests and explore shapes with this STEM challenge.

Frog Prince Themed Tracing Lines

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Fine motor skills will be worked on as children work on the strips in this Frog Prince Themed Tracing Lines set. Children will have fun following each of the lines from right to left. The set offers line tracing pages in black and white or color.

Getting the Frog Prince Tracing Pages

First, you will need to download the set.

Frog Prince Tracing Lines for KidsDownload

Second, if you don’t have Acrobat Reader you will need to download it. The set is an Acrobat Reader PDF file.

Third, you will need to go to your download file and open the page.  You may be asked if you want the file to open right after you download it. If you are, you won’t have to hunt for it in your download file.

Finally, when you open the calendar you will find hyperlinked activities. When you click on them, you will be taken to each of the activity’s locations on the web.

Making the Line Tracing Pages Reusable

If you plan on using the cards over and over again, you may want to laminate them. Below I have suggested products that you may want to use to cover them.

The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. My Amazon Picks

Scotch Brand PRO Thermal Laminator, Never Jam…$54.68$128.93 (11154)

Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches, 100 Count-P…$15.98$24.68 (63556)

Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches, 200- Count-…$27.99$42.99 (23612)

Hammermill Printer Paper, Great White 100% Recy…$17.00 (4917)

Tracing Tools

Tools That Leave Marks

  • Pencils
  • Color Pencils
  • Washable Markers
  • Crayons
  • Paint Brushes with Watercolors

Tool That Don’t Leave Marks

  • Chopsticks with Pumpkin Seed
  • Feathers
  • Closed Pens
  • Dry Paintbrush

More Fine Motor Activities

Fine Motor Animal Tracing Pages

Slimed Themed Duck in a Truck Fine Motor Activity

Frog Prince Pattern Strips

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The Frog Prince pattern strips that explore shapes along with patterns. They invite your children to build patterns that match the displayed shapes or just the patterns on each strip. Later in this post there is a list of material that could be for patterning.

Getting the Frog Prince Pattern Strips

First, you will need to download the set.

Frog Prince Pattern StripsDownload

Second, if you don’t have Acrobat Reader you will need to download it. The set is an Acrobat Reader PDF file.

Third, you need to go to your download file and open the page. 

Getting the Frog Prince Pattern Strips Ready to Use

If you plan on using the cards again, you may want to laminate them. Below I have suggested products that you may want to use to cover them.

The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. My Amazon Picks

PRO Thermal Laminator, Never Jam…$54.68$128.93 (11154)

Thermal Laminating Pouches, 100 Count-P…$15.98$24.68 (63556)

Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches, 200- Count-…$27.99$42.99 (23612)

Hammermill Printer Paper, Great White 100% Recy…$17.00 (4917)

Pattern Objects You May Have Already

While you can use any objects you want for patterning, I have a few I tend to use.

The links below are affiliate links.

  • Shape Blocks
  • Shape Buttons
  • Small Pebbles
  • Color Beads
  • Unfix Cubes
  • Pom-Poms

Exploring the Frog Prince Patterning Cards

The patterning cards can be placed in a center along with the objects you want children to pattern with. However, some children will just try to match the object with an object that is the same color. That means they aren’t figuring out the pattern.

Before placing them in a center, it might be helpful to work on the patterning cards with the whole class or small groups of children. It will give both you and your student time to talk about how to find a pattern. After finding the patterns, they can talk with you about how the pattern repeats on each card.

Books About Patterning

Below you will find some of my favorite books that feature patterns. You may want to read one of them with your children before you start the patterning activity.

The links below are affiliate links.

Pitter Pattern is a wonderful story about Lulu and her friend’s search for patterns wherever they go.

Bracelets for Bina’s Brothers shares the tale of Bina’s journey to create pattern bracelets for her brothers.

Pattern Fish explore both simple and complex patterns on colorful ocean creatures.

More Patterning Activities

Election Day Patterning Cards

Ghost Patterning Strips

Rocket Ship Skip Counting Strips

Frog Prince Shape Building Activity

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The Frog Prince Shape Building Activity set can be used to explore the perimeter of each shape or its area. They can also be used to learn about shapes and their attributes in a math center. It will be up to you to decide just how you want to use them.

Getting the Frog Prince Shape Building Activity

This set is a PDF.   When you download it, you will need to open it with a PDF reader. Acrobat Reader is a popular reader that you can download to use. You probably have it on your computer already.

Frog Prince Shape Building ActivityDownload

Great Manipulatives To Use With the Set

The items below would be great to use to surround or fill a shape.

  • Buttons
  • Unifix Cubes
  • Glass Pebbles
  • Counting Bears
  • Craft Sticks
  • Beans
  • Plastic Soda Caps
  • Wooden Cubes

Getting the Shape Mats Ready

Printing in color can get expensive. Taking the time to cover and laminate items will help them last.  Below you will find the laminating materials I recommend.

The links below are affiliate links.

My Amazon Picks

PRO Thermal Laminator, Never Jam…$54.68$128.93 (11154)

Thermal Laminating Pouches, 100 Count-P…$15.98$24.68 (63556)

Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches, 200- Count-…$27.99$42.99 (23612)

Hammermill Printer Paper, Great White 100% Recy…$17.00 (4917)

Exploring the Shapes Mats

There are several ways to explore the set of mats.

  • This is great small group or center activity.
  • Children can explore them on their own. Then they can describe what they noticed about each shape.
  • The mats can be filled with objects that shape or take a shape scavenger hunt.
  • Finally, children can fill the shape or cover the outline.

More Shape Activities

Exploring Shapes and Coloring with Penguin Mini Books

Geometric Shapes for Kids Snow Globe Puzzles

Geometric Shape Puzzles

April 2025 STEAM Activities Calendar

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Spring is here and so is the April 2025 STEAM Activities calendar! It will be fun to explore with your children. It features activities based on April holidays and themes!

April Holidays Celebrated on the April STEAM 2025 Activities Calendar

April 1st April Fool’s Day

April 2nd National Picture Book Day

April 3rd Find a Rainbow Day

April 4th International Carrot Day

April 5th Read a Road Map Day

April 6th National Walking Day

April 8th National Zoo Lovers Day

April 9th National Unicorn Day

April 10th Golfer’s Day

April 11th National Submarine Day

April 12th Big Wind Day

April 13th Make Your Lunch Count Day

April 14th National Look Up and the Sky Day

April 15th World Art Day

April 16th National Bean Counter Day

April 18th National Animal Crackers Day

April 19th Wear Pajamas to Work Day

April 20th Lima Bean Respect Day

April 21st National Kindergarten Day

April 22nd Earth Day

April 23rd St. George’s Day

April 26th Richter Scale Day

April 27th Morse Code Day

April 28th Super Hero Day

April 29th National Arbor Day

April 30th Raisin Day

Downloading the April 2025 STEAM Calendar

The April STEAM activity calendar is a PDF. Once you have downloaded, the set you will need to open it with a PDF reader like Acrobat Reader.

April STEAM Activity Calendar 2025Download

First, you will need to download the set.

Second, if you don’t have Acrobat Reader you will need to download it. The algorithm page is an Acrobat Reader PDF file.

Third, you must go to your download file and open the page.  You may be asked if you want the file to open right after downloading it. You won’t have to hunt for it in your download file if you are.

Books and Activities Based on the April Holidays

The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Children can use prisms and other optics on Find a Rainbow Day with this science kit.

For National Walking Day it would be fun to read the book Why Should I Walk? I Can Fly. It includes STEM activities!

Lima Bean Respect Day could be celebrated by starting a vegetable garden with this kit.

St. George’s Day could be celebrated by doing the STEAM activity on the calendar and reading a book about St. George.

More STEAM Activities

The Best Coin to Use in a Coin Spinner

Tin Foil Boat Ideas for the STEM Penny Challeng


Tin Foil Penny Challenge

Little Red Riding Hood Coordinate Mapping

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This Little Red Riding Hood Coordinate Mapping set invites children to find coordinates on a map. They will also draw their versions of pictures on the map as they learn about coordinate mapping. You can decide which map you want your children to work on.

Wait! What if your children are not excited about drawing? You could assign each story character or element a shape. They can draw the shapes in the picture boxes or coding blocks that tell them what to draw.

Getting the Little Red Riding Hood Coordinate Maps

First, you will need to download the set.

Little Red Riding Hood Coordinate MapsDownload

Second, if you don’t have Acrobat Reader you will need to download it. The set is an Acrobat Reader PDF file.

Third, you must go to your download file and open the page.

Exploring the Little Red Riding Hood Mapping Coordinates

Deciding on the Page to Explore

It will be fun for students to use these maps as part of a fairy tale unit or a mapping unit. The first thing you need to do is decide which page you want your children. Younger children would probably do better with the pages with the fewest words. Although, you could read each line of more wordy pages to your children.

Non-Drawing Option

As was mentioned above you could assign each story character or element a shape. They can draw the shapes in the picture boxes or coding blocks that tell them what to draw. Then they can draw the shape onto the Little Red Riding Hood Map.

Building Background

It is possible your children aren’t familiar with the story of Little Red Riding Hood. Here are three different books that feature the traditional tale.

The illustrations in this Jerry Pinkney version of Little Red Riding Hood are just gorgeous!

This version of Red Riding Hood has been modernized a little, but it still tells that basic tale.

Children can hear or read the tale of Little Red Riding Hood in English and Spanish.

More Mapping Activities

Frog Pond Mapping Activities

Valentine’s Day Quilting Activity

Leprechaun's Hiding Places - Coordinate Map Activity Set

Leprechaun Hiding Places Coordinate Activity

Little Red Riding Hood Muffin Tin Numbers

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The Little Red Riding Hood Muffin Tin numbers can be use to explore a number of math concepts. Number recognition and addition facts can both be worked on with this set. There are black and white as well as color versions of Little Red Riding Hood number circles. Children can roll dice and cover the sum or number that appears on them. They can work in pair or on their own.

Getting the Little Red Riding Hood Muffin Tin Numbers Pages

First, you download the set.

Little Red Riding Hood Muffin Tin CountingDownload

Second, if you don’t have Acrobat Reader please download it. The set is an Acrobat Reader PDF file.

Third, go to your download file and open the set. 

Exploring the Little Red Riding Hood Muffin Tin Number Pages

Getting the Numbers Ready

You will print out one of the number circle sets to place in the muffin tin. You can decide whether to use the color or B/W versions of the set. If you choose to use the B/W versions, your children could color them for you.

If you plan to use the circles more than once, you should laminate them to make them last longer.

How to Use the Number Circles

Children will place the correct number of objects into or onto each of the muffin tin numbers displayed. Below you will find red objects that would be fun to use for this activity.
The links below are affiliate links.

More Muffin Tin Activities

Scarecrow and Crows Muffin Tin Activity

Eggs and Nests Number Matching

Halloween Pumpkin Number Matching

Little Red Riding Hood Learning Activities

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These Little Red Riding Hood learning activities are part of a series of fairy tale units. You will find them here and on 3 Dinosaurs blog. This series’ posts will be displayed below on the day they are posted. Please take the time to check all of them out.

Little Red Riding Hood Activities

Monday

The Little Red Riding Hood Muffin Tin Numbers can be used to explore several math concepts. This set can be used to work on number recognition and addition. There are black and white as well as color versions of Little Red Riding Hood number circles. Children can roll dice and cover the sum or number that appears on them. They can work in pairs or on their own.

This little reader from 3 Dinosaurs focuses on reading and fine motor skills.

Tuesday

Little Red Riding Hood Number Puzzles feature skip-counting number sets. They are available in black and white and color.

The black-and-white versions can be colored by your children. The pages can be used again by covering or laminating them.

3 Dinosaurs has created a fun way to work on number recognition.

Wednesday

This Little Red Riding Hood Coordinate Mapping set invites children to find coordinates on a map. They will also draw their versions of pictures on the map as they learn about coordinate mapping.

3 Dinosaurs has a fun way to explore shares and visual recognition.

Thursday

Little Red Riding Hood Tracing Lines gives children the chance to work on their fine motor skills. There are black and white lines and colored versions on them.

Little Red Riding Hood Alphabetical Order Puzzle Printable has three puzzles with putting the letters in order. 3 Dinosaur has come up with a great way to work on letter order with kids and have fun puzzles to use with the little red riding hood story.

Friday

This final set is a Little Riding Hood tens frame addition activity for you! It only has colored versions of the frames in the set.

Little Red Riding Hood Shape Woods Easy Reader Book is a fun shape book with 12 shapes for kids to color and read about. Plus it is a fun Little Red Riding Hood easy reader book for kids in kindergarten.

Activities from Other Fairy Tale Sets

Three Pigs Game Boards

Three Billy Goats Gruff Number Boards

Little Red Hen Tens Frame Activity

March 2025 STEAM Activities Calendar

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The March 2025 STEAM Activities Calendar is filled with fun experiments and challenges that feature March holidays and events. Whether March comes in like a lamb so you can do activities outside or a lion so you need to work indoors, they will be fun to explore.

March 2025 STEAM Activity Calendar Holidays

1st National Pie Day

2nd Dr. Seuss’ Birthday

3rd World Wildlife Day

4th Beginning of the Iditarod Race

6th National Oreo Cookie Day

7th National Flapjack Day

10th Pack Your Lunch Day

11th World Plumbing Day

12th Plant a Flower Day

13th Daylight Savings Day

14th National Pi Day

15th Ides of March

16th National Panda Day

17th St. Patrick’s Day

18th Global Recycling Day

19th National Quilting Day

20th Spring Equinox

21st World Puppetry Day

22nd Daffodil Day

23rd World Meteorology Day

26th Wear a Hat Day

28th Respect Your Cat Day

29th Smoke and Mirrors Day

30th National Pencil Day

31st National Crayon Day

Downloading the March 2025 STEAM Activities Calendar

The March 2025 STEAM Activities Calendar is a PDF. Once you have downloaded, the set you will need to open it with a PDF reader like Acrobat Reader.

First, you will need to download the set.

March 2025 STEAM Activities CalendarDownload

Second, if you don’t have Acrobat Reader you will need to download it. The algorithm page is an Acrobat Reader PDF file.

Third, you must go to your download file and open the page.  You may be asked if you want the file to open right after downloading it. You won’t have to hunt for it in your download file if you are.

Books Based on the March Holidays

The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Julian’s World- More Stories Huey Tells would be fun to read during March Madness

How to Catch a Leprechaun would be fun to read before your children build there own leprechaun traps.

Pi Day is one of my favorite holidays in March. This Seuss book is a fun way to explore pi.

More March Themed Activities

Welcome March by Creating Lion and Lamb Paper Plate Crafts

Lion and Lamb Paper Plate Crafts for Kids

Dr. Seuss Themed Shape Craft

Leprechaun's Hiding Places - Coordinate Map Activity Set

Leprechaun Coordinate Map Activity

Three Pigs Game Boards

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The Three Pigs Game Boards invite children to connect numbers and events in the correct order. Children are invited to use arrows to connect the events in order. The set could also be used to introduce algorithms. After all an algorithm is a series of steps.

Each of the pages in the set is available in B/W and color. If you plan to use the pages as a worksheet, you will want to print them out in B/W. However, if you plan on using them as game boards over and over again printing them in color would make sense.

Getting Three Little Pigs Themed Counting Set

First, you will need to download it.

Three Little Pigs Themed Number Counting Game BoardsDownload

Then you will need to open the set with Acrobat Reader.

Next, you decide which coloring page you want your children to work on.

Once you have printed out the gameboards, you gather crayons for your children to color their pages.

How to Use the Three Little Pigs Themed Number Counting Gameboards

While there are many ways that you can use the gameboards, let me walk you through how I would use them with my students.

  • Begin by reading a traditional version of  Three Little Pigs.
  • Give each of your children the version of the gameboard you want them to work on along with a pencil.
  • Before starting the sequencing activity, you can have your children color the objects on the page if you like.
  • Have the children connect the box containing the word Start to the first event mentioned in the book with an arrow.
  • Continue connecting the events and numbers in order.
  • After box ten is reached, draw an arrow from box ten with the word End.

Getting the Gameboards Ready

If you plan on using the cards again, you may want to laminate them. Below I have suggested products that you may want to use to cover them.

The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. My Amazon Picks

PRO Thermal Laminator, Never Jam…$54.68$128.93 (11154)

Thermal Laminating Pouches, 100 Count-P…$15.98$24.68 (63556)

Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches, 200- Count-…$27.99$42.99 (23612)

Hammermill Printer Paper, Great White 100% Recy…$17.00 (4917)

More Gameboard Sets

Ladybug File Folder Games

Swimming Theme Number Counting Game Boards

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