​

Our Journey Westward

  • Shop
  • Blog
    • Bible & Character
    • Living Math
    • Language Arts
    • Science & Nature
    • History & Geography
    • Fine Arts
    • Brain Training
    • Holidays
    • Healthy Homeschool
    • Preschool
    • Elementary
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Curriculum & Schedules
  • Homeschool Speaker
  • My Account
  • 0 items$0.00

by Cindy 3 Comments

Your Children Will Love Funschooling with Candy Heart Lessons

Share172
Pin173
Email
Print
345Shares

What kid wouldn’t love a break from the regular schedule of homeschooling to enjoy a funschooling day full of candy heart lessons??? Mom, I promise that your day won’t be wasted and you’ll be able to check off just about every box in your lesson planner!

Your children will have so much fun with these candy heart lessons! They are appropriate for elementary and middle school students and include plenty of STEM ideas. Math and science were never so much fun!

Teaching with Candy Hearts

Grab a big bag of candy hearts from the Valentine aisle at the grocery and you have just about everything you need for a full day of STEM candy heart lessons and more.

K-3rd Grade Candy Heart Lessons

My little guy was five when we completed these activities, but they are very appropriate for children through 2nd grade.

Fair Shares, ABC Order, Concrete Graphing

Pictured Above:

1 Given a small a pile of hearts, Eli had to figure out how many each person in our family would get if he divided the group into fair shares. I had him use critical thinking skills to determine various options for using the remaining hearts.

2 I didn’t get a picture of a real pattern as you can see, but we did create various color patterns with the candy. We practiced naming the patterns, too – AB, ABC, ABAC, ABB, etc.

3 We love making concrete graphs in our house! Eli has practiced many times with bar graphs, so this time I made sure to introduce circle graphing.

Transfering Concrete Graphs to Written Graphs

Pictured Above:

1 To begin transferring concrete bar graphs to written graphs, I asked Eli to physically make a bar graph with his candy hearts.

2 Then, I asked him to draw his own graph on a chalkboard. Why a chalkboard? Both because we had colored chalk to match the colors of the candy and because chalk encourages a more tactile experience than pencil and paper.

4th-8th Grade Candy Heart Lessons

My two oldest always appreciate a funschooling day!

Reverse Area Activity

Pictured Above:

This was a fun twist on measuring area. Instead of placing candy on a prepared heart to determine the area, I gave my children a small pile of candy and said, “Take a look at the pile and cut out a heart that you estimate has the correct area.” We did this a few times with different sized piles of candy to improve estimation skills.

Graphing Candy Hearts

Pictured Above:

Each of these pictures show a sampling from our graphing and probability activities. After receiving a pile of at least 40 candy hearts, they each had to create from scratch their own circle graph, stem and plot graph, and histogram.

We also had fun placing several different numbers of each color in a bag to predict and test the probability of drawing each color.

Candy Heart Experiments

Pictured Above:

Our day wasn’t all math related. We had fun with some science experiments, too. In the first two pictures, we experimented with the rate candy hearts dissolve in various acid and base mixtures.

The final picture shows the results of an erosion experiment. We placed one heart in water and let it stand still.  The second heart was placed in the same amount of water, but we shook the container for three minutes.  In the end, we talked about how this models why jagged rocks eventually become small, smooth pebbles.

Candy Heart School

This post contains affiliate links.

Extra Candy Heart Lessons

We literally could have spent a week learning with candy hearts. Would you like to spend a week with candy hearts? Here are some other activity ideas we’ve done over the years that I think you’ll enjoy, too!

Math Activities

  • estimate the number of candy hearts in a jar
  • use the hearts as a measuring tool to measure length, perimeter, area and/or volume
  • see how many candy hearts various object weigh using a balance
  • determine the mean, median and mode within a box of hearts
  • determine percentages, fractions and ratios within a box of hearts
  • create graphs in Excel
  • write word problems with the candy hearts as your manipulatives
  • determine the cost per heart or cost per ounce – compare cost between brands

Science Activities

  • sort hearts by characteristics – color, beginning letters, word length
  • use the nutritional information on the package to discuss ingredients & nutrition value
  • create recipes using the hearts as an ingredient
  • do a displacement experiment
  • crush & dissolve candy hearts in hot water and see how many hearts it takes to create a saturated solution
  • determine the density of one or more candy hearts using a graduated cylinder
  • research the process of creating candy hearts in a factory
  • determine how many candy hearts you can stack easily then figure out a way to stack more

Language Arts Activities

  • sort hearts into piles of words that begin with A, B, C, etc.
  • place hearts in alphabetical order
  • create sentences with hearts
  • grab a handful of hearts and incorporate those words into a paragraph or story
  • look up words printed on the hearts in the dictionary and determine the words listed before and after them
  • translate the words printed on the heart into a different language

History Activities

  • research when the candy heart was first created and why
  • learn about the biggest producers of candy hearts
  • research whether or not sayings on the candy hearts have changed over the years

Y’all. There’s some serious STEM learning with candy hearts!

Fun Valentine Books

Just in case you’d like to add a few Valentine books into your funschooling, here are some of our family favorites – all are most appropriate for younger elementary children.

Saint ValentineThe Valentine Bears Gift Edition (Holiday Classics)Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch (paperback)Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really StinkGuess How Much I Love You

&

Whether you use candy hearts or another variety of colored candy, make it a fun day once in a while!

Check out these other posts!

   These free nature in your notebook printables will help keep the winter doldrums far away from your homeschool this season!
 

This post has been linked to:

Share172
Pin173
Email
Print
345Shares

Last Updated: January 11, 2017 Filed Under: Creative Homeschooling, Elementary, Gifted & Struggling Learners, Holidays, Living Math, Middle School, Science & Nature Tagged With: candy math, candy science, hands-on, multi-age, valentine's day

Previous Post: « Free Nature in Your Notebook Winter Printables
Next Post: Using Picture Books to Teach Expository Writing »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

subscribe without commenting

Trackbacks

  1. 50+ Homeschool Valentine's Day Ideas to Add Holiday Enchantment says:
    January 16, 2019 at 6:36 am

    […] Your Children Will Love Funschooling With Candy Heart Lessons by Our Journey Westward […]

  2. 20 Valentine-Based Learning Activities for Your Special Education Homeschool | SPED Homeschool says:
    February 2, 2019 at 11:58 am

    […] – Candy Hearts Unit Study: Teach everything from math, critical thinking, science, history and language arts with candy […]

  3. Heart Crystals: A Valentine's Day Science Experiment - I Choose Joy! says:
    January 26, 2021 at 3:44 pm

    […] Funschooling with Candy Hearts […]

Primary Sidebar

NaturExplorers Science Curriculum

NaturExplorers guides are perfect for the 1st-8th grade homeschool, co-op or classroom. This highly adaptable curriculum series uses nature study as the starting point for science lessons that reach into every other subject and meet all learning styles.

Popular Posts and Series


 photo widget300_zps64ea557d.jpg
 photo CMWidget_zpsd7fc8669.jpg
 photo livinglitwidget_zps657f0460.jpg

 photo 3b118073-e528-40c6-b009-8be2ccfc0a74_zps79607282.jpg
 photo NatureStudySneezePageWidget_zps3dc3947e.jpg


 photo ArtistStudyWidget_zps6df6beae.jpg
 photo Untitled_zps78916d12.jpg
 photo Unitstudywidget_zps852cf098.jpg
 photo PBLwidget_zps5a4c210f.jpg

 photo valueswidget_zpscf5135ed.jpg
 photo USA300widget_zpsb2606835.jpg



 photo SeasonsandHolidaysWidget_zpscc545744.jpg

Categories

Charlotte Mason How-To

 photo 2235a4d3-bec7-488d-89f5-e2dcd32a42db_zpsb2ec2b26.jpg

Most Recent Pins

 photo WhatsPinteresting_zps8b7f9748.jpg

Trusted Curriculum

All About Spelling



  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy and Blog Terms of Service
  • Affiliations & Disclosure Policy
  • Reviews and Advertisements
  • eShop Terms & Conditions
  • Affiliates
When my boys were little, I loved reading these “letters from God” to them as blessings to start the day.
As I was sorting bookshelves earlier this month, I stumbled across this sweet book again. I decided the blessings are still as pertinent today for my bigger boy as they were years ago. So, we’re starting our day yet again with a quick, but powerful “letter from God” before jumping into our daily Bible studies.
Do you do anything special to start your day off on the right foot? I’d love to hear about it!
Click the link in my bio for a link to the book.
#homeschoolblessings #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolmom #homeschool #homeschooling #yourmorningbasket #startthedayoffright #charlottemasonmama #loveyourkids #wildandfreemama #childrensbook #devotionalforkids #homeschool365 #homeschoolmorning #ourjourneywestward #ihsnet
Winter homeschooling can be tough in normal years. Winter homeschooling can be tough in normal years. It’s cold, the days are dark, and everyone’s cooped up together 24/7. That’s a recipe for the winter blahs to march right into your house and wreak havoc on attitudes and motivation.⠀
⠀
This year’s winter is unlike any other and those blahs may have actually settled in long before now. If you or your children are feeling down, anxious, or bored with school, are “at” each other constantly, bouncing off the walls, or tears and fighting are the norm…the blahs are there.⠀
⠀
Let’s get you, your children, and your homeschool back on track. I’ll be teaching a Homeschool Masterclass on Thursday afternoon to help you kick the blahs to the curb. If you can attend live, come! If you can’t attend live, catch the replay!⠀
⠀
We’ll tackle all sorts of problems the blahs bring with them with very practical  ideas that are easy to implement! ⠀
⠀
Click the link in my bio to join me. There is no shame in admitting that the blahs have arrived and you need a little boost from a friend. ❤️ ⠀
⠀
#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolmom #homeschoolfamily #wildandfreemom #charlottemasonmama #winterhomeschool #homeschoolhelp #homeschoollookslikethis #thisishomeschool #homeschoolmasterclass #homeschool365 #ihsnet #homeschoolmama #helpmehomeschool #winterblahs
Oh, what peace this quote brings to my soul. It’ Oh, what peace this quote brings to my soul. It’s true, you know. I’ve told my children for years that it only takes a nature walk to see God through His handiwork and to know that His promises are true.⠀
⠀
When the world seems to be falling apart around you, the sun never stops shining. The seasons never stop moving. Without a single, solitary effort of human hands, the woodlands still buzz with life.⠀
⠀
A student of nature can see the consistency in cycles and notice the incredible and creative intricacy of even the smallest specimen and be in awe that we truly serve a God who isn’t unaware of even one tiny detail in our world right now. ⠀
⠀
Life kind of seems overwhelming, though, I know. Remember when I said my motto lately has been to just put one foot in front of the other to do the next right thing? Nature walks (even when it’s cold) never fail me as a right thing. ⠀
⠀
Breathe, friend. Take a nature walk today and let God speak to your soul.⠀
⠀
#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolmom #homeschoolfamily #wildandfreemom #charlottemasonirl #winterhomeschool #homeschoollookslikethis #thisishomeschool #winternaturestudy #nosweatnaturestudy #homeschool365 #ihsnet #naturestudy #naturexplorers #nature #hewins
It might seem trite to post a winter picture book It might seem trite to post a winter picture book list right now, but I’m a big believer in keeping things as normal as possible in my home when things aren’t so normal otherwise.⠀
⠀
It’s the principle of putting one foot in front of the other as you simply do the next right thing. Good books almost always can be a “next right thing” choice.⠀
⠀
Even though I’m not homeschooling younger children anymore, I’ll probably never stop sharing wonderful picture book ideas with you. 🤓 I’ve spent way too many hours reading and collecting to ever stop loving them!⠀
⠀
Eli and I may not be using these books right now, but they are still some of my favorites for winter reading. Whatever may be going on around you, the winter months are always a good time of year to get in lots of extra reading. Snuggling and hot chocolate are optional, but encouraged.⠀
⠀
Click the link in my bio to find a blog post about these books + some of our favorite winter chapter books, too!⠀
⠀
#homeschool #readmorebooks #livingbooks #livingliterature #picturebooks #winterpicturebooks #homeschoolmom #wildandfreefamily #charlottemasonirl #winterhomeschool #homeschoollookslikethis #thisishomeschool #winternaturestudy #nosweatnaturestudy #homeschool365 #ihsnet
We celebrated a 14th birthday over Christmas break We celebrated a 14th birthday over Christmas break! 🎉🎁🎂🏀🥰
I love being auntie to a sweet baby again! 😍 I love being auntie to a sweet baby again! 😍
Merry Christmas from the Wests! 🎄 Merry Christmas from the Wests! 🎄
Christmas picture books are some of my very favori Christmas picture books are some of my very favorite books of all time. I’ve spent years collecting new ones here and there (and will probably continue collecting for years to come because there are at least a few favorites I still don’t own).🤗🤫⠀
⠀
When the kiddos were younger, I would sometimes wrap each of the books and place them in a basket near the Christmas tree. 🎁 Each morning during December, one of my children would choose a book to unwrap and that was the one we would read for the day. Oh, such precious memories!⠀
⠀
This year, even though my youngest is in 8th grade, the books are not hidden away! I’ve found a creative way to read them with Eli. We’re using them as mentor texts for his own stories during language arts. #sneakysmart (He’s writing some pretty great stories, too!)⠀
⠀
Click the link in my bio if you’d like to see my entire list of picture book favorites for the Christmas season!🎄If you’d like to know more about using picture books to teach writing to older kids, search “writing with picture books masterclass”on my website.⠀
⠀
#homeschoolbooks #christmasbooks #christmasbooklist #christmaspicturebooks #christmasschool #creativehomeschooling #livingbooks #livingliterature #readmorebooks #Decemberhomeschool #homeschoolfamily #homeschoollookslikethis #homeschoolmiddleschool #ilovebooks #charlottemasonirl #yourmorningbasket #ourjourneywestward #homeschoolrocks

Copyright 2006 -© 2021 · Our Journey Westward · All Rights Reserved

345Shares