Volcano eruptions are fascinating and devastating events. No wonder our children and even ourselves can be completely in awe of them. This week has volcano science experiments and activities to allow your child to explore these natural disasters at home. As well as opportunities to learn about more natural disasters. 

The volcano science experiments, instructions, printables and more can be found at Vv is for Volcano. You don’t want to miss this free preschool resource that I created for my boys and have made available to you! Book suggestions and coloring pages are also included. 

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A preschool schedule for a week of volcano science experiments.

Monday highlight: Train Car Wall Display printable

Alphabet preschool printable.

Mondays are usually relaxed for our preschooler. We begin with reading books and introducing the new letter for the week. How we introduce the letter is one of my son’s favorite activities and he gets excited about doing it, using it, and showing it to family.

The Train Wall Display is available here. There are additional theme options such as a caterpillar and squirrel with acorns. My 4 year old loves trains though and so I created the train for him. This week he received the uppercase and lowercase letter Vv. He simply colors in the letters after I tell him what letter it is and have him repeat after me a few times. 

Next, we hang the train car on the wall next to the letter Uu and then review the letters he knows by singing the alphabet song. Sometimes we will play an alphabet review game. I ask him to find a letter and he has to point it out. 

Books about volcanoes. 

In our homeschool we enjoy reading both whimsical books and technical. As long as they have beautiful illustrations and/or a compelling story I am on board! DK Life Cycles Illustrated by Sam Falconer and Volcano Dreams: A Story of Yellowstone by Janet Fox are personal favorites for learning facts about volcanoes. 

On the other hand, My Mouth is a Volcano by Julia Cook is an excellent story that teaches manners while creating a simile with volcanoes. Also, if you and your child have not danced to The Floor is Lava song by the Kiboomers you can decide whether to introduce this to them or not. If you do, beware. It may be all you listen to for the next month. But it will get your kiddos up and moving about! I have never showed them the video but simply play the song.

The Morning Basket.

The books, wall display, and a wooden alphabet puzzle are all used throughout the week to assist with alphabet review. It also helps to solidify the pairing of the letter V and volcanoes. This helps my kiddos later when they are reviewing letters as well as learning sounds. These are all grouped into our morning routine called the morning basket. 

The Morning Basket is completed after breakfast and morning chores. We read our themed books and then review the alphabet. Also included in the schedule are coloring pages. These are to help occupy my 4 year old while I gather supplies for the volcano science experiments. The coloring pages can be found at Vv is for Volcano. They continue to reinforce the shape of the letter Vv and associating it with volcanoes.

Tuesday highlight: First prize of all volcano science experiments goes to…

There are quite a few volcano science experiments to choose from but Smashing Geodes wins hands down. Tomorrow is the tried and true volcano eruption but that one does not compare (no matter how big you can get the eruption to be). Surprised? I know!  So out of the many volcano science experiments to choose from and a beloved one, what makes Smashing Geodes so special?

Hands off – unlike other volcano science experiments.

There are a few reasons I  absolutely adore this activity. The first is because all my boys want to participate. They enjoy it so much too that they share and take turns without my interference because they know the consequence is to end the experiment. Second, it takes no setup from me to keep it going, like other volcano science experiments. Basically it is very hands off. I remain as a casual observer to guarantee that safety glasses remain in place.

When curiosity overcomes a challenge.

The third reason smashing geodes earns first prize is because in a play based way their hand-eye coordination is challenged. They do not become frustrated because they’re enjoying themselves so much. I also can’t help but become curious and excited just like them! Oohing and ahhing over the sparkle of the minerals once they’ve busted inside. To read more about what geodes are check out Vv is for Volcano where I share more information about these volcanic formations and turning it into a complete lesson.

Wednesday highlight: The most nostalgic of all volcano science experiments.

The Volcano Eruption. Whether you are performing this with basic baking soda and vinegar or a Mentos and Coke combination it is a beloved experiment. To find ratios for the basic baking soda and vinegar experiment, be sure to check out the previous link.

Thursday highlight: 2nd Natural disaster charades

Although volcanoes are exciting and fascinating, they are also devastating to anything and anyone in their paths when they erupt. Much like other natural disasters. For this reason, at the end of the week I briefly introduce the concept of natural disasters. This is turned into a game of charades to keep it light hearted. The actions for demonstrating how mother nature’s fury is unleashed can allow children to learn about these natural events without tackling too big of concepts. Get the free printable here.

This is the last day of our preschool lessons because on Fridays we attend our local Nature Group.

Volcano Science Experiments and More.

The printables, coloring pages, instructions, and more are all available at Vv is for Volcano. Help your preschooler grow and explore the world around them. With activities and experiments that are designed to challenge and pique curiosity you’ll be blown away with how much your 3-5 year old retains. 

Letter of the Week

Vv is for Volcano is a part of a 26-week curriculum. Letter of the Week has been reimagined for all that home learning has to offer. Your preschooler will look forward to their lessons that include alphabet review, activities, books, and so much more. To see what other letters offer follow the button below.

A glance at a preschool schedule at home.

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