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The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Disneyland, Fantasyland, Literature, Walt Disney World

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Travel through Hundred-Acre Wood and revisit familiar songs and scenes from A.A. Milne’s classic tales. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a slow ride perfect for all ages.

You’ll find the attraction on both coasts, and can read more about each one on Walt Disney World or Disneyland‘s sites.

Winnie the Pooh Homeschool Studies

Of course you’ll want to read at least a few stories from A.A. Milne’s classic, The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh.

There are lots of movies that you could watch, too, and compare and contrast them with the stories. Here are a couple to get you started:

Older kids might enjoy Christopher Robin, a story about a grown up Christopher Robin finding inspiration from his forgotten friends from Hundred Acre Wood. (You could also read the novelization of the movie in chapter book form.)

Another possibility is Goodbye Christopher Robin, a film about the relationship between author A.A. Milne and his young son.

Some other books you might enjoy:

Use the last book as a spark to discussions about the application of some of the quotes to our own lives. For example:

“A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.”

Online Resources

Honeybee games and adventures inspired by Winnie the Pooh – Fine motor skills, counting, number awareness and more.

Winnie the Pooh: A Unit Study

Pooh Picnic: The House at Pooh Corner Nature Book Club

Free Winnie the Pooh inspired printables

Winnie the Pooh and Some Bees study

Winnie the Pooh learning activities – Including a super cool honey pot painted jar craft!

Solve the mystery of who stole Eeyore’s tail with this fun online reading adventure.

Winnie the Pooh Unit Study – This study has an amazing list of activities and resources to check out (Big Star!)

Ideas of what you might include in a Winnie the Pooh lapbook

Free A.A. Milne handwriting pages

Check out the Winnie the Pooh page over at Disney for videos, stories, downloads and more.

How to draw Winnie the Pooh

Winnie the Pooh inspired activity cube to get up and moving!

Winnie the Pooh coloring pages

Winnie the Pooh activity book to download and print from Disney Family full of puzzles, pictures, and more.

Some general ideas for literature studies:

Write a book report
Give a speech
Create a power point presentation about the author or book
Make a diorama of a scene from the story
Act out a portion of the story
Write a letter to (or from) one of the characters
Make a poster to advertise the book
Write a ‘what happens next’ story
Find other works by the same author, from the same time period or writing style.
Choose passages for copywork or dictation.
Do vocabulary and/or spelling projects.
Study the history of the story setting.
Do an author study.
Read the story and watch the corresponding movie, then discuss or write about similarities and differences.
Write a review of the book or movie, telling someone why they should or should not read/watch it.

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China Pavilion in the World Showcase

Epcot, Geography

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Epcot’s World Showcase is made up of 11 country pavilions. In each country, you’ll find authentic architecture, landmarks, historical references, food, and people. Each country’s pavilion is staffed by people who are actually from the country.

The China pavilion is quite pretty and the intricacy of the carvings is amazing. If you’re looking for a spot where you can enjoy a few minutes of peace, this is it. There are footbridges, bamboo groves, a small waterfall and ponds which provide the perfect getaway from the crowds.

The China Pavilion and your Homeschool

You enter the China Pavilion through a distinct triple arched ceremonial gate patterned after the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.

The three-tiered, circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest is a one-half scale reproduction of its counterpart inside Beijing’s Temple of Heaven complex. Many of its architectural details have important significance to the Chinese people. Inside the hall, there are 12 outer columns supporting the roof. They represent the 12 months of the year and the 12-year cycle of the Chinese calendar. Closer to the center of the room there are 4 columns representing the four seasons. These columns support a beam representing Earth, which is topped by a round beam, signifying Heaven.

Reflections of China is a 360º Circle-Vision film shown in the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. This movie features footage of China including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City of Beijing, the Gobi Desert, Inner Mongolia, the Yangtze River and the tropical rain forests of Hainan Island. You can read more about Reflections of China on the Walt Disney World website.

Fun Tip:
If you go into the temple and stand in the very middle of the round room, it is acoustically perfect. So say something and hear how others hear you…you might be surprised that it sounds different than you normally hear yourself.

Be sure to check the entertainment schedule in your park map/guide. You don’t want to miss the Jeweled Dragon Acrobats performance. It’s an amazing display of agility, strength and balance by young students from the Pu Yang Academy of Acrobatics in China.

Don’t miss the replica of the Terracotta Army. The figures, dating from 210 BC, were discovered in 1974 by some local farmers near Xi’an, Shaanxi province, China near the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.

The Kidcot Fun Stops in each pavilion of the World Showcase are a fun activity where kids can collect stamps and create a craft.

Some books you might like:

For older students, you may want to read The Good Earth. This study guide digs into analyzing characters and motifs of the book.

Movies to watch:

Disney’s Mulan

It would be fun learning about Chinese food and making a recipe or two. Or you could make a model of the Great Wall of China out of Rice Krispie treats.

Online Resources for Studying China

China Lapbook

Ancient China Notebooking Pages

China Fact Sheet

China Unit Study

China Crafts:

Unit Study on China

Let’s Visit China Unit Study

Chinese New Year Coloring Pages

China Activities for Elementary

Chinese New Year Study

The following ideas will work for your study of any of the countries in Epcot’s World Showcase:

Create a Power Point on the country and present it.
Plan a menu from the country and prepare it. (If you have a World Market store near you, check out their International foods section).
Plan a pretend trip there. Where would you visit? What would you do?
Create a ‘scrapbook’ of your fictional trip to the country.
Write a report on historical events that happened in the country.
Study the original buildings and landmarks represented in each pavilion.
Learn a few words in the native language of the country.
Find and listen to music from the country.
Make a shoebox diorama of a famous place in the country.
Watch a documentary on the country.

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Pirates of the Caribbean

Adventureland, Disneyland, History, Walt Disney World

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Set sail on a swashbuckling voyage to a long-forgotten time and place when pirates ruled the seas. This dark, boat ride has small drops but is a ride that is fun for all ages.

You’ll find Pirates of the Caribbean on both coasts, and can read more about the attraction on the respective park’s sites. In Disneyland, Pirates is in New Orleans Square, and at Walt Disney World in Adventureland.

Pirates of the Caribbean in your Homeschool

Pirates are such a popular topic of interest for kids, this is really a fantastic opening to an interest-based study. Even before you get to studying pirates, your family might enjoy some history of the attraction itself.

Did you know that it was originally designed to be a walk-through attraction? But after the success of It’s a Small World, it was changed to a boat ride. Pirates of the Caribbean was the last attraction that Walt personally oversaw, and sadly, he died before it opened in 1966.

Besides utilizing cutting edge technology in its audio-animatronics, Pirates also features convincing special effects like near misses with cannonballs and making a burning town look real enough to spook at local fire chief while riding. (Interestingly, the attraction features a shut-off of the effect should a real fire erupt).

You can read more about the history of the attraction here and here.

Some pirate-themed books you may want to check out:

It might be fun to watch the Pirates of the Caribbean movie as well (note that it is rated PG-13 for some scary skeleton violence that might be too intense for younger kids).

You could get the whole series, 5 movies in all, if you want a whole lot of pirate watching.

The web is full of unit studies on pirates, find several linked below. You might also consider adding some practice with map skills, using a compass, and some fun pirate crafts.

If you’re doing a more in depth geography study, this collection of over 300 customizable maps could be an asset.

Online Resources

Pirates Unit Study – This study is for ages 8-13. You will gather information on the history of pirates, where they sailed, what their lifestyles were like, what jobs they did, how they dressed, how they divided their spoils, and more.

Project Based Study – This quick pirate unit study will give you just enough for a detailed deep dive without expecting weeks of your time.

Unit Study on Pirates – Kids learn about geography, vocabulary, telescopes, ships and more.

Pirate Unit Study – Learn about pirate maps, pirate treasure, pirate flags, pirate weapons and more.

Pirate Lapbook – Mini-book printables, book lists, resources, activity ideas and more.

Pirate Sight Word Activities

Middle School Pirate Unit Study – This study for upper elementary to middle school age is full of ideas for literature, history, science, art, and more.

The Queen Anne’s Revenge Project:

As archaeologists, conservators, and historians, the Queen Anne’s Revenge Conservation Lab and Underwater Archaeology Branch of the Office of State Archaeology is dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of the past. Join us as we explore day by day the origins of Blackbeard, his famous flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, and his misadventures along the Carolina coast.

Guide to Famous Pirate Ships at Marine Source

Pirate Ships Unit Study

Talk Like a Pirate Poetry and Copywork – This 10 page download costs just a few dollars. You can also check out the free “Talk like a pirate” vocabulary cheat sheet.

Have a Pirate Party

Maps: A Unit Study – A study of Gerardus Mercator, the history of cartography, and more.

Hands on Map Activities

Pirate Crafts and Play Ideas

25 Argh-Mazing Pirate Crafts and Activities for Kids

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Haunted Mansion

Disneyland, Liberty Square, Science, Walt Disney World

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Embark with your Ghost Host on this not-so-spooky tour through a house of happy haunts. The Haunted Mansion is a dark ride and contains some “mildly frightening scenes but there is no gore. The ghostly residents are friendly and the ride is slow-moving.”

The attraction is on both coasts. You can read more on the Disneyland or Walt Disney World site.

The Haunted Mansion in your Homeschool

You’ll notice that the Haunted Mansion attraction is different at each park. They are very different architectural styles, that could make a fun study! In Disneyland you’ll find a Southern antebellum-era manor house which fits perfectly in New Orleans Square. In Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, the Haunted Mansion is in Liberty Square and was built in Dutch Gothic Revival style.

You can also read some fun, behind-the-scenes facts, secrets and history about the mansions here.

This eerie journey is a fun opening to learn about optical illusions, and to explore some spooky stories, crafts and snacks. (Not to mention socialization opportunities. hahaha “Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize”)

Learn about optical illusions with this Optical Science kit.

You may want to do an artist study on M.C. Escher and check out some of his art.

Here are some spooky story books to check out:

For older kids:

For teens:

Of course you’ll want to watch the Haunted Mansion movie starring Eddie Murphy. It’s a family friendly spooky story.

Online Resources

Optical Illusions

Read about optical illusions and see a number of them on this site.

This site details a number of the optical illusions and special effects used in the Haunted Mansion.

This post on the Disney Youth Programs blog highlights some of the science behind the Haunted Mansion’s spookiness.

This video shows you the science behind the optical illusions in the Haunted Mansion.

Want to learn about how elevators are used in the Disneyland Haunted Mansion? This video takes you behind the scenes.

Spooky Science

Try making these creepy spider bots. They’re made with toothbrushes! (you can find the micro motors you’ll need right here)

Static electricity ghosts are a fun and easy experiment to try.

Here are 12 haunted science experiments for kids.

Flying Creatures of the Night nature study – Learn about flying nocturnal animals like bats, owls, fireflies and moths – and be prepared to find a magical world of animals that come alive in the night!

Crafts and Snacks

This straw-blown painted ghost craft is easy to do even with young children.

Make some spooky ghost snacks with your kids. (Try these if you’re looking for something healthy and fun!)

This site shares both ghostly snack and craft ideas for your family.

Older kids might like this more involved ghost in a jar craft.

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The Incredicoaster

California Adventure, Disneyland, Science

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Join the Incredibles in their high-speed chase to catch Jack-Jack. The roller coaster that used to be California Screamin’ was transformed and it is truly Incredible. New scenes, special effects, and a musical score by Incredibles 2 composer Michael Giacchino make for a thrilling ride you won’t forget!

The coaster launches you from 0 to 55 mph and exhilarates with hills and turns. (Personal aside, this is my all time favorite ride anywhere ever. It’s kind of the best. Also, my husband gets motion sick every single time.) You’ll find the Incredicoaster in Pixar Pier at California Adventure, and can read more about the attraction on the Disneyland site.

The Incredicoaster in your Homeschool

You don’t have to be planning a trip to Disneyland to add this fun study to your homeschool! Learning about how roller coasters work would be a fun unit study any time.

One of our favorite things is a science video series by Disney Imagineers. This episode on Trajectory highlights the Incredicoaster (when it was still California’ Screamin’). Pro tip: Check your local library for this series…it’s fantastic!!

There are also lots of life lessons in the Incredibles movies that could spur conversation with your kids. Role models, how kids develop their passions, teamwork, integrity…lots of good stuff!

Books to check out:

Movies to watch:

Online Resources

You can download this Incredibles movie study that comes with discussion questions for your family and more.

Here’s a short roller coaster unit study! This is a fun one to do over the summer, or to add to your physical science curriculum.

Your kids might enjoy building their own ‘coaster’ with this marble roller coaster activity or this marble paper plate and cardboard tube project.

Watch this short video on the physics of roller coasters.

Even try your hand at designing your own coaster. Build your coaster using the physics concepts that are used to design real coasters.

Ride-through videos are never exactly the same as riding the attraction yourself, but they can be a fun way to get an idea of what to expect. So if a trip to California is not on the agenda, you can still get a peek at what the Incredicoaster is like.

The soundtrack makes you feel like you are part of the movie!

If you are planning a trip to Disneyland, you can even get one of Jack-Jack’s cookie num-nums after you ride. Make sure you get some milk to go with it!

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Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Adventureland, Literature, Walt Disney World

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Climb aboard your magic carpet and soar above the colorful bazaar below in this attraction that all ages will love.

Aladdin’s magic carpets ride is located in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom. You can read more about it on the Walt Disney World site.

You can also find Aladdin in Disneyland on the Storybook Land Canal Boats attraction where you’ll see the royal city of Agrabah and Cave of Wonders.

Aladdin in your Homeschool

We’ve often heard that the story of Aladdin and the Magical Lamp is a part of the Arabian Nights, or the ‘One Thousand and One Nights’ told by Scheherazade, the woman who effectively invented the cliffhanger. In a cunning move devised to save her life, she decided to start telling the sultan a story, but each night would break off in the middle of the narrative … so the sultan would keep her alive until the next night, when he would find out what happened at the end of the story. Hence the title, One Thousand and One Nights.

And that’s true…kind of. It is part of the collection, but it wasn’t always. In reality, the tale was added to the collection by French translator, Antoine Galland, in the early eighteenth century.

Some other, possibly, surprising news is that the original story isn’t set in the Middle East at all, but China! There are a lot more differences between the story we’re familiar with and the original, too.

Some books you might want to check out:

Movies you might enjoy:

Some general ideas for literature studies:

Write a book report
Give a speech
Create a power point presentation about the author or book
Make a diorama of a scene from the story
Act out a portion of the story
Write a letter to (or from) one of the characters
Make a poster to advertise the book
Write a ‘what happens next’ story
Find other works by the same author, from the same time period or writing style.
Choose passages for copywork or dictation.
Do vocabulary and/or spelling projects.
Study the history of the story setting.
Do an author study.
Read the story and watch the corresponding movie, then discuss or write about similarities and differences.
Write a review of the book or movie, telling someone why they should or should not read/watch it.

You can meet Aladdin and Jasmine in the Morocco Pavilion in the World Showcase in Epcot.

Online Resources

Aladdin family movie night and activities – Includes crafts, recipes and more!

Aladdin and the Arabian Nights Novel Study – This unit study is not free, but might still make a good addition to your study.

Fun Crafts:

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