Rainforest Homeschool Unit: Rainforest Crafts, Art, and Hands-On Activities for Kids
By: Knowledge Crates
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If you’ve ever thought about doing a rainforest homeschool unit but didn’t know where to start, let me share some ideas! My kiddos and I did a rainforest unit study last school year, and it was one of those magical themes where the kids stayed curious and engaged from start to finish. There’s just something about exploring the Amazon rainforest—the animals, the layers, the colors—that really sparks their imaginations!
When we decided to re-release our Knowledge Crates rainforest unit study, we kept some of our favorite activities that I did with my kids and added some new ones to put together the BEST assortment of fun, hands-on activities for your learners. I'm so excited to show you the highlights here today!
I’ll walk you through some of the activities we did and loved. From rainforest crafts and jungle-themed projects to creative writing and art, these hands-on ideas brought our learning to life. Whether you piece together your own plan or grab the crate we used (which comes with all the supplies—hello, time saver!), I hope you’ll find some inspiration for your own rainforest homeschool unit!
We kicked off our unit by learning about the layers of the rainforest: emergent layer, canopy, understory, and forest floor. Our rainforest crate comes with beautiful fact cards for each of the layers, as well as really colorful and engaging nonfiction books to learn about this unique ecosystem.
To show understanding of the rainforest layers in a hands-on way, the kids painted their own rainforest layers using watercolors. We labeled each layer, then kept the paintings to use as backdrops for our rainforest diorama (more on that later!).
Rainforest Animals: Fact Cards & Clay Sculptures
Of course, the Safari Ltd. Toob animals that come in the rainforest crate were a huge hit with my kids! We played with these figurines while exploring the included rainforest animal fact cards, learning about everything from toucans to tapirs. The animal figurines (and fact cards!) included in the crate are:
macaw
red-eyed tree frog
poison dart frog
caiman
emerald tree boa
toucan
iguana
anteater
spider monkey
tapir
jaguar
Then we got hands-on with clay, using their figurines and books as inspiration. Their little creations later became part of our diorama, and they were so proud to show them off.
Create a Mixed Media Jaguar Art Piece
One of the new art projects we developed for the revamped rainforest crate was this jaguar mixed media art. I LOVE THIS! For this project, the kids create a rainforest scene with oil pastels, mold a jaguar out of clay, place their handmade jaguars into the scene. I LOVE that this combines painting, drawing, and sculpture into one project—perfect for kids who enjoy different kinds of art, and such a unique effect in the end.
Make a Hidden Toucan Collage
This activity is another new addition to the rainforest homeschool unit! For this art project, the kids created “hidden” toucan collages where the toucan camouflages into a busy rainforest background.
Using construction paper and layers of leaves, flowers, and vines, they pieced together their collage—then carefully tucked their toucans into the scene.
Make a Rainstick and Learn About Rainforest Cultures
One of the most memorable crafts we did was making rainsticks. We learned how these instruments were used by the Mapuche people of Chile and then created our own using a cardboard tube, rice, and foil. It was a fun craft that kept the kids busy for a while!
Hang Out with Sloths: Craft and Movement Fun
Sloths quickly became a favorite animal during our rainforest unit—how could you not love their slow, peaceful nature? So, we paired a cute sloth craft with a fun movement activity to bring these laid-back rainforest creatures to life.
First, the kids made their own sleepy hanging sloths using cardstock, oil pastels, and mini clothespins. Such an adorable rainforest decoration, and a great addition to the end-of-unit diorama!
But don't stop there! Follow this craft up with a "slow like a sloth" challenge. The kids can compare their heart rates after running in place and then after moving in slow-motion sloth style. This is a hands-on experience to learn that sloths stay slow to conserve energy—an important survival skill in the rainforest. Make the grand finale a sloth race where the last one to finish is the winner!
Origami Frogs and Rainforest Yoga
We couldn’t do a rainforest theme without some frog fun! We used bright paper to fold origami rainforest frogs and then had a frog-jumping contest. You can try seeing who's frog can jump the farthest, or who can launch theirs first into a small trash can or bowl!
It was such a simple jungle craft, but it brought delight and got those little hands working on fine motor skills. If you wanted, you could extend the activity by measuring and graphing whose frog jumped the farthest!
The rainforest yoga included in the crate is the perfect follow-up activity!
Even More Rainforest Adventures to Explore
The rainforest has so much to offer, and there are even more hands-on activities included in this unit for your kids to enjoy. It’s packed with a variety of projects that cover art, math, writing, and sensory play—so there’s something for every learning style. Here are just a few more activities your kids will get to dive into:
Four in a Row Multiplication Game – A fun math challenge where kids solve multiplication problems and race to get four monkeys in a row.
Cursive Practice Mats – A creative way to work on penmanship, blending fine motor skills with rainforest-themed words.
3D Parrot Puzzle – Kids can build and decorate their own colorful rainforest parrot with this hands-on puzzle kit.
Playfoam Pluffle Sensory Play – Soft, squishy sensory fun with rainforest animal figurines, perfect for imaginative play.
With so many activities to choose from, your kids will have plenty of ways to explore the rainforest while learning through play, creativity, and discovery.
Bring It All Together with a Rainforest Diorama
At the end of the unit, we combined everything into a rainforest diorama—and let me tell you, it was the highlight of the whole study! They used their painted rainforest backdrops, added their clay animals, and layered on trees, vines, and little handmade details.
What I loved most was listening to them explain their choices: “The sloth lives here because it likes to stay up high” or “The jaguar hides on the forest floor to sneak up on prey.” It was a full-circle learning moment—art, science, creativity, and storytelling all in one.
Here you can see the example diorama I made for our new release of the rainforest crate, and on the right, my son with his he made when we did this unit as a family last year.
Rainforest Homeschool Unit Library Booklist
Whenever we do an elementary homeschool unit study, even though the crate comes with fantastic books, we always get a bunch more from the library. GIVE US ALL THE BOOKS!!!
I put together a BIG list of books to go with this rainforest homeschool unit that you can look up at your library and use throughout the unit. There are both picture books and chapter books on the list.
Why a Rainforest Unit Is Perfect for Homeschoolers
If you’ve never done a rainforest theme, I can’t recommend it enough. There’s something magical about exploring the Amazon through art, storytelling, and science all at once. Plus, it’s one of those topics that works beautifully for multi-age learning—so if you’re homeschooling siblings, everyone can join in at their level.
Here’s why a rainforest unit is such a great fit for homeschoolers:
Multi-Subject Learning – From rainforest crafts and experiments to poetry and ecology, one topic can cover so many subjects.
Hands-On Fun – Kids love creating rainforest art, building dioramas, and sculpting rainforest animals. It’s learning through doing, which keeps them engaged.
Perfect for Multi-Age Learning – Whether you have a first grader or a fifth grader, there’s something for everyone. Younger kids can enjoy sensory activities, while older kids dive into research and creative writing.
Inspires Curiosity – Rainforests are full of wonder—colorful animals, giant trees, and fascinating ecosystems. It’s a topic that sparks endless questions and conversation!
A Natural Fit for Creativity – Rainforest themes are full of color and life, making them perfect for arts and crafts. Plus, kids can let their imaginations run wild with rainforest storytelling and poetry.
Easy to Extend the Learning – From documentaries and nature walks to library books and rainforest music, it’s a topic that can keep growing as your kids’ curiosity does.
I loved that with our unit study crate, everything was ready to go. No extra shopping, no last-minute supply hunts. Just fun, hands-on rainforest crafts, jungle activities, and rainforest art projects that sparked joy and learning.
So, if you’re looking for a homeschool unit that’s equal parts fun and meaningful, the rainforest is a perfect choice. I hope some of these ideas inspire you to jump in and explore it with your kids!
Elizabeth is a former public school teacher turned homeschool mom. She's been homeschooling for six years with her kiddos who are currently in kindergarten and third grade. At Knowledge Crates, Elizabeth develops the elementary unit studies and test-runs activities with her kids.
Knowledge Crates are thoughtfully curated and secular educational activity boxes designed to make learning fun, hands-on, and stress-free for families.
Each crate is packed with activities, books, and all the materials needed to spark curiosity and creativity in children.
Whether you're a homeschooling parent or simply looking for screen-free ways to keep your kids engaged, Knowledge Crates provide a convenient and enriching solution that fosters exploration and discovery.
Who are Knowledge Crates designed for?
Knowledge Crates are designed for families with children ranging from preschool to high school.
Unit Crates: The preschool units are ideal for children from preschool through grade 1. While some of the skills included may already be mastered by older kids in this range, this gives children a sense of accomplishment as they confidently complete activities on their own! The elementary units are tailored for children in grades 2–5, providing more challenging and engaging activities to keep them excited about learning.
Mini Crates: These versatile crates are designed for children ranging from preschool all the way through high school. Each mini crate includes a detailed list of what’s inside, along with photos of the materials, so parents can easily choose the best fit for their child’s interests and age group.
Sensory Play: Loved by kids of all ages, our sensory play options provide hours of engaging, hands-on exploration that fosters creativity and fine motor development. Whether your child is a toddler or older, sensory play is a hit in every home!
Can Knowledge Crates be used as part of a homeschool curriculum?
Absolutely! Knowledge Crates are a fantastic addition to any homeschool routine. Whether you’re looking to supplement your core curriculum or need ready-made activities to engage your kids, our crates provide all the materials and guidance you need.
Each unit study crate is carefully designed to explore a specific theme in depth, from the wonders of the ocean to desert habitats and beyond. The step-by-step guides and hands-on projects make it easy to incorporate crate activities into your lesson plans, saving you time and adding variety to your homeschool day.
Will Knowledge Crates really work in my homeschool?
Every family is different, and that’s why we design Knowledge Crates to be flexible. Whether you’re homeschooling full-time, looking for weekend activities, or need an engaging way to keep your kids learning during breaks, our crates adapt to your needs. They’re perfect for preschoolers exploring sensory play or older elementary kids diving into creative and STEM-focused projects.
And if you're worried about the value, consider this: everything you need is included. No hidden costs, no extra materials to buy —just open the box and start creating moments of learning and discovery. The materials are even reusable, so many of the activities can be enjoyed again and again!
There are so many good activities in this unit that can be done anytime of the year. We’re excited to try some new materials we haven’t used before. Thanks again Knowledge Crate!
We loved the solar system mobile in this crate. It gained a permanent place in our home. The other items in the kit were very enjoyable. We are still referencing the books that were included. I love having items we can continue to use.
L
Explore Backyard Science: Elementary Unit Study Lora B.
Great mix of items
My son loved this crate, and I was very impressed with it, too! It contained a great mix of items. We especially enjoyed the game and the gardening kit. The identification guide was very useful. It's wonderful to have so many fun, hands-on items, combined with great books to support the learning.
