Mr Z has been having a look at some new educational books from Miles Kelly Publishing: Project Space and Project Ancient Egypt. These are really interactive books with lots of flaps to lift to discover more information and project ideas tied in on nearly every page with things to make and do to support learning on the topic.
Each page is colourful and packed with detailed information. It is quite advanced, as it is aimed at age 7+ so Mr Z did feel it was difficult for him to read by himself (he’s 5.5) but there is plenty for us to look at together and chat about as he gets a little older he will be able to browse through these books by himself and pick up lots more facts.
Project Space has over 10 projects including making Galactic Art and an Eclipse Kit. You can see sample pages and find more info here.
Project Ancient Egypt also has more than 10 practical projects to make to accompany the learning on each page. Mr Z decided to try out the Pyramid model project first and this was not too difficult for him.
We found the instructions clear and Mr Z really enjoyed making the pyramid after looking at the pyramid pictures in the book.
We were given clear instructions of how to measure out the template on the paper, using a ruler and then cut and stick it all together. We did adjust the dimensions given so that the template would fit onto one A4 piece of paper. To make the pyramid according to the dimensions given in the book you may need an A3 size, or you could even get a bigger sheet of card and double the measurements to make a giant pyramid!
Making the pyramid involves mathematical thinking and spacial awareness, and it was interesting for Mr Z to see how a flat template on the page translated into a 3d model. He also put his imagination to work decorating the inside of his pyramid with lots of hidden treasure and Egyptian style markings.
It did involve some trial and error for Mr Z, which is all part of learning. Linking the facts and information about pyramids with a practical activity like this will definitely help the lesson stay in Mr Z’s mind for longer. I can see him returning to this same activity again as well as trying out many of the other activities from the books. It’s great that every time we go back to complete another project it will give him a refresher on all the information about the topics.
Here’s one of Mr Z’s finished pyramids:
The next projects we have planned from the books are the Hieroglyphic Challenge from the Ancient Egypt book and the Twinkle Twinkle Little Star activity from the space book, which involves making sparkling stars using a torch and foil stars under water.
These books are a great idea if you are looking for something to help encourage learning at home and to get really involved in the topics. I would definitely recommend them. If your child is under the recommended age of 7 then they will need more support and guidance from an adult but can still benefit from doing the projects.
Find out more and see more ranges at mileskelly.net
What do you think of the books? Have you made paper pyramids before? Let me know in the comments.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
the books look great, educational and fun, my daughter loves making things so these would really appeal to her
What great books .
Our year 2 are doing Egypt at the moment.
They look like great books. Ethan is learning about Space at school at the moment so the Space one would be perfect!
These look like great books. My 9 year old son would love these – he’s really into non-fiction stuff 🙂
Thanks for sharing these, they look like good fun!
These look really good. Really “different” and original. Having two older children the twins have all their books etc but I must reassess as times change and there are some good resources out there. Thanks for sharing!
These look great I wouldn’t have thought of making a paper pyramid, but sounds like it might be fun!
My boys have these books and you are right – they are great!
Think boys enjoy non fiction books more than fiction books, these look great.
These look great, my 7 year old is slightly obsessed with Egypt so that book looks particularly interesting, I think he would love it, especially the making the pyramid! Thank you for sharing 🙂
My Lewis would really like these, they look like great books.
I would have loved books like this as a kid – especially the Egypt on from a young age I was fascinated with Egypt and Pompeii (yes I was never normal lol) x
I love books like this that you can enjoy together – always seems to provoke much more discussion too x
My son was mad on Egypt and I have a little cousin who would love this too. I like the books that are interactive and the child can make something. Great review. Thanks
these look fantastic! I used to love the Egyptians when I was little! That pyramid is great! x
F is a little young for these but when he’s older he would be delighted to receive the space book. So excited!
Both books look really fun and exciting. Must say the pyramid does look quite nice x
interesting books – I will be earmarking these for eldest projects 🙂
He made a great pyramid! Those books look brilliant – my boys read in bed before they go to sleep and these would be perfect! 🙂
These books look brilliant – my son would absolutely love them!
Thanks for sharing it x
My son would have loved the space book when he was little! Great books, especially as its hard to get boys to read.
I bet my Austin would love these – the Pyramids book in particular looks very special. He’s still a bit young, but we’ll bear these in mind for when he’s bigger!
They look great, I can’t wait to share my Egyptian experiences with Monkey when he’s a bit older.
They look brilliant! JD would love them! Great pyramid, too. Well done Mr Z!
have never made a paper pyramid but I know a little boy who would love to try it!
Well done Mr Z, cool pyramid! These books look great fun.
These books look excellent, I know that my son would love them! I found you through the Parenting Pin It Party, my Pinterest ID is jenniferjain 🙂
What a fun project. We are planning on studying Ancient Egypt in the spring.
Thanks for linking up to TGIF. Hope to see you linked up again later today!
Have a GREAT weekend,
Beth =)
Are those hieroglyphics on the finished pyramid? 😉 It looks great!
Could you possibly share your template (for younger ones who can’t manage the measuring angles etc)? #Pintorials