We have been homeschooling for a few months now and we are using a topic-based style (unit study). We are currently studying pets as our topic and as there are so many different pets to study, I asked FJ to think of three that she would like to study in more detail.

FJ choose dogs, cats and hamsters. I love coming up with ideas to inspire home school topics so here are my ideas for a mini hamster topic.

Ideas

• Draw pictures of a hamster (tip – there are lots of guides to follow online)
• Visit a pet store to view the hamsters
• Learn facts about hamsters
• Learn about pet owner responsibility when owning a hamster
• Write an acoustic poem using the word – HAMSTER
• Colour in this hamster anatomy sheet or older children can draw their own.

I have made a worksheet to help with learning which is free to download from my freebie library. If you have not accessed my freebie library before, you will need a password which you can get by signing up to my newsletter using the form on the right sidebar. 

Useful websites

• https://easyscienceforkids.com/all-about-hamsters/
• http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts
• https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/how-to-train-your-hamster.html
• https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/

Books and films

• Hip hamster projects: loads of cool craft projects inside by Isabel Thomas
• Looking after hamsters by Susan Meredith
• You and your pet hamster and gerbil by Jean Coppendale
• The truth about hamsters: what hamsters do when you’re not looking by Mary Colson
• Movie – Animal crackers
• BBC documentary – Pets: wild at heart

For more home education inspiration take a look at my home education Pinterest board.