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Wonderful independent research

Recommended for 4th graders! A collection of easy self-study ideas to try

For independent study in fourth grade, I recommend first finding what your child is interested in.

When they learn about what they like, they can keep going and enjoy it.

Here, we introduce simple daily study ideas that are helpful for independent learning.

When children and adults learn together, it sparks more curiosity and makes learning more enjoyable.

Learning opens up new worlds and helps build confidence.

Please use this as a reference to find areas of interest and enjoy independent study!

Recommended for 4th Graders! Easy Independent Study Ideas You Can Try (21–30)

Survey of familiar invasive species

When I surveyed waterways with Kaneko, they were full of invasive species. [155th video]
Survey of familiar invasive species

There are cases where wild animals and plants we’ve been familiar with since childhood actually came from overseas long ago and took root here.

How about researching such nearby non-native species? It would also be good to look into what kind of impact they have had.

Let’s try making a squeeze

[DIY] Nanotape Bubble Apple Candy DIY – I tried making a squishy apple-candy squeeze toy 🍎
Let's try making a squeeze

A squeeze toy you can’t stop touching.

They’re sold at variety stores and 100-yen shops, and the food-themed ones look so cute that you can’t help wanting them.

How about making one yourself? Using a sponge and acrylic paint, you can make donuts or corn dogs that give a satisfying crunchy sound, or use water slime to create a candy apple with an addictively squishy feel.

Making squeeze toys also makes for a great summer science project.

Recommended for 4th Graders! A Collection of Easy, Self-Study Ideas You Can Try (31–40)

Observation Diary of Rice Fish

From hatching to spawning of medaka (Japanese rice fish)
Observation Diary of Rice Fish

Haven’t you ever seen tanks or bowls with medaka fish set out under the eaves of houses in your neighborhood? How about keeping an observation journal of those medaka? Just watching the tiny fish is cute enough, but if possible, try recording them from the egg stage through hatching and then their growth afterward.

Keeping medaka doesn’t require a large space like a yard—you can observe them by placing a plastic container or an aquarium on a balcony.

Watching them grow is so adorable, you might just get hooked on medaka!

Pictogram-style collage

[Elementary School Craft] Inspiration from Pictograms 🌟 Collage
Pictogram-style collage

Let’s combine pictograms to create a storytelling collage.

First, use colored construction paper or similar materials to make a shallow box.

Once it’s made, fold it at a 90-degree angle to create a stage-like setup.

Next, copy the pictograms you want to use and cut them out with scissors.

Depending on your story, you can use only certain parts of a pictogram.

It can also be fun to create or draw additional non-pictogram elements.

By all means, use a variety of ideas to make your own entertaining pictogram theater.

a picture from the story

[Elementary School Art: Story Illustrations] Introducing recommended picture books and ways to support children who struggle to draw from imagination — Fukiko Grandma’s Art and Craft Teaching Tips
a picture from the story

When drawing, choosing a theme is important, and some people may struggle with that and find it hard to get started.

For those who aren’t good at deciding on a theme, a recommended approach is to use a story as a reference and create your artwork from it.

Freely choose a narrative, find a scene you like, and express it in your own way through your art.

Because cover illustrations and interior artwork can influence you, it takes skill to see how far you can distance yourself from them and how much originality you can bring.

Try to visualize the setting of the story and make a habit of expanding your imagination from there.

Marble Maze

Marble Maze! Craft Channel for Kids
Marble Maze

Let me introduce a marble maze that’s so much fun to roll around.

Get your materials ready: a plastic board, colored construction paper, colored pencils, a ruler, a cutting mat, scissors, double-sided tape, clear tape, a ballpoint pen, and marbles.

Cut the plastic board to create the base shape of the maze.

It’s best to assemble the base by attaching pieces around the edges.

For the maze course, cut the board and adjust the sizes as you build.

Create traps by cutting construction paper and attaching them along the course.

Adding tunnels will make it even more exciting.

Roll your marble and enjoy aiming for the goal!

Running Robot

Making Things | Exciting Karakuri Craft: Running Robot Edition | Toyota
Running Robot

An exciting craft! Let me share an idea for a running robot.

Some of you might want to do a craft project but can’t think of a good idea, right? This time, let’s make a running robot that uses a windshield wiper mechanism.

You’ll need a rectangular plastic bottle, bamboo skewers, straws, thick paper, cardboard, plastic bottle caps, rubber bands, and so on.

It’s a great idea that lets you learn how a wiper mechanism works through crafting! Give it a try!