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Home | STEM (archived - merged into Science) | Summer Homeschool Unit Study for Ages 4–7 | Knowledge Crates

Explore Summer with Oliver & Hope | Early Elementary Homeschool Unit Study

$124.99
$124.99
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Big Adventures. Little Learners. One Unforgettable Summer!

Summer is made for adventures, and Oliver & Hope are ready to take your little learners along for the ride! The Explore Summer with Oliver & Hope Unit Study from Knowledge Crates brings together four wonderful children's books, hands-on activities, creative projects, and playful learning for a summer filled with imagination, friendship, and discovery. From building birdhouses and roasting pretend s'mores to designing superhero capes and creating marble runs, this unit combines early literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional learning into one exciting summer adventure. And because we've gathered the books, activities, and materials for you, there's no need to spend your summer planning lessons or hunting down supplies.

Just open your crate and let the adventures begin!

Four Books. Four Weeks. So Many Adventures!

Meet Oliver the bear and Hope the butterfly, two lovable friends who discover that even the smallest adventures can lead to some pretty big lessons. This unit features all four books from the Oliver & Hope series by Meg Cadts, beautifully illustrated by Samantha Fitch. Each story introduces a new theme, with hands-on activities that bring the characters and their adventures to life.

  • Week 1: Good Deeds Day — A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way! Kick off your summer with Oliver & Hope's Good Deeds Day and discover how small acts of kindness can make a big difference! With the included Kindness Mission Box, kids can build a birdhouse, create postcards for someone special, make a friendship jar from clay, explore origami, and complete daily kindness challenges. It's a wonderful way to introduce compassion, gratitude, friendship, and the joy of helping others.
  • Week 2: Adventure Under the Stars — S'more Learning, Please! Get ready for a little campfire-inspired fun! After reading Oliver & Hope's Adventure Under the Stars, kids can practice spelling with the Let's Spell S'mores word-building game, decorate a ceramic s'more dish, and create a colorful mixed-media campfire scene. They'll also make a torn-paper s'more character, create their own paper-bag storybook, and enjoy silly songs inspired by their favorite campfire treat. Who knew s'mores could be so educational?
  • Week 3: Superhero Saturday — Every Kid Has a Superpower! Grab your cape! It's time to save the day! Inspired by Oliver & Hope's Superhero Saturday, kids can design their own superhero cape, practice sight words with Superhero Sight Word Smash, and get moving with superhero stretches and brain breaks. Along the way, they'll explore courage, confidence, friendship, and the idea that being a hero doesn't always require a cape. Sometimes, it just takes a little kindness!
  • Week 4: Amusing Adventure — Ready, Set, Build! Every great adventure deserves an exciting finale! With Oliver & Hope's Amusing Adventure, kids can put their creativity and problem-solving skills to work building their own marble run using the included PicassoTiles set. Design a track, test it out, make adjustments, and see if you can get that marble all the way to the finish line! They'll also create a directed drawing of Oliver and Hope and complete a butterfly puzzle inspired by Hope herself. It's the perfect way to wrap up four weeks of reading, creating, building, and learning together.

Summer Learning Without the Summer School Feeling!

This unit is designed for families who want to keep learning going throughout the summer without turning every sunny day into another school day. The included four-week plan gives you an easy way to organize your activities, but there's no need to follow a strict schedule. Spend a week exploring each story, complete a few activities on rainy afternoons, or stretch the adventures throughout your summer. As kids read, create, build, and play, they're strengthening early literacy skills, exploring STEM concepts, developing creativity, and practicing important social-emotional skills.

And there's something extra special about these books: purchases of the Oliver & Hope series support the UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation, which provides medical grants to help families with children's healthcare expenses.

So grab your crate, gather your little adventurers, and get ready for a summer filled with stories, creativity, kindness, and a whole lot of fun!

Additional Information

  • Contains art supplies, activity materials, and small components. Not suitable for children under 3 years. Contents are not for consumption. Adult supervision is recommended when appropriate. Individual items may vary based on availability. Any substitutions should provide a comparable learning experience.

Four Books. Four Adventures. One Summer Full of Fun!

Week 1: Oliver & Hope's Good Deeds Day

  • Oliver & Hope's Good Deeds Day by Meg Cadts — Family Read-Aloud
  • Give a Bird a Home — DIY Birdhouse
  • Kindness Postcards
  • Gift of Friendship — Handmade Clay Jar
  • Self-Care Origami
  • Kindness Mission Cards

Week 2: Oliver & Hope's Adventure Under the Stars

  • Oliver & Hope's Adventure Under the Stars by Meg Cadts — Family Read-Aloud
  • Let's Spell S'mores — Word-Building Game with 10 Extension Activities
  • Decorate Your S'more Dish
  • Roasting Under the Stars — Mixed-Media Campfire Art
  • Torn-Paper S'mores Craft
  • S'more Adventures of Oliver & Hope — Paper-Bag Book
  • S'more Silly Songs

Week 3: Oliver & Hope's Superhero Saturday

  • Oliver & Hope's Superhero Saturday by Meg Cadts — Family Read-Aloud
  • Design Your Superhero Cape
  • Superhero Brain Breaks
  • Superhero Stretches
  • Superhero Sight Word Smash with 6 Additional Variations

Week 4: Oliver & Hope's Amusing Adventure

  • Oliver & Hope's Amusing Adventure by Meg Cadts — Family Read-Aloud
  • Build Your Own Marble Run — PicassoTiles 45-Piece Travel-Size Marble Run
  • Oliver & Hope Directed Drawing
  • Butterfly Puzzle

Also Included:

  • A free, flexible four-week activity plan to help organize your summer learning.

🎯 Who this unit is perfect for:

  • Preschool, kindergarten, first-grade, and younger elementary learners.
  • Homeschool families looking for a complete summer unit study.
  • Children who enjoy picture books, storytelling, and imaginative play.
  • Kids who learn best through hands-on activities.
  • Families wanting to reinforce reading and early literacy over summer.
  • Parents looking for educational summer activities without extensive preparation.
  • Siblings who enjoy learning together.

Note: This unit includes activities requiring adult assistance, particularly for younger children.

Processing & Shipping Times: We work hard to get your orders out the door as quickly as possible! While we strive to ship in-stock orders the same day, please allow up to three business days for processing. Some products may be temporarily out of stock while we're restocking supplies, or may be part of a scheduled seasonal release. When a product has a future shipping date, you'll find it displayed near the Add to Cart button before placing your order.

  • If your order includes both in-stock items and items awaiting restock or a scheduled release, we'll ship the in-stock items separately rather than hold your entire order.

Shipping Methods & Tracking

  • We ship orders via UPS and USPS, with shipping costs calculated at checkout based on your location.
  • Once your order ships, you'll receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking information so you can follow your package's journey.

Delivery Issues

  • Although we carefully prepare and ship every order, we know things don't always go as planned once a package is in transit. If you have a concern about your shipment, please contact us and we'll do our best to help.
  • If your tracking information shows that your package was delivered but you haven't received it, please contact the shipping carrier for further assistance. If your package is lost, damaged, or stolen, reach out to us so we can help you understand the next steps.

Where We Ship

  • We currently ship within the United States only.
  • Thank you for supporting Knowledge Crates! We're a small business run by real people, and we appreciate the opportunity to be part of your family's learning adventures.

🎯 Educational Benefits:

  • Early Literacy & Reading Comprehension: Develop listening skills, story comprehension, and vocabulary through four engaging read-alouds.
  • Phonics & Word Recognition: Practice letter sounds, word building, spelling, and sight words through interactive games.
  • Writing & Storytelling: Encourage creative writing and storytelling through handmade books and imaginative activities.
  • STEM & Engineering: Explore construction, motion, design, and problem-solving through marble-run building.
  • Fine-Motor Development: Strengthen hand control through painting, cutting, folding, sculpting, and assembling projects.
  • Social-Emotional Learning: Explore kindness, empathy, friendship, courage, and compassion.
  • Creativity & Artistic Expression: Experiment with mixed-media art, painting, drawing, and crafts.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Practice making decisions, testing ideas, and finding solutions.
  • Following Directions & Sequencing: Build independence through multistep projects and activities.
  • Confidence & Independence: Encourage children to try new skills and celebrate their accomplishments.
  • Movement & Coordination: Incorporate physical activity through superhero stretches and brain breaks.
  • Community & Character Development: Practice meaningful acts of kindness through hands-on projects and daily missions.

Common Core Connections

English Language Arts (K–2):

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.1 / RL.1.1 / RL.2.1: Ask and answer questions about key details in a literary text (using Oliver & Hope storybooks)
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.3 / RL.1.3 / RL.2.3: Describe characters and how they respond to major events and challenges
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.6 / RL.1.6 / RL.2.6: Identify who is telling the story and describe how characters feel
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.2 / RF.1.2 / RF.2.3: Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds (phonics focus and sound mapping with Let's Spell S'mores)
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.3 / RF.1.3: Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills (sight word activities, word families, blends)
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K.3 / W.1.3 / W.2.3: Use drawing, dictating, and writing to narrate an event or story (paper bag book activity)
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.4 / SL.1.4 / SL.2.4: Describe people, places, things, and events with relevant details (discussion questions throughout)

National Core Arts Standards (Visual Arts)

Creating:

  • VA:Cr1.1.Ka / VA:Cr1.1.1a / VA:Cr1.1.2a: Use imagination and personal experience to create art (campfire night sky, directed drawing, torn paper s'mores)
  • VA:Cr2.1.Ka / VA:Cr2.1.1a / VA:Cr2.1.2a: Explore and demonstrate safe use of art materials and tools (paint sticks, watercolor, fabric paint, biocolor)
  • VA:Cr3.1.Ka / VA:Cr3.1.1a / VA:Cr3.1.2a: Explain choices made in creating artwork and describe personal responses

STEM Standards (NGSS & ISTE aligned)

  • K-2-ETS1-1: Ask questions, make observations, and gather information to define a simple problem (marble run design challenge)
  • K-2-ETS1-2: Develop a simple sketch or model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function (marble run building and testing)
  • K-2-ETS1-3: Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem and compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs (rebuilding and improving the marble run)

Social-Emotional Learning Standards (CASEL aligned)

  • Self-Awareness: Identifying personal strengths and values (superhero cape design, kindness missions)
  • Social Awareness: Demonstrating empathy and compassion for others (Good Deeds Day activities, postcard writing, birdhouse building)
  • Relationship Skills: Communicating clearly and working cooperatively (Silly Sentence Builder, Campfire Teacher, Hero vs. Sidekick)
  • Responsible Decision-Making: Identifying and evaluating choices that support the wellbeing of others (kindness mission cards)

Explore Summer with Oliver &...

$124.99
$124.99
Sold Out

I’m homeschooling two kids… should they each have their own?

This crate is designed for one child, but there’s plenty for two kids to share if you don’t mind teaming up. If you want them working side by side with their own set of supplies (and fewer “Mooom, he took mine!” moments), add a Companion Crate—it’s a second set of materials without duplicating the books or activity guide.

How long will the unit take in a real homeschool setting?

It comes with a simple 4-week plan, but it’s made to flex. Go faster, slow down, or linger on your favorite parts! Each topic follows an easy rhythm—read, discuss, hands-on activity—so it fits into a real homeschool (or summer break!) week without the juggling act.

Who are Oliver and Hope?

The Oliver & Hope books follow a lovable duo—a bear and a butterfly—on imaginative adventures filled with friendship, creativity, and kindness. But they’re more than just stories. Each book in the series supports the UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation, which helps provide medical grants to families whose children need care that isn’t fully covered by insurance.

Is this truly open-and-go, or am I still hunting down supplies?

Yes! This is an “open the box and get started” kind of unit. You’ll get all the materials for 30+ activities, a collection of books, and a step-by-step activity guide. It also includes an amazing literacy game from Learning Resources, s'more-inspired art, a PicassoTiles ball run set, and a complete Kindness Mission Box from Open the Joy.

I’m homeschooling two kids… should they each have their own?

This crate is designed for one child, but there’s plenty for two kids to share if you don’t mind teaming up. If you want them working side by side with their own set of supplies (and fewer “Mooom, he took mine!” moments), add a Companion Crate—it’s a second set of materials without duplicating the books or activity guide.

How long will the unit take in a real homeschool setting?

It comes with a simple 4-week plan, but it’s made to flex. Go faster, slow down, or linger on your favorite parts! Each topic follows an easy rhythm—read, discuss, hands-on activity—so it fits into a real homeschool (or summer break!) week without the juggling act.

Who are Oliver and Hope?

The Oliver & Hope books follow a lovable duo—a bear and a butterfly—on imaginative adventures filled with friendship, creativity, and kindness. But they’re more than just stories. Each book in the series supports the UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation, which helps provide medical grants to families whose children need care that isn’t fully covered by insurance.

Is this truly open-and-go, or am I still hunting down supplies?

Yes! This is an “open the box and get started” kind of unit. You’ll get all the materials for 30+ activities, a collection of books, and a step-by-step activity guide. It also includes an amazing literacy game from Learning Resources, s'more-inspired art, a PicassoTiles ball run set, and a complete Kindness Mission Box from Open the Joy.

Explore Summer with Oliver & Hope: Fun Summer Activities for Kids! - Knowledge Crates

Explore Summer with Oliver & Hope: Fun Summer Activities for Kids!

You know that feeling when summer hits and you want to keep learning going… but also don’t want to turn your kitchen into a full-time classroom? That’s exactly where this Oliver & Hope summer homeschool unit study shines. Instead of rigid lessons or worksheets, this is a hands-on, story-driven experience that feels like: campfires and creativity, messy art projects, imaginative play, and meaningful conversations. All wrapped into one open-and-go crate!
SEE THIS UNIT IN ACTION