Click here for the updated BIG list of Special Days in November!
Special Days in November, 2017
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Category Archives: American History
SPECIAL DAYS IN OCTOBER, 2017
Louie Armstrong
According to the Special Days in August list, August 4, 1901 is the birth date of jazz legend Louis Armstrong! Below are some wonderful online resources that we’ll be following as we learn about “Satchmo” and his fifty year career as songwriter, musician, and film star.
Jazz Slang (Parental Guidance Alert! Not all the words in this glossary are appropriate for children!)
Read Aloud – When Louis Armstrong Taught Me Scat
Later, Cool Cats! Catch ya on the flip!
betty jo
July Resources
Here is a wonderful list of free resources for learning (and teaching) through the month of July!
BIG LIST of Special Days in July –
Resource Collection for Calendar Based Lesson Planning https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/07/31/learning-resources-for-special-days/
Specific July Themed Resources –
- Anti-Boredom – “Benefits of Being Bored” – Good article with ideas and a printable http://www.busykidshappymom.org/benefits-of-being-bored/
- Bio-terrorism/Disaster Education and Awareness – “Learn what actions to include in your family disaster plan to prepare for and respond to terrorist threats” from FEMA https://www.ready.gov/biological-threats
- Ice Cream – Learning Resources and Activities – http://www.franw.com/2011/07/ice-cream.html
- Summer – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2018/06/21/summer-schooling/
- Wild About Wildlife – Animal Videos and Games – http://www.neok12.com/Animals-Wildlife.htm
- Shark Week – Resource List – Lesson Plans, Printables, Crafts, Recipes https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2018/07/21/shark-week/
Presidents with July Birthdays
- Calvin Coolidge – July 4, 1872
- George W. Bush – July 6, 1946
- John Quincy Adams – July 11, 1767
- Gerald Ford – July 14, 1913
Awesome resources for learning about the Presidents – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/14/resources-for-presidents-day/
July Statehood Anniversaries
- Idaho – July 3, 1890
- Wyoming – July 10, 1890
- New York – July 26, 1788
Country Independence Days
Burundi – July 1, 1962
Canada – July 1, 1867
Rwanda – July 1, 1962
Somalia – July 1, 1960
USA – July 4, 1776
Venezuela – July 5, 1811
Malawi – July 6, 1964
Argentina – July 9, 1816
Bahamas – July 10, 1973
Sao Tome and Principe – July 12, 1975
France – July 14, 1789
Colombia – July 20, 1810
Belgium – July 21, 1831
Egypt – July 23, 1952
Liberia – July 26, 1847
Maldive Islands – July 26, 1965
Peru – July 28, 1821
Fantastic List of Geography Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/07/29/special-days-and-geography/
Daily Specials for July (I’ll be updating the daily specials with more resources as we go along through the month, so check back often for more! And, if you have any special day resource favorites, be sure to let me know and I’ll edit them into the list. I appreciate all the help I can get!)
July 1 – International Joke Day – Our favorite kid’s joke resources and tips – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/07/01/just-joking/
July 4 – Independence Day – Cross Curriculum Unit Study Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/07/01/history-fireworks-food-and-family-fun-a-4th-of-july-unit-study/
July 7 – Chocolate Day – Learning Resources, Recipes, and Activities http://www.franw.com/2013/02/chocolate.html
July 8 – Liberty Bell cracked 1835 – Learning Resources – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/07/08/the-liberty-bell/
July 11 – Author EB White born 1899 – Charlotte’s Web Activities http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2015/01/charlottes-web-activities-for-kids.html
July 12 – Julius Caesar born 100 BC – Biography http://www.ducksters.com/history/ancient_rome/julius_caesar.php
July 12 – Henry Thoreau born 1817 – Lesson Plans and Activities http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/calendar-activities/henry-david-thoreau-born-a-20558.html
July 14 – Artist Rembrandt born 1606 – Learning Resources and Activities – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/07/15/rembrandt/
July 16 – World Snake Day – Learning Resources and Activities https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2018/07/15/snakes/
July 17 – Hymn Writer Isaac Watts born 1674 – Biography and Hymns –http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/w/a/t/watts_i.htm
July 18 – Nelson Mandela born 1918 – Lesson Plans and Printables http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3758626
July 24 – Aviator Amelia Earhart born 1897 – History and Photos https://www.awesomestories.com/asset/view/National-Archives-Photo-Does-It-Depict-Amelia-Earhart-
July 24 – Learn Nothing Day (Unschool Holiday) http://www.christian-unschooling.com/learn-nothing-day.html
July 26 – Artist George Catlin born 1796 – Gallery with Commentary http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/online/catlinclassroom/cl.html
July 28 – Fingerprints First Used for Identification – Fingerprinting Science Activities http://www.kcedventures.com/blog/fingerprint-science-for-kids
July 28 – Author Beatrix Potter born 1866 – Lesson Plans and Activities https://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plan/beatrix-potters-naughty-animal-tales#sect-activities
July 29 – International Tiger Day – Facts, Listen to “ROARS”, Coloring printables, and more – http://www.tigers-world.com/
July 31 – Uncommon Instruments Awareness Day – Odd instruments to view and hear http://www.oddmusic.com/gallery/
Happy July Learning!
betty jo
Special Days in July, 2017
June Resources
Here is a wonderful list of free resources for learning (and teaching) through the month of June, Check back often for updates and more resources to be added throughout the month.
Click here for the Special Days in June List
June Themes
- Adopt a Cat – Learning Resources and Activities http://www.franw.com/2014/08/domesticated-cats-resource-page.html
- Audio Book Appreciation – Huge Collection of Free Audio Books http://www.loyalbooks.com/
- Child Vision – How does vision happen? Video, articles, and quiz http://kidshealth.org/kid/htbw/eyes-movie.html?tracking=59983_B
- Effective Communication – Free Communication Course with Simulations http://www.e-learningforkids.org/life-skills/lesson/communication/
- Okra – Make an Okra Stamp – http://redeemyourground.com/okra-stamping
- Skyscraper – Learning Resources –https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/09/03/resources-for-learning-about-skyscrapers/
- Sun Safety – Facts, Resources, and Tips – http://www.sunsafetyalliance.org/educators.html
Statehood Anniversaries
- Kentucky – June 1, 1792
- Tennessee – June 1, 1796
- Arkansas- June 15, 1836
- West Virginia – June 20, 1863
- New Hampshire – June 21, 1788
- Virginia – June 25, 1788
Geography Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/07/29/special-days-and-geography/
Presidents with June Birthdays
- George H.W. Bush – June 12, 1924
- Donald Trump – June 14, 1946
Learning and Review Resources for all presidents – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/14/resources-for-presidents-day/
June Daily Specials
June 1 – Volunteers Week begins – Easy Volunteering Activities for Kids – http://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/crafts/quick-easy-crafts/easy-volunteer-activities-for-kids.htm
June 2 – Business Etiquette Week begins – How to conduct your business by showing respect and consideration – http://www.a-to-z-of-manners-and-etiquette.com/business-etiquette.html
June 3 – Egg Day – Experiments, Facts, and Resources – http://www.franw.com/2012/04/bird-eggs.html
June 4 – Aesop born – Learning Resources and Activities https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/06/04/story-telling-with-aesops-fables/
June 5 – 1st Hot Air Balloon Flight 1783 – Learning Resources and Activities – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/06/05/hot-air-balloons/
June 6 – Russian Language Day – Free Introduction, Basic, and Advanced Lessons with audio http://www.russianforfree.com/lessons-russian-language-contents.php
June 6 – Yo-Yo Day – Check out this yo-yo video series – http://www.monkeysee.com/play/1079-how-to-yo-yo
June 7 – Daniel Boone Day – Learning Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/10/22/daniel-boone/
June 7 – Chocolate Ice Cream Day – Resources and Activities http://www.franw.com/2011/07/ice-cream.html
June 8 – World Oceans Day – Celebration and Activity Ideas – http://www.worldoceansday.org/
June 9 – Donald Duck debut 1934 – Watch The Wise Little Henhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5dowCyaP7I
June 11 – Great Barrier Reef Discovery 1770 – Learning Resources – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/06/11/reef/
June 12 – Baseball Invented 1839 – History, Facts, Rules, Records http://www.baseball-almanac.com/
June 14 – Flag Day – Learning Resources and Activities – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/06/14/flag-day/
June 16- Mathematician M.C. Escher born 1898 – Learning Resources and Activities – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/06/17/mathematical-art/
June 19 – Garfield’s (the cartoon cat) birthday – Learning Resources and Activities- https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/06/19/garfield-the-cat-not-the-president/
June 19 – Scientist Blaise Pascal born 1623 – Learning Resources and Activities for Pascal and His Triangle – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2015/06/18/blaise-pascal/
June 21 – Make Music Day – Online Music Making – http://fun2think.com/free-online-music-making-for-kids/
– Musical Instrument Crafts –http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/musicalinstrumentsartscraftstideashandmadekids.html
June 24-Fairy Day and UFO Day – Learning Resources for Both – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/06/24/faries-vs-aliens/
June 25 – Log Cabin Day – Learning Resources – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/06/25/log-cabin/
June 26 – Velocipede (bicycle) patented 1819 – Bicycle Facts, Safety, and Activities https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/06/26/bicycle-lessons/
June 27 – Helen Keller born 1880 – Biography and Printables http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdkell.htm
June 28 – American Flowers Week – Resources and Activities https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2018/06/29/american-flowers-week/
My “Go-To” Resource List for Special Day lesson planning each month https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/07/31/learning-resources-for-special-days/
Happy June Learning!
betty jo
Special Days in June, 2017
Lionel Trains – Special Day August 25
According to Special Days in August the 25th is the birthday of Joshua Lionel Cowen, one of the best known toy train manufacturers of all time. A couple of years ago, we made Cowen and toy trains a Special Day study. Below are the web links we followed as we learned.
Biography of Inventor Joshua Lionel Cowen http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventors/cowen.htm#ON%20THE%20WEB:
Vintage films on Youtube
Inside Lionel’s Train Factory Part 1
Inside Lionel’s Train Factory Part 2
Showroom Layouts, Part 1 –
Showroom Layouts, Part 2 –
Play Interactive Train Games http://www.trainarcade.com/
Read Train Stories, Play Train Games and Watch Train Videos http://trc.trains.com/Trains%204%20Kids.aspx
Classic railroad songs playlist from the Smithsonian https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUSRfoOcUe4bjeu8QIfbrejTyT0hYVncE
And we couldn’t build an electric train, but had fun making a toy train out of recyclables! This ended up as a bank. Perhaps Z will start saving for a Lionel of his own?
Do you keep a timeline for your studies? This “Timeline Add-on : Toys” is currently on sale for only $ 0.22! http://www.currclick.com/product/36820/Timeline-AddOns-Toys?term=toys+timeline&test_epoch=0&it=1
This was one of several history studies that the kids deemed “Not Boring”!
betty jo
April Resources
There are many opportunities for learning from April’s calendar. Here’s my list of learning resources for April related themes and special days! Some of these are from our past Aprils studies, others are resources we’ll be following as we learn this April, and the rest of the resources are recommended by other homeschooling families. Check back throughout the month as other resources will be added as they become available. And, if you have favorite April resources, let me know!
BIG List of April themes, holidays, historic and scientific anniversaries, famous birthdays, and more! https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2021/03/27/special-days-in-april/
My favorite educational calendar resources for learning every month https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/07/31/learning-resources-for-special-days/
April Themes Resources
Astronomy – Interactive games, videos, songs, and worksheets http://www.kidsastronomy.com/
Autism Awareness – Resources and tips for homeschooling a child on the spectrum https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/homeschool-help/homeschooling-a-child-with-autism/
Card and Letter Writing – The basic steps for proper letter writing http://creation.com/letter-writing-right-and-proper
Confederate History – Facts, Events, Battles, and People of the American Civil War http://www.ducksters.com/history/confederation_of_the_united_states.php
Financial Literacy – Teaching ideas, tips, and fun http://www.themint.org/
Frogs – Learning Project and Resources http://www.franw.com/2014/07/frog-research-project.html
Garden – Big List of Ideas and Resources http://www.blessedbeyondadoubt.com/homeschool-in-the-garden-a-big-list-of-ideas-and-resources/
Kites – Fun Facts – http://www.kitekids.co.uk/facts.html And, How To Build Kites Instructions – http://www.my-best-kite.com/how-to-build-kites.html
Listening Awareness – Active Listening Skills and Tips https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/active-listening.html
Pet 1st Aid – Tips for Pet Owners https://www.avma.org/public/EmergencyCare/Pages/First-Aid-Tips-for-Pet-Owners.aspx
Poetry – Resource and Activity List
World Habitat Awareness – Facts, Project Ideas, and Games http://kids.nceas.ucsb.edu/biomes/
Presidents with April Birthdays
- Thomas Jefferson born April 13, 1743
- Ulysses S. Grant born April 27, 1822
- James Monroe born April 28, 1758
Presidents Learning Resources and Activities – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/14/resources-for-presidents-day/
Country Independence Days and Statehood Anniversaries
- Georgia Independence – April 9, 1991
- Zimbabwe Independence – April 18, 1980
- Rome Founded – April 21, 753 BC
- Sierra Leone Independence – April 27, 1961
- Togo Independence – April 27, 1960
- Maryland Statehood – April 28, 1758
- Louisiana Statehood – April 30, 1812
Special Days and Geography Resources and Activities https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/07/29/special-days-and-geography/
Specific Special Days in April Resources
April 1 – April Fool’s Day – Learning Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/04/01/april-fools-day-learning-resources/
April 2 – Author Hans Christian Andersen born 1805 – Read his fairy tales, biography and more http://hca.gilead.org.il/
April 3
- Author Washington Irving born 1783 – Research project and activities http://www.franw.com/2013/10/washington-irving-research-project.html
- Scientist Jane Goodall born 1934 – Biography, Videos, and more http://www.janegoodall.org/
- Find a Rainbow Day – Rainbow resources and activities http://www.franw.com/2017/03/rainbows.html?utm_source=feedburner&utmFind a Rainbow Day_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FransWorld+%28Fran%27s+World+of+Discovery%29
Explore Your Career Options Week begins * – Resources and Activities https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/04/06/what-do-you-want-to-be/
April 4 – Tell a Lie Day – Play 2 Truths and a Lie game https://www.thoughtco.com/2-truths-lie-idea-list-1-31144
April 5 – Easter Island “discovered” April 5,1722 – Lesson Plans, Work Sheets, Program Links, Photos http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/worldhistory/easter_island/teachers_resources.shtml
April 5 – Activist Booker T. Washington born 1856 – Biography and Printables http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdbookr.htm
April 6 – Artist Raphael born 1483 – Learning Resources and Activities https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/04/06/raphael/
April 7 – Poet William Wordsworth born 1770 – Video Reading of Daffodils https://www.poetryfoundation.org/features/video/detail/77369
April 8 – Draw a Picture of a Bird Day – Step by step instructions http://www.yedraw.com/how-to-draw-birds.html#.XJrQlZhKiM8
April 9 – Winston Churchill Day – Biography, Timeline, Games, Photos and more http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/famouspeople/winston_churchill/
April 10 – Farm Animals Day – Lesson Plans, Themes, Printables, and more http://www.theteachersguide.com/onthefarm.htm
April 11 – Submarine Day – Facts, Instructions to Make a Submarine, Experiments, and a Quiz http://www.submarinesafaris.com/kids_learn.php
April 12 – Big Wind Day – Wind Information and Experiments/Projects http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-wind.htm
April 14 – Dolphin Day – Across the Curriculum Resources http://www.franw.com/2013/11/dolphins-research-resource.html
April 14 – Citizen Science Day – Project Ideas to Advance Scientific Research https://scistarter.com/
April 16 – Inventor Wilbur Wright born 1867 – Wright Brothers and Aviation Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/08/17/aviation-week-learning-resources/
Bat Appreciation Day *– Resource Page http://www.franw.com/2013/10/bat-resource-page.html
April 18 – Juggler’s Day – How to Juggle Lessons for Beginners http://www.thejimshow.com/juggle/
Poem In Your Pocket Day * Tips and Resources http://www.thebookchook.com/2015/03/tips-and-resources-for-poem-in-your.html
April 19 – Bicycle Day – History, Fun, and Safety https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/06/26/bicycle-lessons/
April 20 – Chinese Language Day – Mandarin Lessons http://www.learnchineseez.com/lessons/mandarin/
National Park Week * – Virtually Explore and Learn about our National Parks https://www.nps.gov/index.htm
April 21 – Naturalist John Muir born 1838 – Lesson Plans and Student Activities http://vault.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/educational_resources/default.aspx
April 21 – Queen Elizabeth II born 1926 – Monarchs Resources and Lesson Plans http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/famouspeople/famous_monarchs/
April 22 – Earth Day – Across the Curriculum Learning Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/04/21/homeschooling-on-earth-day/
April 23 – Talk Like Shakespeare Day / Author William Shakespeare born 1564 – Learning Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/04/23/happy-birthday-william-shakespeare/
Dance Week * – “Homeschool Mom Approved” Youtube Dance and Exercise Instruction Videos https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/01/10/get-up-and-move-a-break-time-playlist/
April 25 – World Penguin Day – Across the Curriculum Learning Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2015/01/20/penguins/
April 26 –
- Audubon Day – View These Audubon Prints from this digital library http://www.audubon.org/birds-of-america
- Scientist/Inventor Charles F. Richter born 1900 – Across the Curriculum Earthquake Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/10/16/earthquakes/
April 27 –
- Inventor Samuel Morse born 1791 – Learn Morse Code and Read a Brief Biography http://www.enchantedlearning.com/morsecode/
- Tell A Story Day – Tips for good story telling http://www.storyteller.net/articles/296
How I use Special Days lists in our homeschool blog series :
Special Days and the Evolution of Morning Calendar Time
Special Days Archive – Direct links to the most recent Special Days and Resource lists for each month
Remember to check back throughout the month for updates!
Happy April Learning!
betty jo
Still Learning Something New 