Category Archives: American History

Inauguration Resources

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Our main current events and history study for the week will be centered on the Presidential Inauguration coming up Friday, January 20.  Below are the online resources I’ve found to use as we learn about Inaugurations past and present.

Meet Donald J. Trump  Biography Article from Time for Kids News   http://www.timeforkids.com/news/meet-donald-j-trump/415956  and Meet Mike Pence  http://www.timeforkids.com/news/meet-mike-pence/439811

Short Article about the Inauguration Day Activities and Schedule  http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/government/presidentialinauguration.htm

Quotes from Past Presidential Inaugural Speeches   http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/presidentialinauguraladdresses.htm

Facts and Stories from Past Inaugurations  http://www.helpteaching.com/blog/interesting-facts-and-stories-from-inauguration-days-past.html

Inauguration Resources from The White House  http://ourwhitehouse.org/history-civics/inaugurations/

History of Inaugural Foods   http://wtop.com/food/2017/01/all-the-presidents-meals-the-history-of-inaugural-food/slide/1/

Complete Schedule of Events and Performers (Parental Guidance Alert! This site is not geared for children but for adults.  It  contains several ads around the article and events list that may not be suitable for children nor relevant to the study!)   http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2017/01/12/Donald-Trump-inauguration-schedule-of-events-performers-and-inaugural-balls/1021483641496/

The White House Moving In Moving Out Plan  –  ” The most frenzied American ritual you’ve never seen is called the “transfer of families,” a five-hour tsunami of activity that transforms President Obama’s home into President Trump’s.”   https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/local/white-house-transition/

Inauguration Security Concerns (Parental Guidance Alert! This site is not geared for children but for adults.)   https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/27/us/politics/donald-trump-inauguration-security.html

Printable Inauguration Bingo  http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/presidential-inauguration-bingo-game/

Presidential Inauguration Printable Word Search, Cross Word, and Vocabulary Puzzles    http://homeschooling.about.com/od/freeprintables/ss/inauguralprint.htm#step1

“Prayer for Our Leaders” Printable Coloring Page (based on 1 Timothy 2 1-4)   http://ministry-to-children.com/prayer-for-our-leaders-coloring-page/

betty jo

 

 

 

 

 

Learning Resources for Special Days in November

novemberThere are wonderful opportunities for learning from the November calendar!  Here’s a BiG  resource list for teaching and learning with November’s themes, holidays, and special days.  Be sure to check back occasionally throughout the month, for I’ll be adding to this collection as more resources become available.

November holidays, observances, food themes, and awareness days, historic figures, composers, artists and authors birthdays, science and history based anniversaries,  and more!                                          https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2020/10/27/special-days-in-november-2/

Printable SPECIAL DAYS IN NOVEMBER

Helpful “go-to” resources for educational calendars, monthly themes, and special days studies  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/07/31/learning-resources-for-special-days/

How I use Special Days lists in our homeschool blog series :

Special Days and the Evolution of Morning Calendar Time

Special Days and Biographies

Special Days and Geography

Special Days and Science

November Themes

Adopt a Turkey  – Wild Turkey Resources, Crafts, and Activities  http://www.franw.com/2011/11/wild-turkeys.html

Aviation  – The study resources we used during August’s “Aviation Week” are great and will work just as well in November.  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/08/17/aviation-week-learning-resources/

Diabetes  –  Pre-K – 12 Teacher Guides, Worksheets, and Quizzes –  Just enter “diabetes” into the search bar to pull up which level you need  –  http://classroom.kidshealth.org/index.jsp?Grade=0&Section=welcome

Geography Awareness  –  Geography Activities, Ideas, and Resources   https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/07/29/special-days-and-geography/

Historic Bridges  –  Learning Resources and Activities https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/05/27/bridges/

Music  –  We also go to this site often for music theory, composer biographies, and free sheet music printables  http://makingmusicfun.net/

NaNoWriMo (National November Writing Month) –  Young Writers Program  –  Guides, Lesson Plans and Workbooks  –  https://ywp.nanowrimo.org/pages/educator-resources   and the NaNoWriMo homepage  http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/

Native American Heritage – Resources and Activities  http://www.franw.com/2015/10/native-american-resources.html

Squash – Resources and Recipes  http://www.franw.com/2011/11/3-sisters-squash-pumpkins.html

Sweet Potato Awareness –  Resources and Recipes   http://www.franw.com/2015/09/sweet-potato-resources.html

Thanksgiving (US)

World Communication  –  Communication Skill Building Videos  https://www.edutopia.org/topic/communication-skills

Presidents With Nov. Birthdays:

  • Nov. 2 – Warren Harding 1865
  • Nov. 2 – James Polk 1795
  • Nov. 23 – Franklin Pierce 1804
  • Nov. 24 – Zachary Taylor 1784

Presidents Resources and Activities –   https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/14/resources-for-presidents-day/

Nov. Statehood Anniversaries

  • Nov. 2 – North and South Dakota1889
  • Nov. 8 – Montana 1889
  • Nov. 16 – Oklahoma 1907
  • Nov. 21 – North Carolina 1789

Special Days and Geography                         https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/07/29/special-days-and-geography/

November Daily Specials

Nov. 1  –  Plate Tectonics Day  –  Lesson Plans and Activitieshttp://geology.com/teacher/plate-tectonics.shtml

Nov. 2 – Alternate birth date for Daniel Boone 1734 (other sources say Oct, 22) https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/10/22/daniel-boone/

Nov. 3  –  First Dog in Space 1957  – Article and Resource List   http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/dogs/

Nov. 4 – Common Sense Day – Read the Thomas Payne Publications  http://www.pagebypagebooks.com/Thomas_Paine/Common_Sense/   and watch this episode of Liberty’s Kids  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awlBeITstkE

Nov. 5 – Guy Fawkes Day and Bonfire Night –  http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/guy-fawkes

Nov. 6  –  Marooned Without a Compass Day  –  8 Ways to Find North Without a Compass  https://www.wikihow.com/Find-True-North-Without-a-Compass

Nov. 6 –  Composer John Phillips Sousa born 1854  –  Audio Biography with Music Selections   http://www.classicsforkids.com/shows/shows.php?id=60

Nov. 7 –  Scientist Marie Curie born 1867  –  Short Biography and Printables  http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdcurie.htm

Nov. 7 –  Evangelist Billy Graham born 1918 –  K-12 Downloadable Lesson Plans  –https://billygrahamlibrary.org/educational-resources/

Nov. 8  – Tongue Twister Day – How fast can you say these?   http://www.funenglishgames.com/funstuff/tonguetwisters.html

Nov. 9 –  Berlin Wall Opened, 1989 –  Article, Facts, and Quiz   http://www.ducksters.com/history/cold_war/berlin_wall.php

Nov. 9 –  Kristallnacht Anniversary 1938 – Exhibition, Video, and Educational Resource List  https://www.lookstein.org/professional-dev/kristallnacht-resources/

Nov. 10 – Theologian Martin Luther born 1483 –  Resource and Activity List

https://simplelivingcreativelearning.com/reformation-day-resources-and-activities/

Nov. 11 – Origami Day –  http://www.franw.com/2013/12/holiday-and-winter-origami.html

Nov. 11 –  Remembrance/Veterans Day –  http://www.franw.com/2013/11/veteransremembrance-day.html

Nov. 12 –  Reformer Elizabeth Stanton born 1815 –  http://www.franw.com/2013/11/womens-suffrage-research-resource.html

Nov. 13 –  World Kindness Day  –  100 Acts of Kindness Ideas for Kids and Families  https://www.coffeecupsandcrayons.com/100-acts-kindness-kids/

Nov. 14 –  Artist Claude Monet born 1840  –  http://harringtonharmonies.com/2013/04/art-unit-for-claude-monet.html

Nov. 15 – America Recycles Day –  Crafting with Recyclables  http://www.franw.com/2013/04/make-your-own-crafts-from-repurposed.html

Nov. 15 –    Artist Georgia O’Keefe born 1887 –  Big Flower and Color Art Project    http://harringtonharmonies.com/2013/05/create-color-like-okeeffe-a-georia-okeefe-arty-unit.html

Nov. 16 – Fast Food Day  – Fast Food Nutrition Lesson Plans (middle school/high school) –    http://www.fastfoodnutrition.org/lesson-plans.php

Nov. 17 – Explorers Lewis and Clark reached the Pacific Ocean 1805 (some sources say 15th)-  Student Activities  http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/activity/lewis-and-clark-student-activity

Nov. 18 – Mickey Mouse Debut 1928  Watch the first Mickey Mouse cartoon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6c_WgxTsMo

Nov. 19 – World Toilet Day –  Learning Resources – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2015/11/19/world-toilet-day/

Nov. 21 – First Hot Air Balloon Flight 1763 –   http://www.franw.com/2014/06/hot-air-balloons.html

Nov. 25 – Author/Illustrator Marc Brown born 1946 –  Educator Resources, Activities, and Lesson Plans  http://marcbrownstudios.com/school/educators-faq/

Nov. 25 – Woody Woodpecker Debut 1940  –  Watch These 1940’s Episodes  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOTOpybYf20

Nov. 26 – Cartoonist Charles Schulz born 1922 – Peanuts resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/10/02/peanuts/

Nov. 29

Nov. 29 – Author CS Lewis born 1898 –  Interactive Biography and Fun Facts  http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/famouspeople/cs_lewis/

Nov. 30 – Author Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) born 1835 –

Happy November Learning!

betty jo

Learning Resources for Special Days in October

The October calendar has lots of learning opportunities.  Below is a wonderful collection of free resources for themed and special day studies all through the month!  Be sure to check back often for updates throughout October.

For the complete list of Special Days in October  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2020/09/30/special-days-in-october-2/

Free Printable Special Days in October

Resources for October Themes

Presidents Born in October:

  • Oct. 1 – Jimmy Carter born 1924
  • Oct. 4 – Rutherford Hayes born 1822
  • Oct. 5 – Chester Arthur born 1829
  • Oct. 14 – Dwight Eisenhower born 1890
  • Oct. 27 – Theodore Roosevelt born 1858
  • Oct. 30 – John Adams born 1735

Resources for studying any president. https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/14/resources-for-presidents-day/

October Statehood Anniversaries and Country Independence Days

  • Nigeria Independence Oct. 1, 1960
  • Guinea Independence Oct. 2, 1958
  • Lesotho Independence Day Oct. 4, 1966
  • Uganda Independence Day Oct. 9, 1962
  • Fiji Independence Day Oct. 10, 1970
  • Republic of China/Taiwan National Day Oct. 10, 1949
  • Zambia Independence Day Oct. 24, 1964
  • St Vincent and Grenadines Independence Day Oct. 27, 1979
  • Nevada Statehood– Oct. 31, 1864

Resources for Special Days and Geography   https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/07/29/special-days-and-geography/

October’s Daily Specials

Oct. 1

Oct. 2 –

Oct. 3 –  SOS (distress code) established 1906  –  Resource List   http://www.franw.com/2017/08/sos-international-code.html

Oct. 4

Oct. 5

Oct. 6

Oct. 7 –  Physicist Niels Bohrs born 1885  –  Resource List  –  http://www.franw.com/2017/08/niels-bohrs.html

Oct. 8 –

Oct. 9

Oct. 10 –

Oct. 11

Oct. 12 –

Oct. 13 –

Oct. 14

Oct. 15

Oct.  16

Oct. 17 –

Oct. 18  –  Alternative Fuel Day  –

Oct. 19

Oct. 20 –

Oct. 21

Oct. 22

Oct. 23  –  TV Talk Show Host Day – Tips to be a Successful Talk Show Host                   https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-be-a-talk-show-host-3176989

Oct. 24  –  United Nations Day – Lesson Plans, Activity Guides, Resources                       http://www.unausa.org/global-classrooms-model-un/for-educators/resources

Oct. 25

Oct. 26

Oct. 27 –  Tell a Story Day  –  Resources                                                     http://www.franw.com/2017/08/tell-story.html

Oct. 28

Oct. 29

Oct. 30 –

Oct. 31

The list of my favorite “go to”and “cross curriculum” resources to help with monthly themes, calendar, and special days lesson planning  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/07/31/learning-resources-for-special-days/

Happy October Learning!

betty jo

Remembering

nychpI was drinking coffee and preparing for the days schooling.  I was watching the morning news when the first attack happened and saw the second plane crash into the other tower.  I heard about the third and fourth plane crashes as those reports came in.  My children (just three of them back then)  were witnessing all of it.  We were discussing it last night and the memories are still just as shocking and sickening for them as they are for me.

A couple of years ago, when these kids were teens and young adults, we put together a remembrance study geared towards their maturity level.  Here’s the links for the online resources we used.  I checked them and all are still working and relevant.  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/09/11/911-remembrance/

And, here’s the resources for younger children that we’ve been using for Patriot Day as our youngest two boys learn about those horrible events that happened to their country just a few years before they were born   https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/09/10/teaching-resources-for-patriot-day/

Grandma Moses

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According to Special Days in September ( https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/08/23/special-days-in-september-2016/ ), September 7, 1860 is the birth date of Grandma Moses.  A couple of Septembers ago we learned about her and enjoyed her art.  This year we have decided to further that study.  Below are the online resources we’ll be using as we learn about this fascinating and talented lady and practice some pre-painting drawing.

 

Biography with printable word puzzles and tests  http://gardenofpraise.com/art43.htm

Biography and Artwork video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw9J5S2jCPo

Read along Grandma Moses   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf3Abv5xxKA

Printable Artist Notebooking Page  http://notebookingfairy.com/2011/11/artist-notebooking-page/

Google image search has the best collection of artwork!   https://www.google.com/search?q=grandma+moses+online+gallery&safe=active&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjf0_SHq_3OAhUGGh4KHZFhBNAQ_AUICCgB&biw=1252&bih=604

Step by step Learn to Draw :

Tips to help with introducing painting, and preparing work space for painting   http://www.ecokidsart.com/basic-tips-how-to-teach-or-introduce-painting-to-children-for-the-first-time/

And a “how to” explanation  from Grandma Moses herself!

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And check with your local library.  Ours has these!

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betty jo

 

September Resources

Teaching and learning with the calendar is a popular choice for educators and students of all grades and levels.  My family has been learning with Special Days for several years.  You can find my favorite cross curricular collection of resources that can be used every month here  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/07/31/learning-resources-for-special-days/

Below are the online resources we have  used during past September Special Days studies along with resources I have saved for future Septembers.

HUGE list of Special Days in September

Printable Special Days in September

Specific September Themed Resources

Apples –  Learning Resources, Recipes, and Activities –  http://www.franw.com/2013/11/apple-resources.html

Classical Music

Composer, Music Theory, and Orchestra Lessons Plans and Printables  http://makingmusicfun.net/

Composer Audio Biographies, Music, Games                                                          http://classicsforkids.com/

Disaster Preparedness  –

Information, Resources, Activities, and Ideas  http://www.franw.com/2016/05/emergency-preparedness-resources.html

Earthquakes –  Learning Resources  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/10/16/earthquakes/

Hurricanes  –  Resource List                                                         http://www.franw.com/2015/09/tracking-hurricanes.html

DNA, Genomics, and Stem Cell Education  –

Learn from this Animation Library –  https://www.dnalc.org/resources/animations/

Also, Request Free Science Posters, Fact Sheets, and Brochures – (Immunology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology)  http://www.biolegend.com/literature/posters

Happy Cat Month –  Domesticated Cats Learning Resources –  http://www.franw.com/2014/08/domesticated-cats-resource-page.html

Children’s Good Manners

Articles, Tips, Games, and more from Emily Post –  http://www.emilypost.com/home-and-family

And, a nice list of resources for teaching/learning  Manners and Etiquette  http://howtohomeschoolforfree.com/free-etiquette-manners-curriculum/

Food Safety –  Tips, activities, and games for kids –  http://www.homefoodsafety.org/kids

People Skills

Social Skill Development  –                                                 https://www.skillsyouneed.com/parent/ips-children.html

Huge List of Lesson Plans Related to Social Skills – (these are geared towards the middle grades which makes it easy to adapt the lessons for higher or lower levels)    http://www.cccoe.net/social/skillslist.htm

How to Communicate Better with Your Children and Conversation Ideas for Homeschooled Teens  –  from Blessed Learners

Save a Tiger

Facts, Photos, Sounds –    https://bigcatrescue.org/tiger-facts/

Tiger Unit Study and Lapbook printables –  http://www.homeschoolshare.com/tiger_lapbook.php

Sewing

Basic Hand Stitches for Beginners –  http://www.redtedart.com/2016/05/10/basic-hand-stitches-beginners/

Easy Sewing Crafts for Kids –  http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/feltsewinglearnhowtosewartscraftsideaskids.html

Update Your Resume –   Student Resume Tips and Forms –  http://homeschooltipsandresources.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-student-resume-part-2.html

Presidents with September Birthdays

William Taft – Sept. 15, 1857

Presidents Learning Resources  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/14/resources-for-presidents-day/

September Statehood Anniversaries and Country Independence Dates

  • Vietnam – Sept. 2, 1945
  • San Marino – Sept. 3, 301 AD
  • Qatar – Sept. 3, 1971
  • Swaziland – Sept. 6, 1968
  • Brazil – Sept. 7, 1822
  • California – Sept. 9 1850
  • Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala,  Honduras, Nicaragua, – Sept. 15, 1821
  • Mexico – Sept. 16, 1810
  • Papua New Guinea – Sept 16, 1975
  • Belize – Sept. 21, 1981
  • Malta – Sept. 21, 1964
  • Bulgaria – Sept. 22, 1908
  • Mali – Sept. 22, 1960
  • Botswana – Sept. 30, 1966

Geography Activity and Resource List                 https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/07/29/special-days-and-geography/

Daily Specials for September

Sept. 1  –  Emma M. Nutt Day – Telephone Etiquette Tips   http://www.a-to-z-of-manners-and-etiquette.com/tips-on-telephone-etiquette.html

Sept. 1 –  Nutrition Week begins –  Lesson Plans, Activities, and Interactive Games –  http://www.nourishinteractive.com/nutrition-education/teachers-lesson-plans

Sept. 2 – Blueberry Popsicle Day – A short article with the ‘cool’ history of the popsicle invention http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/national-blueberry-popsicle-day

Sept. 2  –  Great Fire of London 1666 –  http://www.franw.com/2017/07/great-fire-of-london.html

Sept 3 –  American Flag 1st Flown in Battle 1777 –   Resources and Activities http://www.franw.com/2011/07/united-states-flag.html

Sept. 3 –  Skyscraper Day – Learning Resources –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/09/03/resources-for-learning-about-skyscrapers/

Sept. 4  –  Inventor Lewis Howard Latimer born 1848 –  Resource List  http://www.franw.com/2017/07/lewis-howard-latimer.html

Sept. 5  –  Cheese Pizza Day  –  Project and Resource List  http://www.franw.com/2016/08/pizza-project.html

Sept. 6 –  Iguana Awareness Day –  Huge Lizzard Resource List –  http://www.franw.com/2014/05/lizard-resource-page.html

Sept. 7 –  Artist, Grandma Moses born 1860 –  Biography and art resources  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/09/07/grandma-moses/

Sept. 8 – 1519 – Magellan Set Sail for the 1st Around the World Voyage  –  Lesson Plans and Resource List

Sept. 8  –  Popcorn Festival begins  –  Project and Resource List  http://www.franw.com/2014/10/popcorn-project.html

Sept. 9  –  Teddy Bear Day  –  Fun Facts  https://wiki.kidzsearch.com/wiki/Teddy_bear

Sept. 10  –  Sewing Machine Patented 1846  –  Resource List  http://www.franw.com/2017/07/sewing-machine.html

Sept. 11 –  9/11 Remembrance Day/Patriot Day –  Learning Resources   https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/09/10/teaching-resources-for-patriot-day/

Sept. 11  –  I Want to Start My Own Business Day  –  Lesson Plans and Resources                                                                           http://bizkids.com/

Sept. 12  –  Cleopatra’s Needle erected Sept. 12, 1878 (London)
http://www.projectbritain.com/calendar/September/CleopatrasNeedle.html

Sept. 12 –  Lascaux Cave Painting Discovery 1940 – Cave Art Project –  http://artlessonsforkids.me/2009/03/15/cave-art-comes-alive/

Sept 12 – Video Game Day –  Video Games turned into lessons –  http://www.franw.com/2015/08/video-games.html

Sept 13 –  Chocolate Day –  Learning Resources, Recipes, and Activities –  http://www.franw.com/2013/12/chocolate-activities.html

Sept. 13 –  Author, Roald Dahl born 1916 –  Learning Resources  –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/09/13/roald-dahl/

Sept. 13 –  Defy Superstition Day –  Learning Resources (This was one of our most interesting studies – ever!)  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/06/10/superstitions/

Sept. 13  –  Peanut Day – Information, Activities, and Recipes http://www.franw.com/2015/12/peanuts.html

Sept. 14  –  Handel’s ‘Messiah’ composed 1741 –  Lesson Plan and Printables  https://ichoosejoy.org/2015/12/02/free-handels-messiah-lesson-plan-and-10-page-printable-pack/

Sept. 14  – Star Spangled Banner Composed by Francis Scott Key 1814 – Learning Resources and Activities http://www.franw.com/2013/07/the-star-spangled-banner.html

Sept. 15 –  Dot Day –  Be inspired to create wonderful works of art with The Dot!  Watch this video if you don’t have the book –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5mGeR4AQdM

Sept. 15 –  Make a Hat Day – These cardboard recycle hats are great!  We made J’s magician’s hat from one of these . –  http://www.ikatbag.com/2010/06/hats.html

Sept 16 – Collect Rocks Day –  Rocks and Minerals Learning Resources and Activities –  http://www.franw.com/2015/08/rock-mineral-resources.html

Sept. 16  –  Illusionist David Copperfield born 1956  –  Magic Tricks Resources                                      http://www.franw.com/2014/11/magic-tricks-resource-page.html

Sept. 16 –  Pilgrims Set Sail to the New World –  Mayflower Resources –  http://www.franw.com/2011/11/mayflower.html

Sept. 17 –  Constitution Week begins –  Learning Resources –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/09/17/constitution-week-resources/

Sept. 18 –  Roadrunner Cartoon debut 1949 –  Watch a few of these videos –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W_wz7qQVN0&list=PLL3uNn7f3npgkXGEU71mZSlb31vki3v-J&index=1

Sept. 18 – CIA created, 1947 –  K-12 Resources, Games, and Puzzles from the CIA –  https://www.cia.gov/kids-page

Sept. 19 –  Talk Like a Pirate Day – Pirate Unit Study Resources and Activities (this was one of our all time favorites!) –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/09/19/arrrrgh-pirates/

Sept. 20 –  Artist Dale Chihuly born 1941 – Resource Page  –

https://www.franw.com/2017/07/dale-chihuly-resource-page.html

Sept. 21  –  Banana Festival  – Health and Nutrition Facts  https://www.livescience.com/45005-banana-nutrition-facts.html

Sept. 21 – Miniature Golf Day – DIY Mini Golf Course (indoors or outdoors)  –  http://www.mykidsadventures.com/build-your-own-mini-golf-course/#more-8858

Sept. 22 –  Elephant Appreciation Day –  Resources and Activities –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/08/10/elephants/

Sept. 22  –  Scientist Michael Faraday born 1791  http://www.franw.com/2017/07/michael-faraday.html

Sept. 22 –  World Rhino Day –  Study and Lapbooking Printables –                         http://www.homeschoolshare.com/rhinos.php

Sept. 22  –  Stonehenge Day  –  Lesson Plans and Resources  https://www.schooliseasy.com/2016/04/focused-history-lesson-teaching-kids-about-stonehenge/

Sept. 22 – Autumnal Equinox – Learning Resources and Activities –   http://www.franw.com/2013/09/fall-equinox.html

Sept. 23 –  Author William Holmes McGuffey born 1800 –  Free McGuffey Readers –  http://www.learn-to-read-prince-george.com/McGuffey-readers.html

Sept 23  –  Neptune Discovered 1846  –  Facts  http://www.planetsforkids.org/planet-neptune.html

Sept. 23 – Activist Victoria Woodhull born 1838 – Learning Resources and Activities –   http://www.franw.com/2012/11/inspiring-people-victoria-woodhull.html

Sept. 24 – Jim Henson born 1936 –  Resource List  http://www.franw.com/2017/07/jim-henson.html

Sept. 24 –  Punctuation Day –  Interactive game –  http://www.funenglishgames.com/grammargames/punctuation.html

Sept. 24 –  Teach Ag Day –  Lesson plans – https://www.naae.org/teachag/teachag_lessons.cfm

Sept 25 –  Comic Book Day – Learning Resources and Activities –   http://www.franw.com/2015/04/create-comic.html

Sept. 25  –  Poet, Author, Song writer Shel Silverstein born 1930  –  Biography and Resources  –                             http://www.shelsilverstein.com/

Sept. 26  –  Johnny Appleseed born 1774  –  Resource Page  http://www.franw.com/2017/07/johnny-appleseed-resource-page.html

Sept. 26 – Shamu (the whale) Day – FAQs –  http://seaworld.org/en/animal-info/ask-shamu/faq/#killer-whales

Sept. 27 – Ancestor Appreciation Day  – Family Tree Ideas and Printables
http://homeschoolgiveaways.com/2017/01/free-family-tree-printables-and-ideas/

Sept. 27 –  Evangelist / Philanthropist George Mueller born 1805 –  Biography and Printables –  http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdmuller.htm

Sept. 27 –  Rosetta Stone Deciphered 1822 –  Fun Facts – http://www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/egypt/rosetta.htm

Sept. 28  –  Artist Caravaggio born 1573  –  Masterpieces Art Lesson and Gallery Slideshow  http://educators.mfa.org/visiting-masterpieces-caravaggio-416016

Sept. 29 –  Confucius born 551 BC – Biography, Information, and Resources –  http://ancienthistory.mrdonn.org/Confucius.html

Sept. 29 –  Heart Day – Kid’s Activities –  http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/HealthierKids/ActivitiesforKids/Activities-for-Kids_UCM_304155_SubHomePage.jsp

Sept. 29 – Inventors Day – Inventions, Inventors, and Innovations History  –  http://www.ideafinder.com/history/index.html

Sept 30 –  Hot Mulled Cider Day – Try making your own apple cider with this recipe –   http://www.franw.com/2013/09/homemade-apple-cider.html

If you have special day resources for September, please share them with me so they can be added to this list.  Also, if you find a link not operating properly, let me know about that, too.

Happy September Learning!

betty jo

Special Days in September, 2016

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History, Fireworks, Food, and Family Fun – A 4th of July Unit Study and Resource List

4th-of-JulyThe 4th of July, America’s birthday, is a fantastic opportunity for family fun, fireworks, food, and summer school learning!  I’ve found some great cross curricular and multi level resources to share as we celebrate,  explore, create, learn, review, and play through a unit study.

American Revolution Timeline starting with The Stamp Act (1765) and ending with The Treaty of Paris (1783)  http://www.ducksters.com/history/revolutionarywartimeline.php

Early America Resources – Documents, Photos, Biographies, and Videos https://www.varsitytutors.com/earlyamerica

Tour Revolutionary War Battlefields                                  http://johnsmilitaryhistory.com/revvirtual.html

‘Revolutionary War’ Famous Paintings                                                    http://www.reenactmag.com/7-paintings-define-revolutionary-war/

Museum of the American Revolution – Impressive collection of objects, works of art, manuscripts, and printed works!                                                       http://www.amrevmuseum.org/collection

Interactive version of John Trumbull’s famous painting “The Declaration of Independence” http://www.quiz-tree.com/Declaration-of-Independence-Trumbull.html

Guns of the Revolutionary War                                                            http://www.reenactmag.com/important-guns-revolutionary-war/

History/Geography/Math Game Printable  – “Find the Lost Redcoat”             https://www.education.com/activity/article/The_lost_redcoat/

banner_2465Liberty’s Kids is an entertaining and a favorite video resource for homeschooling families to introduce the events and people of the American Revolution.  Here’s the link to the viewers guide for all 40 episodes.  http://www.tv.com/shows/libertys-kids/episodes/

And, the link to the Liberty’s Kids Youtube channel and playlist.  All the episodes are available to view.   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5pJi9mLIy38m2e_u3sboKQ

Schoolhouse Rock 4th of July Cartoon  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmSVnP-oDRs

4th of July Vocabulary List and Word Puzzles                                                   https://myvocabulary.com/word-game-puzzles/july-4th-vocabulary/

July 4th Writing Prompts                                                                                                    https://writeshop.com/july-4th-writing-activities/

Patriotic Writing Paper Printables                                       http://www.busybeekidsprintables.com/Patriotic-Stationery.html

Calligraphy Resources                                                                  https://www.franw.com/2015/08/calligraphy-resources.html

Patriotic Quotes                                                                   https://www.countryliving.com/life/g1841/patriotic-quotes/

How to Speak Like a Colonist                                                     http://mrscagle.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/0/6/21062918/talk_like_a_colonist.pdf

Devotions, Quotes, Prayers, and Bible verses for Independence Day  http://www.graspinggod.com/4th-of-july.html

Learn about manufacturing the American Flag history and videos  https://annin.com/

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“Why do we celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks?”  According to Slate, that answer is , “Because John Adams wanted us to.”  Link here for the full article.  http://www.slate.com/articles/life/explainer/2012/07/history_of_fireworks_in_america_why_do_we_celebrate_fourth_of_july_with_fireworks_.html

Boom Pow Whizz” is an awesome article explaining the history of fireworks with a couple of suggested art and language arts activities.   https://antiquitynow.org/2013/07/03/boom-pow-whizzz-the-history-of-fireworks/

Fireworks and Flags Math Activities  http://www.yummymath.com/2016/4th-of-july/

Learn about the chemistry of fireworks and use the handy chart of to identify what chemical compounds are used to produce different colors  http://www.scifun.org/CHEMWEEK/fireworks/Fireworks2017.htm

And here’s more firework chemistry including a highlighted periodic table http://sciencenotes.org/firework-colors-chemistry/

And to find out more about the elements that make the firework colors  http://www.rsc.org/periodic-table

What’s inside a firework and step by step explanation of what happens when lit  http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/fireworks/anat_nf.html

How It’s Made – Fireworks  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hatDxw8-GRM

How It’s Made – Sparklers  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LJ-lAANCw8

Steve Spangler’s – 4th of July Science  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZp7VTYJvQw

Homemade Fireworks Instructions (advanced and probably dangerous!)                  https://www.thoughtco.com/homemade-fireworks-projects-607331


fun_4th_july_independence_day_bbq_party_invitation-re61b9e961f6d43d6adf021d8dd488c0d_zk9yi_324
BBQ and Grilling Safety Guide with kids    https://www.ultramodern.com/how-to-grill-with-kids/

Kids Grilling Recipes and Tips  http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/easy-grilling-recipes.html

How Charcoal is Made Video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pFLbB00ZJo

My family’s favorite 4th of July treat is this yummy and easy layered dessert using store bought angel food cake – cut into cubes, blueberries, sliced strawberries, and whipped cream.

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Fun Learning Activities                                                                             http://www.franw.com/2013/06/4th-of-july-americas-independence-day.html

4th of July themed Bible games and activities  http://www.christianitycove.com/?s=4th+of+july

4th of July Party Games  http://www.rd.com/advice/parenting/4th-of-july-10-fun-party-games/

4th of July themed Interactive Games  http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/july4/games.htm

Patriotic Music for Kids  http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/various-artists/album/americas-favorite-patriotic-songs-for-kids

And don’t forget to check with your local library!  We found these …

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And we don’t have to stop this study here!  “The Pennsylvania State House bell was rung to summon the people of Philadelphia to gather for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776.  Though the bell wouldn’t be called the Liberty Bell  until years later, the bell’s message of liberty certainly rang that day.”

The Liberty Bell –  Learning Resource List  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/07/08/the-liberty-bell/

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betty jo

Annie Oakley

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According to the Special Days in August list, Annie Oakley was born Aug. 13, 1860.  A few years ago we learned about her and added her to our timeline. As it turned out, our E (homeschool graduate) and a family friend happened to be around the house and decided to join us for our lessons.  You know it’s a great study when the kids who are not required to have “school” join in for the learning!  Below are the online resources we used as we learned, were entertained, and inspired by this bold and fabulous lady!

Bio and printables – http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdannie.htm

Memorable Quotes – https://sites.google.com/a/marlboroschool.net/the-one-and-only-annie-oakley/annie-oakley-quotes

1st episode of TV show –

Animated history video – Adventurers – Masters of Time – The Wildest West

And, if you need a target for shooting practice (bb guns, sling shots, archery, and water guns with dyed water for us)  http://mytargets.com/

Online Wild West interactive game for kids  http://www.y8.com/games/wild_west_shooting

betty jo

Thanksgiving – Been There, Done That

handprint-turkey-mommy

As we move along on our “special days” studies through November, I see Thanksgiving looming coming up in the not so distant future.  I thought seriously about not teaching Thanksgiving lessons this year.   How could I not want to teach Thanksgiving?  We’ve always had wonderful Thanksgiving lessons in November.  Yes, that’s it.  For 17 years – 17 Novembers, I’ve been teaching a week or two or three of Thanksgiving.  The who, what, when, why, and how of those Mayflower pilgrims and the natives that they encountered, Lincoln’s proclamation to make a Thanksgiving holiday,  Bible studies that focus on giving thanks and gratitude, nutritional studies of squash, pumpkins, turkeys, sweet potatoes, and corn, Thanksgiving celebrations around the world, tons of cooking projects, and craft activities to go along with it all – we’ve been there and done that over and over again.

In addition to my grumpy mood about Thanksgiving lessons,  our primary history focus of the year is Modern World History so the Pilgrim/Indian theme just doesn’t seem to fit or apply.   I look over the recent additions to our timeline and see WW1, the stock market crash of 1929, WW2 – hard and fearful times, but still were thankful times, too.  Hmmm …

Below are some of the online resources we’ll be using as we begin a new Thanksgiving  study with a modern history twist, and the cure for my Thanksgiving lesson planning grumpiness.  I’m actually getting excited about these lessons now!

During WW1, food was rationed and that had quite an impact on that Thanksgiving dinner.  This article does a terrific job explaining American Thanksgiving during WW1.   I love the photos of the newspaper ads from 1917 and 1918.   http://blog.genealogybank.com/rationing-thanksgiving-dinner-during-world-war-i.html

And what of the troops on Thanksgiving 1918?  Read about the football, feasts, and entertainment the Red Cross planned in this old Stars and Stripes magazine article  http://www.oldmagazinearticles.com/Thanksgiving_in_WW1_France#.VGRLisnbGi0

Macy’s Department Store held their first parade in 1924.  Read about the history of this famous parade here  http://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-other/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade1.htm

Watch a short video of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade history with some actual film footage from the first parade  http://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving/videos/history-of-the-thanksgiving-day-parade

View this Macy’s Thanksgiving Day photo gallery from Time  http://content.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,2100160_2324105,00.html

Thanksgiving Radio Show 1935

Jack Benny Thanksgiving Radio Show 1939

 

A wonderful account of the Thanksgiving that came early  http://www.farmcollector.com/farm-life/thanksgiving-during-the-great-depression.aspx#axzz3IpQaEi9v

And more about that early Thanksgiving which became known as “Franksgiving” from this historic letter collection  http://www.lettersofnote.com/2009/11/unhappy-franksgiving.html

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That famous Norman Rockwell American family portrait of Thanksgiving dinner is still a popular work of art today.  But back in 1943 it was a political statement.  Find out more about that here  http://bigthink.com/Picture-This/what-norman-rockwells-thanksgiving-pictures-really-about

Details of WW2 Thanksgiving in a pdf from  America in WWII Magazine http://www.americainwwii.com/files/2012/11/thankful-anyway-dec-2009.pdf

A delightful article about Thanksgiving at home and at war  http://www.sarahsundin.com/thanksgiving-in-world-war-ii/

Thanksgiving writings from WW2 veterans along with some pictures from  Time Magazine 1940’s Thanksgiving photo album  http://www.skylighters.org/thanksgiving/

Armed Forces Radio Thanksgiving Show 1944

And with that fantastic swing music, some Charleston and Swing Dance instructions may be in order!

 

 

 

And back in those days, math was practical and so are these Thanksgiving themed math lessons  http://www.yummymath.com/?s=thanksgiving

The common thread of Thanksgiving celebration during these times seems to be making the most with whatever resources were available and finding blessings in any circumstance.  With this in mind, our Thanksgiving Bible studies will focus on contentment.

  • Philippians 4:11-12   I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
  • 1 Timothy 6:8   But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
  • Hebrews 13:5   Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Just for fun and a little about the mindset of the times here’s a  Classic Thanksgiving cartoon  playlist.  One of these is from 1933 and one from 1945.  The rest are a little more recent, 1950’s-70’s.  http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRgLrYQQYdPr9xb8HiRXaJZAWiKmp4wQ6

What about science?  How about human anatomy and the digestive system?  Seems to fit the theme of “Thanksgiving dinner”, right?

Digestive System Facts – http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/humanbody/digestivesystem.html

Human Body Interactive Map of the digestion system – http://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/digestive-system/male

Label the Digestion System  printable with a vocabulary and definition list  http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/anatomy/digestive/label/

This National Geographic video is NOT for the squeamish!  It is actual footage of the digestive process filmed by a scope procedure.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QYwscALNng

A little more pleasant to watch,  an animation of how the digestive system works  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwrsL-lCZYo

There is even a digestion song!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sDMVgw9d-c

Online Digestive System Quiz  http://www.lrn.org/Content/Quizzes/Qdigestive.html

Hopefully our appetites will still exist after this science study!  We have a lot of cooking and eating to do!

I wish you happy learning this Thanksgiving!

betty jo