Category Archives: Calendar

How to Talk Like Shakespeare and Other Learning Resources

ShakespeareTis the twenty and third of April!  Thus, we shall speaketh Shakespeare.  (“Talk like Shakespeare Day” in honor of William Shakespeare’s birthday, April 23, 1564).  We studied this author and his works a couple of years ago and have come back to learn with the resources we collected time and time again.  Click here for our Shakespeare online link collection  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/04/23/happy-birthday-william-shakespeare/

betty jo

Agriculture, Brains, Shakespeare, Wildlife, Pi, Butterflies, Sleep, and St. Patrick

According to Special Days in March, 2018 , the week beginning March 11 is overly full of learning potential!  In fact, this week has so many “daily specials” that it’s proving difficult to narrow our learning topics down.   Regardless of what direction we go with this week’s learning, I have some terrific resources available.

Agriculture-cloudAg Week” begins March 11 with another agriculture learning opportunity, “Ag Day” coming next week on the 20th.

Dozens of Lesson Plans for K-12 Teachers –  http://www.agclassroom.org/teacher/index.htm

Kid Zone, Virtual Tours, and Ag Facts for Students –  http://www.agclassroom.org/student/index.htm

Brain Awareness WeekBrain Awareness Week” begins March 12th

Learning Resources and Activities –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2015/03/16/brain-awareness-week-2/

 

Shakespeare Week also begins March 12th!  These resources were originally gathered up for his birthday in April but will work for this week too!   https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/04/23/happy-birthday-william-shakespeare/

 

wildlifeweek_225.jpg__225x1000_q85And, March 12 is the beginning of “National Wildlife Week”

K-12 Resources for “teaching about various aspects of the wilderness around them” –  http://sciencenetlinks.com/collections/national-wildlife-week/

Pi_Day_by_maralahMarch 14 is “Pi Day

Pi Resources for Activities, Music, and Articles –  http://www.teachpi.org/

Printable Pi Lessons and Activities                                                       https://www.yummymath.com/2019/get-ready-for-pi-day/?fbclid=IwAR23wjT0m1r936hkHa2-OSmomW-SmbhjYvMUXprWIEwv6kRaTFtqMiRYizA

 

The 14th is also “Learn About Butterflies Day”.   Butterfly research project, activities, ideas, and resources!                                                                                 http://www.franw.com/2014/06/butterflies.html

 

 Friday, March 16 – World Sleep Day

“This sleep education program has been released in conjunction with World Sleep Day and aims to teach students why sleep deserves its place alongside diet and exercise as one of the pillars of good health.” –  http://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/childrens/world-sleep-day.html

 

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Saint Patrick’s Day is March 17

Learning Resources and Activities –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/03/15/learning-resources-for-st-patricks-day/

I’d love to hear about how you’re using Special Days  this week!  Leave a comment and share your plans.

betty jo

 

 

Special Days in January – Learning Resource List

 

month_A_01Here’s a wonderful collection of resources for daily learning from the list of Special Days in January, 2016  (https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2015/12/29/special-days-in-january-2016/).

1  –  New Year’s  –  Learning Resources  –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/01/01/new-years-resources/

3  –  J.R.R. Tolkien Day  –  Read about the author, book reviews, events,  and more from his fan club, The Tolkien Society  –  http://www.tolkiensociety.org/

4  –   Louis Braille born 1809  –  Resources and Activities  –  http://www.franw.com/2016/01/louis-braille.html

4  –  Jacob Grimm born 1785  –  Read Brothers Grimm fairy tales  –  http://www.familymanagement.com/literacy/grimms/grimms-toc.html

4  –  Isaac Newton born 1693  –  Biography and Printables  –  http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdnewt.htm

5  –  Bird Day  –  Make one or more of these bird feeders  http://happyhooligans.ca/32-homemade-bird-feeders/  and learn some bird calls  http://www.enature.com/birding/audio.asp

6  –  Bean Day  –  Bean Resources and Activities  – http://www.franw.com/2015/01/bean-resources.html

6  –  Joan of Arc born 1412  –  Biography and Printables  –  http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdjoan.htm

7  –   President Millard Fillmore born 1800 –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/14/resources-for-presidents-day/

7  –  Old Rock Day  –  Rock and Mineral  –  http://www.franw.com/2015/08/rock-mineral-resources.html

8  –  Joygerm Day  –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/01/08/happy-joygerm-day/

9  –  President Richard Nixon born 1913  –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/14/resources-for-presidents-day/

9  –  Static Electricity Day  –  This is Z’s all time favorite experiment  –  http://www.sciencebob.com/experiments/staticroll.php

11  –  Cuckoo Dancing Week begins  –  “Laurel and Hardy” article, music, and photos  –  http://imaginemdd.blogspot.com/2014/01/dance-cuckoo-for-ollies-birthday-laurel.html

11  –  Grand Canyon National Monument dedicated 1908  –  Take a virtual tour  –  http://www.grandcanyonvirtualtour.com/

13  –  Poetry Break Day  –  Reading and Writing Poetry resources  –  http://42explore.com/poetry.htm

14  –  Nobel Prize Winner Albert Schweitzer born 1875 –  Biography and Printables  –  http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdschw.htm

15  –  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. born 1929  –  (18 – MLK Day *) –  Learning Resources –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/01/17/teaching-resources-for-martin-luther-king-day/

16  –  Appreciate a Dragon Day  –  Fast Facts and resource links  –  http://www.kidskonnect.com/subjectindex/13-categories/animals/439-dragons.html

17  –  Ben Franklin born 1706  –  Biography and Printables  –  http://www.gardenofpraise.com/ibdfrank.htm

18  –  Winnie the Pooh Day  –  http://www.just-pooh.com/

19  –  Edgar Allan Poe born 1809  –  Research Project  –  http://www.franw.com/2013/10/edgar-allan-poe-research-project.html

20  –  Draw a Dinosaur Day  –  Try  these step-by-step instructions  –  http://www.dragoart.com/google_search.php?cx=partner-pub-6207428572838690%3A2440456717&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=UTF-8&q=dinosaur

21  –  Squirrel Appreciation Day  –  Huge list of unit study resources  –  http://lastingthumbprints.com/free-squirrel-resource-unit/

23  –  Handwriting Analysis Week begins  –  Learn about the forensics analysis of handwriting  –  http://science.howstuffworks.com/handwriting-analysis.htm

24  –  Talk Like a Grizzled Prospector Day  –  How about a Yosemite Sam cartoon?  –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PO4JcgD3vq0

25  –  Burns Night  –  Robert Burns born 1759  –  http://activityvillage.co.uk/burns-night

26  –  Australia Day  –   http://activityvillage.co.uk/australia-day

27  –  Author Lewis Carrol born 1832  –  Study guide for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland  http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/alice/

27  –  Composer Mozart born 1756  –  Biography and Printables  –  http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdmozart.htm

29  –  President William McKinley born 1843  –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/14/resources-for-presidents-day/

29 –  Patriot Thomas Paine born 1737  –  Watch the Common Sense episode of Liberty’s Kids –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awlBeITstkE

30  –  Franklin Roosevelt born 1882-  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/14/resources-for-presidents-day/

30  –  Yodel For Your Neighbors Day  –  How to Yodel Instructions, Videos, and some historic facts  –  http://wordbone.com/learn/how-to-yodel-instructions-for-beginners-kids-and-celebrity-singers/

31  –  Inspire Your Heart With Art Day  –  When looking for an art project, this is my usual “go to” site.  No matter what subject you’re studying, this link has something to tie art in with it!  –  http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/craftsbytheme.html

Check back from time to time throughout the month for updates and more daily resources!  And if you’re able to share more January daily resources, please do!  It would be awesome to add your favorites!

betty jo

January Resources for Teachers

january_clipartThere’s oodles of learning opportunities from January’s calendar!  Below is a collection of free online educational resources for some cool January studies.

BIG List of January’s Holidays, Observances, Themes, Famous Birthdays, and Historic Event Anniversaries  –   https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2015/12/29/special-days-in-january-2016/

Learning Resources for January  –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/01/03/special-days-in-january-learning-resource-list/

Discover January with Themed Activities and Resources  –  http://www.franw.com/2014/01/january.html

January Prayer Calendar for Children  –  http://cherigamble.com/2015/12/30/january-2016-prayer-calendar-for-children/

January Science Calendar  –  http://thehomeschoolscientist.com/january-science-calendar-2016/

Daily Learning Links  –  http://www.se7en.org.za/se7ens-january

January Bulletin Boards, Lesson Plans, Writing Prompts, and Theme Units  –  http://www.theteacherscorner.net/monthly-resources/january.php

January Themed Arts and Crafts Lessons  –  http://kinderart.com/seasons/jan.shtml

January Themed Printable Worksheets  –  http://www.apples4theteacher.com/

January Themed Printables, Activities, and Crafts  –  http://activityvillage.co.uk/

January/Winter Themed Math Activities  –  http://www.yummymath.com/

Winter Themed Math Activities  –  http://www.mathwire.com/archives/seasonal2.html

January and Winter Themed Vocabulary Lists  –  https://myvocabulary.com/

Winter Themed Interactive Games  –  http://www.primarygames.com/seasons/winter/games.htm

16 Things to do in January –  http://diyhomeschooler.com/16-things-to-do-in-january-2016/

Snow Week Learning Resources, Recipes, and Activities  –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/07/snow-week/

Penguins –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2015/01/20/penguins/

Healthy Diet  –  26 Lessons and Tests  –  http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/food_health/education_resources/eatsmart/lessons/

Exercise  –  Homeschool Mom Approved YouTube Exercise Videos  –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/01/10/get-up-and-move-a-break-time-playlist/

Winter Activities and Resources  –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/01/15/but-its-cold-out-there/

Happy January Learning!

betty jo

 

 

 

New Year’s Resources

happy-new_-year-12-31-10Though my family is still on winter break from usual homeschooling lessons, I’ve been planning and  collecting ideas and links for a New Year’s study to start next week.  Below is what I’ve found.  I hope you find the resources helpful for your New Years lessons, too!

Looking Back at 2015 and Looking Ahead to 2016 Printable – (This is what my family is using for our yearly traditional time capsule.  Each of us will fill one out and place in a bottle to be packed away with our Christmas decorations.  We’ll find them next December when we get the decorations back out.)  http://www.modernparentsmessykids.com/2014/12/free-family-new-years-resolution-printable.html

Top News Stories of 2015 (parents of younger kids should view privately before sharing with the kids because there’s quite a few bad news stories) http://abcnews.go.com/US/year-review-13-biggest-news-stories-2015/story?id=35852690

Find out the “Most Searched, Most Watched” (again, parents should view first) of 2015  http://www.ourlittleearth.com/2015/12/most-searched-most-watched-this-year/

“New Year” Bible Verses –  http://www.openbible.info/topics/new_year

Bible Based New Year’s Crafts and Activities –  http://www.christianitycove.com/?s=new+years

New Year’s Interactive Games –  http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/new_years/games.htm

New Year’s Games – Fun for families, friends, and co-ops –  http://www.howdoesshe.com/15-fun-new-years-eve-activities-for-kids-or-adults/

“Lucky” Foods and Recipes for New Year’s –  http://www.rd.com/food/fun/7-lucky-new-years-foods/

New Year’s Activities and Printables (lots of printables!) –  http://activityvillage.co.uk/new-year

How to say “Happy New Year” in other languages – http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0923039.html

New Year Traditions from Around the World – http://www.123newyear.com/newyear-traditions/

New Year’s History Articles and Videos – http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/new-years

Movie Clips and New Year’s Music from the 1940’s, 50’s, and 60’s –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-2k7hKvaW0

Happy New Year Songs Playlist – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIAVVo9m5AI

Times Square Ball History – http://www.timessquarenyc.org/events/new-years-eve/about-the-new-years-eve-ball/history-of-the-new-years-eve-ball/index.aspx#.VobXKFJecx0

Times Square STEM Activity – http://jdaniel4smom.com/2015/12/new-years-ball-drop-stem-challenge.html

Times Square Math Challenge –  http://www.yummymath.com/2015/the-times-square-ball/

Be on the lookout for more January resources and lesson ideas coming soon!

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betty jo

 

Learning Resources for St. Patrick’s Day

st-patricks-day-photos1

For the past few years, we have spent a couple of weeks every March studying all things Irish and St. Patrick. Here are the wonderful links we have learned from.

Ireland and Irish Poetry with Notebooking, Copywork, and Activity Resources  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/03/14/absolutely-no-pinching/

More St. Patrick’s Day Resources and Activities with Music, Dancing, and Language  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/03/15/irish-prayers-and-irish-jigs/

Tour Ireland Virtually https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/virtual-tours-ireland/

St. Patrick, History, and Celebration Articles http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/subjects/stpatricksday.htm

This year we’re taking a different approach for St. Patrick’s Day learning.  Below are the links that I’ve found for us.

Science and nutrition resources for learning about cabbage from my friend Fran  http://www.franw.com/2012/03/cabbage.html

And, Fran has Shamrocks, too!                                       http://www.franw.com/2018/02/shamrocks.html

2 St. Patrick’s Day Math Lessons  –                                                 https://www.yummymath.com/2017/saint-patricks-day-march-17th/

Rainbow experiments                                                           http://www.weatherwizkids.com/experiments-rainbow.htm

3 Part Video Series, “The Irish in America”  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0sZ_j6WcyI

Famous Irish American Songs  http://www.irishamericanjourney.com/2011/10/irish-american-songs.html

Leprechaun Facts   http://www.livescience.com/37626-leprechauns.html

St. Patrick’s Day themed interactive games  http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/st.patricksday/games.php

We haven’t made a batch of play dough in years.  I wish we had a little one around, the St. Patrick themed mats look like they would be fun for a younger child.   http://www.blessedbeyondadoubt.com/free-st-patricks-day-play-dough-mats/

E showed me this photo from a Pinterest board.  We’ll make a few of these “Pot- O-Gold at the End of the Rainbow” jars as prizes for a follow the clues treasure hunt.  It looks like gold wrapped candy in the bottom followed with layers of M&Ms or Skittles and topped with mimi marshmellows.  Cute!

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Wishing you Irish blessings!

betty jo

“I Have a Dream”

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According to my special days calendar, August 28th marks the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s speech “I Have A Dream” at the 1963 March On Washington.

Below are some wonderful free resources I found to create a one day mini unit study.  These resources will cover the subjects of language arts, art, music, and history.

This link will take you to a biography with photos, coloring page, test, word puzzles, and more!  http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdking.htm

This link takes you to more printables as well as art, poetry, music resources!  http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/mlk-day

This link takes you to printable notebooking pages and lapbook materials  http://homeschoolhelperonline.com/?s=martin+luther+king+jr

For quotes click here!  http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/martin_luther_king_jr.html

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” –  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I have that same dream for my five (not so) little children.

betty jo

Irish Prayers and Irish Jigs

st_patrick  The Prayer of Saint Patrick

“I bind to myself this day:

The power of God to guide me,

The might of God to uphold me,

The wisdom of God to teach me,

The eye of God to watch over me,

The ear of God to hear me,

The word of God to give me speech,

The way of God to go before me,

The shield of God to shelter me.

Christ be with me,

Christ before me,

Christ behind me,

Christ within me,

Christ beneath me,

Christ above me,

Christ at my right,

Christ at my left,

Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks to me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me.

Amen.”

Our homeschool’s St. Patrick’s Day Unit Studies are just about over.  We are having such a good time that I wish we would have started sooner or could continue a bit longer.

La Fhelle Padraig Sona Daoibh!  That’s Happy St. Patrick’s Day in Gaelic.  I laughed all through our attempt at learning a little Irish Language.  (Just imagine what our Kentucky accents combined with Irish ones would sound like and you might laugh too):  https://ai.glossika.com/blog/learn-how-to-speak-irish-gaelic-for-beginners

Traditional Irish folk music and dancing remind me of our own Bluegrass music.  (And yes, my singing and dancing is pretty funny, too.)   Here’s a link to some really talented Irish folk musicians and river dancers.

And several  Irish Step Dancing  Instructions For Beginners               https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVVrsRPIrc7q5279V05G-noSw_wQA-B0_

If you’re wanting more links for St. Patrick’s Day studies I posted some on  “Absolutely No Pinching” available here  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/03/14/absolutely-no-pinching/

Beannachtai na Feile Padraig oraibh!  (St. Patrick’s Day blessings upon you)

betty jo       sham1