Category Archives: Extra Curricular

Wiffle Ball

According to the  Special Days in August  list, the 14th is the anniversary of the invention of Wiffle Ball.  Wiffle Ball is one of the best backyard activities!  The game doesn’t require expensive equipment, a large area, or a lot of people.  It’s wonderful for PE and science (and history too)!  Here’s some resources to learn about the history of the game, the science behind the Wiffle ball, and the rules on how to play.

“It all began in the summer of 1953 …”                  http://www.wiffle.com/pages/welcome.asp?page=welcome

The Science of How a Wiffle Ball Works              https://www.popsci.com/article/technology/how-it-works-wiffle-ball-pitch

Game Rules                                                            http://www.wiffle.com/pages/game_rules.asp?page=game_rules

Wiffle Ball Pitch – Science Video

Have fun learning and playing!

betty jo

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South Korea and the 2018 Winter Olympics

 

 

The 2018 Winter Olympic Games  have begun!  And, Winter Olympics based homeschooling has begun, too!  The links below are the cross curricular free resources we’ll be using as we explore South Korea and the 2018 Winter Games.

Brief History, Geography, and Facts of South Korea               https://www.ducksters.com/geography/country.php?country=Korea,%20South

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/south-korea/#south-korea-market.jpg

Printable South Korea Maps –                                                                                  http://www.freeworldmaps.net/asia/southkorea/

Country Notebooking Printables –                                             http://www.notebookingnook.com/freebie-country-study-notebooking-pages/

South Korea Video Tour –                                                                            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq5_J9nArE8

Learn Korean Phrases                                                          https://www.fluentu.com/blog/korean/korean-travel-phrases/

Korean Food and Recipes                                                                          http://www.easykoreanfood.com/

Olympic Games Official Website – Sports, Athletes, Photos, News, Schedule, History, and More   https://www.olympic.org/

Olympics Themed Math –                                                                                              https://www.yummymath.com/2018/winter-olympics-pyeongchang-february-9-25/

Bible Verse/Winter Olympic Coloring Pages  –  https://www.childrens-ministry-deals.com/collections/winter-olympics-sunday-school-childrens-church

Bible/Winter Olympic Discussion Questions                                              https://whatsinthebible.com/the-sochi-winter-olympics-2014-five-questions-to-engage-your-kids/

2018 Educational Kit from the Olympic Museum –https://www.olympic.org/museum/visit/schools/teaching-resources/lesson-material/experiencing-discovering-the-og-special-pc2018#

Non- Commercial Use Free Clipart (enter “olympics” into the search bar)                          http://clipart-library.com/

Music of the Olympics                                               https://learn.musicinourhomeschool.com/courses/15-minute-music-lessons/lectures/1074732#/questions/1

Olympic Themed Interactive Games   http://www.primarygames.com/socstudies/olympics/olympics.htm

How to Draw Soohorang (the tiger mascot) video lesson              https://www.artforkidshub.com/how-to-draw-soohorang-pyeongchang-winter-olympics-mascot/

Writing Prompts                                                               https://theeducatorsspinonit.com/2014/02/winter-olympic-writing-prompts-after.html

https://writingwithsharonwatson.com/olympic-fun/

Olympics Printable Worksheets – Wordsearch, Crossword, Anagrams, True/False Quizzes               https://www.historyonthenet.com/worksheets/olympics-worksheets/

Science of the Winter Olympics Video Playlist                                    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB6B38A6C0540EEB6

How It’s Made Videos :                                                                                                                                  Skating Rinks

Ice Skates

Hockey Pucks

Curling Stones

Skis

Bobsled

Gold (Au79), Silver (Ag47), and Bronze (Copper-Cu29)  Information from this Interactive Element Chart                                                             http://humantouchofchemistry.com/pages/periodictable.html

Gold, Silver, Bronze Element Videos                                                                http://www.periodicvideos.com/

Winter Olympics Inspired Crafts, Games, and Activities                                https://tipjunkie.com/winter-olympic-activities-and-crafts-for-kids/

I hope we ‘Win the Gold’ with Winter Olympic learning!

betty jo

 

Special Days in December, 2017

Click here for Special Days in December updated for 2019

SPECIAL DAYS IN OCTOBER, 2017

Click here for the list of Special Days in October updated for 2019!

 

Special Days in July, 2017

 

Click here for Special Days in July updated for 2020!

Have a Happy  July!

betty jo

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

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

Click here for the Special Days in June list updated for 2020!

May Resources

May is the end of the school year for many families, but it’s not the end of learning!  Here’s some wonderful resources for learning through the month of May.

BIG list of May holidays, theme, historic events, famous birthdays, and more                                        Click here for Special Days in May!

My “go-to” list of educational calendars and resources for every month https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/07/31/learning-resources-for-special-days/

Resources for Specific May Themes –

Presidents With May Birthdays –

  • Harry Truman born May 8, 1884
  •  John F. Kennedy born May 29, 1917

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

May Statehood Anniversaries –

  • Minnesota – May 11, 1858
  • South Carolina – May 23,1788
  • Rhode Island – May 29, 1790
  • Wisconsin – May 29, 1848

Special Days and Geography –  How to and resource list  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/07/29/special-days-and-geography/

Resources for May “Daily Specials” –  (The following list is not yet complete. I’ll be updating the daily specials with resources as we go through the month, so check back.  And, if you have special day resource favorites, be sure to let me know and I’ll edit them in.)

May 1  –  Save the Rhino Day  –  Lapbook Printables  http://www.homeschoolshare.com/rhinos.php

May 2  –  Play Your Ukulele Day  –    http://www.franw.com/2017/04/ukulele.html

May 3  – 1st Comic Book published 1934 –  Resources and Activities http://www.franw.com/2015/04/create-comic.html

May 4  –  Intergalactic Star Wars Day (May the Fourth Be With You)  –  K-8 Unit Study and Printables    http://www.yearroundhomeschooling.com/free-star-wars-printables/

May 4 – Orange Juice Day – Orange Resources and Activities http://www.franw.com/2015/01/orange-resources.html

May 5  –  Cartoonist Day  –  Charles Shultz and Peanuts  are our favorites!  –  Learning Resources and Activities    https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/10/02/peanuts/

May 5 – Cinco de Mayo – Resource List      http://www.blessedbeyondadoubt.com/a-fun-list-of-cince-de-mayo-ideas-and-resources/

May 6  –  English Channel Tunnel opened 1994  –  Fun Facts  http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/wonder/structure/channel.html

May 7  –  Composer Johannes Brahms born 1833  –  Biography, Quiz, and Music  https://www.classicsforkids.com/pastshows.asp?id=191

May 7  –  Composer Tchaikovsky born 1840  –  Biography, Quiz, and Music  https://www.classicsforkids.com/pastshows.asp?id=17

May 8 – World Red Cross Day –   Stories of those helped by the Red Cross  http://www.redcross.org/stories/

May 11  –  Artist Salvador Dali born 1909  –  Lesson Plans, Resources, Project Ideas  http://elementaryartfun.blogspot.com/2011/03/salvador-dali-elephants-and.html

May 12 – Florence Nightingale born 1820     http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdnight.htm

May 13 – 1st Settlers arrived at Jamestown 1607 – Interactive John Smith and Jamestown Game  http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/games/interactiveadventures/john-smith/

May 18 – Museum Day – 50 Famous Art Museums Around The World http://tammieadventuresinhomeschooling.blogspot.com/2015/03/50-famous-art-museums-around-world.html

May 22  –  Artist Mary Cassatt born 1844  –  Artist study, projects, and printables  https://homehearts.com/2014/05/22/mary-cassatt-a-unit-study/

May 23  –  Crohn’s and Colitis day  –  Article with audio  for kids  http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/ibd.html?ref=search#kha_11

May 23 – World Turtle Day – Learning Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/05/23/world-turtle-day/

May 24  –  Brooklyn Bridge opened 1883  –  Multi Level, and Cross Curricular Bridges Study  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/05/27/bridges/

May 30  –  Lincoln Memorial dedicated 1922  –  Historic Footage  video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3l7wvOxuME

Remember to check back throughout the month for new daily resources that will be added as they become available!

Happy May Learning!

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

https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2019/08/21/poetry-resources/

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

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  –

April 27  –

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

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

Em’s Treasures

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The end of “Entrepreneurship Week” (February 20 – 25) seems like the perfect time for me to take the opportunity to tell you about my daughter, Emily, and Em’s Treasures!  She has had an interest in crafting since she was a little girl.  We would include crafts and art projects with our homeschooling work, but that wasn’t enough for her. She spent hours of her spare time creating and making.  By the time she was a teenager, she was getting comments such as,  “You should sell that!”, and “Would you make one of those for me?”  After her graduation in 2014, Em enrolled in the certificate entrepreneurship courses through Coursera.  Her plan was to make a business out of what she loved doing, and on a time scale that would allow her to continue studying for her Christian Leadership degree, providing childcare a couple of days a week,  coach Silver Lining Homeschool Colorguard, and read avidly.  She not only earned the certificates but earned them with honors.  She immediately went to work applying what she had learned about entrepreneurship to her crafting, and began attending craft shows and vendor events .

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She sold some of everything and earned more than enough money to cover supply expenses.  After a couple of other vendor events she realized the hair bows generated the most interest and that bows were not offered by the other vendors.  The hair bows continued to be her best sellers in the events that followed.

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She’s even made bows exclusively for homeschoolers!

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Though it’s the hair bows that have the majority of her focus and attention,  Emily still takes requests for  gifts, cards, and decorations.

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Em’s Treasures is gaining repeat customers and has accepted a few custom bow orders.  Recently, she had the opportunity to create an original design for a local school’s cheer squad. This is the largest order she has been offered so far. and the first of her designs to be exactly duplicated.  Also, this was the first order to be shared with another vendor who specializes in monogramming.

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Currently, Emily is preparing for the upcoming spring vendor events in our area. She’s planning to take her collection to some local boutiques to sell on commission .  Here’s a little of what Emily has started for her spring lineup.

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16938548_625973984264049_255494105368490263_n  Em’s Treasures now has a Facebook business page and can accept payment through Paypal to accommodate out of town orders.  Emily could use your help with growing her business.  If you would be so kind as to give her Facebook page a “like”, it would be much appreciated.   An order would be most appreciated, too!                                                               https://www.facebook.com/Ems-Treasures-477293785798737/

Thanks from a proud mama!

betty jo