Special Days in April, 2014
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Category Archives: History
Spring Cleaning
Hooray! It’s finally spring. Now if our weather would just act like it! So while we’re waiting for spring to actually make it’s appearance outside our door, we can get on that “Spring Cleaning” thing. Our house NEEDS it. Even though we “tidy” several times a day, it’s not deep, serious cleaning. The windows, walls, corners, and baseboards have been sadly neglected for several months.
I’ve found a couple of links to follow as guides as we work in some extra projects throughout the next week (or however long it takes).
Printable room by room cleaning check list (there’s some items here that I had not thought of) http://richlyrooted.com/2014/03/deep-spring-cleaning-game-plan-with-printable-checklist.html
Some times it’s best to separate during clean up instead of all of us working in the same room. These task cards will work well for when we aren’t working well together. These also will work well all through the year when we only have a few minutes “heads up” that company is coming. Everyone draw a card and ready set go! http://www.upsidedownhomeschooling.com/cleanup-blitz-cards-a-free-parenting-and-housekeeping-tool/
Over the past several months we’ve been making our own cleaning products. I’ve counted this in with lessons in economics, chemistry, environmental science, home ec., and lifeskills. If my kids were a little younger, math and reading comp would be lessons covered too. This link takes you to 67 recipes! http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2013/06/homemade-all-natural-cleaning-recipes.html.
And here’s a little more to go with this spring cleaning theme. “Why We Spring Clean” from a scientific view point, and some history and geography as the possible origins of spring cleaning are examined. http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/spring-clean-in-spring.htm
We won’t be forgetting the music! Cleaning is much more fun when there’s music!
Top 10 pop songs for spring! http://top40.about.com/od/top10lists/tp/springpopsongs.htm
A few others with “Spring” in the lyrics. http://www.songfacts.com/category-songs_with_seasons_in_the_title.php
betty jo
Learning Resources for St. Patrick’s Day
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!
Wishing you Irish blessings!
betty jo
Resources for Presidents
The third Monday in February is set apart as Presidents’ Day in honor of the birthdays of our two most famous presidents, Washington and Lincoln. However, this is just one of several Presidents Days in our homeschool. As we work our way through American History this school year, we study the presidents as their birthdays show up on the special days calendar. Below are the links we go to each time we study a president.
US President biographies, printables, word games, and more http://gardenofpraise.com/leaders.htm
Disney’s The American Presidents short videos https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=presidents+disney+education
President Quotes – http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/type/type_president.html
Online quiz for each president http://www.quiz-tree.com/United_States_Presidents_main.html
We’ve been collecting these presidents layer books on a board. After this school year, we’ll transfer them into a file folder for easy storage and quick reviews.
Presidents lapbook printables http://www.homeschoolshare.com/presidents_lapbook.php
President Notebooking http://notebookingfairy.com/president-notebooking-page/
And because Presidents’ Day is a special day, here’s extras to take advantage of.
Is it “Presidents”, “President’s” or “Presidents'”?https://www.surfnetkids.com/presidentsday/349/how-to-spell-presidents-day/
The presidents on coins and currency http://mistupid.com/currency/
For fun Animaniacs Presidents Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9KFoqK-yhU
Presidential Salary Math Lesson https://www.yummymath.com/2017/in-honor-of-presidents-day-find-out-about-presidents-pay/
Free Presidents’ Day resources and printables for all grades and most subjects https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:presidents%20day/Price-Range/Free
Arts and Crafts Ideas for Presidents’ Day https://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/presidentsdaycraftsideakids.html
“Hail to the Chief” Presidential Anthem
Favorite Food of Every President https://www.wideopeneats.com/every-presidents-favorite-food/
Occasionally we’ll bake a cake on the president’s birthday we are studying. Most any study is better with cake!
betty jo
2014 Sochi Winter Olympics – Teaching Resources
We aren’t particularly “sports fans” at our house, but there are some sporting events we are occasionally interested in. The Olympics is our top sports interest. The 2014 Winter Olympics begins Feb. 7th. And, as it happens at my house, where’s there’s interest, there is learning potential.
I have been planning for a Winter Olympic Unit Study and been collecting a stock pile of links for our homeschooling lessons. I have some awesome resources for teaching during the Winter Olympic Games to share with you.
The Official Olympic Website – http://www.olympic.org/sochi-2014-winter-olympics
Bible Based Olympic Discussion Guide for the Family – http://whatsinthebible.com/the-sochi-winter-olympics-2014-five-questions-to-engage-your-kids/
Olympic Themed Interactive Games for Kids – http://www.primarygames.com/socstudies/olympics/olympics.htm
Sport Event Coloring Pages – http://www.classroomjr.com/olympic-coloring-pages/
Support Team USA with a snowflake and a photo http://www.nbcolympics.com/sochisnowflake?aff=wwlp
Information about the 15 Sports of the Winter Games http://www.mapsofworld.com/olympics/winter-olympics/events.html
Maps and facts of Russia – http://www.mapsofworld.com/russia/
Meet the Team USA Atheletes – http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes
Short videos showing how skis, skates, and curling stones are made – http://www.sciencechannel.com/tv-shows/how-its-made/videos/how-its-made-winter-olympics.htm
A Video Series of the Science of the Olympic Sport Events http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTVqtGTfIc8&list=PLB6B38A6C0540EEB6&feature=share&index=6
Winter Olympic article series from Time Kids – http://www.timeforkids.com/minisite/2014-sochi-olympics
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/
Olympic Printables and Activities – http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/winter-olympics
Teaching Resources and Printables for all grades and several subjects – http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:winter+olympics/Grade-Level/Homeschooler/Price-Range/Free
Crafts and Games – http://www.makeandtakes.com/winter-olympic-crafts-and-games-for-kids
And finally, the 2014 Winter Olympics Events Schedule and TV Listings – http://www.nbcolympics.com/results-schedule
Know that I’m cheering for our homeschools to have winning Winter Olympics studies!
betty jo
Teaching Resources for Martin Luther King Day
The third Monday in January is a special day set aside to celebrate the life and achievements of America’s most influential civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The third Monday in January is also a school day for my family. Below are the links for the resources we will be learning from for our MLK Day homeschooling lessons .
MLK Day background http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/martin-luther-king-day
Interactive biography and quiz (for the younger kids) http://www.turtlediary.com/biographies/world-leaders/martin-luther-king-jr.html
From the National Parks Service, The Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site in Georgia http://www.nps.gov/malu/index.htm
The Scriptural and scientific response to the question, “Where Did The Races Come From?” http://www.icr.org/article/where-did-races-come-from/ and video https://vimeo.com/39524116
American Civil Rights timeline http://www.kidzworld.com/article/3015-civil-rights-movement-timeline
Public speaking advice and tips for kids https://www.verywellmind.com/public-speaking-tips-3024732
MLK quotes for reading, discussion and copywork http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/martin_luther_king_jr.html
Video collection and classroom activities https://www.teachervision.com/martin-luther-king-jr/video/73143.html
Printable Word Puzzles and Worksheets http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/martin-luther-king-jr-day/printables/
A Racial Equality Timeline math lesson – http://www.yummymath.com/2015/timeline-towards-racial-equality-4/
Crayon Art with Poetry Lesson – http://www.kinderart.com/multic/mlkjr_crayons.shtml
betty jo
Arrrrgh! Pirates!
According to the special days in September calendar, the 19th is Talk Like a Pirate Day! And on our planner, it’s the last day of our pirate unit study that we have been working on a couple of days a week for the past several weeks. It’s been a fun and interesting study. Below are some of the resources we have been using.
For pirate biographies, dictionary, lore, sea sickness, and more http://the-pirate-ship.com/
For learning about how much work it was to sail a full-rigged ship http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6DZIvMZWzQ
Since pirates needed sewing skills for sail repairs we have added some sewing instruction to our lessons.
https://sewing.com/hand-sewing-stitching-basics/
How to tie knots was also a valuable pirate expertise, so we gave that a try as well. This site has step by step knot tying instructions http://www.netknots.com/rope_knots/
Navigation by stars was another important sailor skill https://seahistory.org/sea-history-for-kids/navigating-by-the-stars/
Instructions for making a cork and needle compass https://www.nps.gov/articles/compass.htm
Our lapbook board (we glued these to file folders once the unit study was finished).
Free unit studies and lapbook printables along with book lists and other links to follow http://www.homeschoolshare.com/connections__pirates.php
“Why are pirates called pirates?” – “They just arrrrrr!” and, lots of other pirate jokes for kids http://www.enchantedlearning.com/jokes/topics/pirate.shtml
Blackbeard, pirate, and treasure chest printable notebooking pages http://www.teacherfiles.com/resources_bp_ss.htm
More pirate themed notebooking pages http://edgalaxy.com/printable-paper-for-teachers/2012/9/22/pirate-themed-writing-pack.html
Pirate Adventure Writing Prompts https://writeshop.com/pirate-printable/
These are a few of our library finds.
Movies and music!
Interactive sunken treasure game http://nationalgeographic.org/education/multimedia/interactive/maps-tools-find-sunken-treasure/
Interactive “Walk the Plank” and Pirate themed Math Games https://www.math4childrenplus.com/?s=pirate
And “Talk Like a Pirate Day” Math Lesson https://www.yummymath.com/2018/talk-like-a-pirate-day-viral-growth/
Our chalkboard wall mural. The instructions for how to draw a pirate ship from here were quite helpful. http://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/crafts/drawing/how-to-draw-pirate-ships.htm
In conclusion to our pirate unit studies we attempted to make this treasure chest cake! https://www.coolest-birthday-cakes.com/category/other/pirate/treasure-chest/
Haha! Another “Pinterest Fail”, but still tasted good!
For more resources for special days in September click here
Wishing you smooth sailing!
betty jo
Happy Birthday, William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was born April 23, 1564. And, in his honor, April 23 is “Talk Like Shakespeare Day”! A couple of years ago, we learned about his life and works as part of our Renaissance Unit Studies. Below are online Shakespeare resources for today or any day.
Fun Facts and Timeline https://www.theschoolrun.com/homework-help/william-shakespeare
Guide for How to Talk like Shakespeare http://www.shakespeare400chicago.com/talklikeshakespeare.html
Shakespeare Translator to Modern English https://www.shmoop.com/shakespeare-translator/
Shakespeare Invented Words and Phrases http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/word-lists/list-of-words-and-phrases-shakespeare-invented.html
Teacher and Student Resources https://www.folger.edu/
Shakespearean Sonnet Generator https://www.poem-generator.org.uk/
Globe Theater Educational Resources http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education
Tour Stratford Upon Avon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D57ji9MnM2U
Notebooking pages http://www.homeschoolshare.com/shakespeare_notebook_pages.php
https://notebookingfairy.com/words-coined-by-shakespeare-free-notebooking-pages/
And, the kids will like playing some of these online puzzles and games http://www.folger.edu/education/sfk_kids/
Tales from Shakespeare for young readers http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/573
Stories of Shakespeare’s plays written for children http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1430
Literature Guides (scroll down a little bit for the Shakespeare collection) http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/index_author_s.html
Wishbone Shakespaw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MsSMBrkHWI&list=PLA95D27DD44814AB9
Animated Tales Video Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0l3PC79f6wHJ4D7f_CtK9b21_9DzGlpl
Of course, there should be cake, because studying anyone on their birthday is better with cake!
Shakespeare Party Ideas and Printables https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/printable-party-kit-shakespearean-soiree
betty jo
For more of our Middle Ages/Renaissance Unit Studies click https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/03/08/keeping-the-code/
And here https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/03/07/art-day-sistine-chapel-style/
And here https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/03/07/art-day-sistine-chapel-style/
And here https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/04/06/raphael/
And here https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/03/12/gothic-revival-in-western-kentucky/
Still Learning Something New 