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Category Archives: Resources
SPECIAL DAYS IN OCTOBER, 2017
SPECIAL DAYS IN SEPTEMBER, 2017
Learning Resources for Special Days in November
There 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
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)
- Learn about the people, times, events, and foods leading up to the first “Pilgrim/Indian” Thanksgiving. https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/11/08/thanksgiving-unit-study-ideas-and-resources/
- Learn about Thanksgiving during WW1, the Depression, and WW2 – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/11/15/thanksgiving-been-there-done-that/
- Resource Page – http://www.franw.com/2013/11/thanksgiving-activities.html
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
- Chocolates Day – Resources and Activities http://www.franw.com/2013/12/chocolate-activities.html
- Native American Day * – Resource Page http://www.franw.com/2015/10/native-american-resources.html
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 –
- Biography and Printables – http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdtwain.htm
- Tour Hannibal, MO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaZsjG1bork
- Literature Study Guides (you’ll need to scroll down towards the bottom) http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/index_author_t.html
- Quotes http://twainquotes.com/quotesatoz.html
Happy November Learning!
betty jo
History, Fireworks, Food, and Family Fun – A 4th of July Unit Study and Resource List
The 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/
Liberty’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/
“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
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.
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 …
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/
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.
“Ag 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 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/
And, 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 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
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
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
“I Have a Dream”
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
The Great Barrier Reef
June 11 is the anniversary of the discovery of the Great Barrier Reef (1770). Also, the third week in July is “Coral Reef Awareness Week”! Here’s the links we will be following in our homeschooling summer school lesson of the day (and maybe tomorrow’s lesson too).
About the reef from the Marine Park Authority of Australia http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/about-the-reef
Photo Gallery https://www.livescience.com/23611-image-gallery-great-barrier-reef-through-time.html
Lapbooking materials http://www.homeschoolshare.com/coral_reef.php
documentary here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_d3LFvc8HQ
It is going to be a “G’ Day” of homeschooling with this Great Barrier Reef Study!
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/
















