Category Archives: Resources

Special Days in November, 2017

Click here for the updated BIG list of Special Days in November!

SPECIAL DAYS IN OCTOBER, 2017

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

 

SPECIAL DAYS IN SEPTEMBER, 2017

Click here for Special Days in September updated for 2019!

 

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

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


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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

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

 

 

Learning Resources for St. Patrick’s Day

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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

The Great Barrier Reef

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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

ShakespeareWilliam 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/

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