Category Archives: Special Days

Remembering

nychpI was drinking coffee and preparing for the days schooling.  I was watching the morning news when the first attack happened and saw the second plane crash into the other tower.  I heard about the third and fourth plane crashes as those reports came in.  My children (just three of them back then)  were witnessing all of it.  We were discussing it last night and the memories are still just as shocking and sickening for them as they are for me.

A couple of years ago, when these kids were teens and young adults, we put together a remembrance study geared towards their maturity level.  Here’s the links for the online resources we used.  I checked them and all are still working and relevant.  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/09/11/911-remembrance/

And, here’s the resources for younger children that we’ve been using for Patriot Day as our youngest two boys learn about those horrible events that happened to their country just a few years before they were born   https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/09/10/teaching-resources-for-patriot-day/

Grandma Moses

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According to Special Days in September ( https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/08/23/special-days-in-september-2016/ ), September 7, 1860 is the birth date of Grandma Moses.  A couple of Septembers ago we learned about her and enjoyed her art.  This year we have decided to further that study.  Below are the online resources we’ll be using as we learn about this fascinating and talented lady and practice some pre-painting drawing.

 

Biography with printable word puzzles and tests  http://gardenofpraise.com/art43.htm

Biography and Artwork video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw9J5S2jCPo

Read along Grandma Moses   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf3Abv5xxKA

Printable Artist Notebooking Page  http://notebookingfairy.com/2011/11/artist-notebooking-page/

Google image search has the best collection of artwork!   https://www.google.com/search?q=grandma+moses+online+gallery&safe=active&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjf0_SHq_3OAhUGGh4KHZFhBNAQ_AUICCgB&biw=1252&bih=604

Step by step Learn to Draw :

Tips to help with introducing painting, and preparing work space for painting   http://www.ecokidsart.com/basic-tips-how-to-teach-or-introduce-painting-to-children-for-the-first-time/

And a “how to” explanation  from Grandma Moses herself!

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And check with your local library.  Ours has these!

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betty jo

 

September Resources

Teaching and learning with the calendar is a popular choice for educators and students of all grades and levels.  My family has been learning with Special Days for several years.  You can find my favorite cross curricular collection of resources that can be used every month here  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/07/31/learning-resources-for-special-days/

Below are the online resources we have  used during past September Special Days studies along with resources I have saved for future Septembers.

HUGE list of Special Days in September

Printable Special Days in September

Specific September Themed Resources

Apples –  Learning Resources, Recipes, and Activities –  http://www.franw.com/2013/11/apple-resources.html

Classical Music

Composer, Music Theory, and Orchestra Lessons Plans and Printables  http://makingmusicfun.net/

Composer Audio Biographies, Music, Games                                                          http://classicsforkids.com/

Disaster Preparedness  –

Information, Resources, Activities, and Ideas  http://www.franw.com/2016/05/emergency-preparedness-resources.html

Earthquakes –  Learning Resources  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/10/16/earthquakes/

Hurricanes  –  Resource List                                                         http://www.franw.com/2015/09/tracking-hurricanes.html

DNA, Genomics, and Stem Cell Education  –

Learn from this Animation Library –  https://www.dnalc.org/resources/animations/

Also, Request Free Science Posters, Fact Sheets, and Brochures – (Immunology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology)  http://www.biolegend.com/literature/posters

Happy Cat Month –  Domesticated Cats Learning Resources –  http://www.franw.com/2014/08/domesticated-cats-resource-page.html

Children’s Good Manners

Articles, Tips, Games, and more from Emily Post –  http://www.emilypost.com/home-and-family

And, a nice list of resources for teaching/learning  Manners and Etiquette  http://howtohomeschoolforfree.com/free-etiquette-manners-curriculum/

Food Safety –  Tips, activities, and games for kids –  http://www.homefoodsafety.org/kids

People Skills

Social Skill Development  –                                                 https://www.skillsyouneed.com/parent/ips-children.html

Huge List of Lesson Plans Related to Social Skills – (these are geared towards the middle grades which makes it easy to adapt the lessons for higher or lower levels)    http://www.cccoe.net/social/skillslist.htm

How to Communicate Better with Your Children and Conversation Ideas for Homeschooled Teens  –  from Blessed Learners

Save a Tiger

Facts, Photos, Sounds –    https://bigcatrescue.org/tiger-facts/

Tiger Unit Study and Lapbook printables –  http://www.homeschoolshare.com/tiger_lapbook.php

Sewing

Basic Hand Stitches for Beginners –  http://www.redtedart.com/2016/05/10/basic-hand-stitches-beginners/

Easy Sewing Crafts for Kids –  http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/feltsewinglearnhowtosewartscraftsideaskids.html

Update Your Resume –   Student Resume Tips and Forms –  http://homeschooltipsandresources.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-student-resume-part-2.html

Presidents with September Birthdays

William Taft – Sept. 15, 1857

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

September Statehood Anniversaries and Country Independence Dates

  • Vietnam – Sept. 2, 1945
  • San Marino – Sept. 3, 301 AD
  • Qatar – Sept. 3, 1971
  • Swaziland – Sept. 6, 1968
  • Brazil – Sept. 7, 1822
  • California – Sept. 9 1850
  • Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala,  Honduras, Nicaragua, – Sept. 15, 1821
  • Mexico – Sept. 16, 1810
  • Papua New Guinea – Sept 16, 1975
  • Belize – Sept. 21, 1981
  • Malta – Sept. 21, 1964
  • Bulgaria – Sept. 22, 1908
  • Mali – Sept. 22, 1960
  • Botswana – Sept. 30, 1966

Geography Activity and Resource List                 https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/07/29/special-days-and-geography/

Daily Specials for September

Sept. 1  –  Emma M. Nutt Day – Telephone Etiquette Tips   http://www.a-to-z-of-manners-and-etiquette.com/tips-on-telephone-etiquette.html

Sept. 1 –  Nutrition Week begins –  Lesson Plans, Activities, and Interactive Games –  http://www.nourishinteractive.com/nutrition-education/teachers-lesson-plans

Sept. 2 – Blueberry Popsicle Day – A short article with the ‘cool’ history of the popsicle invention http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/national-blueberry-popsicle-day

Sept. 2  –  Great Fire of London 1666 –  http://www.franw.com/2017/07/great-fire-of-london.html

Sept 3 –  American Flag 1st Flown in Battle 1777 –   Resources and Activities http://www.franw.com/2011/07/united-states-flag.html

Sept. 3 –  Skyscraper Day – Learning Resources –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/09/03/resources-for-learning-about-skyscrapers/

Sept. 4  –  Inventor Lewis Howard Latimer born 1848 –  Resource List  http://www.franw.com/2017/07/lewis-howard-latimer.html

Sept. 5  –  Cheese Pizza Day  –  Project and Resource List  http://www.franw.com/2016/08/pizza-project.html

Sept. 6 –  Iguana Awareness Day –  Huge Lizzard Resource List –  http://www.franw.com/2014/05/lizard-resource-page.html

Sept. 7 –  Artist, Grandma Moses born 1860 –  Biography and art resources  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/09/07/grandma-moses/

Sept. 8 – 1519 – Magellan Set Sail for the 1st Around the World Voyage  –  Lesson Plans and Resource List

Sept. 8  –  Popcorn Festival begins  –  Project and Resource List  http://www.franw.com/2014/10/popcorn-project.html

Sept. 9  –  Teddy Bear Day  –  Fun Facts  https://wiki.kidzsearch.com/wiki/Teddy_bear

Sept. 10  –  Sewing Machine Patented 1846  –  Resource List  http://www.franw.com/2017/07/sewing-machine.html

Sept. 11 –  9/11 Remembrance Day/Patriot Day –  Learning Resources   https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/09/10/teaching-resources-for-patriot-day/

Sept. 11  –  I Want to Start My Own Business Day  –  Lesson Plans and Resources                                                                           http://bizkids.com/

Sept. 12  –  Cleopatra’s Needle erected Sept. 12, 1878 (London)
http://www.projectbritain.com/calendar/September/CleopatrasNeedle.html

Sept. 12 –  Lascaux Cave Painting Discovery 1940 – Cave Art Project –  http://artlessonsforkids.me/2009/03/15/cave-art-comes-alive/

Sept 12 – Video Game Day –  Video Games turned into lessons –  http://www.franw.com/2015/08/video-games.html

Sept 13 –  Chocolate Day –  Learning Resources, Recipes, and Activities –  http://www.franw.com/2013/12/chocolate-activities.html

Sept. 13 –  Author, Roald Dahl born 1916 –  Learning Resources  –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/09/13/roald-dahl/

Sept. 13 –  Defy Superstition Day –  Learning Resources (This was one of our most interesting studies – ever!)  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/06/10/superstitions/

Sept. 13  –  Peanut Day – Information, Activities, and Recipes http://www.franw.com/2015/12/peanuts.html

Sept. 14  –  Handel’s ‘Messiah’ composed 1741 –  Lesson Plan and Printables  https://ichoosejoy.org/2015/12/02/free-handels-messiah-lesson-plan-and-10-page-printable-pack/

Sept. 14  – Star Spangled Banner Composed by Francis Scott Key 1814 – Learning Resources and Activities http://www.franw.com/2013/07/the-star-spangled-banner.html

Sept. 15 –  Dot Day –  Be inspired to create wonderful works of art with The Dot!  Watch this video if you don’t have the book –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5mGeR4AQdM

Sept. 15 –  Make a Hat Day – These cardboard recycle hats are great!  We made J’s magician’s hat from one of these . –  http://www.ikatbag.com/2010/06/hats.html

Sept 16 – Collect Rocks Day –  Rocks and Minerals Learning Resources and Activities –  http://www.franw.com/2015/08/rock-mineral-resources.html

Sept. 16  –  Illusionist David Copperfield born 1956  –  Magic Tricks Resources                                      http://www.franw.com/2014/11/magic-tricks-resource-page.html

Sept. 16 –  Pilgrims Set Sail to the New World –  Mayflower Resources –  http://www.franw.com/2011/11/mayflower.html

Sept. 17 –  Constitution Week begins –  Learning Resources –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/09/17/constitution-week-resources/

Sept. 18 –  Roadrunner Cartoon debut 1949 –  Watch a few of these videos –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W_wz7qQVN0&list=PLL3uNn7f3npgkXGEU71mZSlb31vki3v-J&index=1

Sept. 18 – CIA created, 1947 –  K-12 Resources, Games, and Puzzles from the CIA –  https://www.cia.gov/kids-page

Sept. 19 –  Talk Like a Pirate Day – Pirate Unit Study Resources and Activities (this was one of our all time favorites!) –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/09/19/arrrrgh-pirates/

Sept. 20 –  Artist Dale Chihuly born 1941 – Resource Page  –

https://www.franw.com/2017/07/dale-chihuly-resource-page.html

Sept. 21  –  Banana Festival  – Health and Nutrition Facts  https://www.livescience.com/45005-banana-nutrition-facts.html

Sept. 21 – Miniature Golf Day – DIY Mini Golf Course (indoors or outdoors)  –  http://www.mykidsadventures.com/build-your-own-mini-golf-course/#more-8858

Sept. 22 –  Elephant Appreciation Day –  Resources and Activities –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/08/10/elephants/

Sept. 22  –  Scientist Michael Faraday born 1791  http://www.franw.com/2017/07/michael-faraday.html

Sept. 22 –  World Rhino Day –  Study and Lapbooking Printables –                         http://www.homeschoolshare.com/rhinos.php

Sept. 22  –  Stonehenge Day  –  Lesson Plans and Resources  https://www.schooliseasy.com/2016/04/focused-history-lesson-teaching-kids-about-stonehenge/

Sept. 22 – Autumnal Equinox – Learning Resources and Activities –   http://www.franw.com/2013/09/fall-equinox.html

Sept. 23 –  Author William Holmes McGuffey born 1800 –  Free McGuffey Readers –  http://www.learn-to-read-prince-george.com/McGuffey-readers.html

Sept 23  –  Neptune Discovered 1846  –  Facts  http://www.planetsforkids.org/planet-neptune.html

Sept. 23 – Activist Victoria Woodhull born 1838 – Learning Resources and Activities –   http://www.franw.com/2012/11/inspiring-people-victoria-woodhull.html

Sept. 24 – Jim Henson born 1936 –  Resource List  http://www.franw.com/2017/07/jim-henson.html

Sept. 24 –  Punctuation Day –  Interactive game –  http://www.funenglishgames.com/grammargames/punctuation.html

Sept. 24 –  Teach Ag Day –  Lesson plans – https://www.naae.org/teachag/teachag_lessons.cfm

Sept 25 –  Comic Book Day – Learning Resources and Activities –   http://www.franw.com/2015/04/create-comic.html

Sept. 25  –  Poet, Author, Song writer Shel Silverstein born 1930  –  Biography and Resources  –                             http://www.shelsilverstein.com/

Sept. 26  –  Johnny Appleseed born 1774  –  Resource Page  http://www.franw.com/2017/07/johnny-appleseed-resource-page.html

Sept. 26 – Shamu (the whale) Day – FAQs –  http://seaworld.org/en/animal-info/ask-shamu/faq/#killer-whales

Sept. 27 – Ancestor Appreciation Day  – Family Tree Ideas and Printables
http://homeschoolgiveaways.com/2017/01/free-family-tree-printables-and-ideas/

Sept. 27 –  Evangelist / Philanthropist George Mueller born 1805 –  Biography and Printables –  http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdmuller.htm

Sept. 27 –  Rosetta Stone Deciphered 1822 –  Fun Facts – http://www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/egypt/rosetta.htm

Sept. 28  –  Artist Caravaggio born 1573  –  Masterpieces Art Lesson and Gallery Slideshow  http://educators.mfa.org/visiting-masterpieces-caravaggio-416016

Sept. 29 –  Confucius born 551 BC – Biography, Information, and Resources –  http://ancienthistory.mrdonn.org/Confucius.html

Sept. 29 –  Heart Day – Kid’s Activities –  http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/HealthierKids/ActivitiesforKids/Activities-for-Kids_UCM_304155_SubHomePage.jsp

Sept. 29 – Inventors Day – Inventions, Inventors, and Innovations History  –  http://www.ideafinder.com/history/index.html

Sept 30 –  Hot Mulled Cider Day – Try making your own apple cider with this recipe –   http://www.franw.com/2013/09/homemade-apple-cider.html

If you have special day resources for September, please share them with me so they can be added to this list.  Also, if you find a link not operating properly, let me know about that, too.

Happy September Learning!

betty jo

Special Days in September, 2016

Sept-colour

An Olympic Games Update

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That’s our latest chalkboard wall mural! And, part of our 2016 Olympic Games studies.  We’ve loved learning about Brazil, how to speak a little Portuguese, watching the events, and athlete interviews.

We picked up some awesome books during our weekly library trip.

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I posted our resource list last week and have made some tweeks since actually beginning the study.  Sadly, one of the Portuguese language links ended up with some inappropriate for children (or parents) phrases.  That link along with a couple of others have been removed.

After seeing broken bones, bandage wraps, bruises, and other injuries, I added a link to a couple of great articles for kids about sports safety and athlete health.  Learning good sportsmanship has now been added to the resources.  And, some more faith, science, and math connections, too.

Oh, and what about an Olympic Party?  Sounds fun!  I found a resource for foods, recipes, and decorations!

You can see the newly revised Learning Resources for the Olympic Games here https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/08/03/free-learning-resources-for-the-olympic-games/

If you’re interested in more about our chalkboard wall, you can see our art projects here  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/one-of-our-favorite-things-the-wall/

Hope you’ll be enjoying the Rio games with your family, too!

betty jo

 

 

Learning Resources for Special Days

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Recently, I was asked what resources to use for teaching from the Special Days posts. Every month has different topics, but I turn to the same tried and trusted web sites as I collect resources for our Special Days learning.  Below is a list of those I find to be the most helpful when preparing our “from the calendar” studies.  I hope that you will find them helpful, too.

Special Days and Biographies –  How to and resource list  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/07/21/special-days-and-biographies/

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

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

Special Days and Science – How to with resource list  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/08/05/special-days-and-science/

A monthly calendar “resource of links and things to do, things to learn and things to explore”  http://www.se7en.org.za/se7ens-almanac

Wonderful resources, activities, crafts, recipes, and open ended ideas often related to seasons, holidays, and monthly themes for families and independent learners  http://www.franw.com/

Calendar of Books  http://childrensbooks.about.com/od/readingresources/tp/current-calendar.htm

“Food, Nutrition, and Health By the Month”  http://food.unl.edu/fnh/seasonal-ideas

Monthly themed bulletin boards, lesson plans, activities, and writing prompts https://www.theteacherscorner.net/monthly-resources/

Seasonal Themes with Resources     http://www.theteachersguide.com/

Daily Feature Video  https://www.brainpop.com/

Wonder of the Day  http://wonderopolis.org/

This Month in History  http://www.historyplace.com/specials/calendar/

Bible based object lessons, games, projects, and science experiments which will often correspond with themes and holidays  http://www.christianitycove.com/

Vocabulary lists to go with just about any seasonal or holiday topic  https://myvocabulary.com/

Seasonal and holiday themed math lessons and activities  http://www.yummymath.com/

Monthly Science Calendar with resources  http://thehomeschoolscientist.com/

Writing Prompt Calendar     https://writeshop.com/tag/calendar/

Calendar Related Writing and Literacy Activities and Lesson Plans http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/calendar-activities/

Science Activities for Every Month of the Year  –  http://igamemom.com/science-activities-for-every-month-of-the-year/

Crafts for holidays and themes  http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/

Special Days art lessons, craft projects, and activities  http://kinderart.com/seasons/

Elementary level printables with monthly themes including holidays, statehood anniversaries, and president’s birthdays  http://www.apples4theteacher.com/

Seasonal and holiday interactive games and printables  http://www.primarygames.com/seasons/seasons.htm

I’m going to keep this handy resource list on the sidebar under the current Special Days icon link.  And, if you need some help developing a special day study, just let me know!

Happy 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

Bridges

Has your family taken a bit of time to learn about bridges?  We did and it was an awesome, multi level, and cross curricular study!  With the Brooklyn Bridge opening May 24, 1883 , and the Golden Gate Bridge opening May 27, 1964, May is a great time to learn about bridges.  However, if bridges in May doesn’t work for you, the third Saturday in October is “Bridge Day” and “Historic Bridges” is one of the themes for the month of November! Of course, you don’t need a special day to learn about bridges and can add a study as your calendar allows.   Below are the links to the online resources we used.  And, remember to check with your local library for bridge books and movies.

Bridge Building Video – Learn some of the important differences between arch, suspension and cable-stayed bridges

http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/videos/engineering/bridgebuilding.html

Bridge Facts

http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/engineering/bridges.html

Photo Gallery of Bridges Around the World

http://science.howstuffworks.com/engineering/structural/bridge-pictures.htm#page=0

Virtual Tour of the Golden Gate Bridge –

http://goldengatebridge.org/photos/bridgewalk.php

I didn’t give the boys any instructions, but just gave them the supplies from the following projects, and told them to build!  We tested them with weights (stacking cans of food), and with our remote control cars.

How to Make a Strong Paper Bridge –  http://www.ehow.com/how_6321787_make-strong-paper-bridge.html

Build a Bridge Challenge with Recyclables And Materials from Around the House –  http://inspirationlaboratories.com/science-at-home-strength-of-materials/

Spaghetti Bridge Engineering Project –  https://www.teachengineering.org/view_activity.php?url=collection/wpi_/activities/wpi_spagetti_bridge/wpi_spag_act_joy.xml

Build It Big – Bridge Challenge Interactive, Photo Gallery, Forces Lab, Meet the Engineers  http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/bridge/index.html

Bridge Quotes and Idioms Explained –  http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/bridge

And for family reading, we picked up a copy of  Bridge to Terabithia, and the movie, too.  We think it’s interesting to compare books to their movies.

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Bridge to Terabithia Lit Guide, Summary, and Quiz –  http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/terabithia/

And if you’re learning about bridges this October, don’t forget to include the bridge from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow!
http://gutenberg.org/ebooks/41

Field trips were fun and easy with this study.   We took an up-close look at a few bridges in our area.

images     th  1f8114af468c53fafe2f61083402bf4d  Greenway Bridge2

I hope you enjoy the bridges study as much as we did!  Oh, by the way, the pretty stone bridge crossing the lake in the above photo was a construction project my husband worked on years ago.

betty jo