Category Archives: Special Days

September’s Special Days Activity Companion Resource List

Fran from Funschooling and I had such a blast making the August Special Days Activity Companion that we’ve teamed up again to publish another Activity Companion for September!

To purchase this ebook filled with great ideas to companion the days listed below, please use the following link:                                                                                                                                         Etsy: September’s Special Day Activity Companion

The following resources have been provided to help with the ideas and suggestions found in the September’s Special Days Activity Companion and can also be found at Funschooling & Recreational Learning.

9/1 –  Emma M. Nutt Day  –  The A-Z of Manners & Etiquette: Telephone Etiquette

9/2 – Great Fire of London – 1666 –  Great Fire of London

9/3 – Skyscraper Day –   Skyscraper Resource List

9/4 – Inventor Lewis Howard Latimer born 1848  –   Lewis Howard Latimer

9/5 – Cheese Pizza Day  –  Pizza Project Resource List

9/6 – Iguana Awareness Day  –   Lizard Resource Page

9/7 –  Grandma Moses Born 1860  –    Grandma Moses Resource List

9/8 – Popcorn Festival Begins  –  Popcorn Project

9/9 –  Teddy Bear Day  –   Teddy Bear Facts

9/10 – Sewing Machine Patented 1846  –  Sewing Machine

9/11 –  I Want My Own Business Day  –   Biz Kids Lesson Plans and Resources

9/12 – Video Game Day  –   Video Games Research Project

9/13 –  Author, Roald Dahl Born 1916  –   Dahl Resource List

9/14 – Star Spangled Banner Composed by Francis Scott Key, 1814 –  The Star Spangled Banner Resource List

9/15 –  Make a Hat Day  –  iKat Bag: Cardboard Hat Patterns and Instructions

9/16 – Illusionist David Copperfield born 1956  –  Magic Tricks Resource Page

9/17 –  Constitution Day  –   Constitution Resource List and   U.S. Constitution Research Page 

9/18 – Cheeseburger Day  –   National Cheeseburger Day

9/19 –  Talk Like a Pirate Day  –   Pirate Resource List

and  Pirate Resource Page & Knots

9/20 – Artist Dale Chihuly born 1941  –   Dale Chihuly Resource Page

9/21 –  Banana Festival  –  LiveScience: Bananas: Health Benefits, Risks & Nutrition Facts

9/22 – Scientist Michael Faraday born 1791  –   Michael Faraday Resource Page

9/23 –  Neptune Discovered 1846  –  Planets for Kids: Planet Neptune Facts

9/24 – Jim Henson born 1936  –  The Jim Henson Resource Page

9/25 –  Poet, Author, Song Writer Shel Silverstein Born 1930  –                                              

Silverstein Biography and Resources

9/26 – Johnny Appleseed born 1774  –  Johnny Appleseed Resource Page

9/27  Rosetta Stone Deciphered 1822  –  Rosetta Stone Facts

Sept. 28 – Strawberry Cream Pie Day  –  Strawberry Projects and Resources:                

 Strawberry Craze  and

 National Strawberry Cream Pie Day

9/29 –  Confucius Day

 Chinese New Year

 Confucius Quotes

Traditional Chinese Games

9/30 – Hot Mulled Cider Day  –  

Time & Date:  Hot Mulled Cider Day

Food Network: Mulled Cran-Cider

 

 

July Resources

Here is a wonderful list of free resources for learning (and teaching) through the month of July!

BIG LIST of Special Days in July  –     

Resource Collection for Calendar Based Lesson Planning  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/07/31/learning-resources-for-special-days/

Specific July Themed Resources –

Presidents with July Birthdays

  • Calvin Coolidge – July 4, 1872
  • George W. Bush – July 6, 1946
  • John Quincy Adams – July 11, 1767
  • Gerald Ford – July 14, 1913

Awesome resources for learning about the Presidents – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/14/resources-for-presidents-day/

July Statehood Anniversaries

  • Idaho – July 3, 1890
  • Wyoming – July 10, 1890
  • New York – July 26, 1788

Country Independence Days

Burundi – July 1, 1962
Canada – July 1, 1867
Rwanda – July 1, 1962
Somalia – July 1, 1960
USA – July 4, 1776
Venezuela – July 5, 1811
Malawi – July 6, 1964
Argentina – July 9, 1816
Bahamas – July 10, 1973
Sao Tome and Principe – July 12, 1975
France – July 14, 1789
Colombia – July 20, 1810
Belgium – July 21, 1831

Egypt – July 23, 1952
Liberia – July 26, 1847
Maldive Islands – July 26, 1965
Peru – July 28, 1821

Fantastic List of Geography Resources                https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/07/29/special-days-and-geography/

Daily Specials for July  (I’ll be updating the daily specials with more resources as we go along through the month, so check back often for more!  And, if you have any special day resource favorites, be sure to let me know and I’ll edit them into the list. I appreciate all the help I can get!)

July 1 – International Joke Day – Our favorite kid’s joke resources and tips – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/07/01/just-joking/

July 4  –  Independence Day – Cross Curriculum Unit Study Resources  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/07/01/history-fireworks-food-and-family-fun-a-4th-of-july-unit-study/

July 7  –  Chocolate Day  –  Learning Resources, Recipes, and Activities  http://www.franw.com/2013/02/chocolate.html

July 8 –  Liberty Bell cracked 1835  –  Learning Resources  –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/07/08/the-liberty-bell/

July 11  –  Author EB White born 1899  –  Charlotte’s Web Activities  http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2015/01/charlottes-web-activities-for-kids.html

July 12  –  Julius Caesar born 100 BC  –  Biography  http://www.ducksters.com/history/ancient_rome/julius_caesar.php

July 12  –  Henry Thoreau born 1817  –  Lesson Plans and Activities http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/calendar-activities/henry-david-thoreau-born-a-20558.html

July 14 –  Artist Rembrandt born 1606 – Learning Resources and Activities –  https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/07/15/rembrandt/

July 16  –  World Snake Day  – Learning Resources and Activities   https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2018/07/15/snakes/

July 17 –  Hymn Writer Isaac Watts born 1674  – Biography and Hymns  –http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/w/a/t/watts_i.htm

July 18 –  Nelson Mandela born 1918 –  Lesson Plans and Printables               http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3758626

July 24 –  Aviator Amelia Earhart born 1897  –   History and Photos  https://www.awesomestories.com/asset/view/National-Archives-Photo-Does-It-Depict-Amelia-Earhart-

July 24  –  Learn Nothing Day (Unschool Holiday)                                                                  http://www.christian-unschooling.com/learn-nothing-day.html

July 26 –  Artist George Catlin born 1796  –   Gallery with Commentary  http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/online/catlinclassroom/cl.html

July 28  –  Fingerprints First Used for Identification  –  Fingerprinting Science Activities  http://www.kcedventures.com/blog/fingerprint-science-for-kids

July 28 – Author Beatrix Potter born 1866  –  Lesson Plans and Activities  https://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plan/beatrix-potters-naughty-animal-tales#sect-activities

July 29 – International Tiger Day – Facts, Listen to “ROARS”, Coloring printables, and more – http://www.tigers-world.com/

July 31  –  Uncommon Instruments Awareness Day –  Odd instruments to view and hear  http://www.oddmusic.com/gallery/

Happy July Learning!

betty jo

Special Days in July, 2017

 

Click here for Special Days in July updated for 2020!

Have a Happy  July!

betty jo

August’s Special Days Activity Companion E Book Announcement!


Drum Roll Please!  I’m excited to tell you that the e-book project I’ve been working on with Fran, from Funschooling, has been published and is available at A World To Discover Etsy Store!

It’s called  ‘August’s Special Days Activity Companion’!

Fran and I have teamed up to offer ideas and activities for parents, educators, families, event planners, babysitters, libraries, recreational leaders, club leaders, and anyone who plans monthly activities!  This Activity Companion demonstrates  what fun and how educational the Special Days list can be!

This collection has 100 ideas and activities and is suitable for all grade levels and ages, and covers a variety of subjects and diverse topics for every day in August!

 

About the August’s Special Days Activity Companion:

  • It has been written and developed by Fran Wisniewski and Betty Jo Hendrickson.
  • Has 100 easy to use ideas/activities!
  • It’s 23 pages long and printer friendly.
  • Is an Instant Digital Download: 1 PDF
  • Contains Family friendly activities.
  • Has a printable recipe and craft section.

I hope you’ll take the time to check it out.

The regular price of this publication is $10, but if you use the special coupon code provided, you’ll get $3 off! It only lasts until Tuesday June 27, 2017 so make sure you take advantage! 

This is the coupon code:  AUGDIS1 

Click here or the link below to go to the store and get your copy today!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/537295981/augusts-special-days-activity-companion?ref=shop_home_active_2

Sample Pages:

                                

The publication release is perfect timing for those of us who are starting to lesson plan for the upcoming school year!

September’s Special Days Activity Companion is currently in the works and will be available in 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!

August Special Days Activity Companion – Resource Page

Below is the beginning of a collection of links for additional resources that can be used with the August Special Days Activity Companion.  The activities will also be coming soon to Funschooling.

HUGE list of Special Days in August 

  • Spiderman Day

Funschooling: SpidermanBiographical information about the Amazing Spiderman, plus coloring pages, puzzles and videos. Links and videos offered.

  • Engineer Pierre Charles L’Enfant born 1754

Smithsonian.com: A Brief History of Pierre L’Enfant and Washington, D.C.

  • Watermelon Day

Funschooling:

Watermelon DayWatermelon resources include: Research questions, information about watermelons and Watermelon Day, recipes, health information, activity suggestions, and crafts.

  • Musician Louis Armstrong

Still Learning Something New:  Louis Armstrong  –  Learn about and listen to the music of Louis Armstrong

  • Astronaut Neil Armstrong

Funschooling: Neil ArmstrongLearn about Neil Armstrong via links, videos and fun activities. &

Phases of the MoonMoon Resources Include: Moon cycles, names, tides, videos and more.

Still Learning Something New: Considering The MoonLinks to moon related resources.

  • Fresh Breath Day

Oh Lardy: Homemade Peppermint Spray

Thank Your Body: DIY Breath Mints

Everyday Roots: Homemade Cinnamon Mouthwash for Bad Breath

  • Lighthouse Day

Funschooling: Lighthouses

  • Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Night

FoodFacts: Zucchini – What Is Zucchini Good For?

Funschooling: Three Sisters – Squash/Pumpkin

  • Book Lover’s Day

Funschooling: Read online or listen to classic literature.

  • Snoopy’s Birthday

Still Learning Something New: Peanuts

  • Play in the Sand Day

Funschooling: Play In The Sand – Fun activities you can do with sand. Links and videos.

  • World Elephant Day

Still Learning Something New: Elephants – Links to information about African and Asian elephants, myths and folklore, jokes and more.

  • Annie Oakley

Funschooling: Annie Oakley – Learn about the life and accomplishments of Annie Oakley. Links and videos.

Still Learning Something New: Annie Oakley – Links to biographical information, quotes, videos and more.

  • Wiffle Ball

Wikipedia: Wiffle BallInformation about the history of the game.

  • Chocolate Chip Day

Funschooling: ChocolateLearn about the history of chocolate, recipe for an old fashioned chocolate egg cream, chocolate puzzles and links to other chocolate related resources, including chocolate chips.

  • Tell A Joke Day

Reader’s Digest: Jokes 1000’s of clean, funny jokes, one-liners and riddles.

  • Black Cat Appreciation Day

Funschooling : Black CatsFind why black cats are considered good luck to some and bad luck to others and do a balancing activity.

  • Virginia Dare

Still Learning Something New: Roanoke Colony

  • Root Beer Float Day

Funschooling: Root Beer Float

  • Radio Day

History.com: Guglielmo Marconi – Biographical information about the man who broadcast the first transatlantic radio signal. Article format.

  • Hawaii Statehood

Funschooling: Hawaii: Information about Hawaii. Links and videos about the history, culture and attractions. &

Ukulele: Links to the most popular songs, tuner, and info. Videos include: The history of the ukulele, how to make one, and play one.

  • Eat A Peach Day

MedicalNewsToday: Peaches: Health Benefits, Facts, ResearchArticle about the benefits of peaches.

  • Ride the Wind Day

Funschooling: Play With The WindActivities you can do with wind power and information about National Ride The Wind Day.

  • Pluto Demoted

NASA: What is Pluto?Article explains what Pluto is, what it’s like, and how it is being explored today.

  • Joshua Lionel Cowen

Funschooling: Joshua Lionel CowenLearn about the American inventor who co-founded Lionel Corp and the Lionel Train.

Still Learning Something New: Lionel TrainsBiographical information about Cowen, links to train related activities, and videos about Lionel’s Train Factory.

  • Mother Teresa

Still Learning Something New: Mother TeresaKid friendly biographical information, timeline info, quotes and more.

  • Dream Day

Still Learning Something New: Teaching Resources for Martin Luther King DayResources include: Background information about the holiday, a quiz, historic site info, civil rights timeline, and more.

  • According to Hoyle Day

Wikipedia: Edmond Hoyle Short biography about the man who wrote the rules down for many of the well known card games we play today.

  • Frankenstein Day

Funschooling: Mary Shelley’s FrankensteinBiographical information about Mary Shelley, and links to her literary works, including her most well known novel, Frankenstein.

  • Kinetoscope

Funschooling: KinetoscopeKinetoscope resources include, links to informative sites and videos.

 

 

 

 

 

A Special Days Project!

 

In accordance with my philosophy of “Learning Something New”, I’m excited to tell you about a project I’ve been working on!  My friend, Fran, from Funschooling, has invited me to co-author an e-book with her!  It’s going to be an activity companion to go along with the Special Days lists that I compile each month.   I’ve never co-authored before and have absolutely no experience with writing an e-book, but she’s a wonderful teacher and guide so I’m learning!

As we work on our book, I’ll be posting various resources here that the book will link to.  So, when I share something that seems to not fit with the current date, you’ll know why.

We plan on having the August Special Days Activity Companion e-book available in June!  I’ll be sure to let you know about it as soon as we publish it!  And, hopefully we’ll be publishing activity guides for the other months as well.

betty jo

Lionel Trains – Special Day August 25

COMICAD lionel trains catalog

According to Special Days in August the 25th is the birthday of Joshua Lionel Cowen, one of the best known toy train manufacturers of all time.  A couple of years ago, we made Cowen and toy trains a Special Day study. Below are the web links we followed as we learned.

Biography of Inventor Joshua Lionel Cowen  http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventors/cowen.htm#ON%20THE%20WEB:

Vintage films on Youtube

Inside Lionel’s Train Factory  Part 1

Inside Lionel’s Train Factory Part 2

Showroom Layouts, Part 1  –

Showroom Layouts,  Part 2  –

Play Interactive Train Games  http://www.trainarcade.com/

Read Train Stories, Play Train Games and Watch Train Videos  http://trc.trains.com/Trains%204%20Kids.aspx

Classic railroad songs playlist from the Smithsonian  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUSRfoOcUe4bjeu8QIfbrejTyT0hYVncE

And we couldn’t build an electric train, but had fun making a toy train out of recyclables!  This ended up as a bank.  Perhaps Z will start saving for a Lionel of his own?

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Do you keep a timeline for your studies?  This “Timeline Add-on : Toys” is currently on sale for only $ 0.22!  http://www.currclick.com/product/36820/Timeline-AddOns-Toys?term=toys+timeline&test_epoch=0&it=1

This was one of several history studies that the kids deemed “Not Boring”!

betty jo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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