Click here for Special Days in May updated for 2019!
There are many opportunities for learning from April’s calendar. Here’s my list of learning resources for April related themes and special days! Some of these are from our past Aprils studies, others are resources we’ll be following as we learn this April, and the rest of the resources are recommended by other homeschooling families. Check back throughout the month as other resources will be added as they become available. And, if you have favorite April resources, let me know!
BIG List of April themes, holidays, historic and scientific anniversaries, famous birthdays, and more! https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2021/03/27/special-days-in-april/
My favorite educational calendar resources for learning every month https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/07/31/learning-resources-for-special-days/
April Themes Resources
Astronomy – Interactive games, videos, songs, and worksheets http://www.kidsastronomy.com/
Autism Awareness – Resources and tips for homeschooling a child on the spectrum https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/homeschool-help/homeschooling-a-child-with-autism/
Card and Letter Writing – The basic steps for proper letter writing http://creation.com/letter-writing-right-and-proper
Confederate History – Facts, Events, Battles, and People of the American Civil War http://www.ducksters.com/history/confederation_of_the_united_states.php
Financial Literacy – Teaching ideas, tips, and fun http://www.themint.org/
Frogs – Learning Project and Resources http://www.franw.com/2014/07/frog-research-project.html
Garden – Big List of Ideas and Resources http://www.blessedbeyondadoubt.com/homeschool-in-the-garden-a-big-list-of-ideas-and-resources/
Kites – Fun Facts – http://www.kitekids.co.uk/facts.html And, How To Build Kites Instructions – http://www.my-best-kite.com/how-to-build-kites.html
Listening Awareness – Active Listening Skills and Tips https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/active-listening.html
Pet 1st Aid – Tips for Pet Owners https://www.avma.org/public/EmergencyCare/Pages/First-Aid-Tips-for-Pet-Owners.aspx
Poetry – Resource and Activity List
World Habitat Awareness – Facts, Project Ideas, and Games http://kids.nceas.ucsb.edu/biomes/
Presidents with April Birthdays
Presidents Learning Resources and Activities – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/14/resources-for-presidents-day/
Country Independence Days and Statehood Anniversaries
Special Days and Geography Resources and Activities https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/07/29/special-days-and-geography/
Specific Special Days in April Resources
April 1 – April Fool’s Day – Learning Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/04/01/april-fools-day-learning-resources/
April 2 – Author Hans Christian Andersen born 1805 – Read his fairy tales, biography and more http://hca.gilead.org.il/
April 3
Explore Your Career Options Week begins * – Resources and Activities https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/04/06/what-do-you-want-to-be/
April 4 – Tell a Lie Day – Play 2 Truths and a Lie game https://www.thoughtco.com/2-truths-lie-idea-list-1-31144
April 5 – Easter Island “discovered” April 5,1722 – Lesson Plans, Work Sheets, Program Links, Photos http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/worldhistory/easter_island/teachers_resources.shtml
April 5 – Activist Booker T. Washington born 1856 – Biography and Printables http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdbookr.htm
April 6 – Artist Raphael born 1483 – Learning Resources and Activities https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/04/06/raphael/
April 7 – Poet William Wordsworth born 1770 – Video Reading of Daffodils https://www.poetryfoundation.org/features/video/detail/77369
April 8 – Draw a Picture of a Bird Day – Step by step instructions http://www.yedraw.com/how-to-draw-birds.html#.XJrQlZhKiM8
April 9 – Winston Churchill Day – Biography, Timeline, Games, Photos and more http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/famouspeople/winston_churchill/
April 10 – Farm Animals Day – Lesson Plans, Themes, Printables, and more http://www.theteachersguide.com/onthefarm.htm
April 11 – Submarine Day – Facts, Instructions to Make a Submarine, Experiments, and a Quiz http://www.submarinesafaris.com/kids_learn.php
April 12 – Big Wind Day – Wind Information and Experiments/Projects http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-wind.htm
April 14 – Dolphin Day – Across the Curriculum Resources http://www.franw.com/2013/11/dolphins-research-resource.html
April 14 – Citizen Science Day – Project Ideas to Advance Scientific Research https://scistarter.com/
April 16 – Inventor Wilbur Wright born 1867 – Wright Brothers and Aviation Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/08/17/aviation-week-learning-resources/
Bat Appreciation Day *– Resource Page http://www.franw.com/2013/10/bat-resource-page.html
April 18 – Juggler’s Day – How to Juggle Lessons for Beginners http://www.thejimshow.com/juggle/
Poem In Your Pocket Day * Tips and Resources http://www.thebookchook.com/2015/03/tips-and-resources-for-poem-in-your.html
April 19 – Bicycle Day – History, Fun, and Safety https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/06/26/bicycle-lessons/
April 20 – Chinese Language Day – Mandarin Lessons http://www.learnchineseez.com/lessons/mandarin/
National Park Week * – Virtually Explore and Learn about our National Parks https://www.nps.gov/index.htm
April 21 – Naturalist John Muir born 1838 – Lesson Plans and Student Activities http://vault.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/educational_resources/default.aspx
April 21 – Queen Elizabeth II born 1926 – Monarchs Resources and Lesson Plans http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/famouspeople/famous_monarchs/
April 22 – Earth Day – Across the Curriculum Learning Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/04/21/homeschooling-on-earth-day/
April 23 – Talk Like Shakespeare Day / Author William Shakespeare born 1564 – Learning Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/04/23/happy-birthday-william-shakespeare/
Dance Week * – “Homeschool Mom Approved” Youtube Dance and Exercise Instruction Videos https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/01/10/get-up-and-move-a-break-time-playlist/
April 25 – World Penguin Day – Across the Curriculum Learning Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2015/01/20/penguins/
April 26 –
April 27 –
How I use Special Days lists in our homeschool blog series :
Special Days and the Evolution of Morning Calendar Time
Special Days Archive – Direct links to the most recent Special Days and Resource lists for each month
Remember to check back throughout the month for updates!
Happy April Learning!
betty jo
There’s tons of learning potential from the March calendar! Here’s a collection of resources to use for March themes and special days lessons.
BIG List of Special Days in March https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2021/02/27/special-days-in-march/
My “Go-To” List of lesson planning resources for all months 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
Resources for Specific March Themes
Geography Resources – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/07/29/special-days-and-geography/
Presidents with March Birthdays –
These are the resources we use to learn and review the presidents https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/14/resources-for-presidents-day/
Resources for March’s Daily Specials – (Some of the following are studies we’ve done in Marches past, others are recommended by other homeschoolers, and the rest are the result of online searches for topics we may be interested in learning about. Check back throughout the month for more resources as they become available.)
March 1 – Yellowstone Park established 1872 – Facts, history, videos, photos, and more http://yellowstone.net/
March 2 – Author Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) born 1904 – Printables, crafts, and recipes http://www.freehomeschooldeals.com/learning-with-dr-seuss-100-free-dr-seuss-themed-printables-crafts-recipes-and-activities/
March 3 – Alexander Graham Bell born 1847 – Biography and printables http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdbell.htm
March 4 – Jane Goodall born 1934 – Educators resources and printables http://www.wildchimpanzees.org/educators/activities.php
March 4 – Grammar Day – Lessons and quizzes http://www.grammar-monster.com/
March 4 – Composer Antonio Vivaldi born 1678 – Biography, music selections, and quiz https://www.classicsforkids.com/pastshows.asp?id=39
March 5 – Boston Massacre 1770 – Watch a short informative video with political pictures https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRxJh9mcfmk
March 6 – Artist Michelangelo Buonarroti born 1475 – We did a wonderful study on him a couple of years with an art project that still gets talked about today! https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/03/07/art-day-sistine-chapel-style/
March 7 – International Festival of Owls begins * (1st full weekend) – Resources and Activities http://www.franw.com/2012/10/owls.html
March 8 – Aardvark Week begins – Videos and facts http://www.arkive.org/aardvark/orycteropus-afer/video-03b.html
March 9 – Explorer Amerigo Vespucci born 1451 – Biography and printables http://www.cybersleuth-kids.com/sleuth/History/Explorers/Amerigo_Vespucci/index.htm
March 10 – Harriet Tubman born 1820 – Biography and printables http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdtub.htm
March 11 – Johnny Appleseed Day – Research, projects, and activities http://www.franw.com/2013/09/the-life-of-john-chapman-and-legend-of.html
March 12 – Alfred Hitchcock Day – What, Why, and How to Celebrate https://filmschoolrejects.com/13-ways-to-celebrate-national-alfred-hitchcock-day-efdb8d335c9a#.35ewvpfex
March 13 – Uranus discovered 1781 http://www.kidsastronomy.com/uranus.htm
March 14 – Scientist Albert Einstein born 1879 – Lesson plans, ideas, and activities http://www.homeschooling-ideas.com/albert-einstein-for-kids-lesson-plan.html
March 14 – Pi Day – Activities, information, and videos http://www.piday.org/
March 15 – World Speech Day – Public Speaking Tips https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/101-public-speaking-tips/
March 16 – Panda Day – Lapbook Lessons and Printables http://www.homeschoolshare.com/giant_panda_lapbook.php
March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day – Learning resources and activities https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/03/15/learning-resources-for-st-patricks-day/
March 18 – Mount St. Helen erupted 1980 – Information and facts http://www.livescience.com/27553-mount-st-helens-eruption.html
March 19 – Explorer/Missionary David Livingstone born 1813 – Read his biography and learn about Victoria Falls http://www.victoriafalls-guide.net/david-livingstone.html
March 20 – Won’t You Be My Neighbor Day (Fred Rogers born 1928) – Watch episodes of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood http://pbskids.org/rogers/
March 21 – Composer Johann Sebastian Bach born 1685 – Biography and printables http://makingmusicfun.net/htm/f_mmf_music_library/hey-kids-meet-johann-sebastian-bach.htm
March 22 – World Water Day – Resources and Activities https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/03/22/world-water-day/
March 23 – Patrick Henry delivered “Give Me Liberty” speech 1775 – Liberty’s Kids has an episode about this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJT4j9zSDlA
March 24 – Harry Houdini born 1874 – Resources for learning magic tricks http://www.franw.com/2014/11/magic-tricks-resource-page.html
March 25 – Tolkien Reading Day – Lit Study guides available for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/index_author_t.html
March 25 – Manatee Appreciation Day * (last Wed.) – Lapbook Lessons and Printables http://www.homeschoolshare.com/manatee_lapbook.php
March 26 – Poet Robert Frost born 1874 – “Tea Time” biography http://www.homeschoolshare.com/blog/2013/03/tea-time-with-robert-frost/
March 30 – Artist Vincent Van Gogh born 1853 – Appreciation lesson plans and activities http://www.vangoghgallery.com/lesson_plans/
March 31 – Eiffel Tower opened 1889 – Fun facts http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/engineering/eiffeltower.html
Happy March Learning!
betty jo
The end of “Entrepreneurship Week” (February 20 – 25) seems like the perfect time for me to take the opportunity to tell you about my daughter, Emily, and Em’s Treasures! She has had an interest in crafting since she was a little girl. We would include crafts and art projects with our homeschooling work, but that wasn’t enough for her. She spent hours of her spare time creating and making. By the time she was a teenager, she was getting comments such as, “You should sell that!”, and “Would you make one of those for me?” After her graduation in 2014, Em enrolled in the certificate entrepreneurship courses through Coursera. Her plan was to make a business out of what she loved doing, and on a time scale that would allow her to continue studying for her Christian Leadership degree, providing childcare a couple of days a week, coach Silver Lining Homeschool Colorguard, and read avidly. She not only earned the certificates but earned them with honors. She immediately went to work applying what she had learned about entrepreneurship to her crafting, and began attending craft shows and vendor events .
She sold some of everything and earned more than enough money to cover supply expenses. After a couple of other vendor events she realized the hair bows generated the most interest and that bows were not offered by the other vendors. The hair bows continued to be her best sellers in the events that followed.

She’s even made bows exclusively for homeschoolers!
Though it’s the hair bows that have the majority of her focus and attention, Emily still takes requests for gifts, cards, and decorations.
Em’s Treasures is gaining repeat customers and has accepted a few custom bow orders. Recently, she had the opportunity to create an original design for a local school’s cheer squad. This is the largest order she has been offered so far. and the first of her designs to be exactly duplicated. Also, this was the first order to be shared with another vendor who specializes in monogramming.
Currently, Emily is preparing for the upcoming spring vendor events in our area. She’s planning to take her collection to some local boutiques to sell on commission . Here’s a little of what Emily has started for her spring lineup.
Em’s Treasures now has a Facebook business page and can accept payment through Paypal to accommodate out of town orders. Emily could use your help with growing her business. If you would be so kind as to give her Facebook page a “like”, it would be much appreciated. An order would be most appreciated, too! https://www.facebook.com/Ems-Treasures-477293785798737/
Thanks from a proud mama!
betty jo
A few years ago I put together a cross curriculum resource list for Super Bowl related lessons. I have updated the post for 2017 and super Bowl 51!.
https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2015/01/31/the-super-bowl/
betty jo
There are fantastic opportunities to learn from the February Calendar. Here’s a collection of free resources for teaching and learning this month!
The BIG list of February’s holidays, observances, food themes, awareness days , historic figures, composers and authors birthdays, science and historic based anniversaries, and more! Click here for the updated Special Days in February
Printable Special Days in February
Here’s my “go to” list for ideas, lesson plans, printables, book suggestions and art projects for calendar studies https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/07/31/learning-resources-for-special-days/
Presidents with February birthdays
We study and review the presidents this way – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/?s=President%27s+Day
Bird Feeding – Resources, Lesson Plans, and Activities https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2020/02/09/for-the-birds-ornithology-resource-list/
E-books, research projects, and family learning activities to go along with February themes such as Chocolate, Strawberries, Bird Watching, Library, Susan B. Anthony, Bubble Gum, Circles –http://www.franw.com/
Black History Month – Biographies, interactives, and printable worksheets http://gardenofpraise.com/blackhistory.htm
Free Resources for Specific Special Days in February (Check back during the month, I’ll add to the resource list as more resources become available)
Feb. 1 – Children’s Authors and Illustrators Week begins – Resources and Activities –http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/calendar-activities/celebrate-children-authors-illustrators-20675.html
Feb. 1 – Robinson Crusoe Day – Activity Guide – http://workathomehomeschoolingmom.com/2011/01/free-resources-for-robinson-crusoe-day/
Feb. 1 – Serpent Day – Notable Snakes – http://nerdist.com/national-serpent-day-the-snakest-snakes-to-ever-snake/
Feb. 1 – 1st US Supreme Court 1790 – Lesson Plans, Interactives, and Discussion Guide – http://www.pbs.org/wnet/supremecourt/educators/
Feb. 2 – Groundhog Day – The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club- livestream, teacher’s resources, history, and more – http://www.groundhog.org/
Feb. 3 – Artist Norman Rockwell born 1894 – PDF Family Guide from the Norman Rockwell Museum – http://www.nrm.org/pdfs/family-guide.pdf
Feb. 4 – Thank a Mailman Day – Printable Pack – http://www.blessedbeyondadoubt.com/thank-mail-carrier-day-printable-pack/
Feb. 4 – Artist Appreciation Day – This was unanimously our family’s favorite art study ever! –https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/03/07/art-day-sistine-chapel-style/
Feb. 5 – Weatherman’s Day – For anything weather related, this is the best “go to” site –http://www.weatherwizkids.com/
Feb. 6 – Baseball’s Babe Ruth (George Herman) born 1895 – Articles, Stats, and Photos – http://baseballhall.org/hof/ruth-babe
Feb. 7 – Author Laura Ingalls Wilder born 1867 – – Be sure to check out what’s available at the library. Ours has her picture stories for younger kids as well as The Little House collection and the tv shows on dvd. http://marinecorpsnomads.com/2013/02/complete-little-house-on-the-prairie-series-lapbook-set.html
Feb. 8 – Kite Flying Day (It’s February! I do not see us out flying kites.) NASA has a kite simulator and other kite information. Scroll down for the category “Kites” http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/k-12/airplane/guided.htm
Feb. 9 – Random Acts of Kindness Week begins – ideas for your family to make a difference –http://wearethatfamily.com/2011/06/100-ways-for-your-family-to-make-a-difference/
Feb. 10 – French and Indian War Ends 1763 – study resources –http://www.tinasdynamichomeschoolplus.com/exploring-to-revolution/french-and-indian-war/
Feb. 11 – Inventor’s Day/Thomas Edison born 1847 – Edison Unit Study https://redheadmom8.wordpress.com/2017/01/10/thomas-edison-unit-study/
Feb. 13 – Stamp Collectors Day – Lesson Plans and Activities http://stamps.org/Education
Feb. 13 – Artist Grant Wood born 1892 – Artist, Art, and Project Lesson Plan http://harringtonharmonies.com/2013/10/how-i-teach-grant-wood.html
Feb. 14 – Frederick Douglass Day – Biography and worksheet printables http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdfdoug.htm
Feb. 14 – Huge list of Valentine’s Day Resources –http://www.thebettermom.com/blog/2013/01/30/free-valentines-day-resources
Feb. 15 – Galileo Galilei born 1564 – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/04/25/galileo/
Feb. 16 – King Tutankhamen’s Tomb opened 1923 – Article, photos, and a quiz – http://www.ducksters.com/history/ancient_egypt/king_tuts_tomb.php
Feb. 17 – Presidents’ Day * (3rd Mon.) – Learning Resources – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/?s=President%27s+Day
Feb. 20 – Photographer Ansel Adams born 1902 – Gallery http://anseladams.com/
Feb. 21 – Washington Monument dedicated 1885 – Photos and history –http://www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htm
Feb. 23 – Composer George Frederick Handel born 1685 – Biography and Music Audio Show http://www.classicsforkids.com/shows/shows.php?id=258
Feb. 24 – Author Wilhelm Grimm born 1786 – Read Brothers’ Grimm Fairy Tales online in the language of your choice – http://www.grimmstories.com/
Feb. 25 – Artist Rierre Renoir born 1841 Biography, lesson resources, and gallery –http://makingartfun.com/htm/f-maf-art-library/renoir-biography.htm
Feb. 26 – Grand Canyon National Park established 1919 – Explore online –http://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm
Feb. 27 – Author Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow born 1807 – Tea Time Study –http://www.homeschoolshare.com/blog/2014/02/tea-time-with-longfellow/
Feb. 28 – Smokey the Bear introduced 1944 – Story, history, and fire prevention –http://www.smokeybear.com/kids/?js=1
Happy February Learning!
betty jo
Our main current events and history study for the week will be centered on the Presidential Inauguration coming up Friday, January 20. Below are the online resources I’ve found to use as we learn about Inaugurations past and present.
Meet Donald J. Trump Biography Article from Time for Kids News http://www.timeforkids.com/news/meet-donald-j-trump/415956 and Meet Mike Pence http://www.timeforkids.com/news/meet-mike-pence/439811
Short Article about the Inauguration Day Activities and Schedule http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/government/presidentialinauguration.htm
Quotes from Past Presidential Inaugural Speeches http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/presidentialinauguraladdresses.htm
Facts and Stories from Past Inaugurations http://www.helpteaching.com/blog/interesting-facts-and-stories-from-inauguration-days-past.html
Inauguration Resources from The White House http://ourwhitehouse.org/history-civics/inaugurations/
History of Inaugural Foods http://wtop.com/food/2017/01/all-the-presidents-meals-the-history-of-inaugural-food/slide/1/
Complete Schedule of Events and Performers (Parental Guidance Alert! This site is not geared for children but for adults. It contains several ads around the article and events list that may not be suitable for children nor relevant to the study!) http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2017/01/12/Donald-Trump-inauguration-schedule-of-events-performers-and-inaugural-balls/1021483641496/
The White House Moving In Moving Out Plan – ” The most frenzied American ritual you’ve never seen is called the “transfer of families,” a five-hour tsunami of activity that transforms President Obama’s home into President Trump’s.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/local/white-house-transition/
Inauguration Security Concerns (Parental Guidance Alert! This site is not geared for children but for adults.) https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/27/us/politics/donald-trump-inauguration-security.html
Printable Inauguration Bingo http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/presidential-inauguration-bingo-game/
Presidential Inauguration Printable Word Search, Cross Word, and Vocabulary Puzzles http://homeschooling.about.com/od/freeprintables/ss/inauguralprint.htm#step1
“Prayer for Our Leaders” Printable Coloring Page (based on 1 Timothy 2 1-4) http://ministry-to-children.com/prayer-for-our-leaders-coloring-page/
betty jo