Category Archives: summer school

Special Days in July, 2018

Click here for Special Days in July updated for 2020!

Summer Schooling – Resource and Activity List

June 21 is the first day of summer and the start of fantastic summer time learning! Here’s a list of free cross curricular summer themed resources and activities:

Reasons for the Seasons – Ted Ed Video Lesson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD_8Jm5pTLk

Seasons and the Sun – Crash Course Kids Video Lesson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b25g4nZTHvM

Search your city’s sunrise/sunset times, sun distance, sun altitude, and more https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/

Day and night world map https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/sunearth.html?iso=20180618T1406

Bible Verses for the Summer http://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/christianity/bible/bible-verses-for-the-summer.aspx

Ancient Solstice Celebrations Article http://www.kidzworld.com/article/890-summer-solstice-the-first-day-of-summer

https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-summer-solstice-holiday-litha-2562244

“The Longest Day” Math Lesson https://www.yummymath.com/2018/the-longest-day-2/

“How Much Pee is in the Pool?” Math Lesson https://www.yummymath.com/2018/how-much-pee-is-in-that-pool-2/

Summer Theme “Would You Rather” Questions http://minds-in-bloom.com/20-would-you-rather-questions-for-2/

Sun Experiments https://www.franw.com/2016/06/experiments-you-can-do-with-sun.html

Home Remedies (these make for some good science labs when the unfortunate happens)

Testing Sunscreen Effectiveness – Science Fair Project

Pesticide and Repellent – Science Fair Projects

Make a Thermometer http://www.weatherwizkids.com/?page_id=1715

Make a Barometer http://www.weatherwizkids.com/?page_id=1745

Summer Astronomy Events, Maps, and Guides https://www.almanac.com/astronomy

Dream Vacation Writing Prompts https://writeshop.com/dream-vacation-writing-prompts/

Camping Writing Prompts https://writeshop.com/writing-prompts-about-camping/

Camps and Summer Vacation Vocabulary https://myvocabulary.com/word-list/camps-and-summer-vacation-vocabulary/

Summer Crafts and Activities https://artfulparent.com/100-summer-crafts-activities-for-kids/

Animated Shakespeare’s A Mid Summer Night’s Dream Summary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1wMfOwlAZ8

A Mid Summer Night’s Dream from “No Fear Shakespeare” ( Shakespeare’s language side-by-side with a facing-page translation into modern English) http://nfs.sparknotes.com/msnd

Famous Paintings of Summer http://blog.bridgemanimages.com/here-comes-the-sun-famous-paintings-of-summer/

Vivaldi’s Summer with Nature and String Instruments Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhkoUQ7HdIQ

Billboard’s Top Summer Songs https://www.billboard.com/articles/list/513566/top-30-summer-songs

ICE CREAM! ice Cream in a Bag Recipe and learn about the history of Ice Cream https://www.franw.com/2011/07/ice-cream.html

Healthy Summer Snack Recipes https://www.superhealthykids.com/30-kid-friendly-summer-snacks/

Swimming Pool Games http://www.medallionenergy.com/blog/40-swimming-pool-games-play/

DIY Backyard Games https://www.brit.co/diy-outdoor-games/

And, don’t forget about your local library! Many have special summer programs!

Happy Summer Schooling!

betty jo

Memorial Day

July Resources

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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 –

Anti-Boredom – “Benefits of Being Bored” – Good article with ideas and a printable http://www.busykidshappymom.org/benefits-of-being-bored/
Bio-terrorism/Disaster Education and Awareness – “Learn what actions to include in your family disaster plan to prepare for and respond to terrorist threats” from FEMA https://www.ready.gov/biological-threats
Ice Cream – Learning Resources and Activities – http://www.franw.com/2011/07/ice-cream.html
Summer – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2018/06/21/summer-schooling/
Wild About Wildlife – Animal Videos and Games – http://www.neok12.com/Animals-Wildlife.htm
Shark Week – Resource List – Lesson Plans, Printables, Crafts, Recipes https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2018/07/21/shark-week/

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

6 Replies

Click here for Special Days in July updated for 2020!

Have a Happy July!

betty jo

June Resources

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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

Adopt a Cat – Learning Resources and Activities http://www.franw.com/2014/08/domesticated-cats-resource-page.html
Audio Book Appreciation – Huge Collection of Free Audio Books http://www.loyalbooks.com/
Child Vision – How does vision happen? Video, articles, and quiz http://kidshealth.org/kid/htbw/eyes-movie.html?tracking=59983_B
Effective Communication – Free Communication Course with Simulations http://www.e-learningforkids.org/life-skills/lesson/communication/
Okra – Make an Okra Stamp – http://redeemyourground.com/okra-stamping
Skyscraper – Learning Resources –https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/09/03/resources-for-learning-about-skyscrapers/
Sun Safety – Facts, Resources, and Tips – http://www.sunsafetyalliance.org/educators.html

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

4 Replies

Click here for the Special Days in June list updated for 2020!

History, Fireworks, Food, and Family Fun – A 4th of July Unit Study and Resource List

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The 4th of July, America’s birthday, is a fantastic opportunity for family fun, fireworks, food, and summer school learning! I’ve found some great cross curricular and multi level resources to share as we celebrate, explore, create, learn, review, and play through a unit study.

American Revolution Timeline starting with The Stamp Act (1765) and ending with The Treaty of Paris (1783) http://www.ducksters.com/history/revolutionarywartimeline.php

Early America Resources – Documents, Photos, Biographies, and Videos https://www.varsitytutors.com/earlyamerica

Tour Revolutionary War Battlefields http://johnsmilitaryhistory.com/revvirtual.html

‘Revolutionary War’ Famous Paintings http://www.reenactmag.com/7-paintings-define-revolutionary-war/

Museum of the American Revolution – Impressive collection of objects, works of art, manuscripts, and printed works! http://www.amrevmuseum.org/collection

Interactive version of John Trumbull’s famous painting “The Declaration of Independence” http://www.quiz-tree.com/Declaration-of-Independence-Trumbull.html

Guns of the Revolutionary War http://www.reenactmag.com/important-guns-revolutionary-war/

History/Geography/Math Game Printable – “Find the Lost Redcoat” https://www.education.com/activity/article/The_lost_redcoat/

Liberty’s Kids is an entertaining and a favorite video resource for homeschooling families to introduce the events and people of the American Revolution. Here’s the link to the viewers guide for all 40 episodes. http://www.tv.com/shows/libertys-kids/episodes/

And, the link to the Liberty’s Kids Youtube channel and playlist. All the episodes are available to view. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5pJi9mLIy38m2e_u3sboKQ

Schoolhouse Rock 4th of July Cartoon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmSVnP-oDRs

4th of July Vocabulary List and Word Puzzles https://myvocabulary.com/word-game-puzzles/july-4th-vocabulary/

July 4th Writing Prompts https://writeshop.com/july-4th-writing-activities/

Patriotic Writing Paper Printables http://www.busybeekidsprintables.com/Patriotic-Stationery.html

Calligraphy Resources https://www.franw.com/2015/08/calligraphy-resources.html

Patriotic Quotes https://www.countryliving.com/life/g1841/patriotic-quotes/

How to Speak Like a Colonist http://mrscagle.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/0/6/21062918/talk_like_a_colonist.pdf

Devotions, Quotes, Prayers, and Bible verses for Independence Day http://www.graspinggod.com/4th-of-july.html

Learn about manufacturing the American Flag history and videos https://annin.com/

“Why do we celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks?” According to Slate, that answer is , “Because John Adams wanted us to.” Link here for the full article. http://www.slate.com/articles/life/explainer/2012/07/history_of_fireworks_in_america_why_do_we_celebrate_fourth_of_july_with_fireworks_.html

“Boom Pow Whizz” is an awesome article explaining the history of fireworks with a couple of suggested art and language arts activities. https://antiquitynow.org/2013/07/03/boom-pow-whizzz-the-history-of-fireworks/

Fireworks and Flags Math Activities http://www.yummymath.com/2016/4th-of-july/

Learn about the chemistry of fireworks and use the handy chart of to identify what chemical compounds are used to produce different colors http://www.scifun.org/CHEMWEEK/fireworks/Fireworks2017.htm

And here’s more firework chemistry including a highlighted periodic table http://sciencenotes.org/firework-colors-chemistry/

And to find out more about the elements that make the firework colors http://www.rsc.org/periodic-table

What’s inside a firework and step by step explanation of what happens when lit http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/fireworks/anat_nf.html

How It’s Made – Fireworks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hatDxw8-GRM

How It’s Made – Sparklers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LJ-lAANCw8

Steve Spangler’s – 4th of July Science https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZp7VTYJvQw

Homemade Fireworks Instructions (advanced and probably dangerous!) https://www.thoughtco.com/homemade-fireworks-projects-607331

BBQ and Grilling Safety Guide with kids https://www.ultramodern.com/how-to-grill-with-kids/

Kids Grilling Recipes and Tips http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/easy-grilling-recipes.html

How Charcoal is Made Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pFLbB00ZJo

My family’s favorite 4th of July treat is this yummy and easy layered dessert using store bought angel food cake – cut into cubes, blueberries, sliced strawberries, and whipped cream.

Fun Learning Activities http://www.franw.com/2013/06/4th-of-july-americas-independence-day.html

4th of July themed Bible games and activities http://www.christianitycove.com/?s=4th+of+july

4th of July Party Games http://www.rd.com/advice/parenting/4th-of-july-10-fun-party-games/

4th of July themed Interactive Games http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/july4/games.htm

Patriotic Music for Kids http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/various-artists/album/americas-favorite-patriotic-songs-for-kids

And don’t forget to check with your local library! We found these …

And we don’t have to stop this study here! “The Pennsylvania State House bell was rung to summon the people of Philadelphia to gather for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776. Though the bell wouldn’t be called the Liberty Bell until years later, the bell’s message of liberty certainly rang that day.”

The Liberty Bell – Learning Resource List https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/07/08/the-liberty-bell/

betty jo

Learning Resources for July

Blaise Pascal

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According to Special Days in June, the 19th is Blaise Pascal’s birthday (1623). Somehow we missed studying about one of the greatest mathematicians and philosphers of all time when we focused on that time in history. So, we’re going to take a day or two of summer studies to devote to learning about Pascal and his triangle. You know, that’s one of the many perks with home education – when you discover a gap somewhere, you can fill it right in.