Category Archives: teacher resourses

Constitution Week Resources

September 17th (1787) is the anniversary of the United States Constitution and the start of Constitution Week. So often we hear or read about “Constitutional Rights” and freedoms being debated, taken away, or altered in various ways.

This week my kids will be reviewing, researching, and notebooking all things constitutional so it will be clear to them just what our constitutional rights are.

Below are some of the resources we will be incorporating into our Constitution Week homeschool studies.

Constitution Day History and Quizzes http://www.ducksters.com/holidays/constitution_day.php

Read the Constitution and explore the resources from The National Constitutional Center http://constitutioncenter.org/

US Government Learning Adventures, Glossary, and Games for all ages and levels https://bensguide.gpo.gov/

Constitutional Convention Video Playlist : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLkEA8hf_nThc3xwl5EF09aGYFS3PEqIQ

Liberty’s Kids #40- We the People
Three Branches Rap
Constitution Style (Gangnam Style parody)
The Great Compromise Explained in 5 Minutes
The Great Compromise Song
All 27 Amendments (in four minutes)
Bill of Rights (Shake It Off parody)

This song is from my childhood (from Saturday morning cartoons) and it is how I’ve always remembered the preamble to the constitution. This is also how my older kids have learned it. Now it’s time to pass it down to the youngest two. School House Rock – The Constitution https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EfnNUt_nwY&list=PLKt00sUUapAJAcxUs2rp75ymjPMki6noW

Learn and Remember the Bill Of Rights with these Hand Signals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgD1E3gBTWU

Mini posters of how a bill becomes a law, the Bill of Rights, and branches of government (you will need an account to get the downloads, but it isn’t complicated and it’s free) http://www.kidsdiscover.com/celebrate-constitution-day/

Copywork and Trivia Printables http://www.homeschoolcreations.net/2013/09/constitution-day-printables/

US Constitution & Bill of Rights Resource Page https://franw.com/2019/03/21/the-united-states-constitution-bill-of-rights-resource-page/

Constitution lesson plans, including debate excercises http://constitutioncenter.org/learn/educational-resources/lesson-plans/to-sign-or-not-to-sign-the-ultimate-constitution-day-lesson-plan

Calligraphy and Making Quill and Ink Resources http://www.franw.com/2015/08/calligraphy-resources.html

betty jo

Teaching Resource Links for Fall

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Fall will be starting in just ten more days! It is my favorite season. Also, autumn makes for some great learning opportunities. Below are some fall themed teaching resources I have had saved in my resource files. I hope you will find these helpful as you plan your fall themed lessons.

Very nice assortment of seasonal and holiday notebooking pages http://www.teacherfiles.com/resources_bp_holidays.htm

Interactive fall themed games http://funschool.kaboose.com/fun-blaster/fall/index.html

Printable poetry, writing prompts, and boarder paper http://www.storyit.com/Seasonal/autumn.htm

Unit studies and lapbooking resources http://www.homeschoolshare.com/connections__fall.php

Printable word puzzles http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/autumn-puzzles

Time lapse videos of pumpkins growing http://www.squidoo.com/pumpkin-time-lapse-videos

Fall themed math lessons http://www.mathwire.com/seasonal/fall06.html#activities

Teaching Resources for Patriot Day

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I doubt that anyone needs a special day calendar reminder that September 11, 2001 is the anniversary of a major historic event. As homeschoolers, we learn about important events. Usually it’s not stressful to teach history, even though some of the world’s past is tragic, we still learn about those times. But, teaching the history of 9-11 is the most difficult subject that I’ve ever attempted to teach. It was such a horrible and painful day and that horror and pain is still fresh for so many.

Home educating parents are asking, ” How much are we supposed to expose our children to about the events and aftermath of this day?” I’m asking that myself. Even the minimal historic account is overwhelming. However, I don’t think we should just continue with school as usual.

My older kids remember vividly watching the news and seeing the devastation. They have had this topic come up in their current event studies dozens of times throughout the years. However, that won’t make reviewing this day any easier for them. My J isn’t going to be able handle much of this topic, just the bare minimum facts and a coloring sheet. Z, at 8 years old is going to have questions that I don’t have answers to. And this time there is no link to follow for answers.

As I’ve researched for 9-11 study helps, I’ve found these links. I’ve reviewed them, and parts may be helpful, I’m not in complete agreement with any of them. I will not be recommending these or perhaps even using them in our 9-11 studies, but thought I’d share what I found. I do stress that as a parent you pre-view before just pressing the play button and leaving your kids to watch.

An animated documentary explaining the timeline of 9-11 events

Lesson plans including community helpers and art galleries suitable for all ages http://www.uen.org/core/socialstudies/patriotday/

Regardless of what I decide to use for the studies, I will be having the kids journal as part of the day’s assignments. I am pleased with the free printables from here. http://www.notebookingnook.com/freebie-911-never-forget-notebooking-pages/

Also, this link will take you to some basic facts, free printables, reading list, and poetry. http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/911/

A resource collection geared toward mature tweens and teens (adults, too) https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/09/11/911-remembrance/

betty jo

Mondays Homeschool Humor

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Below are some educational funnies. I hope these will brighten your Monday morning and start your homeschooling week off with a smile.

I hope you have a wonderful and productive week. And, keep smiling!

betty jo

Teaching Resource Finds of the Week

“I Have a Dream”

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According to my special days calendar, August 28th marks the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s speech “I Have A Dream” at the 1963 March On Washington.

Below are some wonderful free resources I found to create a one day mini unit study. These resources will cover the subjects of language arts, art, music, and history.

This link will take you to a biography with photos, coloring page, test, word puzzles, and more! http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdking.htm

This link takes you to more printables as well as art, poetry, music resources! http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/mlk-day

This link takes you to printable notebooking pages and lapbook materials http://homeschoolhelperonline.com/?s=martin+luther+king+jr

For quotes click here! http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/martin_luther_king_jr.html

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I have that same dream for my five (not so) little children.

betty jo

The Great Barrier Reef

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June 11 is the anniversary of the discovery of the Great Barrier Reef (1770). Also, the third week in July is “Coral Reef Awareness Week”! Here’s the links we will be following in our homeschooling summer school lesson of the day (and maybe tomorrow’s lesson too).

About the reef from the Marine Park Authority of Australia http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/about-the-reef

Photo Gallery https://www.livescience.com/23611-image-gallery-great-barrier-reef-through-time.html

Lapbooking materials http://www.homeschoolshare.com/coral_reef.php

documentary here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_d3LFvc8HQ

It is going to be a “G’ Day” of homeschooling with this Great Barrier Reef Study!

betty jo

Happy Birthday, William Shakespeare

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William Shakespeare was born April 23, 1564. And, in his honor, April 23 is “Talk Like Shakespeare Day”! A couple of years ago, we learned about his life and works as part of our Renaissance Unit Studies. Below are online Shakespeare resources for today or any day.

Fun Facts and Timeline https://www.theschoolrun.com/homework-help/william-shakespeare

Guide for How to Talk like Shakespeare http://www.shakespeare400chicago.com/talklikeshakespeare.html

Shakespeare Translator to Modern English https://www.shmoop.com/shakespeare-translator/

Shakespeare Invented Words and Phrases http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/word-lists/list-of-words-and-phrases-shakespeare-invented.html

Teacher and Student Resources https://www.folger.edu/

Shakespearean Sonnet Generator https://www.poem-generator.org.uk/

Globe Theater Educational Resources http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/education

Tour Stratford Upon Avon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D57ji9MnM2U

Notebooking pages http://www.homeschoolshare.com/shakespeare_notebook_pages.php

https://notebookingfairy.com/words-coined-by-shakespeare-free-notebooking-pages/

And, the kids will like playing some of these online puzzles and games http://www.folger.edu/education/sfk_kids/

Tales from Shakespeare for young readers http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/573

Stories of Shakespeare’s plays written for children http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1430

Literature Guides (scroll down a little bit for the Shakespeare collection) http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/index_author_s.html

Wishbone Shakespaw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MsSMBrkHWI&list=PLA95D27DD44814AB9

Animated Tales Video Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0l3PC79f6wHJ4D7f_CtK9b21_9DzGlpl

Of course, there should be cake, because studying anyone on their birthday is better with cake!

Shakespeare Party Ideas and Printables https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/printable-party-kit-shakespearean-soiree

betty jo

For more of our Middle Ages/Renaissance Unit Studies click https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/03/08/keeping-the-code/

And here https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/03/07/art-day-sistine-chapel-style/

And here https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/04/06/raphael/

And here https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/03/12/gothic-revival-in-western-kentucky/

Homeschooling On Earth Day

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Genesis 2:15^“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

That’s the verse we will be concentrating on for our devotion/discussion and lead in for our other Earth Day lessons

Huge List of Earth Day related vocabulary words and several word puzzles https://myvocabulary.com/word-game-puzzles/earth-day-vocabulary/

Earth Day Related Quotes http://www.dgreetings.com/earth/quotes.html

Earth Day Related Math Activities https://www.yummymath.com/2018/earth-day-2018-12-activities/

Water Life Interactive Game and Educator Resources https://games.noaa.gov/oscar/welcome.html

Earth Day Projects, Activities, and Ideas http://www.blessedbeyondadoubt.com/27-earth-day-projects-for-kids-and-more/

https://www.weareteachers.com/5-earth-day-math-and-science-activities/

http://lessonplanspage.com/earthday-htm/

Make a Difference – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

REDUCE: Since there is always room for improvement for energy conservation at our house, we’ll be brainstorming ways to cut back on our usages. (I sure hope someone will feel motivated to fix the toilet that flushes on it’s own what seems like hundreds time a day for the past week.) Here’s some tips and resource for energy conservation for kids http://www.homeadvisor.com/r/home-energy-conservation-for-kids/#.Vxo8_0dezIU

REUSE: We keep a large box of paper towel rollers, scrap paper, small boxes, plastic containers, rags, and various jars and bottles to use when we want to work on crafts, building model projects, or to make games. However, the box is just a big mess presently. Earth Day is a great excuse to dump and reorganize that box. And, make some plans to use those items. Fran (our family’s favorite “substitute teacher”) is our first go-to source for using recyclables! http://www.franw.com/2017/04/earth-day-activities.html

RECYCLE: Our town has a recycling center. We’ve visited several times to drop off “trash”. And, we toured and worked there a few years ago with our local homeschool group. I think I’ll check into scheduling another group visit. If you’re not able to visit a recycling center, you can watch a video or two.

Reading Rainbow – How Trash is Recycled https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1l8HXa3HLk

What might it look like is we didn’t reduce, reuse, and recycle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWsl5wn6x0Q

Have a happy Earth Day,

betty jo

Irish Prayers and Irish Jigs

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The Prayer of Saint Patrick

“I bind to myself this day:

The power of God to guide me,

The might of God to uphold me,

The wisdom of God to teach me,

The eye of God to watch over me,

The ear of God to hear me,

The word of God to give me speech,

The way of God to go before me,

The shield of God to shelter me.

Christ be with me,

Christ before me,

Christ behind me,

Christ within me,

Christ beneath me,

Christ above me,

Christ at my right,

Christ at my left,

Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks to me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me.

Amen.”

Our homeschool’s St. Patrick’s Day Unit Studies are just about over. We are having such a good time that I wish we would have started sooner or could continue a bit longer.

La Fhelle Padraig Sona Daoibh! That’s Happy St. Patrick’s Day in Gaelic. I laughed all through our attempt at learning a little Irish Language. (Just imagine what our Kentucky accents combined with Irish ones would sound like and you might laugh too): https://ai.glossika.com/blog/learn-how-to-speak-irish-gaelic-for-beginners

Traditional Irish folk music and dancing remind me of our own Bluegrass music. (And yes, my singing and dancing is pretty funny, too.) Here’s a link to some really talented Irish folk musicians and river dancers.

And several Irish Step Dancing Instructions For Beginners https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVVrsRPIrc7q5279V05G-noSw_wQA-B0_

If you’re wanting more links for St. Patrick’s Day studies I posted some on “Absolutely No Pinching” available here https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/03/14/absolutely-no-pinching/

Beannachtai na Feile Padraig oraibh! (St. Patrick’s Day blessings upon you)

betty jo