Category Archives: teacher resourses

August’s Special Days Activity Companion E Book Announcement!

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

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

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

August Special Days Activity Companion – Resource Page

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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: Spiderman – Biographical 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 Day – Watermelon 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 Armstrong – Learn about Neil Armstrong via links, videos and fun activities. &

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

Still Learning Something New: Considering The Moon – Links 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 Ball – Information about the history of the game.

Chocolate Chip Day

Funschooling: Chocolate – Learn 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 Cats –Find 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, Research – Article about the benefits of peaches.

Ride the Wind Day

Funschooling: Play With The Wind – Activities 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 Cowen – Learn about the American inventor who co-founded Lionel Corp and the Lionel Train.

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

Mother Teresa

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

Dream Day

Still Learning Something New: Teaching Resources for Martin Luther King Day – Resources 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 Frankenstein – Biographical information about Mary Shelley, and links to her literary works, including her most well known novel, Frankenstein.

Kinetoscope

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

A Special Days Project!

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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

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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?

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

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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 –

Bikes – History, Fun Facts, and Safety Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/06/26/bicycle-lessons/

Strawberry – Activities and Resources – http://www.franw.com/2013/05/strawberry-craze.html

Wetlands – Science Resources – http://www.earthskids.com/ek_science-pond-wetland.htm

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

Special Days in May, 2017

2 Replies

Click here for Special Days in May updated for 2019!

April Resources

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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

Poetry Resources

World Habitat Awareness – Facts, Project Ideas, and Games http://kids.nceas.ucsb.edu/biomes/

Presidents with April Birthdays

Thomas Jefferson born April 13, 1743
Ulysses S. Grant born April 27, 1822
James Monroe born April 28, 1758

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

Country Independence Days and Statehood Anniversaries

Georgia Independence – April 9, 1991
Zimbabwe Independence – April 18, 1980
Rome Founded – April 21, 753 BC
Sierra Leone Independence – April 27, 1961
Togo Independence – April 27, 1960
Maryland Statehood – April 28, 1758
Louisiana Statehood – April 30, 1812

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

Author Washington Irving born 1783 – Research project and activities http://www.franw.com/2013/10/washington-irving-research-project.html
Scientist Jane Goodall born 1934 – Biography, Videos, and more http://www.janegoodall.org/
Find a Rainbow Day – Rainbow resources and activities http://www.franw.com/2017/03/rainbows.html?utm_source=feedburner&utmFind a Rainbow Day_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FransWorld+%28Fran%27s+World+of+Discovery%29

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 –

Audubon Day – View These Audubon Prints from this digital library http://www.audubon.org/birds-of-america
Scientist/Inventor Charles F. Richter born 1900 – Across the Curriculum Earthquake Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/10/16/earthquakes/

April 27 –

Inventor Samuel Morse born 1791 – Learn Morse Code and Read a Brief Biography http://www.enchantedlearning.com/morsecode/
Tell A Story Day – Tips for good story telling http://www.storyteller.net/articles/296

How I use Special Days lists in our homeschool blog series :

Special Days and the Evolution of Morning Calendar Time

Special Days and Biographies

Special Days and Geography

Special Days and Science

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