Click here for the updated September Resources List!
According to the Special Days in August list, Annie Oakley was born Aug. 13, 1860. A few years ago we learned about her and added her to our timeline. As it turned out, our E (homeschool graduate) and a family friend happened to be around the house and decided to join us for our lessons. You know it’s a great study when the kids who are not required to have “school” join in for the learning! Below are the online resources we used as we learned, were entertained, and inspired by this bold and fabulous lady!
Bio and printables – http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdannie.htm
Memorable Quotes – https://sites.google.com/a/marlboroschool.net/the-one-and-only-annie-oakley/annie-oakley-quotes
1st episode of TV show –
Animated history video – Adventurers – Masters of Time – The Wildest West
And, if you need a target for shooting practice (bb guns, sling shots, archery, and water guns with dyed water for us) http://mytargets.com/
Online Wild West interactive game for kids http://www.y8.com/games/wild_west_shooting
betty jo
August’s calendar has wonderful learning opportunities! Here’s a resource list to help teach and learn throughout the month.
BIG List of Special Days in August
Specific August Themed Resources –
Presidents with August Birthdays
Awesome learning resources for the presidents – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/14/resources-for-presidents-day/
August Statehood Anniversaries
Special Days and Geography – States and Countries Geography Resources – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/07/29/special-days-and-geography/
Special Days and the Evolution of Morning Calendar Time – Blog post explaining the how’s and why’s of using the Special Days lists for homeschooling or classroom activities
Special Days and Biographies – How to and resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/07/21/special-days-and-biographies/
Special Days and Science – How to and resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/08/05/special-days-and-science/
More Special Days Learning Resources (for any month) https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/07/31/learning-resources-for-special-days/
Daily Specials for August (I’ll be updating the daily specials with more resources as we goalong 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!)
Special Days and the Evolution of Morning Calendar Time – Blog post explaining the how’s and why’s of using the Special Days lists for homeschooling or classroom activities
Special Days and Biographies – How to and resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/07/21/special-days-and-biographies/
Special Days and Science – How to and resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/08/05/special-days-and-science/
More Special Days Learning Resources (for any month) https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/07/31/learning-resources-for-special-days/
Happy August Learning!
betty jo
July’s calendar has wonderful learning opportunities! Here’s a resource list to help teach and learn through the month.
BIG List of Special Days in July –
Click here for Special Days in July updated for 2020!
July Prayer Calendar for Children – http://cherigamble.com/2015/06/25/july-2015-prayer-calendar-for-children/
Resource Links for Learning from June’s Calendar – http://www.se7en.org.za/se7ens-july
July Science Calendar – http://thehomeschoolscientist.com/2015-july-science-calendar/
July Themed Elementary Printables and Activities – http://www.apples4theteacher.com/
July and Summer Themed Bible Based Activities – http://www.christianitycove.com/
July Themed Vocabulary Word Lists – http://myvocabulary.com/
July Daily Writing Prompts – http://www.theteacherscorner.net/daily-writing-prompts/july/
July Themed Arts and Crafts – http://kinderart.com/seasons/july.shtml
July Stargazer’s Guide – http://farmersalmanac.com/astronomy/2015/06/29/looking-up-july-2015/
July and Summer Themed Math Lessons – http://www.yummymath.com/
15 Things to do in July – http://diyhomeschooler.com/15-things-to-do-in-july-2015/
Specific July Themed Resources –
Presidents with July Birthdays
Awesome learning resources for the presidents – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/14/resources-for-presidents-day/
July Statehood Anniversaries
States Printables – http://www.homeschoolshare.com/connections__usa.php
States Videos and Facts – http://www.history.com/topics/us-states
Daily Specials for July, 2015 (I’ll be updating the daily specials with more resources as we go along, so check back. And, if you have any special day resource favorites, be sure to let me know and I’ll edit them. 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 –
July 5 – Shark Week begins – Webcams and videos – http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/shark-week/
July 8 – Liberty Bell cracked 1835 – Learning Resources – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/07/08/the-liberty-bell/
July 14 – Artist Rembrandt born 1606 – Learning Resources and Activities – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/07/15/rembrandt/
July 17 – Eid al Fitr – Ramadan Study Resources – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/07/12/studying-ramadan/
July 17 – Hymn Writer Isaac Watts born 1674 – “Tea Time” biography and resources – http://www.homeschoolshare.com/blog/2013/07/tea-time-with-isaac-watts/
July 28 – Author Beatrix Potter born 1866 “Tea Time” biography and resources – http://www.homeschoolshare.com/blog/2015/07/tea-time-with-beatrix-potter/
July 29 – International Tiger Day – Facts, Listen to “ROARS”, Coloring printables, and more – http://www.tigers-world.com/
Happy July Learning!
betty jo
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.
Below are the online resources I found for our Pascal study.
Biography –
Scientist Notebooking Printables –
http://notebookingfairy.com/2012/04/scientist-notebooking-pages/
Pascal’s Triangle and Usages (from simple to complex) Explained
http://www.mathsisfun.com/pascals-triangle.html
Short Video – Patterns of Pascal’s Triangle –
Spiraling Square Math/Art Lesson https://www.yummymath.com/2019/spiraling-squares-compass-and-straight-edge/?fbclid=IwAR2j4s0ZexlOSBuQwebzeet6ghFk6s1lQi2pfAu-eF7B1HIiL3FVLEcQW6E
I hope your family has the chance to learn about Blaise Pascal, too. He was an interesting guy with an unique understanding of numbers and patterns.
For my collection of history themed and biography resources –
betty jo
Wow, June already! Here’s a great resource list for learning (and teaching, too) all through the month. I’ll be updating the themes and daily specials with more resources as we go along, so check back. And, if you have special day resource favorites, be sure to let me know and I’ll edit them in!
BIG List of Special Days in June, 2015 https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2015/05/28/special-days-in-june-2015/
June’s Prayer Calendar for Children – http://cherigamble.com/2015/05/28/june-2015-prayer-calendar-for-children/
Resource Links for Learning from June’s Calendar http://www.se7en.org.za/se7ens-june
Elementary Resources for June’s Holidays – http://www.apples4theteacher.com/
Summer Themed Bible Based Resources and Activities – http://www.christianitycove.com/
June Theme Vocabulary Word Lists –
http://myvocabulary.com/index.php?dir=general&file=search_result
Daily Writing Prompts for June – http://www.theteacherscorner.net/daily-writing-prompts/june/
June Themed Arts and Crafts – http://www.kinderart.com/seasons/june.shtml
June and Summer Themed Math Lessons – http://www.yummymath.com/
Stargazer’s Guide to June – http://farmersalmanac.com/astronomy/2015/05/25/stargazers-guide-to-june-2015/
15 Things To Do In June – http://diyhomeschooler.com/15-things-to-do-in-june-2015/
June Science Calendar – http://thehomeschoolscientist.com/june-2015-science-calendar/
June Themes
http://www.franw.com/2014/08/domesticated-cats-resource-page.html
http://kidshealth.org/kid/htbw/eyes-movie.html?tracking=59983_B
http://www.e-learningforlife.org/Courses/EK-8057/8057start.html
Statehood Anniversaries
States Facts, History, and Videos – http://www.history.com/topics/us-states
Presidents with June Birthdays
Learning and Review Resources for all presidents – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/14/resources-for-presidents-day/
June 2015 Daily Specials
June 1 – Sun Safety Week begins * – Facts, Resources, and Tips – http://www.sunsafetyalliance.org/
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 – 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 – Inventor Frank Lloyd Wright born 1867 – Learning Resources and Activities https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/08/17/aviation-week-learning-resources/
June 8 – World Oceans Day – Celebration and Activity Ideas – http://www.worldoceansday.org/
June 9 – Donald Duck debut 1934 – Watch The Wise Little Hen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5dowCyaP7I
June 11 – Great Barrier Reef Discovery 1770 – Learning Resources – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/06/11/reef/
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 – Father’s Day – Crafts, Printables, and Recipes http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/homeschool-lesson-plans/fathers-day/
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 – Great American Backyard Campout – Resources and Activities – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/06/22/the-great-american-backyard-campout/
Happy June Learning!
betty jo
With a husband and four boys, one would think we’d have a football fan or two around the house. That’s not exactly the case, though. Most of the football season is ignored, however the Super Bowl does spark some interest. And, where there is a spark of interest, there’s learning!
Here’s some resource links for Super Bowl related lessons:
Player profiles, Super Bowl history and more from the Super Bowl Website – https://www.nfl.com/super-bowl
Biblical Truths from Football – http://kidsintheword.net/5-biblical-truths-you-can-teach-your-kids-from-football/
Football Music – lesson plans and songs http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/multimedia/series/AudioStories/touchdown-songs.aspx
Football Science Video Collection – http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/football/index.jsp
Football Rules – http://www.nfl.com/rulebook/beginnersguidetofootball
Football Vocabulary Word List – https://myvocabulary.com/index.php?dir=theme&file=theme_list&theme_id=51
Football Themed Writing Paper – https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Football-Writing-Paper-370666
Superbowl Related Math Activities for older students or for family math http://www.yummymath.com/?s=super+bowl
Super Bowl Printables, Crafts, and Activities – http://www.dltk-kids.com/searchresults.html?q=superbowl
Super Bowl Word Puzzles and Games – http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/super-bowl-sunday/
Kid Friendly Super Bowl Recipies – http://chefmom.sheknows.com/articles/822383/kid-friendly-super-bowl-foods
Super Bowl Security – https://www.govexec.com/management/2021/02/homeland-security-department-prepares-super-bowl-amid-pandemic/171831/
Super Bowl and Human Trafficking Concerns – https://www.news4jax.com/news/2021/02/04/florida-attorney-general-warns-of-human-trafficking-ahead-of-tampa-super-bowl/
Commercials are a favorite part of the Super Bowl for many viewers. Youtube has several collections of them. I’m not including a direct link to any of them because some of them are not children or family friendly, even though my search term was “super bowl commercials kids and pets”. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=super+bowl+commercials+kids+and+pets
Write your own commercials with this Persuasive Writing Guide with Printables! https://go.sadlier.com/school/teaching-persuasive-writing-advertising-super-bowl-lesson?utm_campaign=08Q_18_SP_NAT_FB_GfW_Child&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paidsocial
Wishing you Super Learning!
betty jo
I was going over the Special Days in January list with my boys and J got excited when he saw that “Penguin Awareness Day” was coming up Jan. 20. J is my kid who hardly ever gets excited about anything “school”. I wasn’t planning for a science/research study this week, but his excitement over penguins inspired me to plan a penguin study anyway. Below are the resources we found to incorporate the topic of penguins over several subjects and for all of our learning levels. I apologize for the few links that didn’t highlight in blue. I’m not sure what my technical difficulty is about, but I’m working on getting those fixed. Until then, you will need to copy and paste those links into your browser search bar.
Penguin Vocabulary Glossary – http://www.penguinscience.com/education/glossary.php
Penguin Information, Facts, Conservation, Photos – http://www.penguins-world.com/
Wonderful Mr. Rogers Neighborhood episode where he visits with penguins – http://pbskids.org/rogers/video_penguins.html
Video Footage taken from cameras strapped to the backs of Adélie penguins in waters off the coast of Antarctica – http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2266392/The-astonishing-penguin-cam-video-reveals-ruthless-hunting-penguins-are.html
Kid friendly list and links to penguins featured in news articles – http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/search.shtml?v=&s=penguins
Cute Robotic Rovers Disguised as Penguin Chicks – article and video – http://www.livescience.com/48613-cute-robots-spy-on-penguins.html
See What a Penguin Looks Like Inside – skeletal, respiratory, digestive, and circulatory systems – http://www.pinguins.info/Engels/Anatomiemap_eng.html (This is one of the links that didn’t highlight. It’s a great resource and worth the time to copy and paste the link.)
Mr. Popper’s Penguins resources – http://www.homeschoolshare.com/poppers_penguins.php
Penguin resources in the Polar Animal Unit Study – http://www.homeschoolshare.com/polar_animals_lapbook.php
More Penguin Resources and Videos – http://www.franw.com/2015/01/penguin-resources.html
Complete Penguin Teacher Guide in PDF – http://www.neaq.org/education_and_activities/teacher_resources/classroom_resources/teacher_guides/penguin_teacher_guide/index.php
Penguin Themed Math Lessons – http://www.mathwire.com/themes/themepen.html
Penguin Activities, Coloring Sheets and Word Puzzle Printables – http://www.kidzone.ws/animals/penguins/activities.htm
Penguin Themed Writing Paper Printables – http://www.teacherfiles.com/resources_bp_animals.htm
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/penguins-writing-paper
Penguins – Designed by God – article – https://answersingenesis.org/birds/penguins/
Bible wisdom demonstrated by penguins! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.”
Doesn’t this passage make you think of Antarctica?
Psalm 147:16-17
“16 He spreads the snow like wool
and scatters the frost like ashes.
17 He hurls down his hail like pebbles.
Who can withstand his icy blast?”
Interactive Penguin Games – http://penguingamesonline.com/
Penguin Jokes and Riddles – http://www.enchantedlearning.com/jokes/animals/penguin.shtml
Step-By-Step How to Draw a Penguin Instructions – http://www.howtodrawanimals.net/how-to-draw-a-penguin
Egg Carton Penguin Craft – http://patchworkparent.blogspot.fr/2013/07/penguins-join-party_8.html
Penguin Cupcakes – http://foodnfemininity.blogspot.com/2011/11/penguin-cupcakes.html
Frozen Banana Penguins – http://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/blog/2014/06/party-food/kids-party-food-frozen-banana-penguins
Even though we are just beginning our penguin study , I can tell by the resources and our enthusiasm that it’s going to be great!
betty jo
There are many learning opportunities using January’s calendar!
Below is a collection of online learning resources for January studies. A big “Thank You” to all (social media group members and blogging friends) who are sharing your resources. We wouldn’t have a list like this without a lot of help! This month has grown to have a resource for almost every day!
Special Days in January – List of January 2015 themes, holidays, and historic dates https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/12/30/special-days-in-january-2015/
January Prayer Calendar – http://cherigamble.com/2014/12/29/january-2015-prayer-calendar-for-children/
January Writing Prompts – http://www.theteacherscorner.net/daily-writing-prompts/january/
January Science Calendar – http://thehomeschoolscientist.com/january-2015-science-calendar-2/#.VKjAVXuP_sg
January Themed Math – http://www.yummymath.com/
January Themed Coloring and Activity Printables – http://www.apples4theteacher.com/
Snow is a wonderful study theme for January. This was one of our family’s favorites! – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/07/snow-week/
President’s With January Birthdays – This is how we study/review the presidents https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/14/resources-for-presidents-day/
More January Birthdays – Read biographies, printables, and online activities – http://gardenofpraise.com/index.htm
Resources for January’s Daily Specials:
1 – New Year’s – Learning Resources – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/12/31/learning-resources-for-new-years/
3 – J.R.R. Tolkien Day – Read about the author, book reviews, events, and more from his fan club, The Tolkien Society – http://www.tolkiensociety.org/
4 – Jacob Grimm 1785 – Read Brothers Grimm fairy tales – http://www.familymanagement.com/literacy/grimms/grimms-toc.html
5 – Bird Day – Make one or more of these bird feeders http://happyhooligans.ca/32-homemade-bird-feeders/ and learn some bird calls http://www.enature.com/birding/audio.asp
6 – Bean Day – Bean resources and activities – http://www.franw.com/2015/01/bean-resources.html
7 – Old Rock Day – Find geology facts, experiments, and games – http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/geology.html
8 – Joygerm Day – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/01/08/happy-joygerm-day/
9 – Static Electricity Day – This is Z’s all time favorite experiment – http://www.sciencebob.com/experiments/staticroll.php
11 – Grand Canyon National Monument dedicated 1908 – Take a virtual tour – http://www.grandcanyonvirtualtour.com/
13 – Poetry Break Day – Reading and Writing Poetry resources – http://42explore.com/poetry.htm
16 – Appreciate a Dragon Day – Fast Facts and resource links – http://www.kidskonnect.com/subjectindex/13-categories/animals/439-dragons.html
18 – Winnie the Pooh Day – http://www.just-pooh.com/
19 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/01/17/teaching-resources-for-martin-luther-king-day/
19 – Edgar Allan Poe born 1809 – Research Project – http://www.franw.com/2013/10/edgar-allan-poe-research-project.html
20 – Draw a Dinosaur Day – Try these step-by-step instructions – http://www.dragoart.com/google_search.php?cx=partner-pub-6207428572838690%3A2440456717&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=UTF-8&q=dinosaur
21 – Squirrel Appreciation Day – Huge list of unit study resources – http://lastingthumbprints.com/free-squirrel-resource-unit/
23 – Handwriting Analysis Week begins – Learn about the forensics analysis of handwriting – http://science.howstuffworks.com/handwriting-analysis.htm
24 – Talk Like a Grizzled Prospector Day – How about a Yosemite Sam cartoon? – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PO4JcgD3vq0
25 – Burns Night – Robert Burns born 1759 – http://activityvillage.co.uk/burns-night
25 – Super Bowl – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/01/31/the-winter-olympic-games-but-first-the-super-bowl/
26 – Australia Day – http://activityvillage.co.uk/australia-day
27 – Author Lewis Carrol born 1832 – Study guide for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/alice/
29 – Patriot Thomas Paine born 1737 – Watch the Common Sense episode of Liberty’s Kids – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awlBeITstkE
30 – Yodel For Your Neighbors Day – How to Yodel Instructions, Videos, and some historic facts – http://wordbone.com/learn/how-to-yodel-instructions-for-beginners-kids-and-celebrity-singers/
31 – Inspire Your Heart With Art Day – When looking for an art project, this is my usual “go to” site. No matter what subject you’re studying, this link has something to tie art in with it! – http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/craftsbytheme.html
And remember to check out what’s available at your local libraries. Ours usually has themes for reading contests, and book suggestions. We picked up 2 bags of books to go along with our first couple of weeks of Special Days in January studies.
Happy January Learning!
betty jo
It’s been a wonderful holiday break from homeschooling for us, but it’s time to get back into the swing of lessons and learning. New Year’s celebrations will be our last lesson focus of 2014 as well as our first lesson focus of 2015. Below are the online resources we’ll be using for our study.
New Year Countdown Interactive Map – http://www.timeanddate.com/counters/newyearmap.html
Traditions, recipes, games, poetry, and how to say “Happy New Year” from Around the World – http://www.fathertimes.net/traditions.htm
And Year Review and Resolution printables http://www.modernparentsmessykids.com/2014/12/free-family-new-years-resolution-printable.html
And New Year’s themed art and craft ideas http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/newyearscraftsactivitieskids.html
A hands-on Bible Study with a New Year’s object lesson and playdough http://www.christianitycove.com/new-years-lesson-committing-to-gods-hands/6281/
Times Square Ball math lesson – http://www.yummymath.com/2014/evolution-of-the-times-square-ball/
Photos of Celebrations Around the World – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/31/photos-new-years-world_n_6402768.html
How to Make Fireworks is an interesting science article and with the noises we’re hearing from around our neighborhood, an appropriate New Year’s science lesson – http://blogs.howstuffworks.com/brainstuff/how-to-make-fireworks.htm
The top news/current events from 2014 – http://www.ourlittleearth.com/
Wishing you a wonderful year of learning! Happy 2015!
betty jo