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Learning Resources for September
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Special Days in September, 2015
August Resources
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 –
- Artist Appreciation – Artist Biographies, Galleries, and Printables – http://gardenofpraise.com/art.htm
- Aviation https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/08/17/aviation-week-learning-resources/
- Immunization Awareness – Pros and Cons of Childhood Vaccines – http://vaccines.procon.org/
- Inventors – Biographies, Photos, Quotes, and more – http://www.ideafinder.com/history/of_inventors.htm
- National Parks – History, photos, maps and more – http://www.nps.gov/index.htm
- Oranges – Nutritional and Activity Resources – http://www.franw.com/2015/01/orange-resources.html
Presidents with August Birthdays
- Barack Obama – Aug. 4, 1961
- Herbert Hoover – Aug. 10, 1874
- William Clinton – Aug. 19, 1946
- Benjamin Harrison – Aug. 20, 1833
- Lyndon B. Johnson – Aug. 27, 1908
Awesome learning resources for the presidents – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/14/resources-for-presidents-day/
August Statehood Anniversaries
- Colorado – Aug. 1, 1876
- Missouri – Aug. 10, 1821
- Hawaii – Aug. 21, 1959
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!)
- Aug. 1 – Francis Scott Key born 1779 – Biography and “Star Spangled Banner” resources – http://www.franw.com/2013/07/the-star-spangled-banner.html
- Aug. 1 – Spiderman Day – Resources and Activities http://www.franw.com/2017/05/spiderman.html
- Aug. 3 (US), Aug. 4 (UK) – Watermelon Day – Facts, Resources, Recipes, and Activities – http://www.franw.com/2011/08/watermelon-day.html
- Aug. 4 – Musician Louis Armstrong born 1901 – Cool Resource List –https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/08/03/louie-armstrong/
- Aug. 5 – Exercise With Your Child Week begins * – Homeschool Mom Approved Youtube Exercise Videos https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/01/10/get-up-and-move-a-break-time-playlist
- Aug. 7 – Lighthouse Day – Resource List http://www.franw.com/2017/06/lighthouses.html
- Aug. 7 – Sea Serpent Day – Resource List http://www.atozkidsstuff.com/seaserpent.html
- Aug. 8 – Odie Day – Garfield Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/06/19/garfield-the-cat-not-the-president/
- Aug. 8 – Ornithologist Florence Merriam Bailey born 1863 – Biography and Exhibit http://earlywomeninscience.biodiversityexhibition.com/en/card/florence-a-merriam-bailey
- Aug. 8 – Smokey the Bear Advertising Campaign begins 1944 – History, games, wildfire facts and more – http://smokeybear.com/
- August 10 – S’mores Day – Cross Curriculum Resources and Recipes – http://www.franw.com/2012/07/marshmallows.html
- Aug. 10 – Snoopy’s Birthday – Peanuts Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/10/02/peanuts/
- Aug 11 – Play in the Sand Day – Learning Resources and Activities http://www.franw.com/2017/06/play-in-sand.html
- Aug. 12 – World Elephant Day – Learning Resources and Activities – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/08/10/elephants/
- Aug. 13 – Annie Oakley born 1860 – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2015/08/13/annie-oakley-2/
- Aug. 14 – World Lizard Day – Huge List of Resources and Activities – http://www.franw.com/2014/05/lizard-resource-page.html
- Aug. 14 – Wiffle Ball invented 1953 – Game History and Science Resource List https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2018/08/14/wiffle-ball/
- Aug. 15 – Relaxation Day – Relaxation VS Stress Lesson Plans, Activities, and Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/08/15/relaxation-vs-stress-resource-list/
- Aug. 16 – Gold discovered in the Yukon 1896 – California Gold Rush http://www.ducksters.com/history/westward_expansion/california_gold_rush.php
- Aug. 16 – Tell a Joke Day – Awesome jokes page for kids http://www.enchantedlearning.com/jokes/
- Aug. 16 – Roller Coaster Patented 1898 – STEM Activity https://www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/duk_rollercoaster_music_act
- Aug. 17 – Black Cat Appreciation Day – Cats Resource Page – http://www.franw.com/2014/08/domesticated-cats-resource-page.html
- Aug. 18 – Bad Poetry Day – Poetry Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2019/08/21/poetry-resources/
- Aug. 19 – Orville Wright born – Resource List https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/08/17/aviation-week-learning-resources/
- Aug. 21 – Hawaii Statehood 1959 – Resource List http://www.franw.com/search?q=hawaii
- Aug. 21 – Poet’s Day – Poetry Resource List https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2019/08/21/poetry-resources/
- Aug. 22 – Honey Bee Day – The Honeybee Conservancy Pre-K through 12 Lesson Plan Library http://thehoneybeeconservancy.org/2016/05/15/honeybee-conservancy-lesson-plan-library/
- Aug. 23 – Ride the Wind Day – Wind Activities and Resources http://www.franw.com/search?q=wind
- Aug. 24 – Mt. Vesuvius Erupted 79AD – Volcano Unit Study and Lapbook Printables http://www.homeschoolshare.com/volcanoes.php And, “Escape from Pompeii” – Adventurers Masters of Time Cartoon Series https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWI22TWLB1Q&list=PLD470AEDC93B07E3D
- Aug. 24 – US Capital Building and White House burned 1814 – War of 1812 http://www.ducksters.com/history/us_1800s/war_of_1812.php
- Aug. 24 – Pluto Demoted 2006 – NASA Explains “What is Pluto?” https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/stories/nasa-knows/what-is-pluto-k4.html
- Aug. 25 – Inventor Joshua Lionel Cowen born 1877 – Resource List https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/05/24/lionel-trains-special-day-august-25/
- Aug. 25 – Ivan the Terrible born 1530 – Short Video Biography https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMqmQ-C5N6Y&list=RDQVkC9HbBppg&index=5
- Aug. 26 – Mother Teresa born 1910 – Learning Resources – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/08/26/mother-teresa/
- Aug. 27 – 1st Tarzan story published 1912 – Read a Tarzan Story http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/search/?query=tarzan
- Aug. 28 – Dream Day (Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream” speech 1963) – Learning Resources and Activities – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/08/28/50-years-ago/
- Aug. 30 – Toasted Marshmallow Day – Facts, recipes, and activities – http://www.franw.com/2012/07/marshmallows.html
- Aug. 30 – Frankenstein Day (Author Mary Shelly born 1797) – Biography, Activities, and Learning Resources – http://www.franw.com/2011/10/mary-shelleys-frankenstein.html
- Aug. 30 – Slinky Day – Science Experiments with Slinkies http://sciencing.com/science-projects-slinkies-8320196.html
- Aug. 31 – Kinetoscope patented 1887 – Learning Links – http://www.franw.com/2015/08/kinetoscope.html
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
Learning Resources for July
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 –
- 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 http://www.ready.gov/terrorist-hazards
- Ice Cream – Learning Resources and Activities – http://www.franw.com/2011/07/ice-cream.html
- Wild About Wildlife – Animal Videos and Games – http://www.neok12.com/Animals-Wildlife.htm
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 learning resources for 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
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 –
- America’s Birthday – Learning Resources – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/07/04/happy-birthday-america/
- Fireworks – Learning Resources – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/07/05/fireworks/
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
Learning Resources for June
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
- 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
- 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-learningforlife.org/Courses/EK-8057/8057start.html
- Okra – Make an Okra Stamp –
- Skyscraper – Learning Resources –
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
States Facts, History, and Videos – http://www.history.com/topics/us-states
Presidents with June Birthdays
- George H.W. Bush – June 12, 1924
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
Learning Resources for Special Days in January, 2015
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/
- Millard Fillmore born Jan. 7, 1800
- Richard Nixon born Jan. 9, 1913
- Wm. McKinley born Jan. 29, 1843
- Franklin Roosevelt born Jan. 30, 1882
More January Birthdays – Read biographies, printables, and online activities – http://gardenofpraise.com/index.htm
- Isaac Newton – Jan. 4, 1693
- Joan of Arc – Jan. 6, 1412
- Albert Schweitzer – Jan. 14, 1875
- Ben Franklin – Jan. 17, 1706
- Mozart – Jan. 27, 1756
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
Learning Resources for New Year’s
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
Learning Christmas with Countdowns
Are you extra busy this time of year? We are! Our calendar is filled with Christmas program rehearsals, a holiday workshop, caroling, and parties. We’re decorating, crafting and baking. And of course, there’s light displays to drive by, extra shopping, and gifts to wrap and deliver. Oh yeah, there’s homeschool lessons, too.
Not only are we counting the days down until Christmas, we’re counting the days left in our semester. I know some homeschooling families that take off the month of December, as nice as that sounds, it isn’t for us. We keep on learning through December, and we have about two more weeks of homeschooling before we’ll be ready for a break . However, with the added busy-ness, regular lessons won’t give us the time we need to pursue the activities that make this time of year so special.
Below are the online links to Advent and Christmas countdowns that we are using for quick lessons that are helping us check off our daily subjects. Not only have the kids been liking these (probably because it’s extra computer time and the studies are short), I like them too. It’s wonderful to have a break in lesson planning and to devote my “teacher time” to all the activities December brings. It’s fun knowing that we have surprises waiting for us to learn about each morning. And since these resources are brief, we have the afternoons for all those extras.
For Bible references and a little related trivia each day until Christmas – http://www.jamtrust.org/resources/adventcalendar/AdventCalendar.html
Learn Something “Christmassy” every day for 25 days – http://www.whychristmas.com/adventcalendar/
Countdown with Math – secondary grade levels (6-12) – http://nrich.maths.org/11330
Countdown with Math – primary grade levels (1-5) – http://nrich.maths.org/11078
For Science, a Chemistry Countdown – http://www.compoundchem.com/2014advent/
Unlock a New Game Each Day Until Christmas – http://www.santagames.net/calendar/index.htm
World Geography and Cultures – Read about Christmas traditions around the world (We used this as a study link last year and it’s great!) – http://projectbritain.com/Xmas/calendar/index.html
Liverpool Museum has a historic display to share each day – http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/christmas/advent/
For even more Christmas Advent and Countdown resources
I hope you enjoy your final learning days until the holiday break. I wish you Merry Homeschooling!
betty jo
Thanksgiving – Been There, Done That
As we move along on our “special days” studies through November, I see Thanksgiving looming coming up in the not so distant future. I thought seriously about not teaching Thanksgiving lessons this year. How could I not want to teach Thanksgiving? We’ve always had wonderful Thanksgiving lessons in November. Yes, that’s it. For 17 years – 17 Novembers, I’ve been teaching a week or two or three of Thanksgiving. The who, what, when, why, and how of those Mayflower pilgrims and the natives that they encountered, Lincoln’s proclamation to make a Thanksgiving holiday, Bible studies that focus on giving thanks and gratitude, nutritional studies of squash, pumpkins, turkeys, sweet potatoes, and corn, Thanksgiving celebrations around the world, tons of cooking projects, and craft activities to go along with it all – we’ve been there and done that over and over again.
In addition to my grumpy mood about Thanksgiving lessons, our primary history focus of the year is Modern World History so the Pilgrim/Indian theme just doesn’t seem to fit or apply. I look over the recent additions to our timeline and see WW1, the stock market crash of 1929, WW2 – hard and fearful times, but still were thankful times, too. Hmmm …
Below are some of the online resources we’ll be using as we begin a new Thanksgiving study with a modern history twist, and the cure for my Thanksgiving lesson planning grumpiness. I’m actually getting excited about these lessons now!
During WW1, food was rationed and that had quite an impact on that Thanksgiving dinner. This article does a terrific job explaining American Thanksgiving during WW1. I love the photos of the newspaper ads from 1917 and 1918. http://blog.genealogybank.com/rationing-thanksgiving-dinner-during-world-war-i.html
And what of the troops on Thanksgiving 1918? Read about the football, feasts, and entertainment the Red Cross planned in this old Stars and Stripes magazine article http://www.oldmagazinearticles.com/Thanksgiving_in_WW1_France#.VGRLisnbGi0
Macy’s Department Store held their first parade in 1924. Read about the history of this famous parade here http://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-other/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade1.htm
Watch a short video of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade history with some actual film footage from the first parade http://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving/videos/history-of-the-thanksgiving-day-parade
View this Macy’s Thanksgiving Day photo gallery from Time http://content.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,2100160_2324105,00.html
Thanksgiving Radio Show 1935
Jack Benny Thanksgiving Radio Show 1939
A wonderful account of the Thanksgiving that came early http://www.farmcollector.com/farm-life/thanksgiving-during-the-great-depression.aspx#axzz3IpQaEi9v
And more about that early Thanksgiving which became known as “Franksgiving” from this historic letter collection http://www.lettersofnote.com/2009/11/unhappy-franksgiving.html
That famous Norman Rockwell American family portrait of Thanksgiving dinner is still a popular work of art today. But back in 1943 it was a political statement. Find out more about that here http://bigthink.com/Picture-This/what-norman-rockwells-thanksgiving-pictures-really-about
Details of WW2 Thanksgiving in a pdf from America in WWII Magazine http://www.americainwwii.com/files/2012/11/thankful-anyway-dec-2009.pdf
A delightful article about Thanksgiving at home and at war http://www.sarahsundin.com/thanksgiving-in-world-war-ii/
Thanksgiving writings from WW2 veterans along with some pictures from Time Magazine 1940’s Thanksgiving photo album http://www.skylighters.org/thanksgiving/
Armed Forces Radio Thanksgiving Show 1944
And with that fantastic swing music, some Charleston and Swing Dance instructions may be in order!
And back in those days, math was practical and so are these Thanksgiving themed math lessons http://www.yummymath.com/?s=thanksgiving
The common thread of Thanksgiving celebration during these times seems to be making the most with whatever resources were available and finding blessings in any circumstance. With this in mind, our Thanksgiving Bible studies will focus on contentment.
- Philippians 4:11-12 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
- 1 Timothy 6:8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
- Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Just for fun and a little about the mindset of the times here’s a Classic Thanksgiving cartoon playlist. One of these is from 1933 and one from 1945. The rest are a little more recent, 1950’s-70’s. http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRgLrYQQYdPr9xb8HiRXaJZAWiKmp4wQ6
What about science? How about human anatomy and the digestive system? Seems to fit the theme of “Thanksgiving dinner”, right?
Digestive System Facts – http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/humanbody/digestivesystem.html
Human Body Interactive Map of the digestion system – http://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/digestive-system/male
Label the Digestion System printable with a vocabulary and definition list http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/anatomy/digestive/label/
This National Geographic video is NOT for the squeamish! It is actual footage of the digestive process filmed by a scope procedure. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QYwscALNng
A little more pleasant to watch, an animation of how the digestive system works http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwrsL-lCZYo
There is even a digestion song! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sDMVgw9d-c
Online Digestive System Quiz http://www.lrn.org/Content/Quizzes/Qdigestive.html
Hopefully our appetites will still exist after this science study! We have a lot of cooking and eating to do!
I wish you happy learning this Thanksgiving!
betty jo
Resources For Learning About Skyscrapers
“SKYSCRAPERS” is one of the themes for the month of June and September 3 is “SKYSCRAPER DAY”! Below are the links we’ll be following as we learn about skyscrapers. This study will cover the subjects of science, math, language arts, history, geography, literature, and art. Most of the resources will apply to all ages.
Skyscraper Day Information http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/September/skyscraperday.htm
Fun Facts About Skyscrapers http://www.factmonster.com/spot/skyscraperfacts.html (there’s related links on the right side of the article)
How Skyscrapers Work Articles with Diagrams http://science.howstuffworks.com/engineering/structural/skyscraper2.htm
Time-lapse Construction Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hdpf-MQM9vY
Virtual Field Trip – 360 degree Panoramic View from the Empire State Building http://www.nylocations.com/360-panorama/empire-state-building/
Skyscraper Emergency Engineering Lab Interactives http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/skyscraper/challenge/index.html
Videos, Lesson Plans and Printable Resources, and More http://skyscraper.org/home_flash.htm
Video Algebra Lesson http://threeacts.mrmeyer.com/dominoskyscraper/
Window Cleaning Skyscraper Math (multiplication) Interactive Game http://www.multiplication.com/games/play/math-wash
Another math lessons will be skyscraper word problems game. I’ll make up and write some math problems on cards. The kids will be making some too. For example, “If the elevator travels 30 seconds between each floor and does not stop until it reaches the 37th floor. How many minutes will it take to reach the 37th floor from the ground floor?” We’ll each be able to come up with construction time and cost problems too. Once there’s a stack of question cards, we’ll take turns drawing and answering. With each correct answer, the player gets a Lego block. The player with the highest Lego Tower will be the winner.
Skyscraper Building Activity Challenge http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Skyscraper-Challenge-A-Team-Building-Activity-279407
To add a Bible study to our lessons, I entered “skyscrapers” into the search feature at Bible.org. I was pleasantly surprised to see more than the Tower of Babel to choose from! https://bible.org/gsearch?search=skyscrapers
The Runaway Skyscraper , written by Murray Leinster, is a science fiction novelette , originally published in Argosy magazine (a general-interest fiction magazine) in 1919, now it’s a free read from Project Gutenberg http://www.gutenberg.org/files/17355/17355-h/17355-h.htm
The Two Skyscrapers Who Decided to Have a Child is one of the short stories of the Rootabaga Stories written in 1922 by Carl Sandburg and is a free read here http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/episodes/carl-sandburg/rootabaga-stories-the-two-skyscrapers-who-decided-to-have-a-child/2206/
Skyscrapers are tall. “Tall” isn’t a greatest choice of adjectives for describing a skyscraper. Here’s the link to synonyms and words related to “tall” for a grammar, writing, and vocabulary lesson. http://www.thesaurus.com/browse/tall
A Word Mining Game will be another language arts connection. After we have as many words made as possible from the letters in “SKYSCRAPER”, we’ll categorize them into the relative parts of speech they belong to, noun, verb, adjective, etc. Then we’ll try to put those words together for silly sentences.
How to Draw a Cityscape http://www.dragoart.com/tuts/link/4534/1/1/how-to-draw-a-city.htm
Print, Cut, and Fold Skyscraper Models –
- Chrysler Building http://www.papertoys.com/chrysler-building.htm
- Empire State Building http://www.papertoys.com/empire-building.htm
- World Trade Center http://www.papertoys.com/world-trade-center.htm
I’ve been on my local library’s web site and reserved a few skyscraper books to pick up this week and while we’re out, we’ll take a close look at our city’s 2 tallest buildings – 19 stories and 10 stories.
betty jo
Still Learning Something New 