September 19 is “Talk Like a Pirate” Day and the boys have picked it (again for the 3rd year in a roll) for our Special Day study. I have been over and updated our resource list for 2016. Now, I need to find and dust off our lapbook.
Click here for Pirate Learning Resources and Activities https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/09/19/arrrrgh-pirates/
Arrrg!
betty jo
September 13 is “Roald Dahl Day” and our top pick for this week’s learning!
We started reading The BFG yesterday and I can already tell that it’s going to be one of our favorite stories. A movie marathon (with the help of our local library) is part of this week’s agenda, too: The Fantastic Mr. Fox, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Here’s our family’s list of the online resources as we learn about Roald Dahl and his career as one of the most popular children’s authors of all time.
Biography, Timeline, Quotes, Printables, and More http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/news/celebrate-roald-dahl-100-with-teaching-ideas
Lesson Plans and Literature Study Guides for Dahl’s best known stories https://www.roalddahl.com/create-and-learn/teach/teach-the-stories
Character Study Notebooking http://activityvillage.co.uk/roald-dahl-character-studies
Printable Quote Notes http://activityvillage.co.uk/roald-dahl-lunch-box-notes
Coloring Pages and Craft (scroll down a little bit for the pdf’s) http://www.corkcitylibraries.ie/hollyhill/colouringcraftsdownloads/
Trivia and Quizzes http://www.funtrivia.com/quizzes/for_children/kid_lit_authors_a_-_k/roald_dahl.html
betty jo
I was drinking coffee and preparing for the days schooling. I was watching the morning news when the first attack happened and saw the second plane crash into the other tower. I heard about the third and fourth plane crashes as those reports came in. My children (just three of them back then) were witnessing all of it. We were discussing it last night and the memories are still just as shocking and sickening for them as they are for me.
A couple of years ago, when these kids were teens and young adults, we put together a remembrance study geared towards their maturity level. Here’s the links for the online resources we used. I checked them and all are still working and relevant. https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/09/11/911-remembrance/
And, here’s the resources for younger children that we’ve been using for Patriot Day as our youngest two boys learn about those horrible events that happened to their country just a few years before they were born https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/09/10/teaching-resources-for-patriot-day/
According to Special Days in September ( https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/08/23/special-days-in-september-2016/ ), September 7, 1860 is the birth date of Grandma Moses. A couple of Septembers ago we learned about her and enjoyed her art. This year we have decided to further that study. Below are the online resources we’ll be using as we learn about this fascinating and talented lady and practice some pre-painting drawing.
Biography with printable word puzzles and tests http://gardenofpraise.com/art43.htm
Biography and Artwork video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw9J5S2jCPo
Read along Grandma Moses https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf3Abv5xxKA
Printable Artist Notebooking Page http://notebookingfairy.com/2011/11/artist-notebooking-page/
Google image search has the best collection of artwork! https://www.google.com/search?q=grandma+moses+online+gallery&safe=active&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjf0_SHq_3OAhUGGh4KHZFhBNAQ_AUICCgB&biw=1252&bih=604
Step by step Learn to Draw :
Tips to help with introducing painting, and preparing work space for painting http://www.ecokidsart.com/basic-tips-how-to-teach-or-introduce-painting-to-children-for-the-first-time/
And a “how to” explanation from Grandma Moses herself!
And check with your local library. Ours has these!
betty jo
Teaching and learning with the calendar is a popular choice for educators and students of all grades and levels. My family has been learning with Special Days for several years. You can find my favorite cross curricular collection of resources that can be used every month here https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/07/31/learning-resources-for-special-days/
Below are the online resources we have used during past September Special Days studies along with resources I have saved for future Septembers.
HUGE list of Special Days in September
Printable Special Days in September
Specific September Themed Resources
Apples – Learning Resources, Recipes, and Activities – http://www.franw.com/2013/11/apple-resources.html
Classical Music –
Composer, Music Theory, and Orchestra Lessons Plans and Printables http://makingmusicfun.net/
Composer Audio Biographies, Music, Games http://classicsforkids.com/
Disaster Preparedness –
Information, Resources, Activities, and Ideas http://www.franw.com/2016/05/emergency-preparedness-resources.html
Earthquakes – Learning Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/10/16/earthquakes/
Hurricanes – Resource List http://www.franw.com/2015/09/tracking-hurricanes.html
DNA, Genomics, and Stem Cell Education –
Learn from this Animation Library – https://www.dnalc.org/resources/animations/
Also, Request Free Science Posters, Fact Sheets, and Brochures – (Immunology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology) http://www.biolegend.com/literature/posters
Happy Cat Month – Domesticated Cats Learning Resources – http://www.franw.com/2014/08/domesticated-cats-resource-page.html
Children’s Good Manners –
Articles, Tips, Games, and more from Emily Post – http://www.emilypost.com/home-and-family
And, a nice list of resources for teaching/learning Manners and Etiquette http://howtohomeschoolforfree.com/free-etiquette-manners-curriculum/
Food Safety – Tips, activities, and games for kids – http://www.homefoodsafety.org/kids
People Skills –
Social Skill Development – https://www.skillsyouneed.com/parent/ips-children.html
Huge List of Lesson Plans Related to Social Skills – (these are geared towards the middle grades which makes it easy to adapt the lessons for higher or lower levels) http://www.cccoe.net/social/skillslist.htm
How to Communicate Better with Your Children and Conversation Ideas for Homeschooled Teens – from Blessed Learners
Save a Tiger –
Facts, Photos, Sounds – https://bigcatrescue.org/tiger-facts/
Tiger Unit Study and Lapbook printables – http://www.homeschoolshare.com/tiger_lapbook.php
Sewing –
Basic Hand Stitches for Beginners – http://www.redtedart.com/2016/05/10/basic-hand-stitches-beginners/
Easy Sewing Crafts for Kids – http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/feltsewinglearnhowtosewartscraftsideaskids.html
Update Your Resume – Student Resume Tips and Forms – http://homeschooltipsandresources.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-student-resume-part-2.html
Presidents with September Birthdays
William Taft – Sept. 15, 1857
Presidents Learning Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/14/resources-for-presidents-day/
September Statehood Anniversaries and Country Independence Dates
Geography Activity and Resource List https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/07/29/special-days-and-geography/
Daily Specials for September
Sept. 1 – Emma M. Nutt Day – Telephone Etiquette Tips http://www.a-to-z-of-manners-and-etiquette.com/tips-on-telephone-etiquette.html
Sept. 1 – Nutrition Week begins – Lesson Plans, Activities, and Interactive Games – http://www.nourishinteractive.com/nutrition-education/teachers-lesson-plans
Sept. 2 – Blueberry Popsicle Day – A short article with the ‘cool’ history of the popsicle invention http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/national-blueberry-popsicle-day
Sept. 2 – Great Fire of London 1666 – http://www.franw.com/2017/07/great-fire-of-london.html
Sept 3 – American Flag 1st Flown in Battle 1777 – Resources and Activities http://www.franw.com/2011/07/united-states-flag.html
Sept. 3 – Skyscraper Day – Learning Resources – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/09/03/resources-for-learning-about-skyscrapers/
Sept. 4 – Inventor Lewis Howard Latimer born 1848 – Resource List http://www.franw.com/2017/07/lewis-howard-latimer.html
Sept. 5 – Cheese Pizza Day – Project and Resource List http://www.franw.com/2016/08/pizza-project.html
Sept. 6 – Iguana Awareness Day – Huge Lizzard Resource List – http://www.franw.com/2014/05/lizard-resource-page.html
Sept. 7 – Artist, Grandma Moses born 1860 – Biography and art resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/09/07/grandma-moses/
Sept. 8 – Popcorn Festival begins – Project and Resource List http://www.franw.com/2014/10/popcorn-project.html
Sept. 9 – Teddy Bear Day – Fun Facts https://wiki.kidzsearch.com/wiki/Teddy_bear
Sept. 10 – Sewing Machine Patented 1846 – Resource List http://www.franw.com/2017/07/sewing-machine.html
Sept. 11 – 9/11 Remembrance Day/Patriot Day – Learning Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/09/10/teaching-resources-for-patriot-day/
Sept. 11 – I Want to Start My Own Business Day – Lesson Plans and Resources http://bizkids.com/
Sept. 12 – Cleopatra’s Needle erected Sept. 12, 1878 (London)
http://www.projectbritain.com/calendar/September/CleopatrasNeedle.html
Sept. 12 – Lascaux Cave Painting Discovery 1940 – Cave Art Project – http://artlessonsforkids.me/2009/03/15/cave-art-comes-alive/
Sept 12 – Video Game Day – Video Games turned into lessons – http://www.franw.com/2015/08/video-games.html
Sept 13 – Chocolate Day – Learning Resources, Recipes, and Activities – http://www.franw.com/2013/12/chocolate-activities.html
Sept. 13 – Author, Roald Dahl born 1916 – Learning Resources – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/09/13/roald-dahl/
Sept. 13 – Defy Superstition Day – Learning Resources (This was one of our most interesting studies – ever!) https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/06/10/superstitions/
Sept. 13 – Peanut Day – Information, Activities, and Recipes http://www.franw.com/2015/12/peanuts.html
Sept. 14 – Handel’s ‘Messiah’ composed 1741 – Lesson Plan and Printables https://ichoosejoy.org/2015/12/02/free-handels-messiah-lesson-plan-and-10-page-printable-pack/
Sept. 14 – Star Spangled Banner Composed by Francis Scott Key 1814 – Learning Resources and Activities http://www.franw.com/2013/07/the-star-spangled-banner.html
Sept. 15 – Dot Day – Be inspired to create wonderful works of art with The Dot! Watch this video if you don’t have the book – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5mGeR4AQdM
Sept. 15 – Make a Hat Day – These cardboard recycle hats are great! We made J’s magician’s hat from one of these . – http://www.ikatbag.com/2010/06/hats.html
Sept 16 – Collect Rocks Day – Rocks and Minerals Learning Resources and Activities – http://www.franw.com/2015/08/rock-mineral-resources.html
Sept. 16 – Illusionist David Copperfield born 1956 – Magic Tricks Resources http://www.franw.com/2014/11/magic-tricks-resource-page.html
Sept. 16 – Pilgrims Set Sail to the New World – Mayflower Resources – http://www.franw.com/2011/11/mayflower.html
Sept. 17 – Constitution Week begins – Learning Resources – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/09/17/constitution-week-resources/
Sept. 18 – Roadrunner Cartoon debut 1949 – Watch a few of these videos – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W_wz7qQVN0&list=PLL3uNn7f3npgkXGEU71mZSlb31vki3v-J&index=1
Sept. 18 – CIA created, 1947 – K-12 Resources, Games, and Puzzles from the CIA – https://www.cia.gov/kids-page
Sept. 19 – Talk Like a Pirate Day – Pirate Unit Study Resources and Activities (this was one of our all time favorites!) – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/09/19/arrrrgh-pirates/
Sept. 20 – Artist Dale Chihuly born 1941 – Resource Page –
https://www.franw.com/2017/07/dale-chihuly-resource-page.html
Sept. 21 – Banana Festival – Health and Nutrition Facts https://www.livescience.com/45005-banana-nutrition-facts.html
Sept. 21 – Miniature Golf Day – DIY Mini Golf Course (indoors or outdoors) – http://www.mykidsadventures.com/build-your-own-mini-golf-course/#more-8858
Sept. 22 – Elephant Appreciation Day – Resources and Activities – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/08/10/elephants/
Sept. 22 – Scientist Michael Faraday born 1791 http://www.franw.com/2017/07/michael-faraday.html
Sept. 22 – World Rhino Day – Study and Lapbooking Printables – http://www.homeschoolshare.com/rhinos.php
Sept. 22 – Stonehenge Day – Lesson Plans and Resources https://www.schooliseasy.com/2016/04/focused-history-lesson-teaching-kids-about-stonehenge/
Sept. 22 – Autumnal Equinox – Learning Resources and Activities – http://www.franw.com/2013/09/fall-equinox.html
Sept. 23 – Author William Holmes McGuffey born 1800 – Free McGuffey Readers – http://www.learn-to-read-prince-george.com/McGuffey-readers.html
Sept 23 – Neptune Discovered 1846 – Facts http://www.planetsforkids.org/planet-neptune.html
Sept. 23 – Activist Victoria Woodhull born 1838 – Learning Resources and Activities – http://www.franw.com/2012/11/inspiring-people-victoria-woodhull.html
Sept. 24 – Jim Henson born 1936 – Resource List http://www.franw.com/2017/07/jim-henson.html
Sept. 24 – Punctuation Day – Interactive game – http://www.funenglishgames.com/grammargames/punctuation.html
Sept. 24 – Teach Ag Day – Lesson plans – https://www.naae.org/teachag/teachag_lessons.cfm
Sept 25 – Comic Book Day – Learning Resources and Activities – http://www.franw.com/2015/04/create-comic.html
Sept. 25 – Poet, Author, Song writer Shel Silverstein born 1930 – Biography and Resources – http://www.shelsilverstein.com/
Sept. 26 – Johnny Appleseed born 1774 – Resource Page http://www.franw.com/2017/07/johnny-appleseed-resource-page.html
Sept. 26 – Shamu (the whale) Day – FAQs – http://seaworld.org/en/animal-info/ask-shamu/faq/#killer-whales
Sept. 27 – Ancestor Appreciation Day – Family Tree Ideas and Printables
http://homeschoolgiveaways.com/2017/01/free-family-tree-printables-and-ideas/
Sept. 27 – Evangelist / Philanthropist George Mueller born 1805 – Biography and Printables – http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdmuller.htm
Sept. 27 – Rosetta Stone Deciphered 1822 – Fun Facts – http://www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/egypt/rosetta.htm
Sept. 28 – Artist Caravaggio born 1573 – Masterpieces Art Lesson and Gallery Slideshow http://educators.mfa.org/visiting-masterpieces-caravaggio-416016
Sept. 29 – Confucius born 551 BC – Biography, Information, and Resources – http://ancienthistory.mrdonn.org/Confucius.html
Sept. 29 – Heart Day – Kid’s Activities – http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/HealthierKids/ActivitiesforKids/Activities-for-Kids_UCM_304155_SubHomePage.jsp
Sept. 29 – Inventors Day – Inventions, Inventors, and Innovations History – http://www.ideafinder.com/history/index.html
Sept 30 – Hot Mulled Cider Day – Try making your own apple cider with this recipe – http://www.franw.com/2013/09/homemade-apple-cider.html
If you have special day resources for September, please share them with me so they can be added to this list. Also, if you find a link not operating properly, let me know about that, too.
Happy September Learning!
betty jo
That’s our latest chalkboard wall mural! And, part of our 2016 Olympic Games studies. We’ve loved learning about Brazil, how to speak a little Portuguese, watching the events, and athlete interviews.
We picked up some awesome books during our weekly library trip.
I posted our resource list last week and have made some tweeks since actually beginning the study. Sadly, one of the Portuguese language links ended up with some inappropriate for children (or parents) phrases. That link along with a couple of others have been removed.
After seeing broken bones, bandage wraps, bruises, and other injuries, I added a link to a couple of great articles for kids about sports safety and athlete health. Learning good sportsmanship has now been added to the resources. And, some more faith, science, and math connections, too.
Oh, and what about an Olympic Party? Sounds fun! I found a resource for foods, recipes, and decorations!
You can see the newly revised Learning Resources for the Olympic Games here https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2016/08/03/free-learning-resources-for-the-olympic-games/
If you’re interested in more about our chalkboard wall, you can see our art projects here https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/one-of-our-favorite-things-the-wall/
Hope you’ll be enjoying the Rio games with your family, too!
betty jo
Our first Special Days unit study of the new school year will be based on the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio. I’ve been lesson planning and collecting resources. And, I’ve found some fantastic free online learning resources to share with you!
Homepage for the Rio 2016 Olympics! https://www.rio2016.com/en
Olympic Sports Schedule http://olympics.nbcsports.com/2016/08/01/rio-olympic-schedules-every-sport/
Meet mascots Vinicius and Tom and learn what they are and who and what they represent https://mic.com/articles/150180/who-are-the-rio-2016-olympics-mascots-what-to-know-about-vinicius-and-tom#.Td7dxiHhF
Free Summer Olympic Lapbook Printables http://www.homeschoolshare.com/blog/2016/06/olympics-unit-study-lapbook/
Brazil facts, interactive, and printables http://easyscienceforkids.com/all-about-brazil/
Great selection of Oylmpic and Brazil free printables for all subjects and levels (you’ll need an account and it’s free to set up and won’t take long) https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Price-Range/Free/Search:summer+olympics
4 Olympic Bible verses and homeschooling ideas http://whatsinthebible.com/the-2014-olympic-games-four-bible-verses-plus-four-homeschooling-ideas/
Olympic Maps! Maps and information of participating countries, Brazil, Reno, the torch relay, venues, history, events, and more http://www.mapsofworld.com/search_result.html?cx=partner-pub-0641096029648877%3A5rb90cypfn0&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=2016+summer+olympics&siteurl=www.mapsofworld.com%2F&sa=Search
Olympic Current Event Articles for kids http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/searchresults.htm?cx=partner-pub-8444815193000008%3A4cxkf2wk1zr&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=2016+summer+olympics&sa=Search
Olympic Atheletes’ faith based current event articles for families http://christianexaminer.com/search
Olympic Vocabulary List with interactive and printable puzzles https://myvocabulary.com/word-game-puzzles/olympic-sports-vocabulary/
“Lighting the Olympic Torch”, “Swimsuits – What A Drag”, “Which Olympic Sport…” math lessons adaptable for any level. I use this site often and anticipate other Olympic math lessons to be released throughout the next few days http://www.yummymath.com/
Olympics history and trivia interactive quizzes http://www.funtrivia.com/quizzes/sports/olympic_games/olympics_history.html
Watch videos that teach about the elements gold and silver http://periodicvideos.com/
“Mr. Science” with Hooked on Science and a kid scientist explain how your big toe can determine your athletic potential. http://www.hookedonscience.org/
Play Olympic Interactive Games http://www.primarygames.com/socstudies/olympics/games.htm
“How to Be a Good Sport” article and tips for kids with audio and printing options http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/good-sport.html?WT.ac=p-ra#
“What If I Don’t Like Sports?” article and tips for kids with audio and printing options http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/no-sports.html?WT.ac=k-ra
List of “Sports Injuries” and athlete health articles with audio and printing options http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/?search=y&getfields=subject.description&q=sports+injuries&site=kh&client=ms_k_en&output=xml_no_dtd&gsaRequestId=7457070404200936186&filter=0
Learn to speak Portuguese (the official language in Brazil) with flash cards and games. Lots of other Brazil .http://www.learn-portuguese-now.com/
Portuguese language printable worksheets and quizzes http://www.enchantedlearning.com/search/?page=1&query=learn+to+speak+portuguese
Lots of Olympic activities, printables, and craft ideas http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/olympic-games
Brazil and Olympic themed crafts and activities. I love the coloring page of Rio! http://www.activitybucket.com/archives/7531
BIG list of Olympic arts and crafts http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/olympicscraftsideasactivitieskids.html
Fun and easy DIY backyard Olympic Games ( Javelin Throw, Balance Beam, Discus Throw, Bean Bag Toss and Water Bucket Relay) http://hoosierhomemade.com/backyard-olympic-games/
Party, food, and activity ideas http://www.blessedlearners.com/olympic-games-at-family-fun-friday/
Let the Games Begin! (August 5, 2016)
betty jo
Recently, I was asked what resources to use for teaching from the Special Days posts. Every month has different topics, but I turn to the same tried and trusted web sites as I collect resources for our Special Days learning. Below is a list of those I find to be the most helpful when preparing our “from the calendar” studies. I hope that you will find them helpful, too.
Special Days and Biographies – How to and resource list https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/07/21/special-days-and-biographies/
Resources for Presidents Birthdays https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/02/14/resources-for-presidents-day/
Special Days and Geography – How to and resource list https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/07/29/special-days-and-geography/
Special Days and Science – How to with resource list https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2017/08/05/special-days-and-science/
A monthly calendar “resource of links and things to do, things to learn and things to explore” http://www.se7en.org.za/se7ens-almanac
Wonderful resources, activities, crafts, recipes, and open ended ideas often related to seasons, holidays, and monthly themes for families and independent learners http://www.franw.com/
Calendar of Books http://childrensbooks.about.com/od/readingresources/tp/current-calendar.htm
“Food, Nutrition, and Health By the Month” http://food.unl.edu/fnh/seasonal-ideas
Monthly themed bulletin boards, lesson plans, activities, and writing prompts https://www.theteacherscorner.net/monthly-resources/
Seasonal Themes with Resources http://www.theteachersguide.com/
Daily Feature Video https://www.brainpop.com/
Wonder of the Day http://wonderopolis.org/
This Month in History http://www.historyplace.com/specials/calendar/
Bible based object lessons, games, projects, and science experiments which will often correspond with themes and holidays http://www.christianitycove.com/
Vocabulary lists to go with just about any seasonal or holiday topic https://myvocabulary.com/
Seasonal and holiday themed math lessons and activities http://www.yummymath.com/
Monthly Science Calendar with resources http://thehomeschoolscientist.com/
Writing Prompt Calendar https://writeshop.com/tag/calendar/
Calendar Related Writing and Literacy Activities and Lesson Plans http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/calendar-activities/
Science Activities for Every Month of the Year – http://igamemom.com/science-activities-for-every-month-of-the-year/
Crafts for holidays and themes http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/
Special Days art lessons, craft projects, and activities http://kinderart.com/seasons/
Elementary level printables with monthly themes including holidays, statehood anniversaries, and president’s birthdays http://www.apples4theteacher.com/
Seasonal and holiday interactive games and printables http://www.primarygames.com/seasons/seasons.htm
I’m going to keep this handy resource list on the sidebar under the current Special Days icon link. And, if you need some help developing a special day study, just let me know!
Happy Learning!
betty jo
Still Learning Something New 