Tag Archives: teaching resources

Questioning Elves

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Once again it started with a simple question, , “How did elves end up in Christmas traditions?”  And so the research began!  Below are the online resources and activities we linked to as we discovered the origins, lore, secrets, and magic of elves.

Elves make appearances in Norse mythology, Shakespeare, and Tolkien. Those tell of elves in forests, but not at the North Pole helping Santa!  Elf Origins and History – http://www.livescience.com/39689-history-of-elves.html

After hundreds of years of elves being a part of Germanic paganism, the beliefs carried over to the Scandinavian people.  “The perception of gnomes largely depended on whether a person was naughty or nice”  Read more about it here and find out how by the mid 1800’s elves had made a place in our Christmas traditions  http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/history/elves.htm

To keep our elf studies in the proper perspective – http://www.christianity.com/christian-life/christmas/how-you-can-have-genuine-joy-and-hope-this-christmas.html

Leadership lessons from one of our favorite Christmas movies, Elf  https://dculberh.wordpress.com/2013/12/23/five-leadership-lessons-from-elf/

Several Elf Documentary (?) Videos –   http://www.santatelevision.com/?s=elves

Listen to The Elves and the Shoemaker  http://www.storynory.com/2007/12/16/the-elves-and-the-shoemaker/

Christmas Elf Jokes, Mischief, and Ideas –  http://www.elfcrazy.com/christmas-elf-jokes-for-kids/

My friend, Fran, has some fun elf ideas  – http://www.franw.com/2011/12/santas-elves.html

Elf Pal Academy offers themed activities that can be fun and educational  (several resources here for my younger boys)  http://www.northpole.com/Academy/

“Elf on the Shelf”? No, but We’re enjoying looking at social media photos of the creative things parents are doing.  However, as we wrap up (pun intended) our Christmas studies, we used a few of these suggestions for “Kindness Elf” activities.  http://www.theeducatorsspinonit.com/2013/12/kindness-elves-free-printables-for-busy.html

With all of the added activities, caroling, parties, crafts, baking, shopping, and decorating of the season, we have certainly been as busy as elves!

Elves ended up being an unexpected but appropriate, interesting, and fun study to close out our homeschooling semester.

Merry Learning!

betty jo

 

 

 

 

World Toilet Day

2014-11-19-WorldToiletDayAt the start of each month, I show the boys the list of special days and let them put a check by the topics that interest them.  And, being boys, of course they both checked November 19 – World Toilet Day!  Though I didn’t exactly try to talk them out of learning about toilets, I did remind them that we were in the middle of our Thanksgiving studies.  Z said, “Mom, aren’t we thankful for toliets?”. Yes, very thankful for toilets!  So, a “Toilet” study has begun.

Below are our resources for learning about toilets.  Or they will be once we can get passed the jokes.  “Feeling a little flushed?”  “School work sure is crappy today!” and such.

Who invented toilets?  How long have toilets been around? What is an “s-trap?  Answers to these and even an experiment  http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/who-invented-the-toilet

History and Timeline for the Toilet  http://www.edinformatics.com/inventions_inventors/flush_toilet.htm

How toilets work  http://home.howstuffworks.com/toilet.htm

35 Toilet videos (I think the ones from “Dr. Know” and “G-Word” will suit us best)  http://home.howstuffworks.com/toilet-videos-playlist.htm

How to say “Toilet” in 80 different languages  http://www.indifferentlanguages.com/words/toilet

Proper Toilet Etiquette  http://www.a-to-z-of-manners-and-etiquette.com/toilet-etiquette.html

Weird Toilets From Around the World  http://blog.hostelbookers.com/travel/free-things-to-do/toilets-of-the-world/

Toilet Bowl Germs http://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/infectious/5-diseases-toilet.htm

Recipes for Homemade Toilet Cleaners and Why You Should Make Them http://www.diynatural.com/homemade-toilet-cleaner/

And as the big finale to our World Toilet Day study, Flushed Away is on Netflix!

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I guess today is one of those days when our school work is supposed to go down the drain!

betty jo

 

Annie Oakley

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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

Blaise Pascal

16bbeda3-bdd9-3f87-99a3-29cf85593965According 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 –

Blaise Pascal

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

Free Printable Worksheet

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 –

History Resources

betty jo

Learning Resources for June

june_clipart 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

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-learningforlife.org/Courses/EK-8057/8057start.html

  • Okra – Make an Okra Stamp –

Stamping with Okra…Yes, Okra!

  • Skyscraper – Learning Resources –

Resources For Learning About Skyscrapers

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

The Super Bowl

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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