Tag Archives: unit study

It’s Unanimous For Strawberries!

At the beginning of each month I go through the special days listing, and check off what I think we should add to our studies. I also give the list to the kids and they check off the topics that interest them. (https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/04/29/special-days-in-may/). Rarely does a monthly theme interest all of us, but the May food theme, STRAWBERRIES, was unanimous!

This close to the end of our school year, I really won’t have the time to develop our own strawberry study, but can not just ignore the fact that we all want to explore this favorite food. This is where my friend, Fran, comes in! (http://www.franw.com/) She has developed and published an e-book appropriately named Strawberry Craze.

Strawberry Craze is a 91 page study and activity guide. Fran has graciously given me a copy and I’m so excited! It is covers subjects across the curriculum and has something for all ages. She gives the instructions for crafts, gardening, and science experiments. She has included a list of questions for research projects and little known facts and trivia. Strawberry Craze has math, health, and language connections, too. And recipes! Not just a couple of yummy desserts to try, but recipes for lip gloss, scratch-n-sniff stickers, shampoo, and play clay, just to name a few.

Strawberries have been added to the top of my weekend shopping list! And will probably be repeated on every grocery list in between now and when we are able to pick our own from our garden.

Now is the right time to pick up a copy of the e-book for yourself. It’s being offered for only $2! To find out more and take a peek at some sample pages click here http://www.franw.com/2013/09/strawberry-craze-ebook.html

Oh, by the way, Fran gave me Strawberry Craze just because she’s my friend. The e-book gift was not given to me for the purpose of this review. The review and recommendation is completely of my own doing.

betty jo

Learning Resources for St. Patrick’s Day

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For the past few years, we have spent a couple of weeks every March studying all things Irish and St. Patrick. Here are the wonderful links we have learned from.

Ireland and Irish Poetry with Notebooking, Copywork, and Activity Resources https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/03/14/absolutely-no-pinching/

More St. Patrick’s Day Resources and Activities with Music, Dancing, and Language https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/03/15/irish-prayers-and-irish-jigs/

Tour Ireland Virtually https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/virtual-tours-ireland/

St. Patrick, History, and Celebration Articles http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/subjects/stpatricksday.htm

This year we’re taking a different approach for St. Patrick’s Day learning. Below are the links that I’ve found for us.

Science and nutrition resources for learning about cabbage from my friend Fran http://www.franw.com/2012/03/cabbage.html

And, Fran has Shamrocks, too! http://www.franw.com/2018/02/shamrocks.html

2 St. Patrick’s Day Math Lessons – https://www.yummymath.com/2017/saint-patricks-day-march-17th/

Rainbow experiments http://www.weatherwizkids.com/experiments-rainbow.htm

3 Part Video Series, “The Irish in America” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0sZ_j6WcyI

Famous Irish American Songs http://www.irishamericanjourney.com/2011/10/irish-american-songs.html

Leprechaun Facts http://www.livescience.com/37626-leprechauns.html

St. Patrick’s Day themed interactive games http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/st.patricksday/games.php

We haven’t made a batch of play dough in years. I wish we had a little one around, the St. Patrick themed mats look like they would be fun for a younger child. http://www.blessedbeyondadoubt.com/free-st-patricks-day-play-dough-mats/

E showed me this photo from a Pinterest board. We’ll make a few of these “Pot- O-Gold at the End of the Rainbow” jars as prizes for a follow the clues treasure hunt. It looks like gold wrapped candy in the bottom followed with layers of M&Ms or Skittles and topped with mimi marshmellows. Cute!

Wishing you Irish blessings!

betty jo

Snow Week

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Ice, Snow, Wind, maybe even Blizzard Conditions! The local public and private schools will be canceling for “snow days” but not us. “Snow Days” make some awesome learning days! Below is a great resource collection for winter studies whether you have snow or not !

Why it’s good for us to get outside even when it’s cold – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/01/15/but-its-cold-out-there/

Winter Weather Science Lessons, Safety Tips, and Activities http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-winter-storms.htm

How to Survive Winter Weather Preparedness Guide https://thesurvivalmom.com/surviving-severe-winter-weather/

Bring some snow inside for observation and experimentation.

A study of snow wouldn’t be complete without some research into the life and discoveries of homeschooled farmer boy turned scientist, Snowflake Bentley. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V1cxjcRXCw

Bentley Biography, Photos, and exhibits

https://snowflakebentley.com/

Snowflake and Snowman Printable Writing Paper for Notebooking/Journaling. (The kids tend to write nicer/better when we use decorated paper. I appreciate these for not using much ink.) http://www.teacherprintables.net/free-printable-bp-holidays.html

Bible Focus – Psalm 147:15-18

¹⁵He gives a command to the earth,
    and it quickly obeys him.
¹⁶He spreads the snow like wool.
    He scatters the frost like ashes.
¹⁷He throws down hail like rocks.
    No one can stand the cold he sends.
¹⁸Then he gives a command, and it melts.
    He sends the breezes, and the waters flow.

Amazing and beautiful! Macro Photographed Snowflakes –http://www.natureknows.org/2013/11/amazing-macro-photography-of-individual.html

Fun Snowflake Resources, Activities, Recipes –

http://www.franw.com/2014/01/snowflake-activities-and-resources.html

Winter Weather Themed Math – http://www.yummymath.com/?s=winter

Snowmen – Netflix has this award winning film. Our local library has it, too. We loved it, (some of the themes were on the mature side, but my younger boys did just fine with it) Here’s a preview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUq8VS6aa9U

Snow Week learning can still happen without actual snow!

Printable Paper Snowflake Templates –

https://www.firstpalette.com/printable/snowflake.html

“Grow Your Own Crystal Snowflake” Kits. – I used purple pipe cleaner sticks thinking the color would be pretty coming through the crystals. We thought the borax crystals were fun to watch grow and turned out quite interesting!

This is the recipe and instructions we used for the kits. http://creativecynchronicity.com/2011/12/crystallized-snowflakes/

Add Crystal Comparison Experiments by making Epson Salt and Sugar Solutions. Of course you can make icicles instead of snowflakes. They fit better in smaller jars.

Snow Dough – 2 cups baking soda, 1 cup corn starch, 1 1/2 cups water. Combine all ingredients in sauce pan. Cook over medium high. Stir continuously until it’s the consistency of mashed potatoes. Move dough to bowl and cover w/a towel until cool. Knead well. Store in airtight container.

Sensory Cloud Dough – Baking Soda and White Hair Conditioner also Flour with Baby Oil works well – Just mix until the texture feel right to you

Put tortilla shells goes on the grocery list! These dessert snowflakes are fun to make and really yummy!

Cut round flour tortilla shells into snowflakes, lightly fry in oil then sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.

Homemade Crockpot Hot Cocoa is a delicious warm up to any snow day!

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)

6 cups whole milk

2 cups heavy whipping cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Combine all ingredients in a 4-quart crockpot. Stir well. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours stirring occasionally. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream. Stirring with a peppermint stick is tasty, too!

Stay warm and enjoy learning with snow!

betty jo

2014 Sochi Winter Olympics – Teaching Resources

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We aren’t particularly “sports fans” at our house, but there are some sporting events we are occasionally interested in. The Olympics is our top sports interest. The 2014 Winter Olympics begins Feb. 7th. And, as it happens at my house, where’s there’s interest, there is learning potential.

I have been planning for a Winter Olympic Unit Study and been collecting a stock pile of links for our homeschooling lessons. I have some awesome resources for teaching during the Winter Olympic Games to share with you.

The Official Olympic Website – http://www.olympic.org/sochi-2014-winter-olympics

Bible Based Olympic Discussion Guide for the Family – http://whatsinthebible.com/the-sochi-winter-olympics-2014-five-questions-to-engage-your-kids/

Olympic Themed Interactive Games for Kids – http://www.primarygames.com/socstudies/olympics/olympics.htm

Sport Event Coloring Pages – http://www.classroomjr.com/olympic-coloring-pages/

Support Team USA with a snowflake and a photo http://www.nbcolympics.com/sochisnowflake?aff=wwlp

Information about the 15 Sports of the Winter Games http://www.mapsofworld.com/olympics/winter-olympics/events.html

Maps and facts of Russia – http://www.mapsofworld.com/russia/

Meet the Team USA Atheletes – http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes

Short videos showing how skis, skates, and curling stones are made – http://www.sciencechannel.com/tv-shows/how-its-made/videos/how-its-made-winter-olympics.htm

A Video Series of the Science of the Olympic Sport Events http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTVqtGTfIc8&list=PLB6B38A6C0540EEB6&feature=share&index=6

Winter Olympic article series from Time Kids – http://www.timeforkids.com/minisite/2014-sochi-olympics

Gold (Au79), Silver (Ag47), and Bronze (Copper-Cu29) Information from this Interactive Element Chart – http://humantouchofchemistry.com/pages/periodictable.html

Gold, Silver, Bronze Element Videos – http://www.periodicvideos.com/

Olympic Printables and Activities – http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/winter-olympics

Teaching Resources and Printables for all grades and several subjects – http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:winter+olympics/Grade-Level/Homeschooler/Price-Range/Free

Crafts and Games – http://www.makeandtakes.com/winter-olympic-crafts-and-games-for-kids

And finally, the 2014 Winter Olympics Events Schedule and TV Listings – http://www.nbcolympics.com/results-schedule

Know that I’m cheering for our homeschools to have winning Winter Olympics studies!

betty jo

The Winter Olympic Games, But First, The Super Bowl

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We aren’t particularly “sports fans” at our house, but there are some sporting events we are occasionally interested in. The Olympics is our top sports interest . The 2014 Winter Olympics begins Feb. 7th. And, as it happens at my house, where’s there’s interest, there is learning potential. I have been planning for an Olympic study and been collecting a stock pile of links for our homeschooling lessons.

While transferring the best of my link collection to this post to share with you, I received a request for help with teaching Super Bowl related lessons. And I think we came up with a pretty good, quick Super Bowl study.

I have some awesome resources for teaching during the Winter Olympic Games to share with you, but first, here’s some links for Super Bowl related lessons:

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

Graphing Math Activity for younger students – http://www.2teachingmommies.com/2014/01/graphing-through-super-bowl.html

And More Football Math – http://illuminations.nctm.org/Lesson.aspx?id=872

Super Bowl Printables, Crafts, and Activities – http://www.dltk-kids.com/searchresults.html?q=superbowl

Super Bowl Party 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

My family’s favorite part of the Super Bowl – Super Bowl Commercials – http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=super%20bowl%20commercial%202014&sm=1

And now, here’s the list of my favorite 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics resources:

The Official Olympic Website – http://www.olympic.org/sochi-2014-winter-olympics

Olympic Themed Interactive Games for Kids – http://www.primarygames.com/socstudies/olympics/olympics.htm

Sport Event Coloring Pages – http://www.classroomjr.com/olympic-coloring-pages/

Support Team USA with a snowflake and a photo http://www.nbcolympics.com/sochisnowflake?aff=wwlp

Information about the 15 Sports of the Winter Games http://www.mapsofworld.com/olympics/winter-olympics/events.html

Maps and facts of Russia – http://www.mapsofworld.com/russia/

Meet the Team USA Atheletes – http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes

Short videos showing how skis, skates, and curling stones are made – http://www.sciencechannel.com/tv-shows/how-its-made/videos/how-its-made-winter-olympics.htm

Winter Olympic article series from Time Kids – http://www.timeforkids.com/minisite/2014-sochi-olympics

Wordsearch, Crosswords, and more printables http://homeschooling.about.com/od/freeprintables/ss/olympicprint.htm

Olympic printables and activities – http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/winter-olympics

26 teaching resources for all grades and several subjects http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:winter+olympics/Grade-Level/Homeschooler/Price-Range/Free

Happy Sporting and Happy Learning!

betty jo

Arrrrgh! Pirates!

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According to the special days in September calendar, the 19th is Talk Like a Pirate Day! And on our planner, it’s the last day of our pirate unit study that we have been working on a couple of days a week for the past several weeks. It’s been a fun and interesting study. Below are some of the resources we have been using.

For pirate biographies, dictionary, lore, sea sickness, and more http://the-pirate-ship.com/

For learning about how much work it was to sail a full-rigged ship http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6DZIvMZWzQ

Since pirates needed sewing skills for sail repairs we have added some sewing instruction to our lessons.

https://sewing.com/hand-sewing-stitching-basics/

How to tie knots was also a valuable pirate expertise, so we gave that a try as well. This site has step by step knot tying instructions http://www.netknots.com/rope_knots/

Navigation by stars was another important sailor skill https://seahistory.org/sea-history-for-kids/navigating-by-the-stars/

Instructions for making a cork and needle compass https://www.nps.gov/articles/compass.htm

Our lapbook board (we glued these to file folders once the unit study was finished).

Free unit studies and lapbook printables along with book lists and other links to follow http://www.homeschoolshare.com/connections__pirates.php

“Why are pirates called pirates?” – “They just arrrrrr!” and, lots of other pirate jokes for kids http://www.enchantedlearning.com/jokes/topics/pirate.shtml

Blackbeard, pirate, and treasure chest printable notebooking pages http://www.teacherfiles.com/resources_bp_ss.htm

More pirate themed notebooking pages http://edgalaxy.com/printable-paper-for-teachers/2012/9/22/pirate-themed-writing-pack.html

Pirate Adventure Writing Prompts https://writeshop.com/pirate-printable/

These are a few of our library finds.

Movies and music!

Interactive sunken treasure game http://nationalgeographic.org/education/multimedia/interactive/maps-tools-find-sunken-treasure/

Interactive “Walk the Plank” and Pirate themed Math Games https://www.math4childrenplus.com/?s=pirate

And “Talk Like a Pirate Day” Math Lesson https://www.yummymath.com/2018/talk-like-a-pirate-day-viral-growth/

Our chalkboard wall mural. The instructions for how to draw a pirate ship from here were quite helpful. http://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/crafts/drawing/how-to-draw-pirate-ships.htm

In conclusion to our pirate unit studies we attempted to make this treasure chest cake! https://www.coolest-birthday-cakes.com/category/other/pirate/treasure-chest/

Haha! Another “Pinterest Fail”, but still tasted good!

For more resources for special days in September click here

Wishing you smooth sailing!

betty jo

Constitution Week Resources

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September 17th (1787) is the anniversary of the United States Constitution and the start of Constitution Week. So often we hear or read about “Constitutional Rights” and freedoms being debated, taken away, or altered in various ways.

This week my kids will be reviewing, researching, and notebooking all things constitutional so it will be clear to them just what our constitutional rights are.

Below are some of the resources we will be incorporating into our Constitution Week homeschool studies.

Constitution Day History and Quizzes http://www.ducksters.com/holidays/constitution_day.php

Read the Constitution and explore the resources from The National Constitutional Center http://constitutioncenter.org/

US Government Learning Adventures, Glossary, and Games for all ages and levels https://bensguide.gpo.gov/

Constitutional Convention Video Playlist : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLkEA8hf_nThc3xwl5EF09aGYFS3PEqIQ

Liberty’s Kids #40- We the People
Three Branches Rap
Constitution Style (Gangnam Style parody)
The Great Compromise Explained in 5 Minutes
The Great Compromise Song
All 27 Amendments (in four minutes)
Bill of Rights (Shake It Off parody)

This song is from my childhood (from Saturday morning cartoons) and it is how I’ve always remembered the preamble to the constitution. This is also how my older kids have learned it. Now it’s time to pass it down to the youngest two. School House Rock – The Constitution https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EfnNUt_nwY&list=PLKt00sUUapAJAcxUs2rp75ymjPMki6noW

Learn and Remember the Bill Of Rights with these Hand Signals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgD1E3gBTWU

Mini posters of how a bill becomes a law, the Bill of Rights, and branches of government (you will need an account to get the downloads, but it isn’t complicated and it’s free) http://www.kidsdiscover.com/celebrate-constitution-day/

Copywork and Trivia Printables http://www.homeschoolcreations.net/2013/09/constitution-day-printables/

US Constitution & Bill of Rights Resource Page https://franw.com/2019/03/21/the-united-states-constitution-bill-of-rights-resource-page/

Constitution lesson plans, including debate excercises http://constitutioncenter.org/learn/educational-resources/lesson-plans/to-sign-or-not-to-sign-the-ultimate-constitution-day-lesson-plan

Calligraphy and Making Quill and Ink Resources http://www.franw.com/2015/08/calligraphy-resources.html

betty jo

Unit Study Theory 101 – Class 3

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Welcome to the third and final class of Unit Study Theory 101. For today’s class I will be answering the question, “How do you make weekly plans for unit studies?” However, before we get to that, I’ll explain how my longer term plans are designed.

After years of having a messy planner, (erase marks, comments in the margins, and scribbled out assignments), I gave up traditional planning and threw the planner away. It seemed like we hardly ever “stuck” to the plan because life happened, we took advantage of unexpected learning opportunities , or group activities would consume a day or two. Sometimes assignments took longer or went quicker than I expected them to.

Keeping a journal works much better. I keep my journal in a binder. The first page is this printable from Teacher Files (I changed the months to match our school year). I fill in some of the blanks as we start each month, the rest gets filled in as it happens. http://www.teacherfiles.com/downloads/Long%20Range%20Planner.pdf

Making a “possibility” list of topics and the subjects it will include for the current unit study is the next page in my binder. I add the start and finish dates as they happen, (or cross out what we didn’t do). The next page is where I record resources. I print off themed notebooking pages for my journal (usually the same pages I print for the kids notebooking/journaling assignments). When the unit study is over, I begin a new possibility list for the next study . This a simple way to keep track our learning.

I love sticky notes for weekly planning . Usually Saturday is the day I make the upcoming weeks plans. I look over the special days list first to see what I want to be included in our studies for the upcoming week. I write that on a sticky note and place on the weekly chart. Next, I put extra curricular activities on other sticky notes and add those to the chart. Finally, I make sticky notes for daily assignments (based off of my “possibility” list) to add to the chart. At the end of each day, I move the notes to my journal to record later or move the sticky note to the next day if the assignment needs more time. I found this chart at the $Tree for us to use this school year. In the past, I made my own weekly charts on poster board.

Fridays are left blank on the planner. This is the day to catch up on any uncompleted assignments or free study and group activities.

Unit Study Theory 101 – Class 2

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Welcome back to Unit Study Theory 101. Today’s class will be covering the answer to the question, “How do you keep records for the subjects covered in a unit study?”

First, I want to make it clear that the way I keep records is partly because the state of Kentucky mandates that I keep attendance records and scholarship reports. Some state laws do not require such records and some laws require more. If you are unsure about what is required of you, then you can find help here http://www.hslda.org/ or here http://www.nhen.org/home.html.

Author, Dave Ramsey uses an acronym often when giving financial advice, “KISS” it stands for “Keep It Simple, Stupid”. I don’t like it put that way, however it is a pretty good system for most everything. Let’s change it to “Keep It Simple, Sweetie” for our purposes. OK?

My record keeping system is as KISS as one could be. The subjects (in an abbreviated code) run across the top and dates run down the left side.

The chart ends up looking a bit like graft paper and continues for 15 days. So, it takes 3 copies per 9 week grading period.

With this form I check off the subjects covered each day. If my child did an extra good job they get a check with a “+”, or if they could have done better, they get a check with a “-“. If I have a % grade (spelling or math test) or a letter grade (notebooking, essay, report) to record, I just put it in the correct box instead of a check. After nine weeks. 45 days, I average the grades in the bottom columns. I count a check+ as an “A”, a check as a “B” and a check – as a “C”. I also include a note about field trips, activities, or other comments.

You are welcome to use my daily subject checklist form if you’d like.

DAILY SUBJECT CHECKLIST with Titles

DAILY SUBJECT CHECKLIST BLANK

If you missed the first post Unit Study Theory 101, you can catch up here. https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2013/07/22/unit-study-theory-101/

Class 3 of Unit Study Theorey 101 , Planning the Unit Study Week,

Unit Study Theory 101 – Class 3

If something was not clear, or if you have questions or suggestions, just leave me a comment.

betty jo

Considering the Moon

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Psalm 8:3^“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place,”

Sunday, June 23 is the date for the Super Moon and an excellent opportunity to “consider the moon”. .

According to NASA, “The Moon will reach its closest distance to the Earth at exactly 7:32 am EDT (4:32 am PDT) on 23 June, but because it will be peaking in the early morning hours, both 22 June and 23 June will put on similar shows. So either day will be a good opportunity to see the larger-and-brighter-than-normal Supermoon.

This year the Supermoon will be up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical Full Moon is. This is a result of the Moon reaching its perigree – the closest that it gets to the Earth during the course of its orbit.”

You can link to the full NASA article here http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/display.cfm?News_ID=44049

If interested in a moon unit study, I recommend the free lapbook resources Sun, Moon, and Stars. We used these last summer when we studied the moon missions. http://www.homeschoolshare.com/space_lapbook.php