Leon's
Educational Calendar
Built for homeschoolers in
America.
But, public/private teachers
can use this too! In fact, ANYBODY can use this!
Brought to you by Leon's Planet (hosted by
Neocities.org)
NOTE: If you have
bookmarked this page,
You will want to refresh each time to get the latest updates.
FOREWORD:
I was a school teacher for 25 years (elementary mostly;
but taught all ages K-adult). See my curriculum
vitae (my CV). I am now retired from teaching and I designed
this calendar page to help homeschoolers organized some
holiday/special-day lessons that are aligned with special holidays and
observances both Nationally and Internationally. This comes to you
free of charge; no cookies (for your privacy); no registration (or
sign-ups); IN FACT, I pay money out of my own "pocket"
to run this website; So, any donations would be greatly
appreciated. You can donate through PayPal, which keeps all your
sensitive information secret (from me). Just go to my
"About" page and click on the
"Donate" button. |
P.S.
How to use this page
P.S. I realize that homeschooling
doesn't typically happen on the weekends, so those weekend activities can be
incorporated sometime during the week.
P.S.S.,
Don't try to do all of this! That would be too much. These are only
suggestions. Pick and choose which ones that you want to teach/do.
Don't overwork yourself. One of the things about being a teacher
(especially when you've got more than one child to teach) is to learn how to
combine lessons, so that you are maximizing your time/effort. For
instance, all the children, regardless of age, can be involved in a writing
lesson [because they will all use the same template]. It's just that the
criteria used to judge their work will obviously differ. Please use the
writing process regardless of age.
SUGGESTIONS:
1) Pick and choose which ones you want to focus on.
2) You should not feel obligated to actually do related activities ON the
day.
3) Maybe choose two or three that you'd like to make a theme for each
week.
*
Teaching Tips in Blue (below the day).
*
NOTE: Under Construction
I am constantly (weekly) updating this page. Be sure to refresh each time
to visit to get latest updates.
|
March
2024 |
|
March is:
Developmental Disability Awareness Month,
Women’s History Month, Social Work Month, Mad for Plaid Month, Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, National Celery Month, Irish-American
Awareness Month, National Reading Month, Greek American Heritage Month, National Optimism Month, Endometriosis Awareness Month, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Kidney Cancer
Awareness Month, International Ideas Month, National Noodle Month, Red Cross Month, Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month, Dolphin Awareness Month, Listening Awareness Month, National Cheerleading Safety Month. |
|
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
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01
Int'l Women of Color Day;
World Day of Prayer;
Nat'l Speech & Debate Day;
Nat'l Horse Protection Day;
Nat'l Pig Day
Zero Discrimination Day;
|
02
Nat'l Read across America Day;
Dr Seuss Day!
|
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|
Social
Studies (History):
Since this is women's history month and today is women of color day,
why not start off the month learning about Harriet Tubman and Rosa
Parks. |
ELA:
Learn all about Dr. Seuss on my Dr. Seuss page.
Click on the book above or click
here.
|
03
World Wildlife Day;
Chocolate Chip Cookie Week -->
Sea Week -->
Read an e-Book Week -->
|
04
Fun facts about names day;
Holy experiment day;
Nat'l Dance the Waltz Day;
Nat'l sons day;
Nat'l tennis day;
|
05
Nat'l sportsmanship day;
Unique names day; |
06
Alamo day;
Discover what your name means day;
No homework day; |
07
Alexander Graham Bell day;
Nat'l flapjack day; |
08
Int'l Women's Day;
Proof-reading day; |
09
Amerigo Vespucci day;
Genealogy day;
World Kidney day; |
Science
(biology):
I would combine world wildlife day and sea week and discuss the
wildlife in the sea. There is so much you can do with this,
and easily make it last all week (for science lessons).
You could cover a sea ecosystem (and all the vocabulary that goes
along with that).
|
Social
Studies & ELA:
RE: Names
Imagine a world where nobody had a name, no place had a name, no
street had a name, etc.
How would we identify each other? How would we refer to a
place without using a name for that place? Write a story about
such a world.
P.E.
Teach your children to dance the waltz.
Play some form of racquet sport.
|
P.E.
Learn the rules of good sportsmanship.
ELA:
What are some unique names that you know?
Have your pupils come up with a name for themselves that isn't a
regular name. I.E., invent a new name. Rules: it
has to be a name that has meaning. It can't just be a sound,
like "Ugh!" Some examples might be: Dr PBJ
(because I like PBJs); or Miss Talksalot (because she likes to
talk); or Chocolate Thunder (because he likes chocolate); you get
the picture.
|
ELA:
Look up what your name means (there's tons of baby name websites
which have the meanings). Does it fit you? Or not?
Social Studies (History):
Learn about the battle of the Alamo and some of the famous people in
that battle.
|
Social
Studies (History):
Don't just stop with Alexander Graham Bell, learn about the entire
history of the phone.
Math:
Make flapjacks from scratch using measuring skills (which is a part
of math).
|
Social
Studies (History):
Explore famous women in history. Here's my women's
page, where I cover some of them. |
Social
Studies (History):
Explore the explorers that came to the "New World".
-Make a family tree diagram (at an age-appropriate
level)
Health:
Explore the kidneys. What do they do? What can harm
them? How do we take care of them as they take care of us.
|
10
Daylight Savings Time;
Harriet Tubman day;
Nat'l Ranch day;
Int'l Brain Awareness Week -->
Nat'l Sleep Awareness Week -->
Girl Scouts Week -->
|
11
311 day;
Nat'l Johnny Appleseed day;
Nat'l dream day; |
12
Girl Scouts B-day;
Nat'l organize you home office day;
Nat'l working moms day;
Nat'l plant a flower day; |
13
Int'l every girl wins day;
Nat'l Good Samaritan day;
|
14
Celebrate scientists day;
Int'l ask a question day;
Int'l mathematics day;
Nat'l children's craft day;
Nat'l write your own story day;
Pi day;
Science education day; |
15
Ides of March;
World sleep day;
World speech day;
Everything you think is wrong day; |
16
Lips appreciation day;
Nat'l quilting day;
|
Social
Studies (Economics):
It might be fun to visit a ranch (if possible) and learn the
day-to-day workings of a ranch, and how ranches contribute to the
economy.
Health:
Learn about how sleep is so important for proper health (especially
the health of the brain). Learn how much sleep a person needs
at certain ages.
|
Social
Studies (civics):
Some cities in the U.S. offer the phone number 311 for non-emergency
civic calls to relieve the burden on 911.
Social Studies (psychology):
Learn about dreams
and dream interpretation based upon metaphorical archetypes (on
Leon's Planet). I explain how to stop nightmares!
|
Organizational
Skills:
Both parents and children might want to take some time to organize
their study spaces and study materials.
Science (biology):
It's time to plant some seeds indoors, later to be transplanted
outside.
|
Social
Studies:
I don't believe that international every girls wins day is about
letting the girls win; But, rather to help girls feel like
they are valuable contributors to society (and thus are
winners). Every human being, whether girl or boy has certain
strengths, and the idea is to capitalize upon those strengths.
What are your girls' strengths? |
Science:
Pick a scientist that interests you and do some research on that
person.
Math:
Mathematics is useful for many things in our daily life (especially
when shopping and paying bills); but mathematics is also of
paramount importance in science. I encourage cross-curriculum;
e.g., teach math through the medium of science. Maybe do some
experiments that require the collection and analyzing of data.
Math (high school):
If you have a high school student, you should do a bunch a
activities using Pi.
|
ELA
(speech):
Have your children learn to give oral reports. This can start
with them reading aloud their report on the famous scientist. (You
have to start somewhere). |
Science
(biology):
RE: Human Anatomy:
Explore the importance of one's lips.
Without lips, how could we suck through a straw or sip some hot
soup.
Without lips, we couldn't whistle, or even talk properly.
Health:
Learn how to properly care for one's lips
|
17
St. Patrick's Day.
Click on the leprechaun to learn all about St. Patrick's day (on
Leon's Planet).
Chocolate Week -->
Campfire girls day;
|
18
Global recycling day;
Goddess of fertility day;
|
19
Int'l read to me day;
Nat'l let's laugh day;
|
20
French language day;
World frog day;
World sparrow day;
World story-telling day;
World theater day (for children);
|
21 Spring
Equinox
Absolutely incredible kid day;
Education Freedom day;
Int'l day of forests;
Nat'l common courtesy day;
Nat'l teenager day;
World Poetry Day;
World Puppetry Day;
|
22
Daffodil day;
Talk like William Shakespeare day;
World Water day; |
23
World meteorological day;
Cuddly Kitten day;
Nat'l Puppy day; |
Social
Studies (History):
Learn about the history of Ireland, especially during St. Patrick's
day.
Social Studies (Culture):
Learn about the culture of Ireland, including the superstitions.
My page on St.
Patrick's day is a good start.
|
Science
(Environment):
Learn about recycling, reducing, and reusing.
Learn how this helps the environment.
Social Studies (Economics):
Learn how reducing and reusing helps us save money!
ELA (Mythology):
I just have to say that I absolutely love mythology and I have tons
of information on it all over my website. That said, there are
lots of goddesses of fertility (and they were really big during the
spring time, when plants come back alive and farmers begin to planet
their crops).
Some fertility goddesses:
Mesopotamian: Lahamu
Norse: Freya
Egyptian: Aset (Isis)
Greek: Rhea and Demeter
Learn more on Leon's Planet here. |
ELA
(Reading):
Combine the two and find a funny book to read together. Dr.
Seuss is my favorite. Learn all about Dr.
Seuss on Leon's Planet. |
ELA
(Reading):
Learn all the French words in the English language (and
words in English from other languages as
well) at Leon's Planet.
Science (biology):
Compare and contrast sparrows and frogs. Frogs are the
ancestors of birds. Learn how fish came first, then the
amphibians, then the reptiles, then the birds. What do they
have that is similar. What is different?
ELA (Speaking & Presenting):
Have your child tell a story (with all the story elements).
Can be one they heard, read, or an original one. Learn about
story
elements on Leon's Planet.
ELA (Drama):
Have children act out a story.
|
Science
(Astronomy):
Have children learn about the equinoxes and the solstices.
Social Studies (Psychology):
Every child is absolutely incredible. Explore the attributes
that make your child special.
ELA (Poetry):
Explore age-appropriate poetry. Explore meter and rhyme.
See Leon's Poetry
Page for more details.
ELA (Drama):
Have kids put on a puppet show using all the story
elements.
|
Music:
Teach the song about Daffodils.
I call it the Daffodil song, but the real title is:
"I love the mountains."
Here's a link to the song on YouTube.
(Note, the subject of music involves a lot
more than just singing. Explore rhythm, musical instruments of
various types, pitch, volume, timbre, etc.) |
Science
(Weather):
Children of all ages need to learn about the weather, especially the
water cycle.
NOTE: For Bible Scholars out
there: Through decades of research, I have found out that
Behemoth = Sun, and Leviathan = Water, and together they symbolize
the water cycle. Read more here
on Leon's Planet.
|
24 Palm
Sunday;
Nat'l adverse drug event awareness day;
Nat'l each person is a person of worth day;
Nat'l Introvert Week -->
Tsunami Preparedness Week -->
|
25
Nat'l sing-out day;
Read Tolkien day; |
26
American Diabetes Alert day;
Epilepsy awareness day (purple day);
Solitude day;
Wear a hat day;
Make-up your own holiday day; |
27
Int'l scribble day;
Manatee appreciation day;
World theater day; |
28
Respect your cat day;
World piano day;
Nat'l something on a stick day; |
29
Good Friday;
Mermaid day;
Nat'l smoke and mirrors day;
World marbles day;
|
30
Doctor's day;
Take a walk in the park day;
World bipolar day; |
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31
Easter
World backup day;
|
Read about
the history and traditions of Easter. |
|
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Source(s):
[ Parade.com
] [ Timeanddate.com
]
*Archived*
|
February
2024 |
February is:
American Heart Month, Black
History Month, International Friendship Month, Marijuana Awareness Month,
Nat'l Children's Dental Health Month, Nat'l Parent Leadership
Month, Youth Leadership Month, Library-lovers Month,
and Valentine's Month!
|
|
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
28
Christa McAuliffe Day
(First civilian in space);
Fun at Work Day. (IF you work on Sunday).
|
29
Nat'l Puzzle Day;
|
30
Nat'l-draw-a-dinosaur Day;
|
31
Hell-is-freezing-over Day;
Nat'l Backwards Day
|
01
Candy-making Day;
Dark Chocolate Day;
Decorating with candy Day;
Serpent
Day;
Int'l face & body art day;
Robinson Crusoe Day;
|
02
Groundhog Day;
Hedgehog Day;
Tater Tot Day;
Candlemas;
______________
FIRST FRIDAY:
Wear red for women's heart health.
|
03
Four Chaplains' Day;
Feb. 3 marks the anniversary of the sinking of the United States Army Transport Dorchester and the selfless acts of four Army chaplains aboard during World War II.
_________________
FIRST SATURDAY:
Take your child to the Library Day |
HISTORY:
Maybe do a unit on space travel history.
FUN:
Maybe make a model rocket.
|
ELA:
Scrabble.
ECONOMICS:
Monopoly.
Critical Thinking:
Clue.
4 across.
Jigsaw Puzzle.
MATH:
Battle Ship. |
SCIENCE:
See Leon's Dinosaur Page (linked above). Choose a dinosaur to
draw (illustrate).
Discuss history of the Earth, including, of course, the age of the
dinosaurs. |
FUN:
Wear clothes backwards today.
MATH:
Learn how to do math backwards. (This is an important
mathematical skill.
ELA:
Write notes to each other backwards. |
ELA:
Read the simplified version of Robinson Crusoe.
ART:
Do face painting on each other.
HISTORY:
Learn the mythology of serpents on Leon's Planet (linked above). |
HEALTH:
Learn how to keep one's heart healthy.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
Learn the tradition of groundhog day. Explain that it is not
scientific. It is just a fun tradition. |
ELA:
Go to the local library and check out some age-appropriate and
reading-level-appropriate books. |
04
World Cancer Day;
_______________
SECOND SUNDAY:
World marriage day.
Nat'l Thank a mail carrier day.
_______________
BOY SCOUT DAY
(First day of Boy Scouts Week).
|
05
Nat'l Weatherperson's Day;
Disaster Day; |
06
Pay a compliment day;
THE WRITING PROCESS
is explained in detail on Leon's Planet.
|
07
National send a card to a friend day;
e-Day;
Ballet Day;
Periodic Table Day;
__________________
FIRST WEDNESDAY:
Read aloud day |
08
Nat'l Kite-flying day;
Boy Scouts Anniversary;
|
09
Nat'l Pizza day;
Read in the bathtub day;
|
10
National Umbrella Day;
Chinese Lunar New Year
Day;
|
SOCIAL
STUDIES:
RE: Marriage
Discuss the family unit, and how important marriage is.
|
SCIENCE:
RE: Weather
Discuss kinds of natural disasters and how the family should react
in face of any natural disaster. |
ELA:
Write positive notes on sticky notes and place them around the house
to various members of the family.
(Please follow the writing process, which is explained in detail on
Leon's Planet as is linked above). |
ELA:
Write a card; send it.
SCIENCE:
Discuss the periodic table in age-appropriate ways.
Elementary students need to know the difference between a rock and a
mineral (...as well as the three types of rocks).
I LOVE SCIENCE (because it is so hand-on
and so practical).
|
ART:
(Hand-eye coordination skills) Build a kite; and try it out. |
ELA:
Read a story to your child while he/she is in the bathtub (if the
child is young enough). Older children can listen to an audio
book while soaking in the bathtub. [CAUTION: Keep
all electronics a safe distance away from the water!!! And,
make sure the child understands electronic safety in the bathroom!]
|
SOCIAL
STUDIES:
Learn about other cultures is part of the curriculum.
This is a good opportunity to learn about Chinese culture (and other
Easter cultures). I lived in the Far East for 18 years.
So, I have a page about Far Eastern Festivals (linked above). |
11
National Inventors' Day; National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day; National Make a Friend
Day; Get Out Your Guitar Day; International Day of Women and Girls in Science;
Autism Sunday;
|
12
Abraham Lincoln's Birthday;
Int'l Darwin Day;
Hug Day; |
13
World Radio Day;
Kiss Day;
Safer Internet Day; |
14
Valentine's Day
Nat'l Organ
Donor Day;
Fredrick Douglas Day;
Read to your child day;
|
15
Susan B. Anthony Day;
World Anthropology Day;
World Hippo Day; |
16
Innovation day;
Nat'l caregivers day; |
17
Nat'l Public Science Day;
Random Acts of Kindness Day;
Who shall I be day;
Human spirit day;
World Pangolin
Day;
______________
THIRD SATURDAY:
World Whale Day;
|
SCIENCE:
Invent something (NOTE: It doesn't matter if it has already
been invented; just have your children design and build their own
invention).
|
NOTE:
When I was a child, we used to get both Abraham Lincoln's birthday
and George Washington's birthday off. Then, Congress combined
them both into one holiday: Presidents' Day (linked below).
HISTORY:
Learn about Abraham Lincoln.
SCIENCE:
Learn about Darwinism. Learn how the secular world believes in
evolution. Personally, I believe that most of the animals
(including humans) were placed here and didn't evolve here. I do
think that Natural Selection is a real thing, but the Earth isn't as
old as scientist think it is. But, whatever position you hold,
you've got to teach what other believe as well.
|
CYBER
SAFETY:
This is something that needs to be reviewed from time to time.
Children need to be warned not to click on random links (such as
ads), because of possible malware. Even with the best
antivirus software things can happen.
Make sure all family-safe protocols are in
effect on your child's devices. There are a lot of safety
programs out there. Microsoft has some. Most antivirus
programs have some. Google has safe search. There's also
the "Dinner Time" app, which can give you, the parent some
control over devices.
|
HISTORY:
Learn the history of Valentine's Day (linked above).
Learn about Fredrick Douglas.
ELA:
Read to your child.
|
HISTORY:
Learn about Susan B. Anthony (and women's suffrage).
SCIENCE:
Learn about Hippos. Learn the taxonomy of Hippos (how they are
mammals); Discuss traits of mammals.
ECONOMICS:
Go to the bank and see if they have any Susan B. Anthony
dollars. Maybe start a coin collection to inspire learning in
social studies.
|
CELEBRATE:
You (as a parent) are a caregiver. You should celebrate
yourself! |
SCIENCE:
(Biology):
Pangolins could be naturally selected from ankylosaurs. See my
page linked above. Also, learn about whales and other
cetaceans.
WHO Shall I be?
Discuss the various types of occupations out there.
ARK:
= Acts of Random Kindness... Perhaps it is time to learn
about Karma. Did you know that Karma is in the Bible?
Yes! In two places:
In Galatians we have the Law of the Harvest (As a person sows, so
shall that person reap).
And, in Ecclesiastes we have the Law of the Tides (Cast thy bread
upon the waters and it shall return unto thee after many days).
|
18
Nat'l Battery Day;
Pluto Day;
Thumb appreciation day;
|
19
Presidents' Day. |
20
Clean-out-your-bookcase Day;
Nat'l Leadership Day;
Nat'l Student Volunteer Day;
|
21
Language Day;
Int'l Mother Tongue Day;
History of English;
English is Crazy!
|
22
2-22 Day;
Be humble day;
Play cards day;
World Thinking Day;
George Washington's birthday.
|
23
Pinocchio Day;
World Understanding and Peace Day;
|
24
Nat'l Trading Card Day;
|
SCIENCE:
Learn how a battery is made.
Electricity is part of all elementary school curricula.
Learn how to make a simple circuit.
|
HISTORY:
Learn about George Washington (and if you haven't already Abraham
Lincoln). |
ELA:
Not a bad idea to get rid of some old books that you don't need and
take them to the local thrift store, and fill up the empty space
with some reading material for your children. |
ELA:
Learn the history of the English language on Leon's Planet (linked
above).
Also, explore the craziness of the English language (also linked
above).
|
I'm
not sure what is so special about 2-22. {I known it means
February (2) and the 22nd day of February.} But, we don't have
a 1-11 day (or do we?) and we don't have a 3-33 day.
It is George Washington's birthday, and since you cannot learn all
about George Washington and the Revolutionary War in a single day,
it behooves to give some more time to this topic.
|
CHILD
SAFETY:
The movie Pinocchio really shows the stranger-danger thing, and will
caution children to beware.
[Of course the watching of Pinocchio should be accompanied by a
serious heart-to-heart with your children about stranger-danger].
|
ECONOMICS:
Explain how important it might be to keep trading cards in good
condition to increase their value. (Might be worth a lot of
money some day).
Also, discuss possibly starting a coin
collection.
|
25
Quiet Day;
|
26
Int'l Tongue Twister
Contest Day;
Tell a fairy tale day;
|
27
Nat'l Pokemon Day;
Int'l Polar Bear Day;
Nat'l Protein Day;
Big Breakfast Day;
|
28
Nat'l Science Day;
|
29
Leap Day; |
01 |
02 |
GAME:
Play the game: Who can be the quietest today?
|
ELA:
Tongue twisters are a great way (and fun way) to increase reading
fluency. My Tongue Twisters Page is so fun (with audio and
timers). It is linked above. |
HEALTH:
Discuss nutrition:
- protein
- carbohydrates
- vitamins
- fiber
- probiotics |
SCIENCE:
Explore the different branches of science. Here are some...
- Anatomy / Physiology
- Astronomy
- Biology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Physics
- Zoology |
SOCIAL
SCIENCES:
Explore the different Social sciences.
Here are some...
- Anthropology
- Child Development
- Civics
- Geography
- History
- Psychology
- Sociology |
|
|
Leon's Tongue Twister Page is Super Fun (and improves reading
fluency).
Just click on Tonguetied Bob to go there.
Sources:
[ TimeandDate.com
] [ Parade.com
] [ TheSpruce.com
]
December Sources:
Archived
*
October 2023
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
01
Int'l Coffee Day;
Pumpkin Spice Day;
National make homemade cookies Day
_____________
Nat'l Primary Care Week >
|
02
Guardian Angels' Day;
(I say let's make it guardian angels day all week!);
World Farm Animals Day;
Child health Day; |
03
Butterfly and Hummingbird Day;
Nat'l Techie's Day (technology day) |
04
Nat'l Taco Day;
World Animal Day;
Nat'l golf-lovers Day; [Do golf for P.E.].
|
05
World Teachers' Day (not
really recognized in the U.S. for some reason);
Financial
planning Day |
06
World Smile Day;
Mad Hatter Day;
Nat'l Noodle Day; |
07
Card-making Day; [make
a card for the Great Pumpkin!]
Nat'l Body Language Day; |
Math:
Cooking/Baking is a great way to teach fractions. Make some
cookies with your child and teach math!
|
Biology:
Teach different kinds of animals this week; reptiles,
amphibians, mammals.
Health:
Teach how to stay healthy; proper nutrition; food groups; exercise,
etc. |
I.T.
Teach about technology (and especially about how to stay safe
online). |
P.E.
Play golf in the yard today for P.E. It is a good way to get
outside and develop hand-eye coordination. |
Math:
Teach your child about money (at an age-appropriate level). |
Social
Skills:
Teach about emotional health (being positive) and all its
implications; And, teach how smiling affects others, and how it can
lead to making friends. |
Writing:
Go through the writing process whenever doing writing activities.
Write a letter (or make a card) for the Great Pumpkin; or do a
Halloween story. This will take a week to do, because the
writing process is rather lengthy. |
08
World Octopus Day;
Nat'l Chess Day;
Nat'l Hero's Day;
_____________
Fire-prevention Week >
Earth Science Week >
World Space Week >
|
09
Columbus Day;
Indigenous People's Day;
Fire Prevention Day [good day for a fire drill].
Canadian Thanksgiving;
|
10
World Mental Health Day;
World Homeless Day; |
11
It's my party Day;
Int'l Girl's Day;
|
12
Farmer's Day;
[good day to discuss occupations];
Freethought Day;
|
13
Int'l Day of Disaster Reduction;
Friday the 13th;
World Egg Day;
|
14
National Fossil Day;
Solar Eclipse over U.S.;
|
Critical
Thinking Skills:
Teach your child to play chess.
Science (Biology):
What is a mollusk?
|
Safety:
Teach the procedure for what to do if there is a fire at home.
Social Studies:
Teach about Columbus discovering America, and the improper treatment
of the indigenous peoples.
(We need to learn from history, so we don't repeat the bad stuff).
Now, I'm convinced that
it wasn't Columbus himself who mistreated the indigenous peoples,
but rather some of the political authorities who did. |
Heath:
Teach proper mental health measures, such as (but not limited to)
daily affirmations.
Service:
Discuss what is the best way to help the homeless in my
community. Note: most communities have laws against
pan-handling (and we should not give handouts). If we want to
help, we should donate to shelters. |
Social
Studies:
Explore the strides that women have made in history.
Make time to celebrate being a girl. (Boys should celebrate
girls as well; teach boys the proper way to treat girls!) |
Social
Studies:
Learn about different occupations at an age-appropriate level.
Social Studies:
In honor of freethought day, practice with your child on how
to make informed opinions.
I absolutely love
it when kids say, "I don't know," to a fact-based
question. (It means I get to teach them). But, I hate it
when kids say, "I don't know," to an opinion
question. We need to teach them how to make informed opinions
about things (now more than ever with all the propaganda out
there). Also, teach was propaganda is and how to be aware of
it. |
Social
Studies:
Learn the history of Friday the 13th (and how its really not a day
to be afraid of).
Emergency Preparedness:
Learn about what to do in a natural disaster.
See my Prepping Page for
help. |
Science
(Astronomy):
Teach about what a solar eclipse is. Go outside and observe
(with proper eyewear, of course).
Science (Biology
& Geology):
The study of fossils ties in biology with geology (and I guess
that's paleontology). Perhaps, next week do a unit on fossils,
dinosaurs, paleontology, etc.
Especially cover how
fossils are made (did you know that there are different ways?) |
15
Nat'l Mushroom Day;
Nat'l Grouch Day;
Nat'l Fetch Day;
_____________
Nat'l Chemistry Week >
|
16
Global Cat Day;
Dictionary Day;
Boss' Day;
World Singing Day |
17
Wear something gaudy day;
Nat'l Pasta Day;
|
18
Alaska Day;
Int'l Pronouns Day;
|
19
World Bone and Joint Day;
Nat'l New Friends Day;
|
20
Nat'l Confidence Day;
Nat'l Day on Writing;
|
21
Nat'l Apple Day;
Sweetest Day;
Int'l Nacho Day;
Nat'l Reptile Day; |
Science
(Chemistry):
Spend the week doing age-appropriate chemistry lessons/activities
this week. Chemistry is SO FUN! (With adult supervision
of course).
I absolutely love science!
There are a plethora of safe experiments that can be done with
substances that you have in your home. For example teaching a
chemical change can safely be done with baking soda and vinegar.
This can be combined with Geology by making a papier-mâché volcano
and filling it with baking soda, then adding vinegar with red food
coloring in it.
|
ELA:
Dictionary skills are very important; so, teach your child how to
use a dictionary.
Also, you
could explore English morphemes as a great way to increase one's
vocabulary.
NOTE:
morphemes are not for the young ones. Here's my suggestions to
increase vocabulary (and links are all on my site; so they are
ad-free and safe):
K-3: Calligrams
4-6: Morphemes
7-12: Morphemes
Music:
Learn some Halloween songs (like Monster Mash which is my
favorite). Teach meter, rhyme, beat, pitch, volume, timbre,
etc.
P.E.
Dance to the Halloween songs; this develops coordination as well as
getting exercise. |
Just
for Fun:
Kids love dress-up days! Plus, they can learn a new
word: "gaudy".
Math:
Kids can learn measuring skills by making homemade pasta. |
Social
Studies:
Children have to learn about geography in social studies. For
U.S.-based students, learn about states, statehood, and the
geography of the United States; including the history of how the
U.S. acquired Alaska from Russia.
ELA:
In honor of pronouns day, learn about parts of a speech on my Parts
of Speech Page. (includes pronouns). |
Biology:
Learn about the skeletal system (in age-appropriate ways); basically
by adding more vocabulary as the child gets older. [This goes
well with the theme of the month: namely, Halloween!]
Social Skills:
Teach the best ways to make a new friend. |
Mental
Health:
Teach confidence-building skills. Children of all ages need
this. (Even most adults need this). The first thing that
you need to teach is that it is OKAY to make mistakes. Nobody
is perfect and making mistakes is part of the learning
process. In fact, studies have shown that a person who makes a
mistake (and then corrects it) has learned 90% more than the person
who didn't make the mistake.
ELA:
Write a Halloween story. See my writing
page on how to do good writing (K-12).
It's always more fun
when you follow the writing process. |
Science
(Biology):
Suggestions for next week: Do a biology unit on the
differences between amphibians, reptiles and mammals. Focus on
reptiles.
Social Studies:
Even though historians are now telling us that the story of the
apple falling on Newton's head to discover gravity is probably
apocryphal, I would still teach it, because its a great story. |
22
Nat'l Color Day;
Nat'l Nut Day;
___________
Red Ribbon Week >
|
23
Mole Day;
(not the animal)
|
24
Nat'l Food Day;
Recycle your mercury thermostat Day;
United Nations Day;
|
25
Int'l Artists Day;
Nat'l Art Day;
Sourest Day;
|
26
Nat'l Pumpkin Day;
|
27
World Occupational Therapy Day;
Frankenstein Friday;
|
28
Full Moon;
Click on the moon to learn all about the moon!
|
Health:
In honor of red ribbon week; do an age-appropriate unit on
drugs. For instance:
K-3: Don't take "candy" from
strangers. Talk about what a drug is. There are
"good drugs" (medicine) and "bad drugs" (on the
street); [and teach that all can be dangerous in certain
amounts]. Discuss that this is why mom and dad have to go
through all the Halloween candy to make sure it is safe.
4-6: Talk about different kinds of drugs (medicine vs
illegal). Talk about how it is important to take care of
prescription medication (keep out of reach of the young ones and
follow the instructions). Reinforce not talking anything from
a stranger.
7-12: Teach amphetamines, barbiturates, hallucinogens
and all of their dangers.
Art:
Time to teach color theory.
This can be done in connection with some Halloween art projects.
|
Science
(Chemistry):
For high-school students, learn all about moles (in
chemistry). High school students have to know this! Here
is a website
that explains moles.
Khan Academy probably explains it too (free). |
Health:
Food science is an important part of health lessons. Teach
age-appropriate food science lessons. Food groups, nutrition,
balanced diets, etc.
Science (Chemistry):
Recently in the news, I learned that some children were hospitalized
with mercury poisoning. Explain the purpose of mercury in
thermostats and thermometer, but how dangerous it is to handle
it. For high school students, look at the periodical table of
elements to see where mercury is. |
Art:
Explore the different genres of art. Try to imitate the
different genres in your Halloween art projects.
Science (Chemistry)
& (Food science) & (Biology):
Explore the four tastes of the tongue: bitter, sweet, sour,
and salty. What foods are sour? What causes sour taste?
(Acid). Why is sour good? (Especially for preserving foods). |
Health:
Pumpkins are high in Vitamin A (very healthy).
Basically anything orange is high in Vitamin A: oranges, carrots,
yams, and pumpkins. What is vitamin A good for?
Math:
Teach measuring by making homemade pumpkin pie.
Hand-eye
Coordination:
Time to carve your pumpkins for Halloween!
CAUTION: beforehand, teach the proper handling of a knife. |
Occupational
Therapy:
In my opinion, occupational therapy is for everyone!
This is the time to learn how to use everyday items, such as
calculators, how to hold pencils properly, how to use rulers, how to
use a compass (both types), how to properly handle scissors, etc.,
etc.
ELA:
Who was Frankenstein? Who wrote the book? When?
Why? (That's an interesting story as to why the book was written)
What was the "monster" that Dr. Frankenstein created. |
Science
(Astronomy):
Explore the phases of the moon (first grade has to know this).
Art:
Learn to draw, paint, color the moon (this can be done in connection
with Halloween art; like a moon behind a haunted house). Why
is the moon yellow near the horizon, and white when it is higher in
the sky?
Music:
There are a plethora of songs about the moon. They are listed
on my Moon Page. (I
like to play these songs while we are doing the moon art projects.
ELA:
There are at least 3 Newberry Award-winning books that have the word
"Moon" in the title.
They are listed on my Moon Page. |
29
Nat'l Cat Day;
Internet Day;
|
30
Nat'l Checklist Day;
Devil's Night;
Speak up for service Day;
|
31
All Hallows Eve
Click on the Jack-o-Lantern to learn more about the
history of Halloween, and why we make jack-o-lanterns at Halloween. |
01
All-saints Day; |
02
All-souls Day; |
03
Coming soon. |
04
Coming soon. |
Science
(Biology):
Cats are mammals -- What are the characteristics of mammals?
Social Studies &
ELA:
Cat Lore. (Lore, or folklore, is a genre of literature).
Why are cats (especially black cats associated with Halloween?)
I.T.
Discuss internet safety.
Discuss how to use bookmarks that parents have set up. Discuss
about how not to click on ads or pop-ups. Discuss how to not
click on links in emails unless from a trusted source (but even
then, I've had trusted sources hacked and sending untrustworthy
links. I told my child to always call and ask, "Did you
send me a link?"
|
Organizational
Skills:
Children need to learn organizational skills; so teach how to make
checklists (especially for homeschooling); give each child a
checklist of things they need to do each day.
Social Studies; RE:
"Devil's Night"):
Please note that Halloween traditionally has nothing to do with the
Devil. The word "Halloween" means "Hallowed
Evening"; it was traditionally a holy day. It comes from
the ancient Irish holiday of Sam-whain (which means summer
wanes). Why then, is it associated with the Devil? Who
knows? But, please teach your children that Halloween has
nothing to do with the Devil. Learn more on my Halloween
Page. |
Social
Skills:
Teach your children proper trick-or-treat etiquette. Say,
"Trick-or-treat" and don't complain about the treats
given. Say, "Thank-you," after receiving gifts.
Don't go to houses with lights off (that means they are not
participating in the trick-or-treating ritual. Focus on houses
with Halloween decorations (that means they are participating in the
trick-or-treating ritual).
Children must
understand that there are bad people out there and that parents need
to go through and possibly dispose of potentially dangerous Halloween
treats.
Children also need to
learn to share (with parents). Encourage your child to share
with you. |
I'm
not doing November yet. Maybe soon.
But, you can learn
about All-Saints' day on my Halloween
Page. |
I'm
not doing November yet. Maybe soon.
But, you can learn
about All-Souls' day on my Halloween
Page.
|
|
|
05
|
06 |
07 |
08 |
09 |
10 |
11 |
October Sources:
[ Time
and Date Dot Com ] [ Parade
] [ The
Spruce
]
*
October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month!
(I'm not going to provide any links, but do your research into
spina bifida. I taught a child with spina bifida, and she was a wonderful
student.
I wish her all the best, and I hope that science can someday correct this
infirmity).
November 2023
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
October
29
Nat'l Cat Day;
Internet Day;
|
30
Nat'l Checklist Day;
Devil's Night;
Speak up for service Day;
|
31
All Hallows Eve
Click on the Jack-o-Lantern to learn more about the
history of Halloween, and why we make jack-o-lanterns at Halloween.
All-Hallows-Tide
>>>
|
November
01
All-saints Day;
Author's Day;
Autistic's Speaking Day;
Family Literacy Day;
All-Hallows-Tide >>> |
02
All-souls Day; and Day of the Dead...
Last Day of All-Hallows-Tide. |
03
National Housewives' Day
(Homemakers' Day);
World Jellyfish Day; |
04
Nat'l Play-outside Day;
Nat'l Bison Day;
King Tut Day;
|
Science
(Biology):
Cats are mammals -- What are the characteristics of mammals?
Social Studies &
ELA:
Cat Lore. (Lore, or folklore, is a genre of literature).
Why are cats (especially black cats associated with Halloween?)
I.T.
Discuss internet safety.
Discuss how to use bookmarks that parents have set up. Discuss
about how not to click on ads or pop-ups. Discuss how to not
click on links in emails unless from a trusted source (but even
then, I've had trusted sources hacked and sending untrustworthy
links. I told my child to always call and ask, "Did you
send me a link?"
|
Organizational
Skills:
Children need to learn organizational skills; so teach how to make
checklists (especially for homeschooling); give each child a
checklist of things they need to do each day.
Social Studies; RE:
"Devil's Night"):
Please note that Halloween traditionally has nothing to do with the
Devil. The word "Halloween" means "Hallowed
Evening"; it was traditionally a holy day. It comes from
the ancient Irish holiday of Sam-whain (which means summer
wanes). Why then, is it associated with the Devil? Who
knows? But, please teach your children that Halloween has
nothing to do with the Devil. Learn more on my Halloween
Page. |
Social
Skills:
Teach your children proper trick-or-treat etiquette. Say,
"Trick-or-treat" and don't complain about the treats
given. Say, "Thank-you," after receiving gifts.
Don't go to houses with lights off (that means they are not
participating in the trick-or-treating ritual. Focus on houses
with Halloween decorations (that means they are participating in the
trick-or-treating ritual).
Children must
understand that there are bad people out there and that parents need
to go through and possibly dispose of potentially dangerous Halloween
treats.
Children also need to
learn to share (with parents). Encourage your child to share
with you. |
NOTE
for NOVEMBER:
There are a lot of days that pertain to reading and writing this
month, (and honestly, from a teacher of 25 years, reading and
writing are the most important subjects). That
said, it would be good to do some Thanksgiving and Christmas-themed
reading and writing this month. WRITING
(Author's Day):
If your child has ever written an original composition, your child
is an author. It would be a good time to discuss what it takes
to become a good author. (The writing process is what it
takes). I have
The Writing Process explained in detail on my "Writing
Well Page". |
You can learn
about All-Saints' Day, All-Souls' day, and Day of the Dead on my Halloween
Page.
It is NOT cultural
appropriation to participate in the celebrations of other
cultures. It is only considered cultural appropriation, when,
say, Day of the Dead is declared a part of Halloween, which it is
not, and should not be taught as such.
Day of the Dead has
some origins in Halloween, but most of it comes from a mixture of
Catholic and Aztec cultures. It is now its own thing.
|
Home-Ec.:
Today is perhaps a good day to some lessons on home economy.
Writing/Reading:
With the help of a parent, the students make a shopping list for the
family. Then, go shopping on Saturday with mama/daddy, and
read the list off for the parents. I like to organize my
shopping list by areas of the store, like this: grocery
section, household items, cleaning materials, toiletries, pharmacy,
school supplies, etc.
|
Science
(biology):
An American buffalo is truly a Bison. It is a mammal.
Discuss the differences between mammals and reptiles.
History (Gr 5 &
8):
Discuss how the settlers almost hunted the Bison to extinction, but
was saved with the help of such people as Buffalo Bill.
(Especially for 5th grade & 8th grade). If you had bison
in your state, you can also do this for grades 4 & 7.
History (Gr 6 &
9):
Discuss the contributions to world history by the Egyptian
culture. Did you know that the Egyptians loved cats?
Learn all about cats on my "Cats
Page".
|
05
Nat'l Doughnut Day;
Daylight Savings Ends;
___________________
National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week >
"Dear Santa," letter-writing week
>
|
06
Nat'l Nachos Day; |
07
U.S. Election Day;
Nat'l Cancer Awareness Day;
Color-the-world-orange Day; |
08
Nat'l STEM Day;
Nat'l Parents-as-teachers Day;
Talk money day; |
09
World Freedom Day;
Art Museum Day; |
10
Forget-me-not Day;
Sesame Street Day; |
11
Veteran's Day;
Nat'l Origami Day; |
Writing:
This week follow "The
Writing Process" (explained in detail on my site) and
produce a letter to Santa. The Writing Process will take all
week to complete.
|
Nutrition:
If you go all out on the nachos, they have all food groups and are
very healthy. Maybe discuss food groups and how important it
is to have a balanced diet.
Culinary Arts:
Explain that making food not only needs to be healthy but also need
to look appealing. Have students make their own healthy nachos
in and artistic way! |
Art:
Discuss and explore different shades/tints of orange. Explore
mixing yellow with orange and red with orange to make different
colors. Do some fall / harvest / Thanksgiving-themed art
projects with orange. |
STEM:
(Science Technology Engineering & Math) -
Do what you will with this. Maybe just explain how those four
things go really well together. Maybe do some cross-curriculum.
Parents-as-Teachers
Day:
Time to celebrate parents who teach their children! This is
awesome! I've never seen this before (and it's about time!)
Perhaps this is a good time to have a heart-to-heart with your child
about how much you sacrifice in order to teach your child and why
education is so important.
Do something to reward yourself this day. |
Art:
Appreciation is a part of any state's art curriculum, and since it
is Native American Heritage month, explore Native American art.
Some museums have
online tours (for free!).
It's okay to mimic the
styles of others, so long as your work is original. Try to
mimic the Native American styles of art. Use their designs in
your own way.
|
Science
(Biology):
The forget-me-not is a flowering planet (angiosperm).
Symbolism (a
literary concept):
The forget-me-not symbolizes true love, fidelity, and devotion.
Source: The
Spruce. |
Modern
History:
Celebrate our Veterans!
I'll leave it up to you on how you do this. Maybe you know
someone who is a Veteran. Do something nice for that person
today.
Art:
Do some origami. If you find some way to do Native American
origami, that would be awesome.
Literature:
Read Sadako and the 1000 Paper Cranes. |
12
Diwali: Hindu New Year.
Int'l Tongue-Twister
Day;
_____________________
Nat'l Young-readers' week >
World Kindness Week >
Geography Week >
|
13
World Kindness Day;
World Orphans' Day; |
14
Nat'l PJ Day;
Int'l Girls' Day;
Teddy-bear Day;
World Diabetes Day; |
15
U.S. Recycle Day;
I-love-to-write Day;
Pack-your-mom's-lunch Day;
|
16
World Philosophy Day;
Nat'l Button Day; |
17
Guinness World Record Day;
Nat'l Homemade Bread Day; |
18
Apple Cider Day;
Mickey Mouse Day;
Int'l stand-up-to-bullying Day;
|
ELA
(Literacy):
If you have a young reader, there is no better way to increase
reading speed than by rote; And, there is no funner way to do
rote reading than by practicing those tongue twisters. See my Tongue
Twisters Page. It has old and new (original) tongue
twisters, with audio and timers (so that you can time yourself).
|
ELA
(Literacy):
Famous orphans in literature:
Tom Sawyer,
David Copperfield,
Pollyanna,
Peter Pan,
Mowgli,
Harry Potter,
Pipi Longstocking,
Sophie (The BFG),
James (James and the Giant Peach),
Mathilda...
Learn all about Roald Dahl on Leon's Planet. Just click on
Mathilda (above). |
Dress-up
Day:
Kids love dress-up days: Let your children wear their PJs and
bring a teddy bear with them to "school" today. Do
PJ & Teddy-bear themed work today.
Vocabulary:
Where did the word pajamas come from? It comes from the
Hindi language and means leg-clothing. Europeans adopted them
for night wear. Now, Where did the word "Teddy bear"
come from? It was named after President Theodore
("Teddy") Roosevelt, and became popular through a
comic-illustrated poem about two bears named "Teddy".
History:
What is President "Teddy" Roosevelt famous for? He
is famous for setting up our national park system. |
Math:
Cooking can be a great way to teach math. Let the kids cook
lunch by following a recipe. They will need to measure (and
measuring is part of the math curriculum). |
Art:
Time to get out your collection of buttons and used them in art
projects. Perhaps make some pilgrims for Thanksgiving.
While the children are
working on their art projects, you can read some Thanksgiving
literature to them. |
Math
& Reading:
Baking is a super fantastic way to teach math (and reading of a
recipe).
Science (Biology):
The Guinness World Records are a wonderful way to get children
interested in biology (and genetics and stuff like that).
On Leon's Planet:
The
oldest cat.
The
biggest apple. |
How
to Stand-up to Bullying:
I once had a student
whose dad told me in no uncertain terms to stop interfering with his
daughter's life, by letting her solve her own problems. He
also told me that he teaches his kids that the way to stand up to
bullies is to fight them.
I don't think that that
is the right way, especially since student who throws a punch will
get suspended, and adults get jail time.
If bullying is
happening, the child needs to tell the parents.
Now, its in your
corner, parents. For homeschooling parents, you need to
contact that police. Bullying is against the law.
|
19
Nat'l Play Monopoly Day;
Int'l Men's Day;
World Toilet Day;
____________________
Nat'l Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week >
Nat'l Family Week >
|
20
Universal Children's Day;
Nat'l Absurdity Day; |
21
Nat'l Entrepreneur's Day;
World Hello Day; |
22
Go-for-a-ride Day;
Love-your-freckles Day;
Humane Society Day;
Start-your-own-country Day;
|
23
U.S. Thanksgiving
|
24
Black Friday;
Native American Heritage Day;
Day of listening;
Celebrate your unique talent day; |
25
Nat'l Play-with-dad Day; |
Economics:
All children have to learn economics as part of their social studies
curricula (all grades). It spirals and builds each year.
Monopoly is a good game to learn the basic rudiments of an economy.
History:
Might be interesting to learn history by learning the history of the
toilet (from outhouse to flush toilet).
|
ELA:
Since it is Nat'l Absurdity Day, it might be a good time to explore
the absurdities of the English language. (I have a page
on this topic).
Children's Day:
Every country that I have lived in has a children's day, except the
U.S. Why not do something to celebrate being a child.
|
ALL
SUBJECTS:
Make plans to start a child-business:
ELA (Reading): read up on the ins and outs of the business.
ELA (Write): make posters, flyers, and business cards.
Math: Make a budget for the business; learn how to count
money.
Science: Is there any science connected to the business?
Social Studies: Market your product/service |
Geography:
I love this activity for geography. Make a map of your own
country (of your own design), name it, label it. Have
mountains, rivers, lakes, coasts, deserts, valleys, cities,
farmland, volcanoes, etc. Teach the symbols for each.
Make a legend. This is such a fun activity.
Art:
Learn how to mix primary colors to make the colors that you need to
color your map.
|
There's
no school today.
But, I do have a
page about Thanksgiving.
|
History:
Celebrate the Native Americans (Wampanoags) who helped the pilgrims
survive in their new habitat. |
Self-explanatory. |
26
Int'l Cake Day;
|
27
Cyber Monday;
Pins and Needles Day;
|
28
Giving Tuesday;
Nat'l French Toast Day;
|
29
Electronic Greetings Day;
Left-over Day (either eat or throw out). |
30
Int'l Computer security Day;
Nat'l Personal-space Day;
|
01
December
Red Apple Day;
Rosa Parks Day;
Nat'l Pie Day;
|
02
December
Special Education Day; |
ELA
(Reading):
Learn to read a recipe.
Math:
Baking a cake is a great way to learn math!
|
Cyber
Safety:
Being cyber Monday, you might want to cover the basics of cyber
safety with your child. |
Social
Skills:
Giving is not just a joy, it is a great way to make friends.
Learn when it is appropriate to give and how much to give. |
Food
Safety:
Learn how long it is safe to keep food in the fridge. |
I.T.
Learn how to protect one's devices with safe passwords (and maybe
2-step verification). |
History,
Science, ELA:
Learn all about apples on my apples
page. |
SPED:
As I taught my son, being "special" means that you have
certain deficiencies, but you also compensate with your 'super
powers'. Explore your child's super powers. (My son is
autistic, but he has great attention to detail.) |
November Sources:
[ Time
and Date dot com ] [ The
Spruce ] [ Parade
]
DECEMBER 2023
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
26
Int'l Cake Day;
|
27
Cyber Monday;
Pins and Needles Day;
|
28
Giving Tuesday;
Nat'l French Toast Day;
|
29
Electronic Greetings Day;
Left-over Day (either eat or throw out). |
30
Int'l Computer security Day;
Nat'l Personal-space Day;
|
01
December
Red Apple Day;
Rosa Parks Day;
Nat'l Pie Day;
Nat'l Christmas Lights Day;
|
02
December
Special Education Day; |
ELA
(Reading):
Learn to read a recipe.
Math:
Baking a cake is a great way to learn math!
|
Cyber
Safety:
Being cyber Monday, you might want to cover the basics of cyber
safety with your child. |
Social
Skills:
Giving is not just a joy, it is a great way to make friends.
Learn when it is appropriate to give and how much to give. |
Food
Safety:
Learn how long it is safe to keep food in the fridge. |
I.T.
Learn how to protect one's devices with safe passwords (and maybe
2-step verification). |
History,
Science, ELA:
Learn all about apples on my apples
page. |
SPED:
As I taught my son, being "special" means that you have
certain deficiencies, but you also compensate with your 'super
powers'. Explore your child's super powers. (My son is
autistic, but he has great attention to detail.) |
03
Make a gift day;
_______________
Hand-washing Awareness Week >>>
|
04
Santa's List Day;
Nat'l Cookie Day;
Wildlife Conservation Day;
|
05
Int'l Volunteer Day;
|
06
Mitten Tree Day;
St. Nicholas Day;
|
07
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day;
Letter-writing Day;
______________
Hanukkah Begins.
(Goes 'till 15th).
|
08
Pretend to be a time-traveler Day;
Nat'l Blue Collar Day;
|
09
X-mas Card Day;
National Pasta Day;
|
Art:
(...and crafts)
This kind of activity building hand-eye coordination and dexterity
skills.
Do an arts-and-crafts project as a Christmas gift for somebody.
|
Math:
Baking cookies is great way to teach/learn math. Part of math
is measuring, capacity, fractions, etc.
Maybe make some X-mas
cookies. |
Social
Studies:
Part of any social studies curriculum should be service to
community. |
Mitten
Tree Day:
The idea of mitten tree day is that one acquires a bunch of mittens,
hangs them on the tree, and over the course of the holidays, hands
them out to those in need.
St. Nicholas Day;
Learn more about "St. Nick" and other Santas
around the world on Leon's Planet.
|
ELA
(Writing):
Good day to write a letter to Santa. (Please follow the writing
process). |
ELA
(Reading):
Great time to read a new book about time travel. After all, it
is read-a-new-book month. Some suggestions:
For Elementary:
A Wrinkle in Time.
For Secondary:
The Time Machine
|
ELA
(Writing):
Time to send out those Christmas cards. I'd make my own. |
10
Jane Adams Day;
(First American Woman to receive a Nobel Peace Prize);
Human Rights Day;
|
11
Unicef Day for Change;
(Unicef's Birthday);
Int'l Mountain Day;
|
12
New Moon.
Nat'l Poinsetta Day;
Gingerbread House Day;
Nat'l Ambrosia Day;
|
13
Nat'l Cocoa Day;
Nat'l Day of the Horse;
|
14
Roast Chestnuts Day;
Nat'l Energy Conservation Day;
Monkey Day;
|
15
Last day of Hanukkah;
Bill of Rights Day;
Nat'l Cupcake Day;
Int'l Tea Day;
Nat'l Ugly X-mas Sweater Day (3rd Friday);
Underdog Day;
|
16
Boston Tea Party Day;
Nat'l-Wreaths-Across- America Day (on 3rd Saturday in December); |
Social
Studies:
I would make this whole week about Human Rights, starting with what
the Nobel Peace Prize is and how it relates to human rights (like
the right to live a peaceful life). And, then be thankful for
the rights that we have.
|
Social
Studies:
In honor of Unicef's Birthday, see my Charity
Page. |
Science
(Astronomy):
Learn about the phases of the moon (and more) on my moon
page. |
Science
(Biology):
Did you know that while all the other animals were getting smaller (from
dinosaurs to mammals millions of years ago and mammals to smaller
mammals during the ice age), the horse is one of the very few
that actually got bigger? |
Science
(Physical):
Explore ways to conserve energy this winter (and lower energy
bills). You can even to a deep-dive into where all our energy
comes from. |
Social
Studies:
In keeping with the theme for the week, namely human rights, explore
the Bill of Rights in our Constitution.
Caveat: Freedom of speech doesn't mean what most
children think it means; It means that people in America can
criticize their gov't without fear of repercussions. |
Art:
Make a holiday wreath. |
17
Wright Brothers Day;
Nat'l Maple Syrup Day;
|
18
Bake cookies day;
Nat'l Twins day;
|
19
Evergreen Day;
Holly Day;
Nat'l Emo Day;
Nat'l Hard Candy Day;
Nat'l Oatmeal Muffin Day;
|
20
Caroling Day;
|
21
Nat'l Short Story Day;
Crossword Puzzle Day;
World Snowboard Day;
|
22
Winter Solstice.
Yule Traditions Begin.
|
23
Nat'l Roots Day;
|
Social
Studies (History):
Explore the history of aviation.
|
Science
(Genetics):
Explore how twins (both kinds) come to be in the womb on an age
appropriate level.
Children will be thrilled to learn that all animals come from
eggs. Some eggs "hatch" in the womb and some eggs
hatch outside the womb. Mammals are the only ones that
"hatch" the eggs in the womb. |
Science
(Biology):
Discuss the difference between evergreen and deciduous trees.
And not all conifers are evergreens.
ELA (Reading):
In Mongolia I came across some conifers that are not
evergreen. And, the Mongolians have a myth that explains how
most conifers became evergreens. Read it on my blog. |
Music:
A great way to improve those musical skills is to go Christmas
caroling.
(Man, I wish I could
homeschool, so I could do all these cool things!)
|
ELA
(Reading):
Read a short Christmas story together.
ELA (Vocab):
Find a free crossword generator online and make a crossword puzzle
using your weekly vocabulary words.
|
Science
(Celestial mechanics); and ELA (Reading); [This is
called cross-curriculum]:
Learn about how winter
solstice happens with the wobble of the Earth's axis and as it
orbits the sun.
Then read all about winter
solstice traditions around the world on Leon's Planet.
|
Science
(Genetics); and Social Studies (family history):
Time to get out those
old family albums and explore the family history and discuss how
genetic traits are passed from one generation to the next.
|
24
Nat'l Eggnog Day;
|
25
Christmas.
|
26
Kwanza begins.
(Goes 'till Jan. 1st).
________________
Canadian Boxing Day.
________________
Full Moon.
________________
Thank-you note day;
Nat'l Candy Cane Day; |
27
Make cut-out snowflakes day;
|
28
Nat'l Card-playing Day;
Nat'l Call-a-friend Day;
Nat'l Chocolate Candy Day;
|
29
Still-need-to-do Day; |
30
Nat'l Resolution Day;
Nat'l Bacon Day;
|
Science
(Physical):
Eggnog is a mixture.
Explore the science of types of mixtures. Which kind of
mixture is eggnog?
Math:
Make some homemade eggnog (non-alcoholic, of course).
|
Take
a day off. |
ELA
(Writing):
Write thank-you cards to those who gave gifts. |
Art:
See above. |
Critical
Thinking Skills and Math:
Playing gin rummy is a great way to practice math and develop those
critical thinking skills. |
Organizational
Skills:
Children need to be explicitly taught how to organize their
lives. Teach them to make a list of things to do (and
prioritize it); And, then get started on it. |
ELA
(Writing):
Have children write out their resolutions for the New Year.
Make posters.
MATH:
Make charts/graphs to keep track of progress, with milestones and
rewards for achieving those milestones. |
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