Lora Langston's Blog, page 44
September 28, 2014
United States Capitals and Symbols: Free Homeschooling Online
Lesson Ideas for United States Capitals and Symbols
United States Capitals and Symbols: These activities will help you learn how the United States came to be united. Study the state capitals and symbols with fun online games and free printables. Each of our free online homeschooling lessons includes language arts, social studies, science, and art components. Whenever possible, we also include math and PE. Scroll down for online games and activities. Enjoy!
United States Capitals and Symbols:
Free Online Homeschooling Lessons.
Elementary and Middle School Social Studies: Grades 3-8
Teacher Resources:
Make your Own Worksheets
Free Common Core Lesson Ideas for grades 3 - 12 from Brainpop.com
Lesson Ideas for the United State symbols for early elementary.
Homeschooling Activities
Student Lesson:
Do this: While you are studying the state capitals, make an index card for each state. On the front write the state’s name in the CENTER of the card in big, bold letters.
On the back, write the name of the state’s capital. As you learn facts about each state, draw pictures on the card to represent them. For example, for Indiana decorate your card with the Cardinal (state bird) and Corn (state resource).
Watch this video about how it all began:
Schoolhouse Rock The United States Preamble to the Constitution
Geography
Cartoon: Sing the 50 state capitals with Wakko of Animaniacs.
Click United States Facts for a map of capitals, info on state birds, flowers, and more. Free Printable Blank Map of Indiana
Downloadable Blank Maps of all 50 states.
Now, you're ready to practice what you've learned with this cool Capital Catch Game from kidsgeo.com. Match Capitals with States Online Game.
[image error]
State capital matching game and quiz from kidsgeo.com.
Click the link above to play game.
History
When did Indiana become a State? ______________________
(Write out the question, and answer it in your daily journal.)
Find out here: Statehood Dates.
Fun Videos that teaches how we became the United States of America:
Video on Boston Tea Party by Schoolhouse Rock: No More Kings
Schoolhouse Rock: The Shot Heard Round the World
Why do we have fireworks on the Fourth of July?
Answer this in your daily journal.
Schoolhouse Rocks: Fireworks
Read How did the American Revolution happen? If you subscribe to Brainpop, watch the video here.
Grab a piece of paper (or use a Google Doc) and tell how the American revolution happened? Why did it happen?
Start with this Printable Cause and Effect Graphic Organizer
Because of all of that, America became a melting pot.
How are you doing? Test your knowledge with a State Capitals Quiz.
More about the U.S. Constitution from Brainpop.com (subscribers only).
Art Component
Let’s get messy! Make your own 3D map of the United States activity. You will need tempera paint, flour, salt, water, and some cardboard. Remember: Baking and Making is science too!
See how to do it at Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers.
[image error]
How to make a 3D United States map with salt dough.
Visit Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers.
Language Arts Component
Grammar Monster explains the difference between capital and capitol. Be sure to scroll past the quick answer to learn more about capital vs. capitol.
Science Component
What is the state bird for __________________? (fill in your state and bird). Optional: Research why your state bird was chosen.
What is an ornithologist?
Become a bird watcher in your state and Research Birds of the United States. Follow the link to learn about typical and rare birds found in each state. Find out how you can help report rare bird sightings.
Print this: Printable Worksheets for State Birds from Education.com
Did you know the state bird for Delaware is a Rooster, okay a chicken but still… :)
[image error]
State Bird Coloring Sheets for Children from Education.com
Early Elementary Component Pre-K - 3, but suitable for older kids too!
Free Online Quiz and Video on U.S. symbols from Brainpopjr.com
Free online matching game: Match the United States symbols.
Name 3 United States symbols. On a separate sheet of paper, draw the symbols with crayons or markers.
1.___________________________________________________
2.___________________________________________________
3.___________________________________________________
Social Studies Just for Fun Online Games
Play this fun game from Funbrain.com: Where is that?
From Cool-Mathgames.com: State Snap match the states shape game.
Fun Activity: Collect United States State Quarters. Each quarter has special information about the state it represents.
The U.S. Mint has lots of online games and videos. We've got an online lesson on how to make money - okay, it is really about how they make money at the mint, but how to make money sounds more exciting!
Recommended Reading:
United Tweets of America: 50 State Birds Their Stories, Their Glories
Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags: The Story of the Fourth of July Symbols[image error]
The Story of America's Birthday
Soaring with the Wind: The Bald Eagle
A Picnic in October[image error] - A story about the Statue of Liberty.
Copyright 2014 by Lora Langston, Kids Creative Chaos.
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
United States Capitals and Symbols: These activities will help you learn how the United States came to be united. Study the state capitals and symbols with fun online games and free printables. Each of our free online homeschooling lessons includes language arts, social studies, science, and art components. Whenever possible, we also include math and PE. Scroll down for online games and activities. Enjoy!
United States Capitals and Symbols:
Free Online Homeschooling Lessons.
Elementary and Middle School Social Studies: Grades 3-8
Teacher Resources:
Make your Own Worksheets
Free Common Core Lesson Ideas for grades 3 - 12 from Brainpop.com
Lesson Ideas for the United State symbols for early elementary.
Homeschooling Activities
Student Lesson:
Do this: While you are studying the state capitals, make an index card for each state. On the front write the state’s name in the CENTER of the card in big, bold letters.
On the back, write the name of the state’s capital. As you learn facts about each state, draw pictures on the card to represent them. For example, for Indiana decorate your card with the Cardinal (state bird) and Corn (state resource).
Watch this video about how it all began:
Schoolhouse Rock The United States Preamble to the Constitution
Geography
Cartoon: Sing the 50 state capitals with Wakko of Animaniacs.
Click United States Facts for a map of capitals, info on state birds, flowers, and more. Free Printable Blank Map of Indiana
Downloadable Blank Maps of all 50 states.
Now, you're ready to practice what you've learned with this cool Capital Catch Game from kidsgeo.com. Match Capitals with States Online Game.
[image error]
State capital matching game and quiz from kidsgeo.com.
Click the link above to play game.
History
When did Indiana become a State? ______________________
(Write out the question, and answer it in your daily journal.)
Find out here: Statehood Dates.
Fun Videos that teaches how we became the United States of America:
Video on Boston Tea Party by Schoolhouse Rock: No More Kings
Schoolhouse Rock: The Shot Heard Round the World
Why do we have fireworks on the Fourth of July?
Answer this in your daily journal.
Schoolhouse Rocks: Fireworks
Read How did the American Revolution happen? If you subscribe to Brainpop, watch the video here.
Grab a piece of paper (or use a Google Doc) and tell how the American revolution happened? Why did it happen?
Start with this Printable Cause and Effect Graphic Organizer
Because of all of that, America became a melting pot.
How are you doing? Test your knowledge with a State Capitals Quiz.
More about the U.S. Constitution from Brainpop.com (subscribers only).
Art Component
Let’s get messy! Make your own 3D map of the United States activity. You will need tempera paint, flour, salt, water, and some cardboard. Remember: Baking and Making is science too!
See how to do it at Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers.
[image error]
How to make a 3D United States map with salt dough.
Visit Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers.
Language Arts Component
Grammar Monster explains the difference between capital and capitol. Be sure to scroll past the quick answer to learn more about capital vs. capitol.
Science Component
What is the state bird for __________________? (fill in your state and bird). Optional: Research why your state bird was chosen.
What is an ornithologist?
Become a bird watcher in your state and Research Birds of the United States. Follow the link to learn about typical and rare birds found in each state. Find out how you can help report rare bird sightings.
Print this: Printable Worksheets for State Birds from Education.com
Did you know the state bird for Delaware is a Rooster, okay a chicken but still… :)
[image error]
State Bird Coloring Sheets for Children from Education.com
Early Elementary Component Pre-K - 3, but suitable for older kids too!
Free Online Quiz and Video on U.S. symbols from Brainpopjr.com
Free online matching game: Match the United States symbols.
Name 3 United States symbols. On a separate sheet of paper, draw the symbols with crayons or markers.
1.___________________________________________________
2.___________________________________________________
3.___________________________________________________
Social Studies Just for Fun Online Games
Play this fun game from Funbrain.com: Where is that?
From Cool-Mathgames.com: State Snap match the states shape game.
Fun Activity: Collect United States State Quarters. Each quarter has special information about the state it represents.
The U.S. Mint has lots of online games and videos. We've got an online lesson on how to make money - okay, it is really about how they make money at the mint, but how to make money sounds more exciting!
Recommended Reading:
United Tweets of America: 50 State Birds Their Stories, Their Glories
Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags: The Story of the Fourth of July Symbols[image error]
The Story of America's Birthday
Soaring with the Wind: The Bald Eagle
A Picnic in October[image error] - A story about the Statue of Liberty.
Copyright 2014 by Lora Langston, Kids Creative Chaos.
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
September 26, 2014
Cat Sleeping in Basket: Caturday Pictures
Funny Picture for Caturday, Cat Sleeps in Basket
So, my cat is very cool. Smoothe, unencumbered by normal cat behaviors. He sleeps, he eats, he sleeps. I was lucky to catch him in a less than flattering sleeping position. Smack dab in the middle of the snack basket. Embarrassed much? Not so regal now, Mister fancy pants... I feel a bribe coming on. Enjoy!
Cat Sleeping in Basket: Caturday Pictures.
Recommended Reading:
If You Give a Cat a Cupcake (If You Give... Books)
Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat--Not a Sour Puss
Cat in Perry the Platypus Costume
So, my cat is very cool. Smoothe, unencumbered by normal cat behaviors. He sleeps, he eats, he sleeps. I was lucky to catch him in a less than flattering sleeping position. Smack dab in the middle of the snack basket. Embarrassed much? Not so regal now, Mister fancy pants... I feel a bribe coming on. Enjoy!
Cat Sleeping in Basket: Caturday Pictures.
Recommended Reading:
If You Give a Cat a Cupcake (If You Give... Books)
Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat--Not a Sour Puss
Cat in Perry the Platypus Costume
September 25, 2014
Cough Medicine for Kids: Dr. Cocoa™
Dr. Cocoa™ Cold and Cough Medicine for Kids
Cold season is around the corner, but if you are like me, it is always cough and cold season. NEW Dr. Cocoa™ for Children is the first-ever chocolate flavored, over-the-counter liquid cough and cold medicine line for children ages 4-13! When they asked me to review their product, I accepted with an resounding yes. We had a cold in the house. One cold leads to another and another. It seems like we have colds year round. Allergies are the worst.
Chocolate flavored cough syrup makes for smiling sick kids!
The kids were excited when the brown box arrived at the doorstep. And, they were thrilled to see the adorable owl puppet inside. Owls are in again! We had it for a week, before the need for medicine came again. They both were anxious to try it, because they hate cherry and grape flavored syrups. They tolerate orange. Chocolate flavor? That might just work! Dr. Cocoa™ for Children is the first-ever cough and cold medicine for children with patented formulas combining trusted, effective ingredients with 10% real cocoa for great chocolate taste to make giving medicine to kids easier.
Easy Owl Craft for Kids
Owl Puppet Giveaway
Cough Medicine for Kids: Dr. Cocoa™
The great chocolate taste, made with real cocoa, combined with trusted, effective ingredients, means kids are happy to take the medicine and moms are happy that their children will get cough and cold relief. Guess, what it works! Just as good or better than those other remedies with no fussing! I was going to sit on my kids to demonstrate what it is like to get them to take their meds, but then I thought some people might not think that is funny! Instead, I am sharing a picture of a happy kid, one who constantly suffers from allergies and coughs. You can't hear him, but he is thanking Mr. Dr. Cocoa™ .
You can find more about Dr. Cocoa™ on Facebook. Including how to enter to win a hand puppet for a limited time.
Remember, Dr. Cocoa™ products are FDA regulated medicines and should be used only as directed and kept safely out of reach of children.
#DrCocoaReliefWithASmile
Visit www.drcocoa.com for a $2-off coupon offer.
*This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation that contains affiliate links. However, all opinions, text and experiences are my own.
Recommended Reading:
Owl Wreath for Autumn
Cold season is around the corner, but if you are like me, it is always cough and cold season. NEW Dr. Cocoa™ for Children is the first-ever chocolate flavored, over-the-counter liquid cough and cold medicine line for children ages 4-13! When they asked me to review their product, I accepted with an resounding yes. We had a cold in the house. One cold leads to another and another. It seems like we have colds year round. Allergies are the worst.
Chocolate flavored cough syrup makes for smiling sick kids!
The kids were excited when the brown box arrived at the doorstep. And, they were thrilled to see the adorable owl puppet inside. Owls are in again! We had it for a week, before the need for medicine came again. They both were anxious to try it, because they hate cherry and grape flavored syrups. They tolerate orange. Chocolate flavor? That might just work! Dr. Cocoa™ for Children is the first-ever cough and cold medicine for children with patented formulas combining trusted, effective ingredients with 10% real cocoa for great chocolate taste to make giving medicine to kids easier.
Easy Owl Craft for Kids
Owl Puppet Giveaway
Cough Medicine for Kids: Dr. Cocoa™
The great chocolate taste, made with real cocoa, combined with trusted, effective ingredients, means kids are happy to take the medicine and moms are happy that their children will get cough and cold relief. Guess, what it works! Just as good or better than those other remedies with no fussing! I was going to sit on my kids to demonstrate what it is like to get them to take their meds, but then I thought some people might not think that is funny! Instead, I am sharing a picture of a happy kid, one who constantly suffers from allergies and coughs. You can't hear him, but he is thanking Mr. Dr. Cocoa™ .
You can find more about Dr. Cocoa™ on Facebook. Including how to enter to win a hand puppet for a limited time.
Remember, Dr. Cocoa™ products are FDA regulated medicines and should be used only as directed and kept safely out of reach of children.
#DrCocoaReliefWithASmile
Visit www.drcocoa.com for a $2-off coupon offer.
*This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation that contains affiliate links. However, all opinions, text and experiences are my own.
Recommended Reading:
Owl Wreath for Autumn
September 22, 2014
Have a Spooky Sleepover and Pajama Jam Reading Party with Halloween Books from Scholastics
Have a Spooky Sleepover: Pajama Jam Reading Party
Have a pajama sleepover with spooky Scholastic Books and EVEREADY® Gold.
It's easy to plan a spooky sleepover with a Scholastics story and EVEREADY® Gold batteries in your flashlights! We decided to plan our spooky pajama party around fun, Halloween books for kids! "There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Bat" by Jared Lee, "Splat the Cat" by Rob Scotton, and "Ten Timid Ghosts" by Jennifer O'Connell. Read on to learn more about the best sleepover ever!
*This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of EVEREADY®. The opinions and text are all mine.
Spooky Book for early readers, Scholastics, Ten Timid Ghosts.
Before the party, we gathered supplies for our craft, snack, and pajama party tent. The kitchen nook worked best, because it has room for a large, family-size tent. We used the walls and bench to construct a tent from one of our favorite blankets. Mommy filled a basket with books, juice packs, popcorn, and flashlights. Then, we created some, super cute edible crafts- with a ghost theme of course. Candy Corn S'mores!
Make S'mores with candy corn and candy corn marshmallows.
We used graham crackers, candy corn marshmallows, candy corn, and chocolate chips to make our S'mores. They were the best S'mores we ever had! Messy, but delicious.
While our sleepover snacks were baking in the toaster oven, we started the spooky ghost craft. We used cheesecloth, Styrofoam cups, and buttons to make a Halloween Ghost craft.
Spooky ghosts from Styrofoam cups.
After reading the story, Mayhem wanted to make a bat too. So, we cut out a pattern that looks like the bat on the cover of the book. To make our bat you only need scissors, construction paper, and glue. If you want to make an outdoor Halloween decoration, before cutting, cover your paper with Duct Tape in coordinating colors. The duct tape will make a durable Halloween decoration for your door.
While we enjoyed reading stories to each other and making shadow puppets on the walls, we had some surprise guests! They wanted to hear about Splat the Cat, and they wanted to chase the lights from our EVEREADY® Flashlights!
Curious cats crash our pajama party!
Educational Element for Homeschooling
We wanted to count this experience as school, so we found a free printable story starter and Lesson Plans for, There Was an Old Lady, on Scholastic's website. From the list of lesson plans, we also chose to try the edible estimations. This is a fun math lesson for kids where you compare the things the old lady ate with similar weighing objects around the house or classroom and then calculate the grand total of everything she ate. The EVEREADY® website has free printables to help plan for a disaster.
EVEREADY® GOLD batteries.
Grab your favorite Scholastic books, and EVEREADY® flashlights and get reading! When you purchase 2 special marked packs of EVEREADY® Gold Batteries or EVEREADY® flashlights, you can redeem them for a free book. How fun is that?
It must be time to go to sleep, our guests are yawning!
Hey lady, don't shine that light in my eyes!
Where are my pajamas? Those stories made me sleepy!
Scholastic and EVEREADY® are teaming up to help parents shine a light on reading, even in the dark! EVEREADY®'s high quality batteries and flashlights are reliable and affordable and can be purchased at Dollar General or Target.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of EVEREADY®. The opinions and text are all mine.
Have a pajama sleepover with spooky Scholastic Books and EVEREADY® Gold.
It's easy to plan a spooky sleepover with a Scholastics story and EVEREADY® Gold batteries in your flashlights! We decided to plan our spooky pajama party around fun, Halloween books for kids! "There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Bat" by Jared Lee, "Splat the Cat" by Rob Scotton, and "Ten Timid Ghosts" by Jennifer O'Connell. Read on to learn more about the best sleepover ever!
*This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of EVEREADY®. The opinions and text are all mine.
Spooky Book for early readers, Scholastics, Ten Timid Ghosts.
Before the party, we gathered supplies for our craft, snack, and pajama party tent. The kitchen nook worked best, because it has room for a large, family-size tent. We used the walls and bench to construct a tent from one of our favorite blankets. Mommy filled a basket with books, juice packs, popcorn, and flashlights. Then, we created some, super cute edible crafts- with a ghost theme of course. Candy Corn S'mores!
Make S'mores with candy corn and candy corn marshmallows.
We used graham crackers, candy corn marshmallows, candy corn, and chocolate chips to make our S'mores. They were the best S'mores we ever had! Messy, but delicious.
While our sleepover snacks were baking in the toaster oven, we started the spooky ghost craft. We used cheesecloth, Styrofoam cups, and buttons to make a Halloween Ghost craft.
Spooky ghosts from Styrofoam cups.
After reading the story, Mayhem wanted to make a bat too. So, we cut out a pattern that looks like the bat on the cover of the book. To make our bat you only need scissors, construction paper, and glue. If you want to make an outdoor Halloween decoration, before cutting, cover your paper with Duct Tape in coordinating colors. The duct tape will make a durable Halloween decoration for your door.
While we enjoyed reading stories to each other and making shadow puppets on the walls, we had some surprise guests! They wanted to hear about Splat the Cat, and they wanted to chase the lights from our EVEREADY® Flashlights!
Curious cats crash our pajama party!
Educational Element for Homeschooling
We wanted to count this experience as school, so we found a free printable story starter and Lesson Plans for, There Was an Old Lady, on Scholastic's website. From the list of lesson plans, we also chose to try the edible estimations. This is a fun math lesson for kids where you compare the things the old lady ate with similar weighing objects around the house or classroom and then calculate the grand total of everything she ate. The EVEREADY® website has free printables to help plan for a disaster.
EVEREADY® GOLD batteries.
Grab your favorite Scholastic books, and EVEREADY® flashlights and get reading! When you purchase 2 special marked packs of EVEREADY® Gold Batteries or EVEREADY® flashlights, you can redeem them for a free book. How fun is that?
It must be time to go to sleep, our guests are yawning!
Hey lady, don't shine that light in my eyes!
Where are my pajamas? Those stories made me sleepy!
Scholastic and EVEREADY® are teaming up to help parents shine a light on reading, even in the dark! EVEREADY®'s high quality batteries and flashlights are reliable and affordable and can be purchased at Dollar General or Target.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of EVEREADY®. The opinions and text are all mine.
September 19, 2014
Homeschooling Online: Cave Study Lesson
Cave Study Lesson for Homeschooling Grade 3, 4, 5, 6 and up.
Homeschooling Online: Cave Study Lesson.
Elementary Earth Science: Grades 3-6
Print this! Free Cave Lesson Printable
Cave Study
Explore California Caverns
Optional Group Activity:
Watch The Cave of Forgotten Dreams (Netflix) Documentary Movie on the oldest human painted images known to man. This is a full-length, artsy, feature film.
PBS Secrets of the Dead: Caveman Cold Case (53 minutes)
Educational Technology Component
Do an internet search for the following terms. Define in your own words.
Karst
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Speleologist_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Spelunking__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Stalactites___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Stalagmites__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Paleontologist________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mathematics Component
Cave Run Multiplication Game
Plot the following terms on the timeline:
Ice Age, Stone Age, Cretaceous, First Neanderthals
65,000,000 B.C. _____1,000,000 B.C. _____250,000 B.C. _____ 30,000 B.C. _____10,000 B.C. _____5000 B.C. _____2500 B.C. _____1000 A.D.
Making Connections
When did the horse first appear in cave paintings? What did the earliest ancestor of the horse resemble in size? When did this animal live? Plot it on the timeline.
Language Arts Component
The evolution of language: Proto-writing, Cave Art.
Ancient History: The Alphabet
Write (Draw) a simple story describing how you acquired breakfast. What did you eat? Was it a feast or were you still hungry after you ate? Use cave painting symbols and make a key so others can interpret your work.
Science Component
List five things that inhabit caves today.
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Watch this Video: Bats (BrainPop Paid Subscribers)
Field Trip Op: Learn about the Endangered Bats in Indiana at Sodalis Park.
Art Component
Cave Painting Craft
Butcher Paper Cave Wall Art
Science Fair
Build a science fair diorama.
Art History Just for Fun Online Games and Movies
Watch The Croods or Ice Age.
Hooda Cave Math Game
Recommended Reading:
Bats by Gail Gibbons *affiliate link
Science Project: Make a Cave Diorama
Copyright 2014 by Lora Langston, Kids Creative Chaos.
Homeschooling Online: Cave Study Lesson.
Elementary Earth Science: Grades 3-6
Print this! Free Cave Lesson Printable
Cave Study
Explore California Caverns
Optional Group Activity:
Watch The Cave of Forgotten Dreams (Netflix) Documentary Movie on the oldest human painted images known to man. This is a full-length, artsy, feature film.
PBS Secrets of the Dead: Caveman Cold Case (53 minutes)
Educational Technology Component
Do an internet search for the following terms. Define in your own words.
Karst
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Speleologist_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Spelunking__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Stalactites___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Stalagmites__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Paleontologist________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mathematics Component
Cave Run Multiplication Game
Plot the following terms on the timeline:
Ice Age, Stone Age, Cretaceous, First Neanderthals
65,000,000 B.C. _____1,000,000 B.C. _____250,000 B.C. _____ 30,000 B.C. _____10,000 B.C. _____5000 B.C. _____2500 B.C. _____1000 A.D.
Making Connections
When did the horse first appear in cave paintings? What did the earliest ancestor of the horse resemble in size? When did this animal live? Plot it on the timeline.
Language Arts Component
The evolution of language: Proto-writing, Cave Art.
Ancient History: The Alphabet
Write (Draw) a simple story describing how you acquired breakfast. What did you eat? Was it a feast or were you still hungry after you ate? Use cave painting symbols and make a key so others can interpret your work.
Science Component
List five things that inhabit caves today.
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Watch this Video: Bats (BrainPop Paid Subscribers)
Field Trip Op: Learn about the Endangered Bats in Indiana at Sodalis Park.
Art Component
Cave Painting Craft
Butcher Paper Cave Wall Art
Science Fair
Build a science fair diorama.
Art History Just for Fun Online Games and Movies
Watch The Croods or Ice Age.
Hooda Cave Math Game
Recommended Reading:
Bats by Gail Gibbons *affiliate link
Science Project: Make a Cave Diorama
Copyright 2014 by Lora Langston, Kids Creative Chaos.
September 16, 2014
September Calendar of Special Days Holidays
September Calendar of Holidays and Special Days with Song
September is a special month caught between summer and fall. The weather is pleasant. The children are back to school. Kitchens are cooking wonderful food from the fall harvest. The smell of autumn is in the air. We are sharing these special September days and unique holidays along with a September calendar song, to help preschoolers and kindergarteners learn all about this very special month.
September Calendar of Special Days Holidays with Calendar Song.
Unique Days and Holidays in September
Labor Day - When is it? It is an American holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It is a celebration of the Labor Movement. Everyone gets a day off of laboring to appreciate laboring! That's work. Whistle while you work.
Sept. 6 - Read a Book Day
Sept. 7 - Grandparent's Day or the first Sunday in September.
Sept. 12 - Chocolate MilkShake Day
We don't have any chocolate milkshake recipes, but here's a yummy yogurt smoothie recipe instead!
Sept. 15 - Make a Hat Day
Sept. 16 - National Play-Doh Day!
Celebrate National Play-Doh Day in the U.S.
Sept. 18 - Rice Krispies Treats Day
Sept. 19 - Talk like a Pirate Day
While you're talking like a pirate why don't you dress like one too! Here's a diy pirate costume for kids.
Sept. 22 - Elephant Appreciation Day
Recommended Reading:
Melissa and Doug Jumbo Coloring Pad - Animals
How to Babysit a Grandpa
September is a special month caught between summer and fall. The weather is pleasant. The children are back to school. Kitchens are cooking wonderful food from the fall harvest. The smell of autumn is in the air. We are sharing these special September days and unique holidays along with a September calendar song, to help preschoolers and kindergarteners learn all about this very special month.
September Calendar of Special Days Holidays with Calendar Song.
Unique Days and Holidays in September
Labor Day - When is it? It is an American holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It is a celebration of the Labor Movement. Everyone gets a day off of laboring to appreciate laboring! That's work. Whistle while you work.
Sept. 6 - Read a Book Day
Sept. 7 - Grandparent's Day or the first Sunday in September.
Sept. 12 - Chocolate MilkShake Day
We don't have any chocolate milkshake recipes, but here's a yummy yogurt smoothie recipe instead!
Sept. 15 - Make a Hat Day
Sept. 16 - National Play-Doh Day!
Celebrate National Play-Doh Day in the U.S.
Sept. 18 - Rice Krispies Treats Day
Sept. 19 - Talk like a Pirate Day
While you're talking like a pirate why don't you dress like one too! Here's a diy pirate costume for kids.
Sept. 22 - Elephant Appreciation Day
Recommended Reading:
Melissa and Doug Jumbo Coloring Pad - Animals
How to Babysit a Grandpa
September 14, 2014
Jacob's Orchard, New Castle: One Tank Trip for Fall Family Fun from Indy
Fun Fall Family Activities in Indiana: Apples
Looking for something different to do this Fall? Try taking a trip to Jacob's Orchard in New Castle, Indiana. This little orchard brings the past and present together in perfect family fun harmony. Jacob's is a little over an hour from Indianapolis but worth the scenic drive.
Jacob's Apple Orchard in New Castle, Indiana.
The quaint family farm and orchard offers the traditional fare of pumpkins, apples, jellies and jams at a reasonable price. However, once inside the store, follow your nose to the mini-doughnut factory, where you can order a bag of cider doughnuts made to order. Grab a doughnut and an apple slushie and head for the fun!
Allow two to three hours to enjoy the farm. Enjoy a hayride to the pumpkin patch, pick your own apples, feed the goats, climb through the inflatable train, explore the corn maze, and race to the top of the straw pyramid.
Fall Family Fun: Straw Pyramid, Hayride, Maze in Henry County Indiana.
Be sure to bring a sack lunch to enjoy at the picnic area adjacent to the inflatable haunted house. Jacob's offers school field trips and group tours too.
Plan ahead, the orchard is near Summit Lake State Park which offers many family programs, fishing, and beautiful fall foliage.
Recommended Reading:
Things to do in Indiana
Anderson Orchard in Mooresville, Indiana
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World
Apples by Gail Gibbons
Make your own Donuts at Home
Make Persimmon Wine at Home
Looking for something different to do this Fall? Try taking a trip to Jacob's Orchard in New Castle, Indiana. This little orchard brings the past and present together in perfect family fun harmony. Jacob's is a little over an hour from Indianapolis but worth the scenic drive.
Jacob's Apple Orchard in New Castle, Indiana.
The quaint family farm and orchard offers the traditional fare of pumpkins, apples, jellies and jams at a reasonable price. However, once inside the store, follow your nose to the mini-doughnut factory, where you can order a bag of cider doughnuts made to order. Grab a doughnut and an apple slushie and head for the fun!
Allow two to three hours to enjoy the farm. Enjoy a hayride to the pumpkin patch, pick your own apples, feed the goats, climb through the inflatable train, explore the corn maze, and race to the top of the straw pyramid.
Fall Family Fun: Straw Pyramid, Hayride, Maze in Henry County Indiana.
Be sure to bring a sack lunch to enjoy at the picnic area adjacent to the inflatable haunted house. Jacob's offers school field trips and group tours too.
Plan ahead, the orchard is near Summit Lake State Park which offers many family programs, fishing, and beautiful fall foliage.
Recommended Reading:
Things to do in Indiana
Anderson Orchard in Mooresville, Indiana
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World
Apples by Gail Gibbons
Make your own Donuts at Home
Make Persimmon Wine at Home
September 12, 2014
Simple Machines Homeschool Lesson Plan: Grades 3-5
Homeschooling Online Lesson Plan and Activities for Simple Machines
Want to learn more about simple machines? These online videos, games, activities, and questions will help you learn and experiment with the science of simple machines.
Simple Machines Homeschool Lessons online with free Printables.
_____________________________________________________
Simple Machines Homeschool Lesson Plans
Target elementary grades 3-5.
Free Printable Google doc for Simple Machines
If you have a Brain Pop Subscription go here: Simple Machines
(Tip: If you sign up as family vs. homeschool, you can pay monthly $10.95. They also offer a free educational video each day.)
PDF: Simple Machines Science Experiments from the Museum of Science and Technology
Twitch: Simple Machines Game from the Museum of Science and Technology
__________________________________________________
Name this simple machine.
Questions:
Which simple machine is used to split things apart or hold a door open?
_____________________________________________________
Survey the room, list the simple machines you see:
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
How does an inclined plane make work easier?
_____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Is a door knob a simple machine? Is so, which one?
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Science Fair Experiment: Build a Robotic Arm from PBS Design Squad (includes Rubric).
Preschool/Early Elementary Connection:
Sid the Science Kids Simple Machines
Recommended Reading:
How Do You Lift a Lion? (Wells of Knowledge Science Series)
Online Homeschool Activities
Pull, Lift, and Lower: A Book About Pulleys (Amazing Science: Simple Machine
*Some Links may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we get a small commission.
Want to learn more about simple machines? These online videos, games, activities, and questions will help you learn and experiment with the science of simple machines.
Simple Machines Homeschool Lessons online with free Printables.
_____________________________________________________
Simple Machines Homeschool Lesson Plans
Target elementary grades 3-5.
Free Printable Google doc for Simple Machines
If you have a Brain Pop Subscription go here: Simple Machines
(Tip: If you sign up as family vs. homeschool, you can pay monthly $10.95. They also offer a free educational video each day.)
PDF: Simple Machines Science Experiments from the Museum of Science and Technology
Twitch: Simple Machines Game from the Museum of Science and Technology
__________________________________________________
Name this simple machine.
Questions:
Which simple machine is used to split things apart or hold a door open?
_____________________________________________________
Survey the room, list the simple machines you see:
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
How does an inclined plane make work easier?
_____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Is a door knob a simple machine? Is so, which one?
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Science Fair Experiment: Build a Robotic Arm from PBS Design Squad (includes Rubric).
Preschool/Early Elementary Connection:
Sid the Science Kids Simple Machines
Recommended Reading:
How Do You Lift a Lion? (Wells of Knowledge Science Series)
Online Homeschool Activities
Pull, Lift, and Lower: A Book About Pulleys (Amazing Science: Simple Machine
*Some Links may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we get a small commission.
September 5, 2014
Lesson on Money for Homeschool: Budgeting and Online Games
Need an Online Lesson on Money and Minting for Homeschooling or Class Curriculum?
Do you homeschool or plan curriculum for afterschool programs? We've come up with some fun, online lessons that teach about money, budgeting, financing, and the U.S. Mint. The links lead to kid-friendly websites for online learning. We're also sharing the link to our original Google doc so that you can make a free printable. Enjoy!
Money Lesson Plan Curriculum for Homeschooling.
Money Lesson
*Book Links to Amazon are affiliate ads. If you make a purchase after viewing the link, I get a small commission. This is how we provide free lesson plans and curriculum.
Want access to the Google Doc? Click here and you can print out your own homeschool money lesson.
___________________________________________________
Grades 3-4
Watch How Money is Made by How Stuff Works
Read Alexander Who used to be Rich last Sunday by Judith Viorst
Bennies Pennies is also a good resource on spending for children ages 9-12.
K-2 Math printable PDF math sheet
__________________________________________________
Language Arts: Story Starter - If you made a million, would you share it with others?
Explain why or why not with details. How would you save it? List out the ways.
Watch Scholastics Video on Netflix - Amazing Americans - “If I made a Million”.
How Paper Money is Made Video - Field trip to money factory
How Coins are Made
www.usmint.gov/kids/coinNews/mintingProcess/
When you get there, click roll em to see.
Also watch, The Birth of a Coin (Cool activities here too.)
___________________________________________________
Math Activity:
Time Machine American Revolution: Fun with Fractions
Fraction Printable PDF
Free Printable 3rd grade stories and comprehension worksheets also find thru grade 5 here.
___________________________________________________
Art Activity:
Create your own money online!
Printable Checks from Kids Money Farm.
More Money Lesson Plans and Printables
____________________________________________________
Science Component:
Cat and Mouse Game from the US MINT.
Place two coins of the same size, (quarters, nickels, whatever you have) on a flat, smooth surface. Put a third coin of any size in front of them, making sure they all touch. This is the "cat." Place a fourth coin, the "mouse," about a foot away. (You could even add a tail to this coin with a piece of dental floss and tape.)
Make your hand into a fist with the index and middle fingers pointing out. Then tap down quickly on the first two coins with these fingers. The kinetic force will propel the "cat" toward the "mouse." Play with a friend, and see who can get the cat to the mouse with the fewest hits.
Find more games and activities like this at the U.S Mint.
Recommended Reading:
Bennie's Pennies
Online Homeschooling Projects
Do you homeschool or plan curriculum for afterschool programs? We've come up with some fun, online lessons that teach about money, budgeting, financing, and the U.S. Mint. The links lead to kid-friendly websites for online learning. We're also sharing the link to our original Google doc so that you can make a free printable. Enjoy!
Money Lesson Plan Curriculum for Homeschooling.
Money Lesson
*Book Links to Amazon are affiliate ads. If you make a purchase after viewing the link, I get a small commission. This is how we provide free lesson plans and curriculum.
Want access to the Google Doc? Click here and you can print out your own homeschool money lesson.
___________________________________________________
Grades 3-4
Watch How Money is Made by How Stuff Works
Read Alexander Who used to be Rich last Sunday by Judith Viorst
Bennies Pennies is also a good resource on spending for children ages 9-12.
K-2 Math printable PDF math sheet
__________________________________________________
Language Arts: Story Starter - If you made a million, would you share it with others?
Explain why or why not with details. How would you save it? List out the ways.
Watch Scholastics Video on Netflix - Amazing Americans - “If I made a Million”.
How Paper Money is Made Video - Field trip to money factory
How Coins are Made
www.usmint.gov/kids/coinNews/mintingProcess/
When you get there, click roll em to see.
Also watch, The Birth of a Coin (Cool activities here too.)
___________________________________________________
Math Activity:
Time Machine American Revolution: Fun with Fractions
Fraction Printable PDF
Free Printable 3rd grade stories and comprehension worksheets also find thru grade 5 here.
___________________________________________________
Art Activity:
Create your own money online!
Printable Checks from Kids Money Farm.
More Money Lesson Plans and Printables
____________________________________________________
Science Component:
Cat and Mouse Game from the US MINT.
Place two coins of the same size, (quarters, nickels, whatever you have) on a flat, smooth surface. Put a third coin of any size in front of them, making sure they all touch. This is the "cat." Place a fourth coin, the "mouse," about a foot away. (You could even add a tail to this coin with a piece of dental floss and tape.)
Make your hand into a fist with the index and middle fingers pointing out. Then tap down quickly on the first two coins with these fingers. The kinetic force will propel the "cat" toward the "mouse." Play with a friend, and see who can get the cat to the mouse with the fewest hits.
Find more games and activities like this at the U.S Mint.
Recommended Reading:
Bennie's Pennies
Online Homeschooling Projects
August 24, 2014
Black History Art Projects for Children: Expressionist
For Black History Month, Introduce Children to Amazing African American Artists with Expressionist Art Projects and Activities
Did you know there are some very well-known works of art crafted by little known Black Artists? Isn't it time to change that? These Black History Art Projects introduce students to less known famous black Americans. For Black History Month, or an anytime lesson in Black History or African American Art, we scoured the web for some beautiful art projects that children can easily reproduce on their own. This posts focuses on Alma Thomas, an American Expressionist Painter.
Looking for a Homeschool or Classroom Curriculum on the Expressionist movement? We've created a series of printable rtf free lesson plans and worksheets that include video links, online educational games, reference material, and components for science, math, and language arts. Enjoy! Expressionist Movement Free Printable Assignment suitable for grades 3-6.
Mayhem's interpretation of Alma Thomas' Expressionist Artist Painting.
Black History art projects for children:
Expressionism based on the work of Alma Thomas.
Tips: Laminate or frame these images to create gift quality modern wall art.
Famous Black Artist: Alma Thomas, Expressionist Painter
We recreated the works of Alma Thomas with torn paper. This project works well with children of all ages. With each grade level raise the level of difficulty. Preschoolers to Highschoolers will enjoy, tearing the paper and choosing which colors to include in their array.
Dream Keepers Martin Luther King Skit for Classroom
This as a fun black history project for preschoolers. You can also use tempera paints and a thick brush or cut up sponge squares to dab on the paint. Have them use their thumbs to make the marks on the paper, or pre-tear construction paper into squares to save time. Let them paste the colors onto their paper as they choose. Please don't correct their work! It is amazing to see what each child sees. Let them wow you with their creativity.
We searched and found these fun, easy, and unique Black History Art Projects for Children:
African Trade Beads from Crayola.com
Black History Art Project for Children: Construction Paper Freedom Quilt
from North Clarion Elementary.
Black History Project from Art for Kids by Elan Ferguson.
Jake's interpretation of the painting below. He doesn't like to fill the entire page.
Alma Thomas, Expressionist Painting for Black History Art Project.
This image may be subject to copyright issues. It appears here for educational purposes only and is linked to the source,
WikiArt Visual Art Encyclopedia.
Black History Arts and Crafts
Black History Art Projects
art activities
art lessons
art lesson plans
activities for preschoolers
Black History Month Script for Classroom Play:
(Brown vs. Board of Education)
Black History Facts for (today, by month) June, etc.
Free Black History Activity Packs for preschoolers
Free Printable Black History Facts for elementary students
Recommended Reading:
Alma W. Thomas: A Retrospective of the Paintings
from the Ft. Wayne Museum of Art
Express Yourself!: Activities and Adventures in Expressionism (Art Explorers)
Things to do in Indiana:
Visit the Fort Wayne Museum of Art
Did you know there are some very well-known works of art crafted by little known Black Artists? Isn't it time to change that? These Black History Art Projects introduce students to less known famous black Americans. For Black History Month, or an anytime lesson in Black History or African American Art, we scoured the web for some beautiful art projects that children can easily reproduce on their own. This posts focuses on Alma Thomas, an American Expressionist Painter.
Looking for a Homeschool or Classroom Curriculum on the Expressionist movement? We've created a series of printable rtf free lesson plans and worksheets that include video links, online educational games, reference material, and components for science, math, and language arts. Enjoy! Expressionist Movement Free Printable Assignment suitable for grades 3-6.
Mayhem's interpretation of Alma Thomas' Expressionist Artist Painting.
Black History art projects for children:
Expressionism based on the work of Alma Thomas.
Tips: Laminate or frame these images to create gift quality modern wall art.
Famous Black Artist: Alma Thomas, Expressionist Painter
We recreated the works of Alma Thomas with torn paper. This project works well with children of all ages. With each grade level raise the level of difficulty. Preschoolers to Highschoolers will enjoy, tearing the paper and choosing which colors to include in their array.
Dream Keepers Martin Luther King Skit for Classroom
This as a fun black history project for preschoolers. You can also use tempera paints and a thick brush or cut up sponge squares to dab on the paint. Have them use their thumbs to make the marks on the paper, or pre-tear construction paper into squares to save time. Let them paste the colors onto their paper as they choose. Please don't correct their work! It is amazing to see what each child sees. Let them wow you with their creativity.
We searched and found these fun, easy, and unique Black History Art Projects for Children:
African Trade Beads from Crayola.com
Black History Art Project for Children: Construction Paper Freedom Quilt
from North Clarion Elementary.
Black History Project from Art for Kids by Elan Ferguson.
Jake's interpretation of the painting below. He doesn't like to fill the entire page.
Alma Thomas, Expressionist Painting for Black History Art Project.
This image may be subject to copyright issues. It appears here for educational purposes only and is linked to the source,
WikiArt Visual Art Encyclopedia.
Black History Arts and Crafts
Black History Art Projects
art activities
art lessons
art lesson plans
activities for preschoolers
Black History Month Script for Classroom Play:
(Brown vs. Board of Education)
Black History Facts for (today, by month) June, etc.
Free Black History Activity Packs for preschoolers
Free Printable Black History Facts for elementary students
Recommended Reading:
Alma W. Thomas: A Retrospective of the Paintings
from the Ft. Wayne Museum of Art
Express Yourself!: Activities and Adventures in Expressionism (Art Explorers)
Things to do in Indiana:
Visit the Fort Wayne Museum of Art
