Savoring the Second Half of Summer

It seems like, for many people, summer and other vacations speed by so quickly that we can hardly remember where the time went.  If that is the case for you– or even if you have started to get a bit of the mid-summer doldrums, and run out of fun and educational ideas– this is a great time to refocus and come up with a few more ways to make the most of the rest of the summer.

Free game and practice worksheets

Fun, free worksheets like these can be a great thing to take along on a driving trip, a lazy day at the beach, or just for a quiet hour under the trees in the backyard.

http://www.mathgametime.com/math-worksheets

http://www.softschools.com/language_arts/spelling

http://www.turtlediary.com/kids-games/english-topics/spelling-games.html

http://www.jumpstart.com/parents/worksheets/geography-worksheets

And here are some great ESL worksheets, too! http://www.anglomaniacy.pl/printables.htm

 

Free video lessons

When it’s just too hot to go out and play, and kids are restless, remember that your computer can connect you with a wide variety of free and fresh educational opportunities.  Here are a few links to get you started.

http://sqooltube.com

http://www.turtlediary.com/kids-videos.html

http://www.kidsknowit.com/interactive-educational-movies

http://www.edudemic.com/2013/01/the-top-12-youtube-education-channels

https://www.youtube.com/show/kidseducationalvideos http://www.kidsmemory.com

Cool food for hot weather

When the summer sun starts to take its toll on everyone’s energy and patience, check out some quick and easy recipes which don’t require you heating up the kitchen by firing up the stove or oven.  Many are both kid-pleasing and kid-friendly to assemble, so you can share the kitchen duties to speed up and/or socialize the process and make meals truly a family affair.

Try these great recipes for children to help prepare–  Summer Fruit, Cheese and Meat Kabobs from Dianne at Conceptual Learning and Watermelon Blueberry Banana Split from the late Kathy O’Reilly’s “Cooking With Children Can Be Easy”. http://www.amonco.org/summer2/montessori_summer2.pdf

 

Here are a variety of other listings of hot weather meals your family might enjoy. Some are also useful for short-term power outages and other disaster situations, when you might go oven-free by necessity, rather than by choice.  Perhaps you could also discuss these scenarios with your students as you plan and prepare the recipes.

http://family.go.com/food/pkg-summer-recipes

http://main.kitchendaily.com/snack-recipes/no-cook/kid-friendly/easy/?perPage=50

http://www.myrecipes.com/t/kid-friendly/no-cook

http://busycooks.about.com/od/nocookrecipes/No_Cook_Recipes.htm

 

Farmers’ Markets

Many of the tastiest no-cook or quick-to-cook summer recipes involve enjoying the bounty of local summer fruits and vegetables in a fairly natural state. This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage our children (and whole families) to both eat healthily and learn or remember where these delicious foods come from. 

In summer, even a trip to the supermarket is usually a feast for the eyes, but perhaps you and your students would enjoy a visit to a local farmers’ market. 

There is something extra-enticing about produce that hasn’t traveled hundreds of miles or been sitting in cold storage for months (though we love those fruits and vegetables, too.) Small farmers are able to grow more-perishable and often more-unusual varieties than big commercial farmers do, so the variety of colors, shapes and sizes of fruits and vegetables can be nearly amazing.  Since the produce is often fresher and riper, it also tends to have a richer aroma, which is certainly an important element of both the anticipation and enjoyment of good food. 

Since many small farmers often consider education a part of their business, they are often a font of interesting information about the origin, history, and growth habits of the produce they sell.  What a delicious way to blend lessons in both nutrition and botanical science!

If you’re not familiar with any local markets in your area, these search engines might help you find one.  If there are none nearby, a drive to one in a neighboring area could be a fun family outing. Just remember to bring an ice chest to protect your enticing purchases from heat and damage on the ride home.

http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/farmersmarkets

http://www.pickyourown.org

 

Find out more about fish

If your favorite summer adventures include a visit to the ocean, a lake or pond, or a river or stream, you may see some fish while you are recreating.  Why not bone-up on your fish facts before you go?  The following sites give lots of good information, as well as lesson ideas.

http://www.seaworld.org/aquademics/tetra/all_about_fish.htm

http://www.troutintheclassroom.org/teachers/lesson-plans

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/family/wic/Documents/fish_campaign_and_book/lesson_plan.pdf

For more fish lessons, plus many more fun outdoor activities, check out the National Wildlife Federation’s “Connect Kids and Nature” pages. http://www.nwf.org/what-we-do/kids-and-nature/educators/lesson-plans.aspx. 

Here are some cute books about fish. Look for more at your local library.

http://www.homeschoolfcgs.com/product_info.php/cPath/14/products_id/1614

http://www.workshopplus.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=2028&idcategory=0

 

Want to get creative? Check out these neat fish art ideas.

http://www.incredibleart.org/files/fish.htm

 

If you like to get outdoors (and sometimes get wet), you might enjoy sport fishing.  It is a sport which allows children to practice both hand-eye coordination and patience.  It can also allow adults and children to enjoy some leisurely quiet conversation, as well as lots of excitement if and when the fish are biting.

It’s late in the summer for some of the organized free-fishing programs around the United States (many are held in June or near Independence Day). However, there is still a lot of interesting fishing information available from public parks, state and local fish and wildlife or natural resource organizations, and private associations like those below.  Check with your own local recreational agencies for more specific information and advice about your nearby opportunities.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/takeakidfishing/index.html

http://myfwc.com/education/outdoor-skills/kid-fishing/what

http://takemefishing.org/fishing/family/fish-with-your-kids

Since we aren’t naturally equipped like fish, anytime you’re around water, it’s important to be very careful.  Here are some good tips for staying safe in and around the water. http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/out/swim.html

 

Understanding wildfires and wildfire safety

Many children in rural areas grow up with fire safety practices and fire season preparations an integral part of their normal lives.  However, in years like this year and last, when devastating wildfires have been big news all across North America, children from all areas are more likely to be aware of wildland fire dangers.

Although we try our best to protect especially our young children from subjects that will cause them sadness or fear beyond their maturity level, some such events will affect children despite our best efforts.  In that case, sometimes information and a plan of action can provide important comfort and perspective to help children cope.

The Smokey Bear site offers information, games, and safety tips. It even has a map of active fires around the U.S., which might be interesting to older students. http://www.smokeybear.com  Understanding your own local wildfire risks, and including children in fire safety practices in age-appropriate ways, can help them focus their energies into something positive and pro-active. 

You will also find a lot of good information at the educational links on this page. http://www.wildlandfire.com/docs/wildfire_edu.htm

For young children who are distressed by the apparent devastation of wildfire, you might help them find comfort and perspective through a book like,Fire! By Celia Godkin, (or for older pre-teen students,  Fire: Friend or Foe by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent, both available from Childsake http://www.childsake.com and other booksellers.) These books explain the important beneficial effects of wildland fires, of which many people are not aware.

You might also consider making a visit to your local fire station.  Most fire departments welcome young visitors; and a face-to-face visit with firefighters can be both educational and comforting.  Children can learn more about fire safety (at home and in wild areas), see the safety equipment and apparatus that help fire personnel do their job safely, and even thank them for the important job that they do.  Call ahead to your local station to see if they have any specific rules about visitations.

For more wildfire information and photos, check out these interesting sites, as well.

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/wildfires

http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/conservationeducation/about/education-themes/wildland-fire

http://www.nps.gov/fire/wildland-fire/connect/photo-gallery.cfm

 

Museums and other tours

If you haven’t taken advantage of summer leisure and weather to visit a museum, historical site, or other nearby educational site, you still have time. It is amazing how much interesting perspective and knowledge a child can gain from an outing of just a few hours.  It may become a favorite family memory, as well.  Another potential benefit is that indoor sites like museums are usually air conditioned, so they could be a pleasant place to linger on a hot summer day.

If you cannot travel and/or you do not live in a big city, you can still probably find somewhere interesting to tour. Even small towns often have at least one small historical society or art museum.  Older towns may have a district of historic buildings and/or homes you could enjoy on a walking tour.  Local parks sometimes are built on historic sites, endowed by famous local residents, or have some other interesting story behind them.  So, if, like many of us this year, you are having a “stay-cation”, don’t forget to look “in your own backyard” for interesting and educational local opportunities you might have missed.

Rae from The Creative Process has compiled some interesting links which may provide ideas or additional enrichment.

http://www.netposterworks.com/resources/artres1.html

http://www.netposterworks.com/resources/socstudres1.html

http://www.netposterworks.com/resources/scienceres1.html

* * * * * *

Last, if you haven’t read Summer Fun Makes for Summer Memories, our round-up of summer reminiscences and fun ideas from the American Montessori Consulting Resource Partners, don’t miss it.  http://www.amonco.org/summer8/montessori_summer8.pdf

There is plenty of summer enjoyment and enrichment left to savor, so get out and make the most of it!  Be safe and have fun!

Montessori Summer Gardening Unit Study

Below, are links for a complete summer gardening unit study. These PreK and K-8 links will lead you to articles, hands-on activities and other exercises that are compatible with the Montessori classified reading cards, phonics, grammar, creative writing, science, social studies and other extensive lesson plans found in Montessori books.

This unit study was brought to you by Heidi Spietz. To learn more about Heidi, click here.

Montessori Classified Reading Cards and Other Aids to Learn About Summer and Year Round Gardening

Make Your Own Classified Reading Cards for PreK – Grade 5
Nurturing Budding Botanists – Learning and Teaching the Basics
of Plant Science
Names of Flowers in English, French and Latin
Names of Vegetables in Spanish with Pronunciation Key
Names of Fruits in Spanish – Spanish Vocabulary
Names of Fruits in Spanish – with Pronunciation Key
Free Flash Cards – Vegetables – English
Free Flash Cards – Vegetables – English
Free Flash Cards – Vegetables – French
Fruits and Vegetables – Frutas y Verduras
Vegetable Names in European Languages
Names of Flowers in English, French and Latin
Mature Flower Diagram Clip Art
Plant Cell Wall Diagram Clip Art
Summer Flowers – Names and Facts
Northwest Coloring Book Scientific Plant Name Index
Let’s Study About the Cycle of a Flowering Plants and Trees
– Extension of Montessori’s Classified Reading Cards for Elementary Students
Plant Identification by Characteristics (Reference Guide)
The Garden Game

Sensory Exercises/Motor Development Involving the Study of Summer Gardening

Sunflower Seed Activities (Pre K – Grade 6)
Seed Match
Collecting Seeds – Fun for the Whole Family
Learning Center Grdening Table for the Classroom
A Close-Up Look at Seeds
Backyard Detective
Sensory Table (Sunflower Seeds)

Practical Life Exercises Involving the Study of Summer Gardening

Summer Flower Bulbs
Itching to Plant (Germinating Seeds)
What Shall I Grow?
Home-grown “Fast Food” for Busy Families by Sara L. Ambarian
Gardening Year Round – Tips from an Expert
Learn What Mulch Can Do For You!
International Gardening Information – Scroll Down Half Way through Newsletter
A Child’s Garden
Grow It Cook It
Planting a Gardem – Lower Elementary Ages
Garden Planters and Containers
Preparing a Container Garden
Gardening Tools
Homegrown Vegetables in Any Space
Complete Gardening Archive
Organic Garden Seeds
Wildflower Seed Planting Instructions – Wildflower How-to-Guide

Language Lesson Planning for Elementary and Middle Students

My Vegetable Gardening Diary
Special Summer Food Fun – Word Puzzles for Middle Schoolers
The Secret Garden
Garden Tales
Montessori Gardening Grammar Bingo
Growing Poems
Experience of Nature (Flora: Plants & Flowers) PreK – Grade 2
Recommended Children’s Poetry Books (Ages 4 – 8)
Recommended Children’s Poetry Books (Ages 9 – 13)
Figurative Speech: Analogies, Similes, and Metaphors

Science and Social Science Lesson Planning for Elementary and Middle Students

Growing Plants Unit Study – Upper Elementary Level
Vegetable Planting Guide Worksheet
Blue Potatoes, Orange Tomatoes (Grades 2 – 6)
Comparing Leaves
Growing Plants Unit
Science With Plants
Cultivating Hope
Microscopes for Observation and Science Experiments
The Garden Game
Cultivating History Lessons Gardens for Schools
Planting a Gardem Thematic Unit Study – Lower Elementary Ages
Vegetable Guide to Planting in Late Summer
Seeds to Plant in Late Summer/Fall
Farmers’ Almanc Gardening Calendar
Plant a Summer Crop of Beans
Curriculum Connections
The Science of Gardening
Harvest of History – The Farmers’ Museum
Aromatic History
– Herbs in Colonial Life Hands On Flower Model

Music and Art Lesson Planning for Elementary and Middle Students

Let’s Make Pressed Flowers – Elementary Level
Draw Your World – Drawing Enriches the Curriculum
Flower Themes, Flowers in Art
Sharing Food, Food in Art
Changing a Flower’s Color
Seed Collages (Scroll down until you see this activity)
Painting a Garden (Scroll down until you see this activity
Flowers Posters, Prints, Charts, Photographs & Calendars
Garden-Inspired Performing Arts
Sing and Learn About Science

Math Lesson Planning for Elementary and Middle Students

It’s Juice! Reading and Interpreting Graphs
Exploring Math in the Garden
Sprouting Math Activities – Algebra
http://www.kidsgardening.org/article/grappling-data
Sprouting Math Activities – Problem Solving
Flowers: Graph & Graph Again
Inside hte Coordinate Grid

Business Marketing Activities

Plant Sale Grows Kids
Peddling Plants
Cultivating Funds with Indoor Plants
Fungi Fever

Additional Extension Exercises – Let’s Write, Discuss and Talk About Gardening

Granny’s Garden School
More Fruits and Vegetables
How To Pick Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in Season
Farmer’s How to Pick Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in Spanish
Farmer’s Market Fruit and Vegetable Bargains
Curriculum Connections – Incorporate Selected Ideas for Montessori Environment
Write Your Own Books – For K – 3rd Grade(Part I)
Write Your Own Books – For K – 3rd Grade (Part II)

Visit American Montessori Consulting and look under New and Notable for other unit studies. Copyright 2007 – 2013 Heidi Spietz – American Montessori Consulting

 Enjoy!

Heidi Anne Spietz

Summer is Coming – Part I

Many of us have wonderful memories of our childhood summers and/or look forward to the summer fun with our own children, grandchildren, or other young people in our lives.  There is certainly no question that the summer months are full of possibilities, both for fun and for learning.

The AMC Resource Partners shared some of their favorite summer memories, from childhood and now, in “Summer Fun Makes for Summer Memories”. http://www.amonco.org/summer8/montessori_summer8.pdf  In this article, you will also find tips for successful road trips, accessing junior ranger and other summer programs, encouraging creative pursuits and cooperative projects, and more.

Check out these websites for some interesting general summer lesson planning resources.

http://www.educationworld.com/holidays/archives/summer.shtml

http://busyteacher.org/classroom_activities-vocabulary/holidays_and_celebrations/summer-activities/

http://www.proteacher.com/160023.shtml

If you are looking for some engaging summer reading, review Children’s Books for Summer Reading,  Parts 1 and 2.  http://www.amonco.org/summer2/montessori_summer2.pdf and http://www.amonco.org/summer4/montessori_summer4.pdf

Summer can also be a relaxing time to work on creative writing. Here are some ideas, if your students need a little nudge of inspiration to get started.

http://homeschooling.about.com/cs/unitssubjhol/a/sumwrit.htm

http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/writing-activities/summer-writing

http://suite101.com/article/summer-writing-ideas-for-kids–books-journals-and-games-a218728

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8LaCTimmHFZakhhMHh5NzE3VkE/edit?pli=1

Shopping, cooking, chores, travel, and many other activities offer great opportunities to practice and put to use the math concepts learned during the school year.  For more-structured summer math fun and practice, check out these free resources.

http://www.homeschoolmath.net/

http://www.kidzone.ws/math/

http://www.teachervision.fen.com/math/printable/50722.html

Dr. Borenson and Dianne from Conceptual Learning each share some additional Montessori-appropriate math here: http://www.amonco.org/summer/montessori_summer1.pdf  and here: http://www.amonco.org/summer2/montessori_summer2.pdf

If outdoor dining is part of your summer schedule, you might enjoy another look at last summer’s “Learning is a Picnic” resources. https://montessori21stcentury.wordpress.com/2012/04/30/learning-is-a-picnic-part-two-adventures-and-activities/

Stay tuned.  Summer is Coming- Part II will be unveiled next week.  🙂

 

New Beginnings

“From small beginnings come great things.” Proverb

Spring is a time of beginnings, for all living things. Children and adults can engage together in this exciting season of rebirth– observing the growth and celebrating the feeling of renewal.

Baby Animals and Insects are Born

The animal world is full of activity in the spring.  New arrivals include many more species than the chicks and bunnies we think of in connection with Easter.

Monarch butterfly life cycle as photographed for the Chicago Nature Museum. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AUeM8MbaIk

Here a stick insect emerges from his egg. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiV-DsfoJwA

At the Seymour fish hatchery in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, salmon eggs wiggle out of their eggs to become alevin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jgp6OjpfrQo  For more on the fascinating life cycle of a salmon, check out this informational page from the hatchery. http://seymoursalmon.com/lifecycle.php

Robert McCloskey’s Make Way for Ducklings is a delightful story of a family with babies.  If you don’t have access to a copy, here’s a nice reading of it, on-line. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0fQpliJJQI

This short video shows a baby robin hatching from its egg. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDKgLfWheoI

ZooBorns is a blog which shows the photos and stories of animals born at accredited zoos and aquariums from all around the world.  There is always a cute new addition.  http://www.zooborns.com/

Just for fun, here are some cute baby animals sure to make students, parents and teachers smile. http://thedesigninspiration.com/articles/70-cutie-baby-animals-bring-your-a-good-mood/

Seeds Sprout and Buds Blossom

One of the main things we all think of in spring is the growth and rebirth of the plant world, and there are many ways students can use and hone their science and observation skills in the springtime.  Both nature study and gardening offer opportunities to learn about the life cycles of plants.

Enjoy these neat time-lapse videos of seeds sprouting.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d26AhcKeEbE , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKx4ZwoJqXY  , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nvAzt9sWIg , and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN8c_X0LNcg

Fruit trees bud out and bloom.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQyvRtyhMfA . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdpDkulqQ9U , and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-6dQvOSYmI

Even the lowly dandelion, spring and summer scourge of the suburban lawn, takes on rare beauty when we concentrate on its complex composite flower opening in the sun and closing with the dusk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrUdOYZfV4I

The Beauty of Pollination shows hummingbirds, butterflies, bats and other creatures helping to pollinate a variety of flowers.  (If you have a good internet connection, check out the HD version link on this version. It’s beautiful!) http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/xHkq1edcbk4?rel=0

How a Plant Grows is just one interesting book on the life cycles of plants. http://www.workshopplus.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=605&idcategory=0

If your students will try their hands at growing their own plants, here’s a quick overview of the differences between hybrid, open-pollinated and heirloom seeds, including a little information about genetically-modified seeds. http://gardening.about.com/od/vegetable1/f/Heirlooms.htm

In the past few years, all around the world, there has been quite a bit of discussion about the comparative merits and problems of open-pollinated vs. hybridized seeds, including a lot of controversy over genetically-modified (GMO) seeds.  Wherever you stand on this complex issue, it involves an interesting mix of scientific, medical, philosophical and ethical considerations which students can research and ponder for themselves.

New Scientist offers a round-up of interesting articles both for and against genetically-modified foods/seeds. http://www.newscientist.com/topic/gm-food

This article from Clemson University gives a fine overview of what constitutes an heirloom seed and how seeds are saved in home gardens. It also lists and describes some famous heirloom varieties. http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/vegetables/gardening/hgic1255.html

One of the neat things about heirlooms seeds is that children can grow the same seeds as children from a hundred or more years ago and/or children from other countries/continents.  Heirlooms allow us to combine horticulture with history (and sometimes geography). They also often have interesting sizes, shapes, colors and flavors which may not be commercially profitable but may be especially fun or interesting for children.

Here are just two of the many dependable heirloom/open-pollinaed seed companies with a wide variety of interesting vegetable and flower seeds: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds http://rareseeds.com/  and Seed Savers Exchange http://www.seedsavers.org/

The Littlest Learners Start Strong

With the hustle and bustle of the holidays over, it is a great time to have preschoolers make some of their own new beginnings, too.

Books make great “gift” additions to Easter baskets.  Find a great assortment of early learning books at Farm Country General Store. http://www.homeschoolfcgs.com/index.php/cPath/7

Little ones with visual and physical learning styles may especially enjoy these free video resources.

Here’s a cute version of the traditional ABC song.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCDxiJm-FX4

KidsTV123 has a cute alphabet song with graphics that show many examples of every letter. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_-lz2BI2Co

This interesting video tries to help kids learn the alphabet in 15 minutes.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyBuYclBSwI

Help toddlers learn their colors with these cute videos.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arU-AxEVsi8 and  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHer1peKX88

Sing along and fill in the blanks with “Heads and Shoulders, Knees and Toes” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_0HWkYnJ20

Early number and counting lessons.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsKpazuC0RY , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5Ak50dFse8 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO1K1bspH_8 , and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iOrTsCpemo

This is a short overview of Montessori theory and classroom activities from Australia.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZLq5Uttq8M

Although not Montessori-specific, for some interesting information and examples of language skills are connected to the daily life and learning of preschoolers, check out Language for Learning. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AL1IDGCVAo

Happy Spring!

Holidays and Observances

There are lots of interesting holidays and observances to learn about and celebrate in the upcoming months.

These sites include a variety of holiday and observance listings for the United States and worldwide.

http://www.calendar-365.com/holidays/2013.html

http://www.mnn.com/family/family-activities/blogs/multicultural-winter-holiday-celebrations

http://www.rochester.edu/diversity/calendar.html

http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/a-multicultural-australia/calendar-australia/

 Students may enjoy this simple overview with graphic presentation about holidays in America and how they are established.  http://www.wvu.edu/~exten/infores/pubs/fypubs/503.wlg_addendum.pdf

Rae at Creative Process shares some interesting additional background on the origins of holidays. http://www.netposterworks.com/holidays/index.html

Here are some lesson ideas for winter holidays from Scholastic. http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/collection/celebrating-holidays-classroom

Teachers and parents will find many interesting multicultural education resources to enhance your holiday studies here. http://cybraryman.com/multicultural.html

* * * * * *

November 22, Thanksgiving Day—The historians at Plimouth Plantation share the origins and development of Thanksgiving as an American holiday. http://www.plimoth.org/learn/MRL/read/thanksgiving-history  Also, enjoy “The Thanksgiving Song” from I Remember Lou by Alan Stillson http://www.amonco.org/winter5/montessori_winter5.pdf

December 9, Hanukkah— Learn more about this important Jewish holiday. http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Jewish_Holidays/Hanukkah/History.shtml

December 25, Christmas Day—   Students can investigate the religious and secular traditions of this beloved holiday, both in America and in other countries, with these resources.

http://www.allthingschristmas.com/traditions.html

http://www.christmasnightinc.com/Nativity-Story-c114.html

http://www.infoukes.com/culture/traditions/christmas/

http://www.ireland-information.com/articles/irishchristmastraditions.htm

http://www.worldofchristmas.net/christmas-world/africa.html

http://www.ompersonal.com.ar/omchristmas2/christmas.htm

http://www.amonco.org/2fall_winter2001.html

http://www.amonco.org/1fall_winter2001.html

 

Also, check out “Winter and the Season of Giving” in the Montessori Classroom http://www.amonco.org/winter8/montessori_winter8.pdf

December 26, Kwanzaa— Here is an overview of the origin and traditions of this African-American holiday. http://www.theholidayspot.com/kwanzaa/history.htm

January 1, New Year’s Day 2013—Learn how people celebrate New Year’s around the world. http://www.coolquiz.com/trivia/explain/docs/newyears.asp  Also, students can follow the time of New Year’s celebrations around the globe with this fun website. http://www.timeanddate.com/counters/multicountdowna.html

January 21, Martin Luther King Day—Enjoy these lesson plans and links from Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. http://www.nps.gov/malu/forteachers/lessonplansandteacherguides.htm

Black History Month, February—Check out these links for Black History Month. http://www.factmonster.com/spot/bhm1.html

February 2, Groundhog Day—You can find lots of interesting Groundhog Day facts and a live streaming video here. http://www.groundhog.org

February 12, Lincoln’s Birthday—Find out more about our 16^th President. http://sc94.ameslab.gov/TOUR/alincoln.html

February 14, Valentine’s Day—Find some theories about the origins of this holiday, as well as craft and activity links here. http://holidays.kaboose.com/valentines-day/history/val-history.html  

February 18, Presidents Day and Washington’s Birthday—Learn more about the man who is called “The Father of His Country”. http://www.mountvernon.org/meet-george-washington  

March 10, Daylight Saving— The history of Daylight Saving Time is really rather fascinating.  Why not take a little time to discuss it with your students. http://www.webexhibits.org/daylightsaving   Older students (and teachers or parents) may also enjoy this in-depth and interesting look at the evolution of the idea. http://www.seizethedaylight.com

March 17, St. Patrick’s Day—For a little Irish perspective on “the wearing of the green”, enjoy the articles and recipes here. http://www.irelandforvisitors.com/articles/st_patricks_day_in_ireland.htm

March 31, Easter—Enjoy a look at Easter 2012 celebrations around the world. http://abcnews.go.com/International/slideshow/celebrations-easter-world-16082460

April 1, April Fool’s Day—Explore some theories and fun facts about the history of this “foolish” holiday. http://www.april-fools.us/history-april-fools.htm

April 22, Earth Day —You’ll find many interesting Earth Day lesson ideas for all ages here. http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson174.shtml

Let’s celebrate!

Dinner & A Lesson – Bowling Green Daily News: Local News

Jenn Hewett at The Montessori School of Bowling Green says the children are concerned about what happened to Squanto and whether the Pilgrims …

via Dinner & A Lesson – Bowling Green Daily News: Local News.

Missoula Montessori students learn lessons in holiday feast

Missoula Montessori students learn lessons in holiday feast.

Practical Life Lessons for the Holidays

Holiday events provide a wealth of opportunities for children to practice their practical life skills. Of course children should be reminded of the basic grace and courtesy skills if they will be guests or hosts (if you will entertain at our home).  However, do not forget other activities which are natural practical life lessons, as well.  Choosing, washing, and donning holiday clothing are all good self-care activities. Straightening the house for guests or before putting up holiday decorations teaches care of the home environment.  Participating in decorating activities and/or food preparation gives the child a sense of their part in the event, as well as a chance to practice toward mastery of these household skills.

In guiding children through the many interesting activities and chores of the holiday season, remember the words of Maria Montessori “Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.” We all need to develop a sense of mastery and confidence, and these experiences when we are young provide the foundation for lifelong self-esteem and self-reliance.

Please enjoy the following practical life lesson resources.

* * * * *

North American Montessori Center has provided a whole array of interesting holiday-themed activities that help children practice many different skills. Don’t miss the interesting and versatile Furoshiki fabric package wrapping instructions, the cute cinnamon-scented gingerbread men project, the counting exercises, flower arranging, and more.

http://www.amonco.org/winter1/montessori_winter1.pdf

Find another nice activity  that is appropriate for the holidays in their Napkin Folding Exercise.  http://montessoritraining.blogspot.com/2009/11/montessori-practical-life-activity.html

For more general information on day-to-day mastery opportunities, NAMC offers a very useful listing of Practical Life lessons here: http://montessoritraining.blogspot.com/2008/07/montessori-practical-life-at-home.html

Fun Felt’s Handprint Towel craft/gift project is a nice way to combine a fun craft with an item that can be used during daily activities.  http://www.amonco.org/winter5/montessori_winter5.pdf

Kimbo’s Self-Regulatory Exercises use music to help young children learn to concentrate and control their own bodies. http://www.amonco.org/winter7/montessori_winter7.pdf

Manners are the building blocks of the characteristics of grace and courtesy mentioned in the NAMC 3-6 Classroom Guides (http://www.montessoritraining.net/classroom_guides/default.htm). Find many manners books at Farm Country General Store.  They have a wide selection for different ages and personalities. http://www.homeschoolfcgs.com

Another important life skill for children to practice around the holidays is writing “thank you” notes. Find some good hints on the subject here:  http://www.drdaveanddee.com/thank.html and http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art37036.asp

Working together as a family is also a practical life exercise. Find suggestions for modeling positive perspective, gratitude, generosity, and more in Rethinking Holiday Priorities During Tough Times by Sara L. Ambarian.  http://www.amonco.org/winter8/montessori_winter8.pdf

Sights and Smells of the Season

Winter and the holidays bring many beautiful things to see, many wonderful things to smell, and many happy traditions and memories to share.

Sights—

If you cannot get outside (or you live in a temperate climate) share the beauty of the season with your students through some gorgeous winter photography. http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/11/23/45-winter-wonderland-photos

http://www.squidoo.com/winter-pictures

There are many lovely winter scenes in fine art, as well.

http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O134147/snow-scene-children-leaving-school-oil-painting-vautier-benjamin

http://www.oilpaintingfactory.com/english/Search.aspx?key=snow%20winter

It can be fun to have students express their own winter visions through photography and/or art.

If you have access to appropriate camera equipment for the ages of your students, why not let them try their hands at some winter photography. Most of us, young and old, have admired the famous photographs of the National Geographic Society.  This short article lets us learn from the professionals how to take better photos of people, animals and nature. http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/activities/moreactivities/photography101/

For other creative media, some students will have plenty of ideas from their own imagination. If students need more inspiration, have them go outdoors (if practical), look out a window, or look through a book or magazine or on-line.

Students can share their vision of a perfect winter day with this easy but versatile painting lesson.  http://www.deepspacesparkle.com/2009/01/22/winter-scene-drawing-and-painting/

You could also encourage students to present their winter scenes with collages or textile artwork.  (Textile art needn’t be an elaborate appliqué or quilting project. Very attractive scenes can be made with cut-out pieces of felt glued to a felt or paper background, for example.)

Here is a nice example of a winter landscape simplified into a quilt. (Be sure to scroll the slide show both ways for more interesting landscape quilts, both simple and complex.) http://quilting.about.com/od/picturesofquilts/ig/Art-Quilts-Gallery/Solitude-Landscape-Quilt.htm

This is a good explanation of the process of simplifying a photo or live scene into graphic basics for paper or textile interpretation. http://www.quiltingdaily.com/blogs/quilting-daily/archive/2010/08/03/how-to-make-a-landscape-quilt-the-easy-way.aspx

This short tutorial does not show collage/textile landscape examples. However, it gives a good explanation of the elements of landscape art and how to simplify them.  http://www.slideshare.net/ms_slu/collage-landscapes

Here are some links for fine art paper, multi-media, mosaic, and fabric/quilt landscape techniques and examples for more ideas and inspiration.

http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/winter+abstract+landscape/canvas+prints  http://lonecrowart.blogspot.com/2009/05/abstract-landscape-collage-steps.html

http://sandrameech-art.blogspot.com/2011/01/images-in-landscape.html

http://pinterest.com/kathadill/landscape-art-quilts

http://www.mosaicart.us/#mi=2&pt=1&pi=10000&s=0&p=0&a=0&at=0

If your students are not excited about landscapes, why not try some seasonal still life art or photography using holiday food and/or decorations?

Here are some general still life resources:

http://www.art-is-fun.com/still-life-paintings.html

http://www.nga.gov/kids/DTP6stillife.pdf

http://www.drawinghowtodraw.com/drawing-lessons/nature-drawing/drawing-still-lifes.html

http://painting.about.com/od/artistreferencephotos/ig/Reference-Photos-Still-Life/

Find out more about food in art through history from Rae at The Creative Process. http://www.netposterworks.com/resources/curideas/sharing_food.html

Smells—

Some Texas middle and high school students share their favorite smells in this article.  Perhaps you can have students write or tell you about their favorite smells. http://www.valleymorningstar.com/articles/smell-96788-favorite-world.html

Start your youngest students exploring and identifying scents with the Smelling Bottle exercise for preschoolers from Dale at NAMC. http://www.amonco.org/winter3/montessori_winter3.pdf

You will find a variety of experiments for various age groups which focus on our sense of smell here.

http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/experiments/smelltaste.html

http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/chsmell.html

http://www.cln.org/themes/smell.html

Scent Baskets from Mariaemma at Coaching for Learning Success are an easy craft and decorating project in which all ages can participate.  http://www.amonco.org/winter4/montessori_winter4.pdf

FunFelt Scented Playdough Recipe combines a favorite activity with favorite aromas of the season.  http://www.amonco.org/winter5/montessori_winter5.pdf

Cakes and other goodies baking in the oven are always welcome smells in our homes. Gert Kimble of Kimbo Educational shares her traditional family recipe for Grandma Cake, which she has baked over 400 times for holidays and other celebrations.  http://www.amonco.org/winter6/montessori_winter6.pdf

Ginger is a lovely, warming smell in the winter. Try these Ginger Coconut Baked Apples. http://www.amonco.org/winter3/montessori_winter3.pdf

Another favorite winter spice is cinnamon.  Find a variety of cinnamon –spiced recipes here: http://allrecipes.com/recipes/herbs-and-spices/spices/cinnamon/top.aspx

If your students doubt that cooking can appeal to both our eyes and our nose, look at this cute Christmas-themed veggie plate! http://inspiredatmyisland.blogspot.ca/2012/09/lunch-love-part-iii-veggie-licious.html

For a lovely scent in your home or classroom that doesn’t require cooking (except if you choose to dry your orange peels in the oven), consider having students mix up a spicy potpourri.  This recipe is especially good for younger children, because there are no essential oils or toxic ingredients.  It also has rich, festive scents that would make it a nice holiday gift. http://www.ehow.com/how_8244416_make-potpourri-spices.html

Hope you enjoy many wonderful sights and and smells this winter season!

Winter Science and Technology

Every season brings its own opportunities and inspirations.  Winter is a great time to delve into complex subjects and practice new skills through books and technology, because it may be more enjoyable to stay indoors more of the time than in other seasons.  It is also an opportune time to study scientific phenomena which are related to or only occur during the winter months.

 

General science activities—

 

Teachers share a variety of winter science projects here: http://www.proteacher.net/discussions/showthread.php?t=69293

 

For preschoolers: http://www.everythingpreschool.com/themes/winter/science.htm

 

For more miscellaneous lesson ideas, check out these resources: http://voices.yahoo.com/outdoor-fall-winter-science-activities-crafts-for-4276665.html , http://teacher.scholastic.com/lessonrepro/k_2theme/winterfun.htm , http://nstacommunities.org/blog/2011/02/09/winter-science-activities

 

Get more ideas for outdoor science activities from this informative article from the Worcester (Massachusetts) Telegram & Gazette, “Winter is perfect bird-watching weather”. http://www.telegram.com/article/20110106/NEWS/101060635/1011

 

For high-quality equipment and resources to help you go in-depth in wide variety of science subjects, check out Schoolmasters Science. http://www.schoolmasters.com/scienceMenu.cfm?div=sc   

 

Weather-related subjects—

 

Start your meteorological studies with this article on understanding winter weather subjects. http://www.usatoday.com/weather/wwinter0.htm

 

From the BBC, watch “How do you survive in the coldest place on Earth?” http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-11875131

 

While you are learning about extreme temperatures, perhaps you or your students missed this story about the interesting controversy over the world’s hottest recorded temperature. http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/13/13845024-death-valley-recognized-with-posting-worlds-hottest-temperature-99-years-later?lite

 

For more information on low and high temperatures around the world, this site has many interesting facts and links. http://www.mherrera.org/temp.htm

 

Enjoy these interesting videos about and images of ice and snow.  

 

Time lapse footage of ice forming on a window in Fairbanks, Alaska. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMVxTqP13OE

 

The BBC presents The Secret Life of Ice (four 15 minute parts) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUdGr9AAHxE&feature=relmfu

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMTCiSoDA2g&feature=relmfu

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfS8asm8ONU&feature=relmfu

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NeIAeEzc1M&feature=relmfu

 

Here you will find pretty much everything you could possibly want to know about snow crystals, with lots of beautiful photos, from CalTech’s Dr. Kenneth G. Libbrecht. http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/  This article from the Billings Gazette features an interview with Dr. Libbrecht and many interesting snowflake facts. http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/article_770d7e8e-024a-11df-8ce4-001cc4c03286.html

 

Look at ice a different way with Exploration Education’s “To Float or Not to Float” experiment. http://www.amonco.org/winter2/montessori_winter2.pdf

 

Don’t live in an icy area?  This is an informative article with many representative photos of the various types of “temperate” climate. http://phillipshs.wcpss.net/Earth_Sci_pdf/Temperate%20Climates.pdf

 

This page from the University of California Museum of Palentology about the forest biome (and more) is also packed with great information. http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/forests.php

 

Astronomy—

 

Some folks dream big dreams during long winters. The Swedes have created an amazing astronomical map that spreads across their entire country.  Check out the Swedish Solar System. http://www.amusingplanet.com/2011/10/world-largest-scale-model-of-solar.html  What big project might you dream up this winter?

 

Between storms, winter skies can be very good for astronomical observations. This informative web “tour” from 45 degrees North Latitude will get you and your students excited about bundling up and checking out your own night sky. http://my.execpc.com/60/B3/culp/astronomy/Winter/winter.html

 

For more ideas, equipment and resource materials for exploring the night sky, check out the extensive astronomy section at Nature’s Workshop Plus! http://www.workshopplus.com/productcart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=2

 

Learn new computer and technology skills on your computer—

 

Find free on-line typing lessons (plus much more, check the side bar). http://www.free-training-tutorial.com/typing-tutorial.html

 

Miscellaneous on-line computer tutorials and resources (many are free). http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/Jefferson_HS/lscomp.htm

 

http://www.homeschoolinginthebluegrass.com/freeonlineresources.htm

 

http://tomsmerk.com/explore/learn.html

 

Get young kids playing chess.  http://www.chesskids.com/newcourse/index.htm

 

For parents and teachers—

 

If your students are using the internet unsupervised, you may be interested in these lessons in on-line safety.  http://www.gcflearnfree.org/internetsafetyforkids

 

This article discusses some of the uses, advantages and a few disadvantages of technology in homeschooling. http://homeschooling.about.com/od/computersinternet/a/technology.htm 

For more about technology and homeschooling, take this interesting Discovery quiz. http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/curiosity/topics/homeschool-technology-quiz.htm