Homeschooling on a Shoestring Blog » history

History Channel

Jodi — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:04:36 +0000

The History Channel Classroom program accompanying materials are free to download or print. There are lots of study guides in pdf and many internet linked units.

The animated series Liberty’s Kids will air on History starting on July 4, 2008. Episodes of this popular series about the era of the American Revolution will air daily on weekdays in July at 7am Eastern/6 Central. Follow this colorful journey through the Revolutionary era with the young reporters Sarah, James and friends. Search for episodes.

Liberty’s Kids (companion site with activities, games and lots more) is an animated adventure television series for children ages 8-14, about three kids who, by working as reporters for Ben Franklin, bring to life the American Revolution.

China Lapbook

Jodi — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:10:15 +0000

China Lapbook – I really like that their lapbook has laminated cards of Traditional Costumes which are separated showing layers such as hair (use as discussions for hair styles or why hair was worn a certain way), clothing (use as discussions of ceremonial dress or traditional dress – make more and use for play!), etc. The panda bamboo book is a creative idea for recycling some of those popsicle sticks we have stuffed in a kitchen drawer.

For more information on lapbooks, visit the website at Lapbooking on a Shoestring.

Email me through the page if you have lapbook pictures or info to share.

History of the Earth in a Toilet Paper Roll

Jodi — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 04:43:38 +0000

The earth is over 5 billion years old. Life first originated in the oceans 3.4 billion years ago. The dinosaurs died out 65 million years in the past. Human recorded history stretches back 10,000 years in time.

These numbers are too large to visualize, and difficult to compare. Here’s an easy way to put time in perspective, and actually visualize different eras in the earth’s history. You’ll need a roll of toilet paper, a long hallway, and some sticky notes.

Black History Month

Jodi — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 20:28:51 +0000

Learn about African American leaders and heritage during Black History Month. These creative lessons will inspire thoughtful classroom discussion. Gales has Black History Month free resources, calendar with notable dates, activities from Gale’s, and loads of biographies. National Geographic’s Legacy of Change: Icons of The American Civil Rights Movement photo gallery.

Activities from Crayola: Sparkling African Collar Necklace, Rhythm ‘n Blues Musical Poster, and Tent Textiles 3-D Display. Golden Legacy Series is an illustrated Black History magazine series. Read online their article on Martin Luther King Jr. in its entirety. Download in pdf from Disney Channel’s Cable in the Classroom standards-based educational materials that include discussion questions and lesson plans. The Proud Family: I Had a Dream (ages 8-13). That’s So Raven: True Colors (grades 5-8).

Scientist George Washington Carver coloring page. Power to the Peanut Discoveries. Cloze activity, biography with photo gallery. George Washington Carver and Sharing.

Poet Langston Hughes coloring page. Free to Dream Poetry posters. Langston Hughes lesson plans and teaching ideas.

Singer Marian Anderson coloring page. Marian Anderson at the Met has articles, photographs, sound clips, lesson plans, biography and timeline.

Learn the Constitution

Jodi — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:50:27 +0000

March 4, 1789 the Constitution went into effect. Make paper and write your own constitution. Constitution Day is September 17 of each year. Constitution Facts has crossword puzzles, knowledge tests, treasure hunts, word finds, dates to remember timeline and glossary. Learn the Constitution.com has more free activities and resources.
The Library of Congress‘ resources for We the People includes images, documents, maps, sound files and analysis tools to help teach about the United States Constitution. Schoolhouse Rock – Preamble.

Historical Maps

Jodi — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:52:57 +0000

American History Timeline
This timeline shows US history from 1780 to 2010, with parallel developments in politics, presidents, popular, Native American, planetary, technology, and culture.
American History: “Growth of a Nation” ‘Growth of a Nation’ is a ten minute animated movie of American history from 1789.

Save Our History National Event

Jodi — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:34:16 +0000

Each year, The History Channel recognizes and rewards teachers and students who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to exploring and preserving their local history with the Save Our History National Event. This is open to homeschoolers. The History Channel created Save Our History to support local history education and historic preservation efforts in communities across America. Since launching the Save Our History Program in 2004, The History Channel has distributed over 100,000 Educator’s Manuals, reaching over 2.5 million students and has awarded $750,000 in grants to eighty-two historical organizations nationwide, funding hands-on educational projects that teach students about their local history and actively engage them in its preservation. Save Our History instills a sense of community pride in students and teachers. Applications are due in April but check back on their website for more info.

Outline Flags

Jodi — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 16:06:46 +0000

Colouring Book of Flags has flags that have been drawn in outline form, suitable for printing to be colored in by hand. You can choose from all the states, a few historial flags, Canadian provinces, and most other regions. These would be excellent to add to any unit study, lapbook, notebook, and even timeline notebook.

For more information on lapbooks, visit the website at Lapbooking on a Shoestring. Email me through the page if you have lapbook pictures or info to share.

Vote

Jodi — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:14:55 +0000

Hail to the Chief: Inauguration Lessons. Every four years on January 20, a president takes the Oath of Office. This week, Education World offers ten lesson plans to help your students learn about and commemorate the inauguration. A few of the lessons are: Write letters to the president, Inauguration Firsts, Comparing Inaugural Addresses, I Do Solemnly Swear, and Inauguration Interview.
Inauguration A symbolic and ceremonial tradition that marks the beginning of a president’s term of office.
PBS Inauguration
Weekly Reader Election 2008 – Road to the White House
White House Kids
The Online NewsHour: Presidential Election Coverage: Vote 2008

Outline Maps

Jodi — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 06:14:37 +0000

Outline maps of the US, Europe, etc plus Historical Maps (including Lewis & Clark routes, Trails to the West and more!) The outline form is really nice for reports and projects.