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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

March Lesson Plan Ideas


Teaching Tip: March Lesson Plan Ideas
By: Teachnology Staff
http://www.teachnology.com/


Here are some March events you are going to want to include in your class.

1. American Red Cross Month: Encourage students to volunteer.

2. Music in Our Schools Month: Include music in your lessons.

3. National Nutrition Month: Feature the school lunch menu in your lessons.

4. Newspapers in Our School Week: Make a class newspaper or subject newspaper.

5. Clean Your Closet Week: Include students in the clean–up process.


This Week in History
1896: The Tootsie Roll was introduced by Leo Hirshfield.
1997: Scottish scientists announced the successful cloning of a sheep, Dolly.


Inspiring Quote
“It´s easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference.”— Tom Brokaw

For More March Teaching Ideas and Resources go to
http://geocities.com/mrsjacksonsclass/ or http://geocities.com/mrsjacksonsclass/marchthemes.htm .

Sunday, February 15, 2009

George Washington's Feb. 22nd Birthday


George Washington is called the Father of our Country.
George Washington: Farmer, Soldier, and First President of the United States.
George Washington: First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen...
Until 1971, both February 12 and February 22 were observed as federal public holidays to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and George Washington (February 22). In 1971, President Richard Nixon proclaimed one single federal public holiday, the Presidents' Day, to be observed on the 3rd Monday of February, honoring all past presidents of the United States of America.
George Washington was our first U. S. President. He was born February 22, 1732 in Pope’s Creek, Westmoreland County, Virginia. His term as president ran from April 30th, 1789 to March 3rd, 1797. Washington died December 14th, 1799. The early colonists used to celebrate the birthday of the English King, so that was why they decided to honor George Washington. Parades and balls marked the first celebration held in Richmond, Virginia, a year after Washington's death.
Special events in honor of George Washington's 277th birthday will take place from February 14 through February 16, 2009. Learn about the life of this president, his monument, and tributes to him through stories, song, and poems. Students also can learn the attributes of a quarter. This is also a good time to teach about the first U.S. flag and the American colonies. Find ideas for crafts, games, resources, and other activities by checking on some of these links.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Dental Health Month



National Children's Dental Health Month Creating Oral Health Awareness

National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) turns 60 this year. Each February, since 1949, the American Dental Association (ADA) has sponsored National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. NCDHM messages and materials have reached millions of people in communities across the country. To get materials, go to their site at
http://www.ada.org/prof/events/featured/ncdhm.asp .


Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Remember to take care of your teeth including following a good diet, cleaning your teeth after eating, and having regular dental checkups. The more children understand about their oral health, the more likely they will be to adopt habits to help them keep those teeth long after they've graduated high school.
February has been designated by the ADA as the month to promote awareness of career opportunities in dentistry and the allied careers.


Dental Health Resources:
http://geocities.com/mrsjacksonsclass/dentalhealth.htm Dental Health Theme Resources

Thursday, February 12, 2009

2009 Lincoln Bicentennial One Cent Program

New Lincoln Penny-Feb. 12, 2009 Release
There are lots of good ideas to explore the world of money and the new Lincoln Penny. It is being released on Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday on Feb. 12, 2009. The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial or 200th birthday anniversary celebration (February 12, 2009 - Lincoln’s 200th Birthday) started in 1809. He inspired many others to do great things. So many aspects of Lincoln's life and legacy provide valuable teaching opportunities. Check out some teaching resources and lessons at these sites to learn more about money and the new Lincoln penny.


http://geocities.com/mrsjacksonsclass/pennies.htm Pennies & Money Resources

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Lincoln's 200th Birthday Bicentennial


Lincoln Bicentennial – January – April 2009 Celebrate Lincoln's 200th Birthday in the Nation's Capital on Feb. 12, 2009


On the occasion of the 200th anniversary celebration of President Abraham Lincoln's birthday, we can make learning fun with a theme unit or study of his life, politics, art, history, the other Presidents, slavery, the Civil War, speeches, books, and more info about Abraham Lincoln. Explore the biographies of the presidents to learn about the life and politics of each president on Presidents' Day or during this time. You can assess the students' knowledge of U.S. history and have fun learning about our past. There are many resources available to celebrate Lincoln's 200th Birthday and President Abraham Lincoln's birthday on February 12th.


http://dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/LincolnBiCent.htm Celebrate Lincoln's 200th Birthday in the Nation's Capital Feb. 12, 2009

http://www.in.gov/judiciary/citc/lessons/lincoln/elementary.html Birthday Bash


Ready for everything Lincoln? Washington, DC will host a citywide four-month celebration marking the Lincoln Bicentennial, (February 12, 2009 - Lincoln’s 200th Birthday) with more than 80 exhibitions, performances, lectures, and guided tours honoring Abraham Lincoln. Beginning January 1 and running through April 30, the nation’s capital will offer an impressive lineup of major events and commemorations of one of America’s best loved leaders.
Taken from
http://dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/LincolnBiCent.htm

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Presidents' Day Teaching Tips



Top 10 Tips for Incorporating President's Day Themes in Your Classroom


History is often a difficult subject to teach. Students frequently have a hard time understanding how something that happened long before they were born can affect them today. This can make incorporating President's Day themes into your classroom especially difficult. Here are some ideas that you can try to get students revved up about President's day.


1. Who is your favorite president?
Most students are familiar with Mount Rushmore, though you may have to introduce it to younger students. Have students write a report on the four presidents they think should be up on the mountain.


2. Presidents on the money
Students know the importance of money, but they may not know the history behind it. Take a look at different coins and/or bills and see which presidents are featured on them. Older students can be assigned a coin to research to see how the face of money has changed throughout the years.


3. Dear Mr. President
We live in a country that was built by the people, for the people. As the head of the country, the president's job is to make the changes that the people want and/or need. Is there something that students want to see happen or something about the president they would like to know? Have them practice their letter writing skills by writing a letter to the president himself.


4. A log cabin for the president
Students may enjoy hearing about how President Lincoln grew up in poverty in a log cabin. Student can build their own log cabin (either on paper for younger students or in 3D for older students) using twigs, popsicle sticks, or other craft items.


5. Remember the presidents
While many students may only have seen one or two presidents during their lifetime, their parents, grandparents, or other adults in their life will remember several. Have them interview an adult and find interesting facts that the person remembers about different presidents that they have seen in office.

6. Tour the president's home
If you are lucky enough to live near one of the president's houses, you can see about taking your students on a field trip to see it live and in person. Otherwise, many of the historical societies have placed virtual tours online. Have students take the tours and compare how the presidents lived then to how they live now.


7. How well do you know your presidents?
Design a matching game for students. Younger students can try to identify presidents by matching names to pictures, while older students can match names to fun facts.


8. Mock election
When learning about the presidents, it is also a good time to introduce the democratic process. One way to do this is to hold mock elections. You can divide the class into democrat and republican parties, have the teams elect a member to be their candidate, and create campaigns or host debates. At the end, you can hold your own secret ballot to see which candidate won. Depending on the age of your students, you can have teams debate actual issues, like school budgets, or fun ones, like if gum should be allowed in school.


9. The White House is a zoo!
There have been some interesting White House pets throughout the years. Have students take a look at who these presidential companions were. Besides the traditional cat and dog, White House pets have included goats and turkeys!


10. White House kids
While many people know the current president, they may not be as familiar with the families that support them. Have students research the children who have spent part of their time in the White House, and write a paper on what they imagine living in the White House would be like.
The difficult aspect about history is making it come alive for your students. Once you are able to do that, they will never look at President's Day the same!


Tips by
http://www.worksheetlibrary.com/teachingtips/presidentsday.html

Friday, February 6, 2009

Valentine's Day Ideas



Top 10 Valentine's Day Ideas

1. Call your honey just to say, "I love you."

2. Pamper your loved one with a luxurious gift.

3. Throw an intimate party for just the two of you.

4. Say "I love you" with flowers!

5. Plan a trip to a place neither of you have been.

6. Make a special dinner for a special night.

7. Dance all night long.

8. Get your love something he or she will love.

9. Curl up with a special someone and watch a romantic movie.

10. Paint portraits of each other.

Top Gifts
Flowers or Living Plants
Candy or Chocolate
Romantic Music
Jewelry
Lingerie
Fragrance Gifts
Gift Certificates-Spas
Massages
Weekend Away Trip
Movie or Tickets to Events
Romantic Evening Date
Baskets
Candles
Wine
Meals
Cards
Poems
Pillows


Valentine Smile
On Valentine's Day we think of those

Who make our lives worthwhile,

Those gracious, friendly people who

We think of with a smile.

I am fortunate to know you,

That's why I want to say,

To a rare and special person:

Happy Valentine's Day!


By Joanna Fuchs
www.poemsource.com

Valentine Gift
On Valentine’s Day,

I’m thinking about

the special ways

you have made my life better.

The little things,

the not-so-little things...

Your kindness,

the way you always listen

and pay attention to me.

You make my world

brighter and richer.

You’re a gift to me,

and I thank you

for being you.

By Joanna Fuchs

Please visit
http://www.poemsource.com/valentine-poems.html for more poems about Valentine's Day. Visit http://www.canteach.ca/elementary/songspoems13.html for songs and poems for children on Valentine's Day.

For More Valentine's Day Resources:
http://geocities.com/mrsjacksonsclass/valentinesday.htm
http://www.dltk-holidays.com/valentines/index.htm Valentine's Day Activities
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/valentine/ Valentine's Day Arts and Crafts
http://crafts.kaboose.com/valentines-day-crafts.html Valentine's Day Crafts





National Wear Red Day and Heart Month



February is American Heart Month and today is National Wear Red for Women Day. Women and men are encouraged to show their support by wearing something red. Go Red For Women invites you to show your support in your workplace by having a Wear Red Day event that the first Friday of the month, any other day in February, or all month long! It's a great way to raise awareness and help us fight heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women. In an effort to inform and improve the safety and well-being of women the American Heart Association set up this day. National Wear Red Day is concerned with spreading information about what heart disease is and how it can be prevented. Friday is National Wear Red Day! Love your heart!

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3051876 Go Red For Women

http://www.goredforwomen.org/ News and Info

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov//educational/hearttruth/ National Heart Lung Blood Institute

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/hearttruth/press/nhlbi_04_campaign.pdf Resources and Activities

http://theunquietlibrary.wordpress.com/2008/01/16/go-red-national-wear-red-day-february-1-2008/ Info Blog

http://www.dienu.com/2009/02/05/national-wear-red-day/ Personal Story and Info Blog

http://mrsjacksonsclasswebsiteblog.blogspot.com/ Mrs. Jackson's Class Blog
http://www.heartpoint.com/ Human Heart Site Info

Thursday, February 5, 2009

National Flag Day of Canada on Feb. 15


February 15 was declared National Flag of Canada Day in 1996. It marks the day in 1965 when Canada's red and white maple leaf flag was first raised over Parliament Hill in Ottawa, and indeed, hundreds of communities across Canada. Red and white were designated as Canada's official colours in 1921 by His Majesty King George V. This is a perfect opportunity to celebrate Canada's flag and what it stands for ' a Dominion that is the envy of the world. You will learn about the the National Flag of Canada, including its history, its symbolism and flag etiquette.
February 15 – National Flag of Canada Day – is the perfect opportunity to learn about the history of the flag.
Taken from:
http://www.pch.gc.ca/flag-drapeau/index-eng.cfm National Flag Day of Canada


Wednesday, February 4, 2009

100th Day of School Celebration




How are you going to celebrate the 100th day of school with your class? The 100th day of school is the perfect time to have fun with the number 100. These resources, activities, links, and lessons provide opportunities for your students to practice math and sharpen their observational skills. You can use these resources to help you plan a perfect 100th day of school celebration. You can celebrate through literature, poetry, science, math, art, drama, language arts, and movement. Check out the best 100 ideas for celebrating the 100th day of school. Try one or all of the ideas with your students! It's a great time to have a party and learn while having fun.
Check out the rest of the story and get more ideas at:
Celebrate 100 Days All Subjects

Resources:
Mrs. Jackson's Class Themes, Books, and Resources
Great Resources and Links
One Hundred Ways to Celebrate
Suggested Activities
100th Day of School Resources




Monday, February 2, 2009

Mardi Gras


Mardi Gras came to New Orleans through its French heritage in 1699. Early explorers celebrated this French Holiday on the banks of the Mississippi River. Throughout the years, Orleanians have added to the celebration by establishing krewes (organizations) which host parades and balls. Carnival quickly became an exciting holiday for both children and adults.
Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday" and of course is celebrated on that day of the week. The date can fall between February 3 and March 9 depending on the Lunar calendar, used by the Catholic Church to determine the date of Easter. Mardi Gras is always 47 days before Easter Sunday.


The official colors for Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. These colors were chosen in 1872 by the King of Carnival, Rex. He chose these colors to stand for the following:
Purple represents justice
green stands for faith
gold stands for power


The Mardi Gras season begins on January 6 and continues until Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. On the Christian calendar, the twelfth day after Christmas is known as "Epiphany", "Twelfth Night", or "Kings Day." It is the day the gift-bearing Magi visited the baby Jesus, and is celebrated with its own unique rituals.


Mardi Gras is a traditional holiday celebrated in many of the southern states of the USA. The most famous celebration takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana. The people there enjoy this celebration by going to parades where they catch "beads, doubloons, cups, and trinkets" that are all thrown from floats. They have masquerade balls and dress up in costumes for these events. King Cakes are eaten during this holiday.


Taken From the Number One Source at http://www.holidays.net/mardigras/index.htm .


Books:
Mimi's First Mardi Gras by Alice Couvillon, Elizabeth Moore, Marilyn Carter Rougelot (Illustrator)
Going to New Orleans to Visit Weezie Anna by Mary Beth Pisano
Mardi Gras: A Pictorial History of Carnival in New Orleans by Leonard V. Huber


Sunday, February 1, 2009

Groundhog's Day is Feb. 2


February is still winter and it doesn't matter what the groundhog says. You don't need to hibernate so just enjoy this time and start testing new ideas. You could try out some new recipes for learning in your class.

http://www.fvsd.ab.ca/stm/groundhog_day_links.htm Great Resources

http://www.busyteacherscafe.com/monthly/february_resources.htm Groundhog's Day--February Resources

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/groundhogday/ Crafts, Worksheets, and Books

http://www.geocities.com/pattiehunt2001/seasonal.html#Groundhog Groundhog's Day

http://www.teachingheart.net/groundhogdaysite.html Great Theme Unit

http://edhelper.com/Groundhog_Day.htm Thematic Unit

http://www.teacherplanet.com/resource/groundhog.php Theme Unit Resources

http://www.groundhogs.com/index.htm Groundhog Site

February Calendar Themes or Teaching Ideas

February Calendar Teaching Ideas
100th Day of School
Chinese New Year
Children's Dental Health Month
Groundhog's Day
Lincoln's Birthday
Valentine's Day
Presidents' Day
Washington's Birthday
Mardi Gras
African American History Month (Black History Month)
American Heart Month
Bird Feeding Month
Cat Health Month
Chocolate Month
Friendship Month

Pet Oral Care Month
Weddings Month
Friendship Week

Love Your Pet Week
Random Acts of Kindness Week
Freedom Day
Superbowl Sunday
Shrove Tuesday
Ash Wednesday
Weatherman's Day
Girls and Women in Sports Day
Boy Scouts Day
Clean Out Your Computer Day
National Inventors Day
Leap Day



For More Teaching Ideas Visit: