This Week's Winner March 31, 2007

Congratulations to Meyalli! If you think your child is the winner, please email me at kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net with a mailing address to send your smencil!

Van Gogh Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
March 30, 2007

On this day in 1853, the great post-impressionist painter, Vincent Van Gogh was born. Learn more about him here: http://www.helium.com/tm/243517/vincent-considered-great-impressionist

Discussion Questions:
1. True or False. Van Gogh never planned his paintings in advance.
2. True or False. Van Gogh was criticized for painting too slowly
3. True or False. Van Gogh only painted things in their natural colors.

Webquests

Enjoy some works of Van Gogh with this power point presentation:
http://www2.visalia.k12.ca.us/teachers/gconn/van_gogh_lesson_plan.htm
Try this fun game that takes you inside one of Van Gogh's paintings. Click on Who at the bottom of the page. A fish then asks you what Van Gogh was trying to do in a certain painting. He gives you three choices. What is the answer? http://www.eduweb.com/insideart/tour4.html

Quote

"A good picture is equivalent to a good deed." Van Gogh
Journal

Look at Van Gogh’s “A Starry Night” http://www.andreaplanet.com/mosaic/starrynight/
Write a story or draw your own picture about Van Gogh’s painting.
Don’t Forget the Math Challenge!

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/2007/03/math-challenge-march-30.html


For more Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/( 4-8)

Math Challenge March 30

Vincent Van Gogh's painting, Vase with Fourteen Sunflowers, is located in London's National Gallery. If the painting is placed in a wooden frame 12 centimeters (cm) wide on each side, what is the perimeter of the actual frame? Perimeter is found by adding all 4 of the sides.

Send answers to kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net
Parents may help, but try to let your child figure it out on their own.

Weekly winner wins a Smencil. Monthly winner wins a $20 Barnes and Noble gift certificate!
Good Luck!
Kelly

Cy Young Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
March 29, 2007

History
On this day in 1867, baseball player Cy Young was born. Read more about him here:

http://www.helium.com/tm/240256/denton-young-commonly-known

Journal
Write or draw a picture about the first baseball game you ever attended. If you have never been to a ball game, write about why you would like to or not like to go.
Language Arts

From the Mound Word Code:
1. Look at each code word.
2. Write the alphabet letter that comes before each letter. For example: cbu= bat
The five pitches Wildarm Willie throws best are:
tdsfxcbmmt gbtucbmmt tmjefst
lovdlmfcbmmt dvswfcbmmt

Making the Call:
1. Write the first letter of slugger.
2. Write the second letter of far.
3. Write the first letter of fast.
4. Write the last letter of slide.
5. Write the word you made!.
Phonics

Baseball B http://www.tampareads.com/phonics/singleletters/letter-b/b-page.htm



Math

Baseball Math
http://www.funbrain.com/math/index.html
Keeping Score:
1. Write the numbers from one to ten.
2. Draw a yellow X on the number eight.
3. Draw a blue circle around the number three.
4. Draw a red line under each even number.
5. Draw an orange circle around your favorite number.
Batting a Thousand:
1. Write the number that has a two and a four.
2. Write the number that does not have a nine but has an eight.
3. Write the number that has a five, but not a six.
4. Write the number that does not have a zero or a four.
607 124 456 530 330 370 148 206 198 650


Don’t Forget the Math Challenge!
http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/2007/03/math-challenge-march-29.html

For more Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/( 4-8)

Math Challenge March 29

Cy Young pitched in 906 games and won 511. How many did he lose?
Send answers to kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net
Parents may help, but try to let your child figure it out on their own.

Weekly winner wins a Smencil. Monthly winner wins a $20 Barnes and Noble gift certificate!
Good Luck!
Kelly

New York Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
March 28, 2007

History
On this day in 1799, New York State abolishes slavery. Today we will learn about the state of New York!

Reading

Learn more about New York City! http://www.helium.com/tm/237191/eight-million-people-making
Handwriting
Practice the letter N
http://www.edhelper.com/kindergarten/dnLetter_N_Writing1.htm

Geography


Use this site: http://www.dos.state.ny.us/kidsroom/nysfacts/stfacts.html

To help you fill out this state information form about New York: http://homeschooling.about.com/cs/unitssubjgeog/l/blstateform.htm
New York State Flag Coloring Page http://www.kidzone.ws/geography/usa/newyork/flag.htm
New York Facts Coloring Pages http://www.dos.state.ny.us/kidsroom/nysfacts/mainpg.html

Math
Try your hand at these New York story problems (2-3rd grade)
http://www.edhelper.com/geography/New_York_Math1.htm


Don’t Forget the Math Challenge!

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/2007/03/math-challenge-march-28.html


For more Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/( 4-8)

Math Challenge March 28

Rachel's family bought tickets for the Circle Line Statue of Liberty Ferry. It cost $10 each for her parents, $4 each for Rachel and her brother, and $8 for his grandmother who is a senior citizen. They boarded the ferry for the 9:10 a.m. departure and arrived at Liberty Island at 9:25 a.m.

How many people went on the ferry with Rachel? (Just her family!)

(Bonus 1: For 5 tickets)

1. How long was the trip?

(Bonus 2: For 5 tickets)

2. How much did it cost for them all to ride the ferry?

Send answers to kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net
Parents may help, but try to let your child figure it out on their own.

Weekly winner wins a Smencil. Monthly winner wins a $20 Barnes and Noble gift certificate!
Good Luck!
Kelly

Shoelace Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
March 27, 2007

History
On this day in 1790, the shoelace was invented. Learn more about it here:
http://www.helium.com/tm/234797/useless-thanks-harvey-kennedy

Just for fun – look at all the different ways to lace your shoes: http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/lacingmethods.htm

Don’t know how to tie your shoes yet? Here are some sites to learn:
http://www.netrover.com/~kingskid/shslow1.html
and
http://www.childrehab.com/laces/laces_files/v3_document.htm


Journal
Write a story or draw a picture about your favorite shoes.
Language Arts

Shoelace is a compound word (two nouns make up the word). Here is a fun game to teach compound words.
1. Print out the list of compound words below, leaving large spaces between the two nouns that make up the word.
2. Cut the compound words apart.
3. Stick each part of each word into different plastic Easter eggs (eg. Shoe in one egg and lace in another). To make it easier for younger children you can put the words into the same color eggs. (I also put jellybeans in the eggs to make it funner!)
4. Hide the eggs and have your child “hunt” for compound words!

Some compound word ideas:
lipstick, doghouse, racecar, mailbox, haircut, football, baseball, suitcase, lunchbox, armchair, trashcan, shoelace, pigpen, dragonfly, butterfly, toothpaste, wildlife, footprint.
Art
Design your own shoe: http://www.teachartathome.com/shoeprint.html
Or http://www.abcteach.com/Sports/shoe.htm
Music
Tying Shoes
(Sung to Splish Splash I was taking a Bath)
Criss Cross and go under the bridge
Then you got to pull it tight.
Make a loop but keep a long tail
That is how to do it right
Then you take the other string
and you wrap it 'round the loop
Pull it through the hole
Now you got the scoop
Criss Cross and go under the bridge (this is where you tie the loops together)
Now you made a Double Knot!!
**************************************
You take one lace and make a loop
take the other lace and make another bunny ear.
fold one under the other and viola! Tied shoes.

Math

Measure each of your feet (without shoes) to see if one foot is longer than the other.
How many shoe stores are located in your community? (Hint: use the Yellow Pages!)

Don’t Forget the Math Challenge!
http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/2007/03/math-challenge-march-27.html

For more Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/( 4-8)

Math Challenge March 27

There are 2 shoes in every pair. If you find 14 shoes on the ground, how many pairs are there?

Send answers to kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net
Parents may help, but try to let your child figure it out on their own.

Weekly winner wins a Smencil. Monthly winner wins a $20 Barnes and Noble gift certificate!
Good Luck!
Kelly

Beethoven Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
March 26, 2007

History

On this day in 1827, Ludwig van Beethoven passed away. Learn more about him here:
http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/2007/03/beethoven.html


Discussion questions:
1. How old was Beethoven when he started to go deaf?
2. What instruments did he play?
3. Who was Beethoven’s first music teacher?

Beethoven maze: http://www.musictechteacher.com/kgfiles/beethovenjpg.pdf
Beethoven coloring page: http://www.boopadoo.net/free-downloads-d81-Beethoven+Pic.htm
Musical Instruments coloring page: http://www.bamusic.org/Bay_Area_Little_Symphony/Coloring_Book/coloring_book.html

Science
The Glass Armonica Lesson Plan: The Science of Acoustics
The Glass Armonica - an unusual instrument
In 1761, Benjamin Franklin was inspired to invent his Glass Armonica when he heard music being played on a set of upright goblets filled with varying amounts of water by an eccentric Irishman named Richard Puckeridge. Franklin thought he could eliminate the difficult problems of tuning the water by giving the bowls themselves a fixed tonality based on the size of the bowls and the thickness of the glass.
Benjamin Franklin's invention was so unusual that it became immensely popular. He even toured Europe performing with his armonica. Several composers, including Beethoven and Mozart composed classical music for this instrument. Our first president, George Washington, was even a fan. His journal entry for April 1765 implies that he took the evening to hear the Armonica played in Williamsburg: "By my Exps. to hear the Armonica, 3.9"
You can imitate the sound of the armonica by using empty wine glasses and water.
Directions:
1. Clean your finger thoroughly and moisten it with water.
2. Gently rub finger on the top edges of an empty glass. Move finger smoothly in a circular motion, making sure to cover the entire circumference of the glass rim.
3. As you move your finger over the rim, notice the pitch of the sound produced.
4. Now, add water to the glass and repeat the same procedure. Once again, take notice of the new pitch.
WHAT HAPPENS???
• The presence of water in the glass decreases the vibrational frequency. Therefore, the pitch is lower than that of the empty glass. Increasing the size of the glass would produce a similar effect in the tone of the sound.
• Can you match the opening motif of Beethoven's fifth symphony with your armonica?
Don’t Forget the Math Challenge!
http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/2007/03/math-challenge-march-26.html

For more Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/( 4-8)

Math Challenge March 26

Beethoven's fifth symphony contained a pattern. Can you solve the pattern below?

2, 4, ___, 8, 10

BONUS (try this one for 5 more tickets)

4, 8, ___, 16

Send answers to kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net
Parents may help, but try to let your child figure it out on their own.

Weekly winner wins a Smencil. Monthly winner wins a $20 Barnes and Noble gift certificate!
Good Luck!
Kelly

Today's winner March 24

Congratulations to David S! If you think your child is the winner, please email me at kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net with a mailing address to send your smencil!

In Like A Lion Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
March 23, 2007

March comes in with many windy and raining days and at the end of March, it seems to get cool and nice weather outside.
Discussion:
Explain why people use the saying in like a lion out like a lamb
The saying above refers to the weather. If the weather is bad (cold and snowy) at the beginning of March, then the end of March (going out) will be calm (like a lamb). If the weather is mild at the beginning of the month, then it is said that the end of March will end with bad weather.


Journal
Are you more like a lion or a lamb? Draw a picture or write about which one is more like you and why.
Language arts

Read Mary had a little lamb. http://www.enchantedlearning.com/rhymes/Mary.shtml

Answer these questions:
o What part of the lamb is its fleece?
o What else could it be as white as?
o Do your pets follow you around like Mary's lamb? Where? How does it make you feel?

Mary had a little lamb coloring sheet:
http://www.niteowl.org/kids/lamb1.html

Weather Vocabulary
Younger Children: cloud, colors, dry, fog, rain, rainbow, sky, sun, wet, wind

Older Children: cloudy, foggy, lightening, rainbow, rainy, sunny, thunder, windy, weather

Handwriting

Trace the letter L (Lion) http://www.first-school.ws/t/alpha_tracers_dn1/l4.htm
Trace the letter L (Lamb) http://www.first-school.ws/t/alpha_tracers_dn1/bible/lamb.htm

Science

A lamb is a baby sheep. Learn more about sheep here: http://www.kiddyhouse.com/Farm/Sheep/

Art


Lamb coloring sheet
http://abcteach.com/AnimalShapes/lambshape.htm

Lion coloring sheet
http://abcteach.com/AnimalShapes/lionshape.htm

Music
Lambs and Lions
( Tune of: London Bridge)
Lions and lambs come out to play, out to play, out to play.
Lions and lambs come out to play.
Lambs and lions! (have partners face each other, holding hands and swinging
arms from side to side.)
Lions stand up and lambs sit down, lambs sit down, lambs sit down.
Lions stand up and lambs sit down.
Lambs and Lions! ( sit or stand as directed)
(Repeat the song, inserting new movements or sounds to match the verses)
Lambs all walk and lions jog
Lions twist and lambs jump up
Lambs say, "Baa" and lions Roar!
Don’t Forget the Math Challenge!

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/2007/03/math-challenge-march-23.html

For more Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/( 4-8)

Math Challenge March 23

Last week, there were three rainy days, three sunny days, and the rest of the week was cloudy. How many days last week were cloudy?

Send answers to kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net
Parents may help, but try to let your child figure it out on their own.

Weekly winner wins a Smencil. Monthly winner wins a $20 Barnes and Noble gift certificate!
Good Luck!
Kelly

Bonus Math Challenge March 23

On Thursday, sunrise was at 5:58 a.m.. Four days earlier on Sunday, sunrise was two minutes earlier. What time was sunrise on Sunday?

Send answers to kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net
Parents may help, but try to let your child figure it out on their own.

Weekly winner wins a Smencil. Monthly winner wins a $20 Barnes and Noble gift certificate!
Good Luck!
Kelly

Goof Off Day Lesson Plans

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
March 22, 2007
goof-off

Pronunciation: (gOOf'ôf", -of"), [key]
—n. Slang.
a person who habitually shirks work or responsibility; idler
Goof Off ! Goof Off ! Goof Off!
Today is National Goof Off Day! Spend the day goofing off and having fun! (Still do the math challenge!)

One of the best things about home schooling is the ability to really enjoy your kids! Here are some fun ideas for celebrating goof-off day! (and yes that goofy little boy is mine!)
http://momof6malloyboys.blogspot.com/2007/03/national-goof-off-day.html
Slow Dance

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short The music won't last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask "How are you?"
Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done,
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?

You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last

Ever told your child
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste
Not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say "Hi"?

You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere,
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift - thrown away.

Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

Author Unknown

Language arts

Rhyming Riddles
Have fun coming up with these rhyming riddles!
Make up your own rhyming answers / riddles using the following examples:

* A Goofy Female Horse - SILLY FILLY
* A Tired Flower - LAZY DAISY
* An Out-of-Control Kid - WILD CHILD
* A Wet Canine - SOGGY DOGGY
* A Damp Animal Friend - WET PET

Art


Goofy Art craft http://www.dltk-teach.com/alphabuddies/mgoofy.html

Science


Learn about animals and make some new goofy animals http://www.switchzoo.com/zoo.htm

Don’t Forget the Math Challenge!

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/2007/03/math-challenge-march-22.html


For more Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/( 4-8)

Math Challenge March 22

An average television show is 30 minutes long. If there are 12 minutes of commercials played, how long is the actual show?

Send answers to kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net
Parents may help, but try to let your child figure it out on their own.

Weekly winner wins a Smencil. Monthly winner wins a $20 Barnes and Noble gift certificate!
Good Luck!
Kelly

Noodles Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
March 21, 2007

March is national noodle month. Learn more about it here:
http://www.helium.com/tm/223884/noodle-strip-unleavened-dough

Discussion Questions:
1. What people are on record as making noodles and other pasta as early as 3,000 B.C.?
A. Greeks
B. Romans
C. Egyptians
D. Chinese
2. "Noodle" comes from the word "nudel," which has origins in which language?
A. Italian
B. German
C. Swedish
D. Greek
3. All pasta are noodles?
A. True
B. False
4. What ingredient do noodles contain that makes them different from most other pastas?
A. Iron
B. B-vitamins
C. Egg
D. Olive oil


Math


Pasta Math
Teach numbers with noodles!
http://content.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=648

Color 12 noodles on this worksheet http://www.kidsrunning.com/ctconf/kidsmarathon.pdf


Art

Make a lion face with noodles http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/lioncrafts.html


Music
On Top Of Spaghetti

On top of spaghetti, all covered with cheese
I lost my poor meatball, When somebody sneezed.
It rolled off the table and onto the floor
And then my poor meatball rolled out of the door.
It rolled in the garden and under a bush
And now my poor meatball is nothing but mush.
So next time you eat spaghetti, All covered with cheese
Protect your poor meatball, In case of a sneeze



Don’t Forget the Math Challenge!

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/2007/03/math-challenge-march-21.html



For more Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/( 4-8)

Math Challenge March 21

If Dad won't be home until 6 p.m., what time does Mom need to begin cooking the spaghetti so dinner will be ready at 6:30 p.m.? The spaghetti takes 20 minutes to cook.

Send answers to kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net
Parents may help, but try to let your child figure it out on their own.

Weekly winner wins a Smencil. Monthly winner wins a $20 Barnes and Noble gift certificate!
Good Luck!
Kelly

Spring Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
March 20, 2007

Today is the first day of spring. Learn more about it here:
http://www.helium.com/tm/221358/vernal-equinox-means-increased




Journal
Spring often means rainy days. Describe a rainy day:
http://www.familyeducation.com/pdf_display/0,4050,1-30559-590,00.pdf

Language Arts
Here is a great alphabet matching activity (can work as a file folder game!)
http://www.bry-backmanor.org/actpag37.html

Color words http://www.kidzone.ws/prek_wrksht/colors/colors-review2.htm


Geography
Which states are looking forward to the Spring the most? Use this map to learn more about seasons in the United States.
http://www.familyeducation.com/pdf_display/0,4050,1-30551-582,00.pdf

Science

Spring Parachutes
Breezy spring days are the perfect time to discover how the wind works.
Materials needed:
• Paper cup
• Handkerchief, square piece of cloth, or plastic grocery bag
• 4 pieces of string (approximately 8 inches long)
• Paper punch
• Pennies or plastic figurines
What to do:
Step One: Punch four evenly spaced holes around the top of the paper cup. Tie one end of a piece of string to each hole.
Step Two: Tie each loose end of string to one of the four corners of the cloth (or make four corners from the grocery bag).
Step Three: Add pennies or plastic figurines to the bottom of the paper cup for balance. This will make your parachute glide longer.
Step Four: Throw your parachute from a hill, bridge, or staircase where it can be easily retrieved. Try adding more pennies or figurines for different glide lengths.

Math
Spring themed math worksheets http://www.kidzone.ws/math/spring/index.htm






Don’t Forget the Math Challenge! http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/2007/03/math-challenge-march-20.html


For more Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/( 4-8)

Math Challenge March 20

Amy planted her flowers on March 12. She plans on feeding them with Miracle Grow every 10 days. What day does she need to feed them Miracle Grow next?


Send answers to kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net
Parents may help, but try to let your child figure it out on their own.

Weekly winner wins a Smencil. Monthly winner wins a $20 Barnes and Noble gift certificate!
Good Luck!
Kelly

Nutrition Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
March 19, 2007

March is National Nutrition Month!
Parents often have a difficult time avoiding the golden arches. But there's no reason to give up fast-food eating completely or feel guilty about grabbing an on-the-run fast-food meal or snack. Luckily, most fast-food places now give you healthy choices. Here are some simple ways to make healthy fast-food choices:
http://www.helium.com/tm/219241/parents-often-difficult-avoiding

Journal
Use this worksheet to make your own healthy recipe
http://www.teach-nology.com/worksheets/science/food/writing2/
Language arts

Alphabetical order. Arrange the following list in alphabetical order.
raspberry grapefruit peach raisin

kiwifruit blueberry apricot mango


apple orange cherry banana


Build your own food pyramid: http://www.healthychoices.org/pdf/ch4-pg13.pdf
Find the healthy snacks and make your way out of this maze: http://www.healthychoices.org/pdf/ch4-pg14.pdf
Kitchen Safety : http://www.healthychoices.org/pdf/ch4-pg16.pdf

Science
Find the science in ice-cream with this tasty experiment!
http://www.foodsci.uoguelph.ca/dairyedu/findsci.html


More hands-on science.
Drinking is not the only source of water. People take in water in many foods they eat. How much water is in some foods? Test different foods such as a small slice of apple, banana, potato, and celery. First weigh each slice and to record that weight on a chart. Leave the food slices under a lamp overnight; the light source should be about 1-1/2 feet above the food. The next day, weigh your foods again. Did the foods gain or lose weight? Why? (They lost weight because they lost water.) Which food lost the most weight, or water? The least? (Probably the apple lost the most and the banana the least.)

Math
Popcorn math (K-1 grade)
http://www.popcorn.org/images/pdf/pi5.pdf

Popcorn math (2-3 grade)
http://www.popcorn.org/images/pdf/pi2.pdf


Don’t Forget the Math Challenge! http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/2007/03/math-challenge-march-19.html


For more Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/( 4-8)

Math Challenge March 19

John planted two rows of popcorn. Each row had six plants in them. How many plants did he plant?

Send answers to kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net
Parents may help, but try to let your child figure it out on their own.

Weekly winner wins a Smencil. Monthly winner wins a $20 Barnes and Noble gift certificate!
Good Luck!
Kelly

This week's winner! March 17, 2007

Congratulations to Jasmine B.! If you think your child is the winner, please email me at kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net with a mailing address to send your smencil!

Bonus Challenge

Lucky you! You found a Leprechaun’s pot of gold! Inside were 13 quarters, 9 dimes, and 6 nickels. How much money was in the pot?


Bonus: (1 extra ticket) If you doubled this amount how much would that be?

St. Patrick's Day Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
March 16, 2007

We celebrate St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow, March 17. Learn more about St. Patrick here:
http://www.helium.com/tm/214200/march-celebrate-saint-patricks

Journal
If I had a pot of gold...

Draw a picture or tell a story about what you would do if you had a pot of gold.

Reading/Math
Count how many Shamrocks with this printable book:
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/books/holiday/stpatrick/countshamrocks/

Practice subtraction with this printable book:
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/books/holiday/stpatrick/subtractioncode/

Handwriting
http://first-school.ws/t/alpha_tracers_dn1/r4.htm

Geography
Ireland is an island. People who come from Ireland or whose ancestors came from Ireland are called Irish. An emerald is a precious stone which is green. Ireland is often called the "Emerald Isle" because it is so green with vegetation. The color green symbolizes Ireland and the Irish. Color this map of Ireland green.

http://www.songs4teachers.com/mapofireland.htm

Art

Looking for some fun crafts to make with your children on St. Patrick’s Day? Well today is your lucky day! Here is a list of fun crafts guaranteed to bring the luck of the Irish your way:

http://www.helium.com/tm/214257/looking-crafts-children-patricks

Music
I'm a Little Leprechaun
Tune( "I'm a little teapot")
I'm a little leprechaun
Dressed in green,
The tiniest man
That you ever seen.
If you ever catch me, it is told,
I'll give you my pot of gold!


Science


What is Light Lab
http://imagers.gsfc.nasa.gov/teachersite/UL2_1.html



Math
Pot of gold graph
http://www.teachingheart.net/potogold.doc

Shamrock Subtraction
http://www.teachingheart.net/shamrocksub.doc

Don’t Forget the Math Challenge!
http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/2007/03/math-challenge-march-16.html


For more Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/( 4-8)

Math Challenge March 16

O'Leary the leprechaun has been busy hiding his gold. Instead of putting it all in one pot, he hid it in five different pots. If he had 35 pieces of gold to hide and each pot had the same amount of gold, how many pieces were in each pot?

Send answers to kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net
Parents may help, but try to let your child figure it out on their own.

Weekly winner wins a Smencil. Monthly winner wins a $20 Barnes and Noble gift certificate!
Good Luck!
Kelly

Julius Caesar Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
March 15, 2007


History

On this day in 44 B.C. Roman Dictator, Julius Caesar was assassinated. Learn more about him here:
http://www.helium.com/tm/213934/julius-caesar-assassinated-march
Discussion questions:
1. What day was Julius Caesar born?
2. Did Julius follow orders to return to Rome without his army?
3. What month was named after Julius Caesar?

Here are some Roman coloring pages: http://www.proteacher.com/cgi-bin/outsidesite.cgi?id=17228&external=http://www.coloring.ws/rome.htm&original=http://www.proteacher.com/090084.shtml&title=Ancient%20Rome%20Coloring%20Pages


Journal
Pompeii was an Ancient Roman city that was buried under ash after a volcano erupted.
The archaeologists who discovered Pompeii were amazed at the things they found. Imagine that some great disaster happened in your town and it was frozen in time. Write or draw a picture about what archaeologists would be amazed to find if they dug up your town in the year 3,000.

Math


Fill in and color this calendar for March: http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/calendar/march.shtml


Don’t Forget the Math Challenge!
http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/2007/03/math-challenge-march-15.html


For more Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/( 4-8)

Math Challenge March 15

There are 31 days in the month of March. There are also 31 days in July, the month named after Julius Caesar. Which months do NOT have 31 days?

Send answers to kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net
Parents may help, but try to let your child figure it out on their own.

Weekly winner wins a Smencil. Monthly winner wins a $20 Barnes and Noble gift certificate!
Good Luck!
Kelly

Albert Einstein Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
March 14, 2007
On this day in 1879, Albert Einstein was born. Read about him here:
http://www.helium.com/tm/211941/think-intelligence-often-think


Journal
Draw an Albert Einstein related picture and write about your drawing. http://homeschooling.about.com/od/holidays/ss/einsteinprint_6.htm

Phonics


Learn about the short e sound http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/palmasola/shorte1.htm

Handwriting
http://www.first-school.ws/t/alpha_tracers_dn1/e3.htm


Science

Find all the ways energy is being used in this picture:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/classactivities/EnergyPicturePri%20Elem.pdf

Learn about the types of energy you use in your home: http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/classactivities/HomeSurveyPrimary.pdf





Don’t Forget the Math Challenge!
http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/2007/03/math-challenge-march-13_14.html


For more Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/( 4-8)

Math Challenge March 14

The memorial to Albert Einstein is located at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, DC. The bronze figure, weighs approximately 4 tons, and is 12 feet tall. There are 3 feet in a yard. How many yards tall is the statue?

(For younger children, use counters: Take 12 counters and put them together to show the 12 feet, separate them into piles of 3, how many piles are there?)

Send answers to kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net
Parents may help, but try to let your child figure it out on their own.

Weekly winner wins a Smencil. Monthly winner wins a $20 Barnes and Noble gift certificate!
Good Luck!
Kelly

Basketball Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
March 13, 2007

This year, the Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament, better known as March Madness, starts today. Read about the history of basketball here: http://www.helium.com/tm/210038/basketball-invented-james-naismith

Learn more about March Madness here: http://www.helium.com/tm/210042/march-madnessit-basketball-tournament

Journal
Use this worksheet to write about your goals:
http://www.abcteach.com/MonthtoMonth/December/basketball.htm

Phonics


Try this letter B phonics activity:
http://www.auburn.edu/~murraba/explor/rossel.html

Language Arts
Complete the sentences in this basketball story: http://www.abcteach.com/free/p/picturecloze_basketball_elem.pdf


Math

Try this basketball addition game: http://www.abcteach.com/free/g/game_basketball.pdf


Don’t Forget the Math Challenge!
http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/2007/03/math-challenge-march-13.html

For more Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/( 4-8)

Math Challenge March 13

A basketball was originally priced at $10. The price has been marked down twice. Once by $2 and then by $1. How much does it cost now?

(Use counters if needed for younger kids)

Send answers to kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net
Parents may help, but try to let your child figure it out on their own.

Weekly winner wins a Smencil. Monthly winner wins a $20 Barnes and Noble gift certificate!
Good Luck!
Kelly

Anne Frank Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
March 12, 2007
History
Today marks the anniversary of the death of Anne Frank. Read more about her here:
http://www.helium.com/tm/208444/frank-6000000-people-killed
Make a family tree http://www.teachnet.com/graphics/how-to/familytree.gif

Journaling
Anne Frank and her family needed to live in a small place and were only able to take a few things with them. If you and your family had to leave your home because of an emergency (like a fire) what would you take?
Reading
Anne Frank and her family were helped by their friends. Read this story about a dog who also helps his friend: http://www.edhelper.com/PhonicsStories_25_19_1.html

Editing Practice
EDITING SKILLS: CAPITAL LETTERS AND PUNCTUATION
• Use capital letters correctly.
• Use correct punctuation.
This may be difficult for younger ones, parents may help.
1. anne frank was born on june 12, 1929 in frankfurt, germany
2. the frank family was forced into hiding
3. they hid in the small, upstairs quarters of an office building
4. anne recorded her daily activities and personal thoughts in a diary
Handwriting
Anne Frank had to wear a star. Practice writing stars with this worksheet,
http://www.handwritingforkids.com/handwrite/manuscript/shapes/star.htm

Music
1, 2, 3 Good Friends
Sung to "10 little Indians"
1, 2, 3 good friends,
4, 5, 6 good friends,
7, 8, 9 good friends,
10 good friends are we!

You can also sing it in Spanish
Uno, dos, tres amigos,
Cuatro, cinco seis amigos
Siete, ocho, nueve amigos
Diez amigos son!
Don’t Forget the Math Challenge!
http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/2007/03/math-challenge-march-12.html

For more Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/( 4-8)

Math Challenge March 12

Anne was trying to become a better writer. Anne’s teacher told her that to become a better writer she should read more. Anne took her advice and read 5 books. If her sister read 4 books, how many books did they read altogether?

Need more of a challenge?

If Anne read 3 books a day, how many days would it take her to read 12 books?

Weekly Winner March 10

Congratulations to Wesley C. If you think your child is the winner, please email me at kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net with a mailing address to send your smencil!

Explorer Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
March 9, 2007
History

On this day in 1454, Explorer Amerigo Vespucci was born. Learn more about him here:
http://www.helium.com/tm/204276/united-states-america-north

Language Arts
Write an Acrostic Poem about an Explorer with this worksheet:
http://www.teach-nology.com/worksheets/soc_studies/explorer/poem/

Vocabulary

Define the following words:

1. Explorer-
2. Sailor-
3. Trade-
4. Voyage-
5.Cargo-
6. Navigation-


Journal
Imagine you are a sailor on a ship sailing toward the New World during the 15th or 16th Century. What would your days be like? What jobs would you perform? Write a diary entry (or draw a picture) describing life at sea.

Color this explorer coloring sheet http://www.edhelper.com/teachers/coloring_Explorers_coloring_page_1.htm




Science
How did wind help the early explorers and their ships? Try this experiment:
Materials:
2. 1 bar of soap
3. 1 toothpick
4. something to float your boats in (small pool, bathtub, sink, or bowl)
5. glue
6. construction paper cut into small square for sail

Procedure:

1. Glue the toothpick to the sail. Once sails are glued on, stick the toothpick
into the soap.

2. Sail your boat! Try to blow the “ship” to make it go further.

Evaluation:

What did you observe? How do you think the wind helped the ships to travel?

Music
Early Explorers used a Compass to tell them what direction they were headed. Learn more about directions with this song:

North, South, East, and West
(to the tune of Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes)

North, South, East, and West
East and West
North, South, East, and West
East and West
The compass shows what direction we will go
North, South, East, and West
East and West!

Draw a Compass and label the directions.

Don’t Forget the Math Challenge!
http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/2007/03/math-challenge-march-9.html

For more Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/( 4-8)

Math Challenge March 9

On August 2, 1492, Christopher Columbus set out from Palos, Spain to find India. He went in search of spices, silks and wealth. Columbus took three boats with him, the Santa Maria - the biggest one, was 80 feet long and carried 40 men. The Pinta carried 26 men and the Nina had 24 men. How's many men traveled with Columbus?


For younger ones: How many letters are in Columbus’ name?

Women's History Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
March 8, 2007
History

Today is International Women’s Day. Learn more about it here:
http://www.helium.com/tm/202543/doors-remain-others-throughrosemary

Journal
A lot of people, both men and women, have done something special and became
famous. Think about something special that you wish you could do that might make you famous. Write or draw a picture about that special something.

Reading
(Can be read alone or with parent!)


HELEN KELLER

When Helen Keller was two years old, she became sick. As a result, she lost her
sense of sight and her sense of hearing. Because Helen couldn’t hear, she couldn’t speak.

She lived in a dark world of her own until she was seven years old. Then, a 20-year-old teacher, Anne Sullivan, came to live with Helen and her family.

Read what Helen said about her teacher:

I raced toward the water pump and hit my hands against it, and then held up my hand, expectantly. Annie rushed to my side. P-U-M-P her fingers spelled. My mind concentrated on the shapes she was forming. I raced around with my arms open to catch all the things that made up the world, asking for their names, feeling the signs and repeating them to make sureI’d gotten them correctly.

Suddenly, I stopped. I slowly lifted my arms, and patted my chest. I was hardly breathing because of the excitement with which I asked my question. Annie understood immediately that I wanted to know my name. H-E-L-E-N she spelled into my trembling hand.

I felt as if the sun had just poured into my soul. Then I reached out to touch Annie. My teacher thought I was thanking her. Then, I banged on her arm. Annie smiled, and nodded. T-E-A-C-H-E-R she spelled into my hand. Now we both had names.

1. Read this sentence from the article.
She lost her sense of sight and her sense of hearing.
This sentence means that Helen Keller was __________________
(A) deaf and blind.
(B) losing her direction.
(C) out of sight of her mother.
(D) not able to smell anything.

2. She lost her sight when she was ____________________
(A) twenty-two.
(B) two.
(C) twelve.
(D) born.

3. This part of the story is when Helen first ___________________________
(A) came to visit.
(B) lost her sight.
(C) learned that everything had a name.
(D) learned to speak.

4. Annie was Helen’s _____________________________
(A) mother.
(B) teacher.
(C) student.
(D) pupil

5 . Why was this day in Helen Keller’s life so very important to her?




Read or tell this story about Betsy Ross. http://www.helium.com/tm/202631/people-often-stories-their

Color this flag http://www.coloringcastle.com/pdfs/flags/flag-usa.pdf

Don’t Forget the Math Challenge!
http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/2007/03/math-challenge-march-8.html

For more Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/( 4-8)

Math Challenge March 8

When 10-year-old Amelia Mary Earhart saw her first plane at a state fair, she was not impressed. "It was a thing of rusty wire and wood and looked not at all interesting," she said. It wasn't until Earhart attended a stunt-flying exhibition, almost a decade later, that she became seriously interested in aviation.


Amelia was born July 24, 1897.

1. What year was she 10 years old?

2. Earhart took her first flying lesson on January 3, 1921, How old was she then?



This one will be a bit challenging for the younger ones, so they only have to answer # 1 – you can use a timeline to help!

Telephone Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
March 7, 2007

History
On this day in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell received a patent for the telephone. Read more about it here: http://www.helium.com/tm/200448/march-alexander-graham-received



Watch a video about Alexander Graham Bell
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/video/bell.html


Handwriting
http://www.kidzone.ws/kindergarten/t-begins-mm.htm

Art


Practice using the telephone with this craft:
http://www.dltk-teach.com/mphone.htm

Telephone Coloring Page
http://www.sesameworkshop.org/sesamestreet/coloringpages/view.php?contentId=3062&


Science


Sound Science Projects
http://www.cstone.net/~bcp/3/3MrSci.htm


Math
Use the area code map here to solve the following math problems:
http://www.lincmad.com/areacodemap.html

1. What is the total of Idaho and North Dakota?

2. What is the total of South Dakota and North Dakota?

3. What is the total of Maine and Wyoming?

4. What is the total of Idaho and New Mexico?

5. What is the total of Maine and New Mexico?



Number 7 worksheet

http://www.first-school.ws/t/numbers/worksheets/seven-1.htm



Don’t Forget the Math Challenge!
http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/2007/03/math-challenge-march-7.html

For more Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/( 4-8)

Math Challenge March 7

If Montana’s area code is 406 and Wyoming is 307, What is the difference between the two?

Happy Birthday Bonus Challenge

If there are 32 candles on my cake, and I blow out 24 candles, how many are left?

Send the answer to me at kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net

Michelangelo Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
March 6, 2007

History
On this day in 1475, Michelangelo was born. Learn more about him here:
http://www.helium.com/tm/198451/michelangelo-buonarroti-widely-recognized

Art
Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel while lying on his back for 4 years. What do you think that might have been like to lie on your back with your arms stretched out above your head for years and years?

Pretend you are Michelangelo, and create a piece of art on your back using a paper taped under your desk or table.


Michelangelo was an Italian artist who lived from 1475 to 1564 during a period of
history called the Renaissance. He was a sculptor, painter, architect, and poet. His
work had a huge influence on the history of art.

Here are some ways you can be like Michelangelo:

1. Play the statue game: Walk around or dance while music is being played.
When the music stops, freeze like a statue.

2. Create sculptures using PlayDoh or modeling clay.

3. Create your own family portrait.


Michelangelo coloring page: http://www.zoomschool.com/artists/michelangelo/coloring/delphes.shtml

Language Arts
Michelangelo begins with the letter M. Here is a letter M worksheet:
http://www.teach-nology.com/worksheets/early_childhood/alphabet/m/

Here is a phonics worksheet for the letter M http://www.tampareads.com/phonics/singleletters/letter-m/m-page.htm


Don’t Forget the Math Challenge!
http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/2007/03/math-challenge-march-6.html

For more Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/( 4-8)

Math Challenge March 6

How many letters are in Michelangelo's name? Hint: (drop the s)

Michelangelo

Iditarod Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
March 4, 2007

History
Today is day three of the Iditarod races. Learn more about it here:
http://www.helium.com/tm/194898/would-miles-involves-treacherous
Are you wondering what it would be like to ride a dog sled? Take a look at this video:
http://www.trailriverhuskies.com/ (Scroll down to the bottom of the page).

Journal
Imagine what it would be like to race in the Iditarod. Draw a picture or write a story about your adventures.


Handwriting
Iditarod starts with the letter I. Practice your handwriting with this worksheet.
http://www.first-school.ws/t/alpha_tracers_dn1/i1.htm

Math

Complete the Sled Dog Math worksheet (in the files section of the Yahoo group)

See how much the Iditarod is worth http://www.iditarod.com/pdfs/tott/HOW%20MUCH%20Sheet1.pdf
(Use real money to help younger kids!)

Art


Make your own sled:
http://personal.my180.net/thesmiths/iditarod/sled.html

Here is a dog sled coloring page:
http://homeschooling.about.com/od/freeprintables/ss/iditarodprint_8.htm



Don’t Forget the Math Challenge!

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/2007/03/math-challenge-march-5.html

For more Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/( 4-8)

Math Challenge March 5

You watch as mushers cross the finish line of the Iditarod. The first team has 10 dogs, the second team has 11 dogs, and the third team has 8 dogs.

How many dogs have you watched cross under the burl arch?

(Use counters for younger kids)

Raffle Winner March 3, 2007

The winner of this week's smencil is Jonathon B. Congratulations!

If you think your child might be the winner please email me your mailing address at kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net.

Dr Seuss Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
March 2, 2007




On this day in 1904 , Dr. Seuss was born. Read more about him here:
http://www.helium.com/tm/190253/seuss-theodore-geisel-march

Alphabet
C is for Cat (Let’s Learn about the letter C!)
For those not ready to tackle writing skills
http://www.first-school.ws/t/alphabet/animal-dnealian/cat_b.htm

For those practicing their writing skills
http://www.first-school.ws/t/alpha_tracers_dn1/c.htm

Language Arts


Rhyming Contest: See who can come up with the most real words that rhyme with "hop" and "pop."

Journal
The kids in the Cat in the Hat were bored on a rainy day. Write in your journal about or draw a picture of your favorite rainy day activity.

Here is a Hat Pattern for making your own Hat story http://www.abcteach.com/Reading/suess/hat.htm

Math

The Foot Book

Left/Right: Use this book to practice left and right. Have your child practice by standing on one foot. Call out "left foot" and have them stand on their left foot. "Right foot", continue. Give them a few seconds between calling to place both feet back on the floor for a rest. Try to mix it up and get a little faster!

Measure strings of different lengths. Have your child put the strings in order from shortest to longest.

Practice your addition skills with this Cat in the Hat worksheet. http://www.seussville.com/university/math/games/print/math_addition.pdf

Science

Try this recipe for ooblek http://www.kinderteacher.com/oobleck.htm

Music
Song: Dr. Seuss On the Loose
(tune: Old MacDonald)

Dr. Seuss is on the loose,
And this how we know.
Cats, hats, eggs and ham,
Cats, hats, eggs and ham,
Cats, hats, eggs and ham,
We love his fun books so!
~ Author Unknown

Song: Rhyming Words
(tune: The Mulberry Bush)
Cat and hat are rhyming words,
Rhyming words, rhyming words.
Cat and hat are rhyming words,
They sound a lot a like!


Math Challenge
Don’t forget to take the math challenge to win prizes!
http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/2007/03/math-challenge-march-2.html

mail answer to kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net

Feel free to forward this lesson plan!
Free Homeschool Lesson Plans

http://homeschoolingk.blogspot.com/ (k-3)

http://homeschoolingthemiddleyears.blogspot.com/( 4-8)

Math Challenge March 2

There were 10 cats in the yard, 7 wandered away. How many were left?

mail answer to kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net