Free Lessons Plans for Dr. Seuss The Lorax

Dr. Seuss's The Lorax is obviously an indictment against corporate waste, pollution and lack of environmentally friendly or green practices. What may be less obvious for teachers and homeschoolers is exactly how to implement Dr. Seuss's book The Lorax into a science curriculum. Here are several literature-based text to text connections, lesson plans and activities using Dr. Seuss's The Lorax. These lesson plans and activities are useful across the grade levels. As always, I include lessons plans that meet the different learning modalities. I also tie in material from many subject areas. Explain that The Lorax is like a parable or allegory. Characters represent ideas or people. As you read the Lorax ask students to decide who these characters represent:Read more at Free Green Lesson Plans: Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

Romney, Santorum Example of How Not to Debate

In another battle of wits (figuratively speaking), GOP frontrunners Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum have embarrassed both themselves and our nation, once more. In Arizona, says Real Clear Politics, each had his barbs tipped and both managed to speak very much, say very little and accomplish nothing more than to give viewers a collective brain ache. Their behavior is juvenile and a bad example to kids about how to debate or even interact with each other. Read more at In Arizona Debates, Romney and Santorum Represent Juvenile Posturing

Free Printables for Election, Voting, Super Tuesday Lessons and Activities

I remember back in 1972 during the Nixon-McGovern election, our school immersed us in the political process. We staged debates, mock elections, explored voting booths and campaigned for our candidate. It was a great experience for me and I know other students felt the same way. Now in 2012, we have the opportunity to bring the whole election and political process into our classrooms or home school environment. And we have years of technology to help us. Just in time for Super Tuesday, here are lessons about voting, elections, primaries, caucuses, campaigns, politics and government. Linked are some resources with free materials and printables for parents, educators and group leaders to explore with students. Each site offers free printable lessons, puzzles, quizzes, games, writing prompts and more. There are materials for all ages offered on these sites. Read more at Free Printables for Election Lessons and Activities

Free Valentine Printable Lesson Plans and Activities

Valentine's Day represents a party, candy and cards for children, but for teachers, it may not have such positive images. Kids overloaded with yet another sugar rush, another missed day of instruction time and a messy classroom when the bell rings at 3:30. And for parents, the dark days of February can mean another snow day and bored kids. How about some free printable Valentine's Day coloring pages, cut and paste, games, lessons, puzzles and activities to keep the kids at home or students in school engaged and productive? Read more at Free Valentine Printable Lesson Plans and Activities

Free Printable Black History Month Lesson Plans and Activities

Carter G. Woodson created the idea of Black History Month in 1926, but it wasn't until 50 years later when the first February Black History Month was celebrated during the United States bicentennial. Here are free printable black history lessons. Black History Month explores the history, culture, struggles and contributions of the Aftrican diaspora (displaced or forced immigration population) in the US, Canada and UK (they observe African-American history month in October). Use these activities in your classroom or homeschool. Read more here: Free Printable Black History Month Lesson Plans and Activities

Free Printable Chinese New Year, Year of the Dragon Activities

Chinese New Year for Parents and Kids Chinese New Year begins today. The Chinese zodiac is distinguished by 12 animals. 2012 is the Year of the Dragon. Here are activities and ideas for teachers and parents to explore Chinese tradition. You'll find recipes, history, culture, free printable dragon and paper lantern crafts, games, coloring pages and literature connections. Read more...

Chinese New Year Party Planner for Year of the Dragon 2012

Chinese New Year Party Planner - Yahoo! Voices - voices.yahoo.com: The Chinese New Year, Year of the Dragon begins January 23, 2012. Ring in CNY with a party for your classroom, home-school group, scout troop, 4-H club or any other venue you have to explore diversity and culture. A cultural celebration can spark some light in a stale, dragging school year. This party planner includes the elements of a good lesson as well as a good party: food, free printable coloring, music, games, crafts, social studies activities and literature connections. Read on...

Free Printable Chinese New Year Coloring Pages, Crafts and Activities

Free Printable Chinese New Year Coloring Pages, Crafts and Activities I confess that as a child and into adulthood I've always delighted in Chinese culture. As a teacher, I like to immerse my students in the celebrations, artifacts, food, religion, music, crafts and customs of other lands. Chinese New Year is a great opportunity to do just that. CNY begins Jan. 23, 2012; it's the Year of the Dragon (yeah, dragons--I'm one!) Here are free printable crafts, coloring and activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year with students, family, homeschool and scouts. These websites have Chinese zodiac crafts, animal crafts, party decorations, Chinese New Year greeting cards and coloring pages galore. Click here...

Kwanzaa Information, Websites, Free Printable Activities, Games, Lessons and Crafts

Free Printable Activities, Games, Lessons and Crafts for Kwanzaa Habari Gani? This is the Swahili greeting given at Kwanzaa, the least known but fastest growing of the winter holidays. When you greet someone with Habari Gani? you are saying literally, 'what's the news?' Kwanzaa, meaning 'first fruits of the harvest' celebrates family, community and culture. Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 - January 1, seven days. In the seven days there are seven principles to aim for; I have listed their Swahili name as well as a description westerners can understand. Read more...

unity (umoja),
self-determination, knowing oneself (kujichagulia),
collective work and responsibility; sharing the load (ujima)
cooperative economics, barter, trade for the common good (ujamaa),
sense of purpose (nia),
creativity (kuumba),
trust, faith (imani)

Free Printable St. Nicholas Day Crafts and Activities

Free Printable St. Nicholas Day Crafts and Activities December 6 marks the Feast Day of the popular saint of Christmas, St. Nicholas. Nicholas was a 4th century bishop in Asia Minor and is the patron saint of Russia and Holland. Here are free printable St. Nicholas activities for your family, homeschool, religious education classes and Catholic school students. Explore St. Nicholas the man, the legend, the bishop and the saint. Read more...