Hanukkah FAQs: History, Celebration and Symbols

Hanukkah or Chanukah is the Jewish festival of lights, celebrated on Kislev 25 (Dec. 8-16 in 2012). Because Hanukkah begins in or near the month of December, it is sometimes mistakenly considered 'the Jewish Christmas'. Here are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about Hanukkah. Note I inadvertently spelled Chanukah "Chanukkah" in this article. I think it is occasionally spelled that way, but not often. Follow up this article with free printable Hanukkah lesson plans in your home school (click tag "Hanukkah" for those links to printables) And Mazel Tov and Happy Hanukkah to all Hebrews out there! Here's a shout-out to all my Jewish friends. Ah Lichtige Hanukkah! Read more

Free Thanksgiving Lesson Plans--Pilgrims, Native American Indians, Science, History

I have happy memories of Thanksgiving homeschooling our four kids. I've taught in lots of other settings, too. And I always weave the holidays into lessons. Kids love it. Adults love it. Seniors love it! Here are free Thanksgiving Day printables and crafts that focus on fall harvest, native Americans and pilgrims. Click here for Thanksgiving-themed history lesson plans, social studies activities, art projects and even some nature science crafts! Why not make and share with senior neighbors. What a nice way to teach kids about thankfulness. Free Printable Thanksgiving Crafts and Activities

Printable Deepavali Activities, Rangoli Crafts for Diwali

Diwali, also called Deepavali and Divali, is a five-day Hindu new year "festival of lights." Diwali is also celebrated by Sikhs and Jains. Diwali honors the deities of Lakshmi (goddess of prosperity) and Ganesha, the elephant-headed goddess. Prayers and meditation, called puja are observed. Diwali 2012 is celebrated from November 13-17 in the western calendar. Diwali means "garland of lights" (or "row of lights") in Sanskrit. In the Indian calendar, Diwali is celebrated in late Ashwin (September-October) and ends in early Kartika (October-November). Here are lesson plans to explore this most sacred holy day.  Free Printable Diwali Lesson Plans, Rangoli Activities