Free printable Kwanzaa activities for kids, winter holiday crafts, Africa lesson

Kwanzaa is a uniquely African-American winter holiday which begins on December 26 and is celebrated for seven days, ending on Jan. 1. Kwanzaa is observed by lighting candles, making offerings and saying prayers. Here are free printable Kwanzaa activities for kids, coloring pages, winter holiday crafts, games, lesson plans and worksheets.  Free printable Kwanzaa activities for kids, winter holiday crafts, Africa lesson | Examiner.com

Christmas around the world children's literature countdown: holiday kids books

Christmas around the world is celebrated different ways. Each culture observes Christmas with unique traditions. What better way to explore Christmas around the world than with a children's literature countdown? Read down to Christmas and around the world with this holiday stories and kids' books. that with books? Advent--the four week season of preparation before Christmas--is a good time for an around the world children's literature journey. Here are thirty kids books on Christmas around the world.  Christmas around the world children's literature countdown: holiday kids books | Examiner.com

Free printable Stone Soup worksheets, games, puzzles, crafts, activities | Examiner.com

 The legend of "Stone Soup" is timeless. It's been retold many times, notably by Marcia Brown, Ann McGovern and Jon J. Muth. Stone Soup is sacred text in preschool and elementary classrooms. Here are free printable Stone Soup lesson plans, perfect for Read Across America and National Reading Month in March.Free printable Stone Soup worksheets, games, puzzles, crafts, activities | Examiner.com

Free printable Day of the Dead or Dia de Los Muertos coloring pages | Examiner.com

 Dia de los Muertos is the Mexican Day of the Dead celebration. The Latino holiday is near Halloween, but is celebrated on November 1 and 2. Dia de los Muertos is similar to Halloween in that participants dress in skeleton and death-themed costumes. But the resemblance ends there. Day of the Dead is a Catholic ethno-religious festival that celebrates life after death in heaven. Here are free printable Dia de los Muertos coloring pages and skull themed patterns and crafts.Free printable Day of the Dead or Dia de Los Muertos coloring pages | Examiner.com

Free printable animal coloring pages for St. Francis of Assisi blessing of pets | Examiner.com

On October 4 the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. Among other things under his patronage, St. Francis is the patron saint of animals. On his feast day, some Catholic churches and schools observe a charming little rite known as the blessing of pets. Folks bring their beloved pets to mass to be prayed over. It's an event that young and old enjoy. In the spirit of the good saint, here are free printable animals coloring pages and free printable St. Francis activities for children to celebrate! If you know of a Catholic church that blesses pets, why not bring your kids and animals--you'll all enjoy it!   Free printable animal coloring pages for St. Francis of Assisi blessing of pets | Examiner.com

Mom's Facebook post to boy who played with her disabled son misinterpreted - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com

With so many people turning to social media to start drama, it's refreshing to see someone leveraging cyberspace to start happy! A mom's Facebook post to the boy who played with her disabled son went viral. Katie Leigh Myers posted a picture of the two playing and the cute photo sparked the smile felt round the web, reported Good Morning America on August 17.Mom's Facebook post to boy who played with her disabled son misinterpreted - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com

 

Memorial Day travel: Parents survival tips for holiday travel with kids - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

 It's the Memorial Day weekend and your family is heading out for much needed vacation. But wait--traveling with kids--that sounds like more hassle than holiday. So remember these parent survival tools when traveling by car with children  Memorial Day travel: Parents survival tips for holiday travel with kids - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

Free printable Cinco de Mayo lesson plans, Mexican crafts and activities

Cinco de Mayo means the fifth of May in Spanish. But it like the U.S. 4th of July, nor Mexican Independence Day nor the equivalent of the U.S. Fourth of July. Cinco de Mayo is the day Mexicans remember El Día de la Batalla de Puebla (Battle of Puebla). Cinco de Mayo is mostly an Americanized Latino holiday. But also a great day to explore Mexican culture. Here are free printable Cinco de Mayo lesson plans, worksheets and games.  Free printable Cinco de Mayo activities, Mexican crafts, games, lesson plans

Reading response journal rubric: literature activities, book lesson plans

Looking for creative ways to teach reading and writing? Use literature response journals. Here's a template to make student reading response journal. Use for English, ELA (English language arts), literature, reading and writing classes. Use for Readers Workshop (a popular interactive reading group method used in elementary and middle school). Here's the book journal format.  Reading response journal rubric: literature activities, book lesson plans

Chinese New Year children's literature, CNY kids' books on China for Year of the Goat

Chinese New Year is celebrated late January to late February on the western calendar. In 2015, it's Thursday, Feb. 19. Each year features one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac and 2015 is Year of the Goat (also referred to as Year of the Sheep) Chinese New Year is also called the Spring Festival and Lantern Festival. To explore China, Chinese New Year and Asian culture, use these children's literature selections. These kids' books are appropriate for grades 4 and up.  Chinese New Year children's literature, CNY middle school kids' books on China