Free printable Coraline coloring pages: Neil Gaiman Coraline book activities | Examiner.com

The Neil Gaiman novel "Coraline" may be technically children's literature, but it hits the sweet spot for older readers who love dark, outre fiction. The Tim Burton movie version of Coraline perfectly animates this cartoon horror story. Here are free printable Coraline coloring pages. Some characters in the movie Coraline do not have counterparts in the Coraline book. The enigmatic child Wydie is not part of the original Neil Gaiman story. But Wydie fits perfectly and helps give a clearer perspective on the Other Mother and her sewing supplies of terror.  Free printable Coraline coloring pages: Neil Gaiman Coraline book activities | Examiner.com

Free printable Catholic St. Valentine lesson plans, Valentine's Day worksheets

 The story of St. Valentine has nothing to do with flowers and candy or Valentine's Day as we celebrate it on Feb. 14. Except in one way (we'll get to that). It has nothing in common with romance as we know it. But Valentine's story is spiritually romantic. Valentinius was a Roman Christian priest. In those days, this was not popular. In fact, it was downright illegal.  Free printable Catholic St. Valentine lesson plans, Valentine's Day worksheets | Examiner.com

Black History Month movies: African Americans in Jim Crow segregation

 The U.S. Census Bureau put out a list of statistics on African Americans for Black History Month in February reported PR Newswire Jan. 21. Stats are helpful understanding history. But they don't tell the whole story. We need literature and films to guide. Here are book-based movies for Black History Month. This list covers early 20th century black America was ruled by Jim Crow. Slavery might have been outlawed but discrimination and persecution flourished, even in the "free, enlightened" north.  Black History Month movies: African Americans in Jim Crow segregation | Examiner.com

Free printable Chinese New Year, Spring Festival, Lantern Festival lesson plans | Examiner.com

China's lunar calendar system is centuries older than the Gregorian calendar. The Chinese New Year begins in on February 8, 2016. The beginning date for Chinese New Year varies from late January to mid February on the western calendar. 2016 celebrates Chinese New Year of the Monkey (or KangXi). Each of the 12 years in the Chinese zodiac is represented by a different animal and the calendar repeats every 12 years. It was Chinese New Year of the Monkey in 2004 and will be again in 2028. CNY kicks off the Spring Festival in China and ends with the Lantern Festival, a quaint, charming holiday.  Free printable Chinese New Year, Spring Festival, Lantern Festival lesson plans | Examiner.com

Chinese New Year of the Monkey books for kids, children's literature from China

 Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival celebrates the culture of the Orient. It begins Feb. 9 in 2016 and culminates with a Lantern Festival. What better way to explore Chinese culture in your classroom than with literature? Here is a list of children's books for pre-K to second graders from China. Some books are specifically Chinese stories and others are Japanese Buddhist stories. Chinese New Year encompasses traditional animals of the zodiac so many kids' books in this list are animal-themed. It's CNY Year of the Monkey in 2016. Chinese New Year of the Goat books for kids, children's literature from China | Examiner.com

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