This month our character of focus is courage. Students can deal with different controversial topics throughout the day with peers or friends. Here you will find books, math activities, science projects, and information on historical figures that walked in courage to accomplish great things for our country. During your journey of courage, you can use this free resource to discuss what courage looks like in everyday events, how to shut off fear, and what those with courage accomplish. -AMW
In this book, students will read about the various everyday situations that may require courage. Bernard Waber explores the many varied kinds of courage and celebrates the moments, big and small, that bring out the hero in each of us.
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This book celebrates taking chances and testing your wings. A small yellow bird tries to decide on what would be best, stay in the safe nest or take flight and see what is out to explore. Students will learn the importance of getting past their fear to experience new things. (Elementary levels)
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Hatchet is an exciting survival story about a boy who is on his way to visit his dad when all of a sudden his plane crashes. He finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness where he has nothing but his clothes, hatchet, and many questions. To get through this journey, he must move past his anger over his parent’s divorce and step into courage. (Middle School age)
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Watership Down is a classic novel about a group of rabbits fleeing the intrusion of man and the destruction of their home to find a perfect warren. On their adventure, it will take courage as they deal with their doubts, predators, and adversaries. (High School)
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The Red Badge of Courage is a war novel that takes place during the American Civil War. The story is about a young private who joins the Union Army. When on the battlefield he deserts his comrades. Filled with shame, he longs for a wound, a "red badge of courage," to counteract his cowardice. Upon returning to his regiment, he struggles with his shame as he tries to redeem himself and prove his courage. (High School)
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Brilliant
This free online math resource allows middle and high school students to practice math or computer science problems. Brilliant believes in replacing lecture videos with hands-on, interactive problem-solving. Students can practice algebra, geometry, software development, quantum computing, statistics, probability, and more. |
Khan Academy
This free online math program provides courses for students Pre-K to high school. Students can practice counting, adding and subtracting to 1,000, multiplication and division, calculus, economics, computing, and SAT prep. In each lesson, students watch a video, practice problems, and then take a quiz to check their progress. |
A to Z Kid Stuff provides a wealth of information for elementary and middle school students. They will find facts, videos, and activities. For older students visit WDC. Here students will find information about these intelligent mammals, why them may be going extent, and ways they can help save them.
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Homeschool mom Erin shares an elementary lesson on the biology of frogs. You will find facts, information, videos, and resources to purchase your own tadpole kit. For older students visit scholarly encyclopedia community.
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Irish Contributions
It was a Potato Famine of 1845-1851, one of the most severe disasters in Irish history, that start the greatest departure of Irish immigrants to the United States. The potato was the main food for most Irish and starvation caused some 1.5 million deaths. Many of them left Ireland and came to the United States.
Many evil people said the Irish were fighters, drunks, and savages. People made cartoons drawn like small, ugly, ape-like creatures. So, it was hard at first to get jobs and many lived in poverty.
Irish were also Catholics and unfortunately many protestants objected to their religion. Thankfully, the Catholic church helped the Irish get established.
The Irish culture contributed much to American culture. They sold rashers (bacon), bangers (sausages), black and white pudding, and soda bread. They brought Irish dance and folk songs. The traditional clothing for Irish men were kilts (skirts) that are often seen in parades on St. Patrick’s Day.
Many Irish became doctors, lawyers, business persons, and 23 of our presidents were of Irish background. They were able to endure famine, poverty and prejudice to become a successful addition to our country. Here are a couple of Irish Americans that made a difference in our country.
It was a Potato Famine of 1845-1851, one of the most severe disasters in Irish history, that start the greatest departure of Irish immigrants to the United States. The potato was the main food for most Irish and starvation caused some 1.5 million deaths. Many of them left Ireland and came to the United States.
Many evil people said the Irish were fighters, drunks, and savages. People made cartoons drawn like small, ugly, ape-like creatures. So, it was hard at first to get jobs and many lived in poverty.
Irish were also Catholics and unfortunately many protestants objected to their religion. Thankfully, the Catholic church helped the Irish get established.
The Irish culture contributed much to American culture. They sold rashers (bacon), bangers (sausages), black and white pudding, and soda bread. They brought Irish dance and folk songs. The traditional clothing for Irish men were kilts (skirts) that are often seen in parades on St. Patrick’s Day.
Many Irish became doctors, lawyers, business persons, and 23 of our presidents were of Irish background. They were able to endure famine, poverty and prejudice to become a successful addition to our country. Here are a couple of Irish Americans that made a difference in our country.
Ronald Reagan, the 40th president of the United States, great-grandfather Michael O’Reagan was a farmer in Ballyporeen, County Tipperary, until he moved to London where he met his Irish refugee wife. The two later moved to Illinois and started a family. As a young boy, Reagan dreamed of becoming a Hollywood actor and played in many films and television shows. His leadership qualities eventually led him into politics becoming the governor of California and later the president. Younger students can research more information at https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/ronald-reagan. For older students, they can visit https://www.reaganfoundation.org/ronald-reagan/reagans-life-times/
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Eileen Marie Collins was born in New York to immigrant parents from Co. Cork. Money was tight during her childhood but her parents encouraged her to pursue her dreams. They would take regular trips to the airport to watch the planes.
As soon as she was old enough, Collins started waitressing to fund flying lessons. In 1979 she became one of the first female pilot and instructor for the U.S. Air Force. She later became an astronaut, becoming the first woman to ever command a U.S. spacecraft in 1999. For more information visit https://kids.kiddle.co/Eileen_Collins. |
Supplies Needed:
-Shamrock printable art template (optional) -Baking tray -Cardstock -White glue -Salt -Liquid watercolors or watercolor paint pallets -Paintbrushes or pipettes Steps -Draw a shamrock or shamrocks with white glue onto cardstock. Sprinkle salt on shamrock art while the white glue is still wet. Shake off the excess salt before painting the salt. Paint the rainbow shamrock craft while the glue is still wet. Then let it dry. |
Supplies Need:
-8×8″ stretched canvas -Mix of green buttons and tiny beads -Hot glue gun/glue sticks -Scissors -Scrap paper -Pencil Steps Cut out 3 4″ x 4″ hearts. Arrange onto your canvas so that they make a clover, trace the outside edges, and hand draw the bottom stem of the clover. Start carefully gluing your largest green buttons onto the clover. Then start filling in your smaller areas with your smaller buttons and begin layering them on top of your large buttons to make sure there are no open spaces. Now carefully fill in your empty spaces and outlines with your hot glue a little at a time and top with your tiny beads. Then let it dry. |