Are You Using NanoWriMo in Your Classroom?

If you are looking for a great writing experience for your homeschool, then you will want to be sure to check out the NanoWriMo Young Writers Program. This is a free program that is there to encourage the creativity of your child by writing their own novel in thirty days. Yes, I said 30 days!

The event kicks off November 1 and goes through November 30. The purpose of the event is to promote creative writing without the constraints of editing for grammar and spelling. The kids are just encouraged to use their imaginations and WRITE.

In the adult program of NanoWriMo, the expected word goal is 50,000 words. In the Young Writers Program, all participants age 17 and younger, are able to choose an age appropriate and challenging word count goal. This makes it accessible to all school age children, from Kindergarten through High School.

As the parent of a homeschooler, you are invited at the site to create your own log in and register as an educator. When you do this, you will have access to a complete curriculum that is based on the school age level of your child or children. The curriculum will help you to prepare them to write their fictional masterpieces. They will learn how to create plot and characters. But most of all, they will learn how to have fun when they are writing. As the mother of a reluctant writer, I find this to be perhaps the most exciting aspect of all!

You will also have access to a writing workbook. The workbooks are downloadable and are again based on the age of your child. The workbooks have lots of great advice and lots of worksheets that will help your child grasp the concepts that will be needed to write their novel.

We are participating in the NanoWriMo Young Writers Program this year in our homeschool. We are excited to write our own novels and meet the challenge that is before us. Even my reluctant writer is thrilled with the aspect of writing his very own book. He has some really great ideas so far and I can’t wait to see his finished product when the month is over. He loves that we won’t even worry about editing his story until December, because that is when it is time to edit. November is the time to just write, write, write.

I will be participating in the adult version of NanoWriMo. This gives me something else to do with my child and will help to form an even greater bond between us. I will post updates for you on both of our progress through this venture. I invite you to join us and see what we will each create, being limited only by our own unique imaginations!

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If you are in search of Cinco de Mayo related lesson plans and curriculum ideas, you’ve come to the right place! What follows is a varied list of resources that will more than help you put together

Cinco de Mayo is observed on May 5th. It is the celebration of courage exhibited, by the Mexican people during the La Batalla de Puebla… a battle that was fought on May 5th, 1862. (It is not to be confused with Mexican Independence Day.)

On that day, in history, Mexican soldiers defeated the French army, who held the distinction of being the then strongest military force in the world.

Even though Cinco de Mayo is not an American holiday, it is observed more by the Mexican population, living in the U.S., than in Mexico. Even so, it remains a celebration of Mexican culture… featuring wonderful tradition, festive music and yummy food.

The resources I’ve included here are really just the tip of the iceberg. You can always perform your own search to generate even more ideas.

A to Z Teacher Stuff is a WONDERFUL site, for all of your lesson plan needs. They feature links to all kinds of Cinco de Mayo crafts, themed activities designed for special needs children, Cinco de Mayo bingo, tortilla wrap recipe, a mini theme unit and a whole lot more. Lesson plans available for grade levels K-12.

The Teacher’s Corner features tons of great teaching ideas, relating to Cinco de Mayo. These include, but are no limited to, a word search generator (this can actually be used to make your own word search puzzles, for ANY subject), theme units, instructions for making a piñata or paper bag poncho and a trivia hunt.

Scholastic Teaching Resources provides several interesting lesson plan ideas, for grade levels 3 through 8. Some of these include: interview transcripts with famous Latinos, a yummy enchilada recipe, a global trek through Mexico, Hispanic history makers, Mexican-related web quests and more.

What is your favorite Cinco de Mayo website? If celebrating the holiday is traditional in your family, what do you love most about it? Maybe you have a Mexican recipe you’d love to share? Please take the time to comment to these questions, below.

Comments? Questions? Please email me, TODAY!

Photo by: CORunner

April 29th marks the 205th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase. On that day, the United States purchased a huge amount of land, from France. The cost of this land, which nearly doubled the size of the US, was said to be between three and four cents an acre.

The following video features an excellent explanation of events that occurred. The purchase is commonly referred to as the best real estate deal in history… for just pennies an acre I am inclined to agree.

The following sources provide lesson plans, appropriate for all grade levels. If you have never incorporated the Louisiana Purchase into your curriculum, there’s no better time than today!

At Teachers Guides/Lesson Plans, K-4 lesson plans include: French sayings and map reading. Grades 5-9 will enjoy making trivia books. 9-12 grade level curriculum includes: Louisiana’s Indian tribes, the 1812 Louisiana Constitution and the price of European commodities, in 1803.

If you are considering teaching your children about the Louisiana Purchase, what unique ideas do you have? Have you found other curriculum sources you are willing to share? If so, please post them here.

Comments? Questions? Please email me, TODAY!