Integrating History: Pearl Harbor attacks

On December 7, 71 years ago, there was an attack on Pearl Harbor. You can view pictures here:  Pearl Harbor Attack.

The next day, we went to war in what would be World War II. President Roosevelt labeled Dec. 7, 1941, "a date which will live in infamy."

This weekend take time with your kids and look up pictures and read about this day and the events that followed after it.

Have your student write a Christmas letter to a serviceman or woman thanking them for their service during a time of year when they could be with their family, but they are protecting us.

It may seem small, but it woul mean so much.

Integrating Culture: Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15th to October 15th, tht United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. According to Wikipedia: "September 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. They all declared independence in 1821. In addition, Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence days on September 16, September 18, and September 21, respectively."

Hispanic Heritage Month also celebrates the long and important presence of Hispanic Americans in North America, starting with the discovery of America by Spanish conquistadors led by Christopher Columbus on October 12, 1492. While we no longer receive the day off of school for Columbus Day, we do need to recognize that he discovered a land where we know occupy and live.

The contributions of Hispanic and Latino are many and to help guide you on who and the what, here is the government website you can read on what they are focusing on here: Hispanic Heritage

Here are a few books to read:

Here is a website I have sent to my teacher, but there are some names of Latinos you could have your child look up and read about. Scholastic.

Here are some more resources you can use during the last part of this month and all year long to recognize Hispanic and Latino Heritage: Parents Connect.

Integrating History: Constitution Day

Constitution Day, September 17th, 2012

This document is the Supreme Law of the United States and kids in the family should begin learning about what their rights are as US citizens. You can start small with the little ones or go big with the older kids.

Here is a website for a quick list of activities can be found here.

Another great website, Constitution Day, has information on the ratificaion of the Constitution and the Founding Fathers.
Activity:
For the older kids in your family, you could match the Founding Father with one interesting fact about that person. This activity woul take longer than one day.


Books:
Amazon has a great deal on two books I read that helps kids understand the purpose of this document a little more.
David Catrow is slowly becoming my new favorite author.

 You can talk about what rules are and why we have them as you read these books. Of course since it is still the beginning of the year, you can put in place school rules for the house like:
1. No TV on a school night
2. Reading after dinner for 30 minutes
3. We will play a board game as a family one night a week.

Whatever you think will fit your schedule and family needs. The kids will love creating rules for parents as well. Have the older kids write out a constitution for the family and everyone sign it to be placed in the playroom or bathroom of the house.

Recognize this document and how lucky we are to be an American. It is your role as a parent to help create functioning citizens in this country. Start now.

Integrating History: Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King wrote a pledge and would have the marchers sign it during Civil Rights march, I recreated a shorter version of what they would say. Dr. King was a nonviolent man and had each marcher read and sign a pledge.

I had to take anything out that mentioned God or Jesus, because it was done in a public school. I will post both for you.

(edited version)
Pledge of Nonviolence
A portion of the pledge which was required to be signed before a person was
allowed to march for Civil Rights back in the 1960’s:

1. Remember the nonviolent movement seeks justice and reconciliation – not victory.
2. Walk and talk in the manner of love.
3. Observe with friend and foes the ordinary rules of courtesy.
4. Perform regular service for others and the world.
5. Refrain from violence of fist, tongue and heart.
6. Strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health.

The Civil Rights Marchers would march in protest and while they were treated bad, hit, yelled at, arrested and jailed, they were committed to non-violence.

Be a student of Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream-work together for all people. Remember because of him and his beliefs, we can all be in school together.

I, _________________ (name), sign on January 11, 2012, will do my best to work to be a better person and to uphold the values of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s. dream.


Dr. King's full version:
The pledge of nonviolence written by Martin Luther King Jr., and signed by his marchers, 1963
1.As you prepare to march meditate on the life and teachings of Jesus


2.Remember the nonviolent movement seeks justice and reconciliation - not victory.


3.Walk and talk in the manner of love; for God is love.


4.Pray daily to be used by God that all men and women might be free.


5.Sacrifice personal wishes that all might be free.


6.Observe with friend and foes the ordinary rules of courtesy.


7.Perform regular service for others and the world.


8.Refrain from violence of fist, tongue and heart.


9.Strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health.


10.Follow the directions of the movement leaders and of the captains on demonstrations.


Print Name ______________________________
Signature _______________________________

Integrating History: National American Indian Heritage Month

I will do my best to give a quick overview of this month, recommend a few books and then supply some yummy, easy recipes.

Check out this website for places close by you where you can take your children to.
National Park Service.
There are places from Alaska, to New York, to Wisconsin, all the way down to Florida.

The following is Information courtesy of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior
"What started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S., has resulted in a whole month being designated for that purpose.

In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 "National American Indian Heritage Month." Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including "Native American Heritage Month" and "National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month") have been issued each year since 1994."
For more information, you can go to the government site: National Indain Heritage Month

Here is a book for the family in time for the Holidays:


Here is a novel for the young adult and the parents to enjoy:

Many children do not know about the Code Talkers during World War Two, so this will lead to a very interseting discussion.

After talking and exploring this wonderful Heritage, try out your skills in the kitchen.
Title: Acorn Bread
Categories: Native amer, Breads
Yield: 1 Loaf

1 c Acorn meal
1 c Flour
2 T Baking powder
1/2 ts Salt
3 T Sugar
1 Egg, beaten
1 c Milk
3 T Oil

Sift together, acorn meal, white flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. In
separate bowl, mix together egg, milk, and oil. Combine dry ingredients
and liquid ingredients. Stir just enough to moisten dry ingredients. Pour
into a greased pan and bake at 400F. for 30 minutes

Title: Indian Pudding
Categories: Bakery, Desserts, Vegan
Yield: 4 servings

2 c Water
1 c Cornmeal
3/4 c Liquid sweetener
1/4 c Vegetable oil
1 ts Salt
1 lb Silken tofu
1 ts Ginger
1 1/2 ts Vanilla
1/2 ts Cinnamon (optional)

Cook water and cornmeal in pot for 20-25 minutes, stirring
occasionally.

Add remaining ingredients and mix in blender until smooth.

Bake in an oiled dish for 1 hour at 350F in preheated oven. Serve hot.

John Paino & Lisa Messinger, “The Tofu Book”. Posted by Karen
Mintzias

Integrating Culture: Hispanic Heritage Month

It has come and gone, but the information is just as important: Hispanic Heritage Month. From Sept. 15th-Oct. 15th, there is a time for schools to educate students about the people of this culture. Even though the official "month" has gone, you too can extend what hopefully was talked about in schools in your own home.

Integrating Culture: Black History Month

As Black History Month comes to a close, I want to take the time to share some books that you can read throughout the year to educate your children of culture and history that schools oftentimes don't have time to teach. There is a month designated as awareness and celebration, but really, we should expose our children to all kinds of people and history.

Here are some books that teach and reach:






Thank you Amazon.com for your images.

Integrating History: President's Day

I find myself without a computer this week, only my iPad. However, I wanted to take this time to explain to my daugher why we had no school. There really is no easy way to explain it to a child, but Helen Frost wrote a book called President's Day that is simple in the explanation. Go to amazon.com for This book : President's Day.


For a quick activity, hang a white paper on the wall, have your child stand sideways for their profile, and trace the shadow. With the use of a flashlight placed on a table, it offers an easy way to make a shadow.

For older children, have them write a letter to the President thanking him for his service or have them write what they would do if they were President. Either way, you have spent 20 minutes honoring our leaders and can go out to the sales!