Free Educational Games, Websites, Printables for Children

 Last week, the American Library Association observed Banned Books Week. Not celebrated--the ALA recognizes the impact to the reading public when books are challenged. And it hopes to educate people on the essence of allowing all books to have a place on the shelf.

The ALA is a celebrating a milestone in children's literature too. It's the 75th anniversary of the prestigious Caldecott Award for best illustrations in kids' lit. And the ALA in its Association for Library Service to Children, has compiled a comprehensive collection of educational websites for kids. Games, crafts, reference, coloring, puzzles and more.  Free Educational Websites, Printable Learning Games For Kids

Hands-On Homemade Reading Crafts, Book Activities, Literature Games

Homeschoolers, need cheap, homemade language arts lesson plans? Special needs teachers, want interactive reading games? Here are hands-on reading activities for preschool to high school. Use cheap, recycled materials. Lessons are based on HOTS (Higher-Order Thinking Skills): analysis, application, synthesis and evaluation. Games, interactive lessons, multisensory activities--perfect for ages preschool through high school with modifications. Hands-On Homemade Reading Crafts, Book Activities, Literature Games

Homemade Reading Crafts, Book Activities, Literature Games

Homeschoolers, need cheap, homemade language arts lesson plans? Special needs teachers, want interactive reading games? Here are hands-on reading activities for preschool to high school. Use cheap, recycled materials. Lessons are based on HOTS (Higher-Order Thinking Skills): analysis, application, synthesis and evaluation.
Hands-On Homemade Reading Crafts, Book Activities, Literature Games

Reading Language Arts Games Using Cartoons and Graphic Novels

Years ago, I made a file folder game that has traveled with me to elementary, middle school, special education, adult education and homeschool classrooms. This language arts- reading game uses cartoons, comic strips and graphic novels. I call this game Cartoon Cut-Ups.  Laminate colored comics from Sunday newspaper cartoon section, then cut comic strip into individual frames (usually six to eight).  Write cartoon name number order on the back of each piece in permanent marker. Place frame pieces in envelope (label envelope with name). The object of the game is to reassemble the mixed-up cartoon frames back in their original order so that the cartoon makes sense. Graphic novels work well also, but generally have more frames. Assembling a graphic novel cartoon will be more challenging. Here's more on this game. Reading Language Arts Games Using Cartoons and Graphic Novels

Free Printable Valentines Day Cards, Coloring Pages, Crafts, Games and Puzzles

Valentines Day is a great time for making crafts and greeting cards. The Internet is gold mine for free printable crafts for Valentine's Day. You can print greeting cards, coloring pages, craft projects, cut and paste, games and puzzles for all ages. Perfect for homeschoolers, classroom activities, preschool, after school programs, day care facilities, Sunday School and scout troops. Remember our disabled, homebound and senior citizen friends this Valentine's Day. Senior care facility directors will be delighted if you call ahead and schedule a time to bring some craft projects for the seniors to enjoy. Free Printable Valentines Day Games and Puzzles

Free Printable Fathers Day Cards

Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. Father's Day is a great opportunity to remember and honor a grand-father, father-in-law, godfather and step-father as well. In our Catholic faith, many of us remember our priest, rabbi or minister on Father's Day as well. Visit this site for free printable Father's Day cards. Free Printable Fathers Day Cards