Geography games with globes: Earth science, landforms, time zones map activities

April is Earth Month and it's a good time to explore earth science and world geography. With the National Geography Bee right around the corner, here are hands-on social studies lessons, map activities and geography games with globes. Playing geography games with globes helps students visualize the big picture better than with maps. Use map activities to locate specific places and use globes for accurate place countries in the world at large. Use geography games with globes to demonstrate earth science lessons, just in time for Earth Month in April!  Geography games with globes: Earth science, landforms, time zones map activities | Examiner.com

Science learning centers: Biology activities, animal habitats, taxonomy games

 Learning occurs best when it's interactive, so put hands-on activities in all preschool and elementary classroom learning centers. When studying different countries, cultures in social studies or animal habitats sciences, use these hands-on activities in science learning centers. It goes without saying that all learning centers should have a bookshelf or basket of books appropriate whatever unit you're studying. DK--Dorling Kindersley makes excellent science reference books and field guides so use those in learning centers. Here are other biology materials, interactive games and hands-on activities for science learning centers. Science learning centers: Biology activities, animal habitats, taxonomy games | Examiner.com

Free printable jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, crossword, mazes, puzzle generators

Puzzle Day is Jan. 29. Do you love puzzles? I've been working jigsaw puzzles since I was very young. I love crossword puzzles, Sudoku, word searches, cryptograms, mazes and all sorts of word games. But the best are jigsaw puzzles. Back in the olden days, aka when I was a kid, you had to ask mom or dad to buy you a new jigsaw puzzle when you'd finished one. Or you redid your old puzzles, over and over again. Oh to have make-your-own jigsaw puzzle generators.   Free printable jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, crossword, mazes, puzzle generators

Free printable murder mystery games, murder mystery party games, detective games | Examiner.com

Why wait for Halloween for dressup, haunted houses and spooky parties? February is a great time for a little amateur horror. How about hosting a murder mystery party? If you love to read detective novels and play detective games, this is right up your alley. Do you love gathering clues, analyzing data, questioning suspects? Do you love to play murder mystery games? If you love playing detective games, then you will want to check out these links for free printable murder mystery party detective games.   Free printable murder mystery games, murder mystery party games, detective games

Free printable valentines, Valentines Day crafts, games, greeting cards, toys

At each holiday, there are a few good websites to check for free printable holiday greeting cards, crafts, party decorations and coloring pages. Here are the best free printable Valentines Day crafts, greeting cards, valentines for classroom exchanges and children's Valentine's Day activities.  Free printable valentines, Valentines Day crafts, games, greeting cards, toys | Examiner.com

Free printable Groundhog Day lesson plans, groundhogs worksheets, coloring pages

Okay, who's sick of winter? Hopefully Punxatawney Phil or one of his groundhog cousins is as well. Don't know who those guys are? They're the official Groundhog Day rodents whose shadows determine how much winter is left. Groundhog Day is Feb. 2 and you know people must be desperate for a holiday if they'll celebrate an animal getting out of his den for a stroll. Here are free printable Groundhog Day lesson plans, crafts, games, activities and worksheets with groundhogs.  Free printable Groundhog Day lesson plans, groundhogs worksheets, coloring pages | Examiner.com

Free educational websites, online learning activities for toddlers, preschool

Need to occupy toddlers or preschool kids? Here are 16 safe, school approved free educational websites for young children. These sites are child-friendly, family-oriented and have lots of educational games and free printable activities for young learners.  Free educational websites, online learning activities for toddlers, preschool | Examiner.com