February, the powerhouse Month for learning through the holidays
When you think of February, you don’t think Children’s Dental month or National Self Check Month, you instead think about the Superbowl, Valentine’s day and sometimes President’s day only because most get the day off. But did you know that February includes a powerhouse of teaching opportunities? You not only can focus on dental health, but you could also learn about the contributions of many of our fellow Black Americans.
February Holidays:
Month-long holidays:
Children’s Dental Health Month:
https://www.education.com/worksheet/article/toothbrush-door-hanger/
Geenas tremendous tooth:
https://www.dentalcare.com/en-us/patient-education/childrens-dental-health/demos-and-videos
Kids Brushing Playlist:
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/kids-brushing-playlist
Black History Month
A great introduction to Black History Month for the lower elementary school ages is Frederick Douglass:
Our favorite book we studied of the whole year was the Who’s Who https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/tguide/4index.html .
Black Educators to follow and support:
Susan Seay – Mentor for Moms
She is an absolute favorite of mine that has helped me navigate motherhood, womanhood, faith and homeschool methods. She is an incredible speaker and her podcast is a common fixture in my home and car. In fact my son knows when I am listening to her and refers to the podcast as Susanseay in one fell swoop.
Naomi O’Brien: Great downloadable resources for parents, teachers and Home Educators, on Amazon.
Naomi O’Brien Amazon Book List
February 2, 2021 - Groundhog Day:
Make predictions prior to Groundhog day. Set up a football spread, or Bingo type card and have your children, homeschool co-op come up with predictions, then watch the news on https://weather.com/news/news/2021-02-01-groundhog-day-punxsutawney-phil-shadow-prediction to see what the final was. You can add some cool treats like small groundhogs w/ cheeseballs and chocolate chips, or check out these amazing snacks!
https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/groundhog-day-snack-idea/.
https://parade.com/847316/jillmills/12-of-the-best-groundhog-day-fun-food-ideas/
Mrs. Will’s Kindergarten is a lower elementary school educator’s dream come true! Check out her lesson plans for Ground Hog Day:
https://mrswillskindergarten.com/source-sweetology-this-might-be-more-of/
Valentine’s Day
Here’s a cool way to include Black History Month into your Valentine’s day theme this year, Did you know that Frederick Douglass chose February 14, 1818 as his birthday because his mother loved Valentine’s day and used to call him Valentine.
Did you know that Valentine’s around the world is called, Friendship day?
While you’re checking out other Valentine’s Day traditions around the world, check out Slovenia’s Valentine tradition’s here:
https://www.cbc.ca/kidscbc2/the-feed/whats-the-story-valentines-day
Follow up with where Slovenia is, how did Valentine’s day reach Slovenia? Where is Slovenia?
You can discuss the different kind of Valentine’s traditions from around the world. One of my favorites is the Slovenian holiday because you can incorporate Spring, Birds and their mating habits!
The History of Valentine’s Day:
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/celebrations/valentines-day/
Agape Love
This is an oldie but a goodie! The article is a little older but it explains the 3 different types of love, Eros, Philos and Agape. This is more faith based but it is still lovely.
https://www.faithgateway.com/teaching-kids-different-types-biblical-love/#.YBnbW3dKjGI Great lessons on being loving towards our friends and neighbors.
https://www.gominno.com/blog/3-bible-stories-to-teach-your-kids-about-love
These awesome faith-based printables for Valentines really take it up a notch, this is my go to website for many of our homeschool printables!
https://christianpreschoolprintables.com/holiday-bible-printables/valentines-day-bible-printables/
The best Preschool Bible Printables on the net
Please make sure to go to the link itself. https://christianpreschoolprintables.com/holiday-bible-printables/valentines-day-bible-printables/
Love according to the book of Corinthians. This is not a FREE resource but her products are top-notch quality.
https://craftyclassroom.com/product/fruit-of-the-spirit-bible-activity-pack/
I love this group lesson for young people on love and selfless love. This is a great lesson for students who have a heart after others especially the vulnerable, the elderly, the homeless, the cast aside.
https://ministrytoyouth.com/youth-group-lesson-on-1-corinthians-13/
February 11, 2021 - International Day of Women and Girls in Science
This is for the space geeks:
Space walks wouldn’t be something you wouldn’t think of something that others wouldn’t notice, but it wasn’t until 2019 that there waws an all-female Space walk.
https://spacecenter.org/mission-monday-the-first-women-in-space/
I’m so excited that the United Nations have designated 2021 as the year for Women Scientists at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19.
https://www.un.org/en/observances/women-and-girls-in-science-day
Here’s a great resource from UN Women that includes my personal favorite, Katherine Johnson. While you’re at it go ahead and watch the Hidden Figures movie. It is inspirational and a hit with all ages. Look for ratings to see if this movie is a good fit with your family.
Hidden Figures movie and Synopsis:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hidden_Figures
NASA’s statement on Hidden Figures and some interesting Q&A:
https://www.nasa.gov/modernfigures/faq
Interesting tidbits about the movie and their editions:
http://www.hiddenfigures.com/
The work is already done for us by Unrestrained homeschooling, what an awesome list and !
https://www.unrestrainedhomeschooling.com/international-day-of-women-and-girls-in-science/
February 15, 2021, Washington’s Birthday
I am a huge fan of “President’s Day”, BUT, not a huge fan that we don’t celebrate George Washington and Abraham Lincoln separately. The grandfather of our nation’s birthday is the 22nd, and we used to celebrate it but it is now a shared day. I still think it’s a great opportunity to learn in depth many different facets of Presidential life.
What is it like in the shoes of the President for a day?
What are the requirements to be a President.
Who was our first President,
Who is our current President.
Which President liked whatever a topic of choice.…….
Do you have something in common with a current President? Has a President come from your state? Which President? Do you and a President share a common hobby?
Make a George Washington Wig here:
https://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/kidscraftsactivitiesblog/2012/02/how-to-make-a-george-washington-wig-for-presidents-day/
I love this Tin Meal for President’s day, they say it’s for Preschoolers but you know I’m totally going to make this for us right?
My favorite website for President’s day links is:
https://www.weareteachers.com/presidents-day-activities/
They are an excellent resource for many different holiday activities. If you get stuck in an area give them a try.