Best Educational Movies for Thanksgiving Lessons

Best Educational Movies for Thanksgiving Lessons Thanksgiving, as a holiday has some urban legends clinging to it. Historical inaccuracies distort our perceptions of Thanksgiving, the pilgrims (more accurately Puritans), native Americans and 17th century life in New England. I'm not going to make an attempt to lay these inaccuracies to rest, because I'll be the first to admit, I wasn't there and I don't know (even though I may look old enough to have sailed on the Mayflower and some days I feel old enough). Here are movies that explore the history and culture of the original colonial settlements. These films give a more rounded sociological picture of Thanksgiving, native relations and the early American lifestyle. Read more...

Books and Movies for Veteran's Day

Books and Movies for Veteran's Day Veteran's Day remembers and celebrates the lives and efforts of soldiers, sailors and airmen the world over and especially those who gave the last full measure. It has been said of World War One that it very nearly obliterated an entire generation. In the wake of this most dreadful time followed prohibition, speakeasies, organized crime, the Jazz Age, the Stock Market crash, the migration of masses from the farm to the city and ultimately the Depression and World War Two. The disillusionment felt after World War One was expressed in literature, music, art, education, theater, finance and politics; Progressives rocked and shocked the world. Here are films about veterans, WWI, revolutionaries and nihilists. They will help students get a clearer picture of this most disconcerting time in history. Read more...

Best Non- Scary Halloween Movies for Children - Associated Content from Yahoo! - associatedcontent.com

Best Non- Scary Halloween Movies for Children I am self-confessed coward about scary movies. I don't watch them. I was pretty careful about what I let my children watch, knowing that they were easily frightened. Looking for some non-scary Halloween movies? Here are some you're sure to enjoy. These films are funny, silly and utterly charming. Read on...

Free Ramadan Activities and Islamic Faith Instruction for Children

Free Ramadan Activities and Islamic Faith Instruction for Children Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr are essentially summer holidays that occur before most students are back in school. If you would like to explore Islam, Ramadan and Eid in school or homeschool, here are free resources. If you are Muslim, these will help you to grow in your faith. In the Muslim tradition and calendar, Ramadan is a holy season dedicated to spiritual activities, fasting and prayer. Ramadan typically coincides with the western month of August. The month of Ramadan ends with Eid-ul-Fitr (often shortened to Eid or "lesser Eid"). This is a three-day period following the sawm (fast). For 2011, Ramadan begins on Aug. 1 and ends with Eid around Aug. 30 (or when the crescent moon appears). Here are free printable lessons on Islam and particularly Ramadan, for Muslim children and children of other faiths. Read on...

The Story of Charles II and the Royal Oak

Royal Oak, the Tree That Saved a Monarch's Head Henry IV, as penned by the Bard, observed that "uneasy lies the head that wears the crown." Cicero portrays his "Sword of Damocles", ever-poised to sever the heads of monarchs. Britain's history is rife with such royal chops. It's to this habit and some quick thinking by Charles II that Royal Oak, Michigan, owes its name. This isn't a movie list, but it does contain some interesting history. Here are suggested movies about Charles II. From the BBC, The Last King-- Charles II The Power and Passion. Here it is on Youtube. Read more...

Best Suspense Movies and Films with Surprise Endings and Plot Twists

Best Suspense Movies and Films with Surprise Endings and Plot Twists I love surprise endings.There's nothing like a good plot twist to tickle my puzzle lover's brain. Unfortunately, many movies that promise a twist are predictable and trite. Here is my quintessential list of best suspense and plot twist movies ever made. I would rate this list as middle school and up. Read more

Best War History Movies for Memorial Day

Best War History Movies for Memorial Day Memorial Day, the last Monday in May was designated to remember our beloved dead and especially to honor those killed in war or in the line of duty. Not sure how to commemorate Memorial Day? Why not watch one of these movies? Educate yourself about the wars, battles and police action that the United States has been a part of in its history. This list of films includes one movie based around each war in American history. Read more