Preschool science in art learning centers: Dramatic play animal habitat dioramas

Just in time for Earth Month in April how about interactive preschool science lesson plans for learning centers? Here's a cross-curricular one that involves art, science and dramatic play learning centers. Dramatic play develops the preschool child's social, emotional, artistic, creative and communication skills. Dramatic play learning centers teach expression, self-awareness and confidence. Dramatic play lends itself to all content even for science learning centers. Here are homemade costumes, props and settings for preschool science within dramatic play learning centers. Children will create life-size habitat dioramas which I call bio-drama. Using recycled materials teaches real-life environmental science!  Preschool science in art learning centers: Dramatic play animal habitat dioramas | Examiner.com

Free printable paper castle models, coat of arms, heraldry, medieval castles | Examiner.com

Cut and paste activities make ideal educational tools. 3D models and dioramas are excellent book activities for reading response lessons. How about some free printable paper castles and 3D castle models for kids? This article includes free printable coat of arms patterns and designs for heraldry crafts to decorate moHistory teachers and homeschool parents will love these hands-on history crafts.   Free printable paper castle models, coat of arms, heraldry, medieval castles | Examiner.com

Valentines Day: Romantic plot twist movies, not schmaltzy love story films

Sweetest Day, the third Saturday in October, is devoted to romance. Couples buy cute gifts, go on dates, watch sappy movies about love. Isn't that sweet? Not so much, you don't think? If Sweetest Day makes you sick from sugary-romance overload, then how about a little reality therapy? Here are romantic movies with a plot twist. Watch these no-schmaltz love story films but don't look for heart-warming Nicholas Sparks here. These reality romance movies are perfect for parents whose honeymoon glitz has worn off.   Sweetest Day: Romantic plot twist movies, no-schmaltz love story films | Examiner.com

Best Christmas movies, cartoons and holiday classics to watch with your family

Christmas movies and classic films are a huge part of holiday festivities. Are there holiday classics you have to see every year or it won't feel like Christmas? Here is the quintessential list of best Christmas movies. Best Christmas movies, cartoons and holiday classics to watch with your family | Examiner.com

Halloween couples costumes: Homemade pull-string 'Talking Tina' doll costume | Examiner.com

Looking for perfectly weird adult Halloween couples costumes? Here are ideas that won a Halloween couples costumes contest: life-size pull-string Talking Tina doll costume. Younger people may not remember the creepy "Talking Tina" doll, but oldsters will. The Talking Tina doll appeared on an episode of The Twilight Zone and frightened the life out of a nasty bully stepdad (played by Telly Savalas). Pull-string dolls with mechanical voice boxes were common toys. The pull-string hung down the back and when pulled, the string would unwind a mechanism that made sounds as it rewound.   Halloween couples costumes: Homemade pull-string 'Talking Tina' doll costume | Examiner.com

Best non-scary Halloween movies for Trick-or-Treat | Examiner.com

Halloween is a time to celebrate all that is spooky and terrifying--for some. Others like the costumes and trick-or-treating, but not the haunted aspect. Some parent object demonic overtones. Here are non-scary Halloween movies and cartoons, for children who don't like being frightened. Many are found on Youtube and links are provided.  Best non-scary Halloween movies for Trick-or-Treat | Examiner.com

Free printable Day of the Dead skeleton crafts, Dia de los Muertos calavera crafts

Dia de los Muertos is the Spanish name for the holiday Day of the Dead. Observed on November 1 and 2, it the Latino version of Catholic All Saints Day and All Souls Day. On Dia de los Muertos, people dress in skull masks and skeleton costumes with colorful flower garlands. Here are free printable Day of the Dead crafts for children and adults. Use these for classroom and homeschool lesson plans.Free printable Day of the Dead skeleton crafts | Examiner.com

 

Harry Potter fans in wizard row over Dumbledore as Death theory

It's a call to wands! Harry Potter fans are in a wizard row over Dumbledore as Death theory, reported Business Insider August 6. Some see it as a plot to malign their much-beloved headmaster. But the theory has merit if you are up on your J.K. Rowling. It originates with a fairy tale told called the "Tale of Three Brothers" which comes from the book "The Tales of Beedle the Bard." The book belongs to Dumbledore who willed the original to Hermione Granger. Xenophilius Lovegood uses the tale to explain the Deathly Hallows mark. Hermione and Harry don't know it (not being full wizards).  Harry Potter fans in wizard row over Dumbledore as Death theory - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com

Ark. Gov Mike Huckabee defends Josh Duggar molesting sisters: '19 Kids and Counting' canceled

On the Duggar sex scandal, Josh Duggar has friends in high places. Arkansas's Republican Gov. Mike Huckabee defended Duggar, saying he molested his sisters in innocence of youth, reported TMZ May 22. Duggar's parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar of TLC's reality TV show "19 Kids and Counting" have given generously to Huckabee. TLC has now pulled "19 Kids and Counting."



In 2002, Duggar, 14, was discovered fondling several girls, including some of his sisters. Dad Jim Bob Duggar turned his son in to the police. The police report said Duggar touched girls' genitalia and breasts. The case never went further as the investigating cop got busted on pornography charges. Then Duggar found his son touching girls again a few months later. He didn't report it.   Huckabee defends Josh Duggar molesting sisters: '19 Kids and Counting' canceled

What to do and avoid at the New Orleans Jazz Fest: Big Easy tourist protocol

So you're going to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival? Well, laissez les bon temps rouler, mes amis! Whether you're going April 24-26 or May 1-3 for your Jazz Fest partying, here are tips on what to do and avoid in the Big Easy. Use this tourist protocol to have safe, sensible fun in NOLA! What to do and avoid at the New Orleans Jazz Fest: Big Easy tourist protocol