Showing posts sorted by relevance for query reading. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query reading. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query reading. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query reading. Sort by date Show all posts

Homeschooling: What to do When Summer Break Drains the Brain? Sneak in Fun Learning Opportunities

Does Summer Break Drain the Brain? Try Sneaking in Educational Experiences Kids Enjoy

School is coming to a close, but learning shouldn't come to an end. We are just finishing up our first year of homeschooling.  After all the hard work, I'd hate to see it slip away this summer.  We've got plans to supplement with summer learning field trips, outdoor nature journaling, riding and music lessons, and 4H club. I'll also offer Friday day camps for friends of The Play Connection, Inc.




The beginning of every school year is filled with review from the previous year.  Summer heat shouldn't melt our kids brains.  Summer Camp programs are great for socialization, pe activities, and becoming one with nature.  Opportunities to improve reading are everywhere. Playing the Alphabet Game on a long trip encourages billboard and street sign reading. Library trips offer a sneaky way to cool off, relax, and enjoy a new book. Do you read bedtime stories? Here's a fun summer reading list

Busy summers lend themselves to lazy days near the poolside or under a favorite tree curled up with a good book. Funny, kids never seem to curl up with a good math problem.  



Homeschooling Online Math Programs for Summer Learning
Don't forget to practice math this summer.  
Leap ahead of the pack with daily lessons.

Do you practice math in the summer?  Keeping track of allowances, shopping for items at the Dollar Tree, or having your child watch the clock for break time, chore time, and lunchtime are easy ways to implement mathematics into your lazy summer days.  If you are worried about summer brain drain and the summer learning slide, you might like a more structured math program. 



Summer Brain Drain: Online Games and Camps
Summer Brain Drain? Try this.

LeapAhead! is an easy, affordable, and flexible summer online math program. Keep your child engaged with math worksheets aligned with the common core standards. The program offers a fun math worksheet creator for members. I love the Challenge Math for gifted and talented students. The online summer math program is great for kids who need a little extra help too. This program works for both homeschoolers and brick and mortar students. 




Let your computer act as a summer tutor while you enhance the online learning with fun math games and activities. You can make math a fun, summer activity too!




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How to Get More Traffic to Website: Traffic Secrets

Traffic at a Standstill?


This is a sponsored post. #ad Are you stuck in the eternal flow of social media? Do you have a blog, website, or other social media pages to sell a product or service? After you've exhausted all ideas, is your traffic still at a standstill? If so, you've probably searched for how to get more traffic to your website. It seems like an uphill battle. Okay, it is an uphill battle, but persistence and perseverance pay off.



how to get more traffic to website: traffic secrets


I've been working the 30 day challenge in this book by Russell Brunson, Traffic Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Filling Your Websites and Funnels with Your Dream Customers. Let me just say, it may feel overwhelming, but that's what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the crowd. The past few years, I've slowed down on my personal endeavors. They've taken a backseat to the digital marketing that I do for other brands and businesses. I've got a keen eye for what needs to get done, but when it comes to doing it for myself, I don't always accomplish those goals. Reading this book has been the kick in the pants I needed to get motivated. 



Traffic at a Standstill?


The first thing I noted was it felt like work. It felt like stuff I don't really want to do. Ugh. If that's you and you can't find the motivation, this method isn't for you. However, you should kick yourself in the pants and just get it done. Even if you do only a portion of what's been explained in the book, it will motivate you to set new goals. I hadn't posted every day on any social media platform, for years. YEARS! It was clearly time to make a change. For me, this 30 day challenge helped me overcome some fears. I posted several times a day nothing bad happened. In fact, my social media pages, particularly Facebook, started getting more engagement. More. Not less. More! Social media sites like it when we're active. Even if you're just talking to yourself everyday, post something valuable to help build that engagement score.



Russell Brunson Book Reading



Russell Brunson is doing all the things I dreamed of doing! Book signings, podcasts, videos, and most importantly, selling books! For me, the goal of more traffic is to reach my target audience and sell more books! I love to write and create content for kids, but it can be difficult to attract the right audience to your website and even more difficult to attract them to make a purchase. That's where your dream 100 comes into play. In Traffic Secrets, Russell Brunson details what it takes to work with your dream 100. The first step is to identify who they are so you need to make a list. Once you've got that list, you need to work it. Find ways to connect with your dream 100. Make sure your dream 100 knows who you are! You can read all about it in his book, Traffic Secrets.






By completing the Traffic Secrets 30-day challenge, you'll learn the strategies you need to increase your site traffic. You've probably already got a great product or service ready to go, you just those customers! If you've yet to create a product to sell, you need to get on that. 

Here are some of my products:


I sell my products anywhere I can! In his book, Brunson mentions how important it is to have an affiliate army. Get other people (your dream 100) to mention your books and sell them on their websites. Set them up as affiliates so that they earn a little for each book sale. After reading his book, I discovered that I really need to focus more on building my tribe. First thing I plan to do is set up an affiliate marketing program for other book bloggers. In this latest book Traffic Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Filling Your Websites and Funnels with Your Dream Customers, entrepreneur Russell Brunson reveals the classic and foundational direct marketing techniques that will allow you to be at the front of new trends and see opportunities that are invisible to everyone else. Having an affiliate army is a huge piece of the puzzle.

Russell Brunson is a Best-Selling Author & CEO of the $100M software company ClickFunnels. If you've started any digital marketing, you've probably heard of funnels. Everyone needs a funnel! He has built a following of over a million entrepreneurs, sold hundreds of thousands of copies of his books and popularized the concept of sales funnels. Basically, you need a funnel where you have all sorts of marketing efforts pointing to your landing page or the page where you sell your product or service. You drop links to this page preferably through other great online and personalities, and they all funnel in one direction, which drives sales of your product or service. There's an online adage, "work smarter not harder." However, if you can work smarter and harder, you'll find success in your entrepreneurial endeavors. 

There's no time like the present, be sure to pick up your copy of Traffic Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Filling Your Websites and Funnels with Your Dream Customers and start your 30 day challenge today!


#TrafficSecrets 
#RussellBrunson 



 



My call to action:  Your kids have been cooped up for too long! Be sure to get your copy of my Summer Camp Handbook! 5 theme weeks of science experiments, recipes, exercises, games, and activities to enrich your lives!







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May Calendar of Holidays and Special Days: Unusual and Unique

Unusual and Unique Holidays and Special Days of May

These dates in May will help you plan fun activities for school, after-school, or camp programs. Want to know if you should wear mismatched socks, a silly hat, or make a special treat to celebrate? You've come to the right place. Here's our printable, editable, downloadable calendar of May holidays.  Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.



May Calendar of Holidays and Special Days: Unusual and Unique



Printable Downloadable Calendar for May Holidays
Click here for: 


Printable Downloadable Calendar for May Holidays 2020



When is Mother's Day?

Mother's Day is the second Sunday in May. In 2020, Mother's Day is May 10.

May 1 - National Mother Goose Day! So celebrate by dressing up like your favorite Nursery Rhyme Character, reading a bedtime story, or making a fun Mother Goose craft (We have some chicken crafts). Play a Goose game.

May 3 - International Space Day began in 1997. Celebrate with an outer space craft for kids, a trip to a local history center or space museum, or wear an astronaut suit around town.

May 4 - National Star Wars Day!  Hip hip hooray for Yoda! We've got a Yoda craft. Sport a set of green ears to school today! Make a Yoda mask... and don't judge all those crazed Star Wars fans walking around in authentic looking costumes.

May 12 - National Limerick Day. Memorize a limerick... What is a limerick? You know... you really do. Something about a lady from France? Eh, there are nicer ones too. Go write your own limerick today. It is a nonsense poem. You make a lot of non-sense, right?

May 13 - Yes, Frog Jumping Day is a real day. So, go find a frog and challenge it to a jumping contest. Wait. No, that's not right. Grab two frogs and ask them to have a jumping contest. The frog who jumps the farthest wins. You could dress like a frog and play a healthy game of Leapfrog instead. Hey, if you do that will you make a video and share it with me? Thanks!
Frog Art Lesson for Kids

May 14 - National Dance Like a Chicken Day. Do you know how to do the Chicken Dance? No? What, you've never been to a wedding. Cluck, cluck boy, do we have chicken crafts for kids. We also have Chicken printables and chicken cartoons. Did you take a video of your dance too? Yep. Share it here in the comments.

May 14 - National Endangered Species Day. What is on the endangered species list? The Manatee for sure. The Eagle was, but is it still? IDK there are Bald Eagles after my chickens and ducks every other day. I see how they got to be endangered! Don't shoot, it is a Federal Offense. Endangered Species: Myotis Sodalis Bat

May 17 - National Armed Force's Day. Give thanks to a serviceman or veteran. Send a card, send a craft, give them a hug. Let them know you appreciate their service to our country.
Army Coloring Pages for Teens

May 18 - National No Dirty Dishes Day. I'm getting tired of writing all of these days down, I was going to skip to the end of the month here, but... REALLY? No dirty dishes day? That's a holiday I won't be celebrating. I'll just pretend. Don't open the dishwasher or the oven.  Am I right? Make your own Homemade Dish Detergent

May 22 - National Vanilla Pudding Day. Only because I have some things in this blog to do with Vanilla Pudding. Eat some today and make some edible finger paint with Vanilla pudding

May 24 - National Scavenger Hunt Day. Go outside. It is May, have a real life scavenger hunt. Here are some fun scavenger hunt ideas. Is it raining? Go play our Pinterest Preschool Scavenger Hunt.

May 27 - National Cellophane Tape Day. What the heck is that? It is tape. Don't you just love tape? You probably call it Scotch Tape, but that is a brand. Things to do with tape? Paper crafts! Tape a poster to your wall. Here is a friendship poster for your wall. Go tape it up in your room. Wrap a present. Send it to me! Thanks, I like presents :)

May 29 - National Paperclip Day. Make a paperclip necklace and wear it to school today. Don't steal your teacher's paperclips. The teacher's desk is off limits. Things to do with paper clips.

Looking for coupons to save on your holiday budget? Check out: Coupon Annie for more info.

When is Memorial Day?

May 30, 2016- Memorial Day. Ditto with the National Armed Force's Day, but now we remember those who served and died. Wear a ribbon, lay a wreath on a tombstone, make a scrapbook, share a story. Wave the flag. You could also dress up like a flag and walk in a parade, I guess. Whatever floats your boat. Flag Craft for Memorial Day


Recommended Reading:

Kids Reading: Discover the History and Traditions of Memorial Day (History for Kids)

P is for Pangolin: an alphabet of obscure, endangered and underappreciated animals

Futuristic Architecture for Kids

Architecture with a Fun, Kid-Focused, Futuristic Atmosphere

So, I'm somewhat of an Architecture ophile (okay, I made that word up). I studied Architecture in college, back then futuristic architecture was an oxymoron of sorts. It meant buildings designed in the past to look futuristic, generally the architecture of the 1920's-1930's Art Moderne later termed the Art Deco style- think the Chrysler Building in New York City. We've come a long way, baby.

Futuristic Architecture for Kids Lesson
Futuristic Architecture Story Lesson for Kids.



What is the tallest building in the United States? Scroll down to find out. This is a great Homeschool Architecture Lesson.


Chrysler Building, New York City. Public domain photo from Wikipedia.
The era of 1910-1920 is termed a futurist movement. Everything since 1960 is considered Post-Modern Architecture. Futuristic Architecture is space age, like The Jetsons in the 1960's or Futurama in present day, it is impossible to believe these buildings could happen. But, happen they do.


futuristic reading nook library by Sako Architects
Futuristic Reading Nook for Kids by Sako Architects.
This is a popular children's bookstore complete with activity centers, book nooks, and lots of space to run around while playing hide and seek. See more pictures of Kid's Republic Bookstore in Beijing.


Interior of the Swan Hotel, upscale (more for adults).
Public domain photo from Wikimedia.

One of the favorite buildings I ever saw up close was designed by Michael Graves. The Humana building in downtown Lousiville, Kentucky is known to locals as the Milk Carton. Below, you can see why.

Futuristic Architecture Art Deco Michael Graves Disney Swan Hotel
Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World designed by Michael Graves.


Michael Graves Humana Building Louisville Milk Carton Futuristic Architecture
Humana Building, Louisville, Kentucky designed by Michael Graves.
Public Domain Photo from Wikipedia.









Many futuristic architects designed buildings in my little, old backwoods state of Indiana. The city of Columbus, Indiana is known as the architecture capital of the world. My favorite architect, Michael Graves is from Indiana. Think you don't know anything he's designed? Take a trip to Disney World and check out the Dolphin Hotel. He's also done an office building or two there.


Futuristic Architecture for kids Michael Graves Dolphin Hotel in Disney
The Dolphin Hotel in Florida. Photo from Wikipedia in public domain.


I stayed in the Dolphin hotel in 1992. Graves designed everything down to the disposable plastic cups which I still have in my curio cabinet today. 
Michael Graves Futuristic Architect Indiana for Kids NCAA Hall of Champions
Michael Graves, NCAA Hall of Champions in Indianapolis, Indiana.  
Public Domain photo from Wikipedia.


I guess, I'm kind of lucky to live in Indiana- near Columbus and also Chicago. 

Hey, Architecture, remember Chicago? Yep, the old home of the famous Sears Tower (Now the Willis Tower). Completed in 1973, the one-hundred and eight story building was known as the tallest building in the world beating out the former title holder, the Twin Towers in New York City. 


Huh. I just realized I was also lucky enough to tour all of these buildings. And, you were all like- you aren't really an Architecture-o-phile you're just a Mommy blogger. :) Funny, because it took me by surprise too. These Mommy days sure wear on a person, making you think you are only good for cooking, cleaning, and hugging.

What is the tallest building in the United States? Sears Tower or Willis Tower


So, the Sears or Willis Tower is still the tallest building in the United States, but it is only the seventh (or ninth, depending how you count them) tallest building in the world and no; I haven't visited any of those buildings... yet. 

Click here for a ranking of the Tallest Building in the World per Wikipedia. Although it is always changing, it looks like the city of Dubai has it locked for now. 

What does the future of FUTURISTIC ARCHITECTURE have in store for us? How tall will they go? To the moon and beyond? I'd go there.

I'm just kidding. The World Trade Center (Twin Towers), the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the Sears Tower (Willis Tower, today) were more than tall enough for me. I have NO desire to visit the others. In fact, after waiting in line to squeeze into the tiny elevator of the Sears Tower, I've had major claustrophobia and a tiny bit of Acrophobia. I can still feel the breathtaking view from the Empire State Building
Wanna come look over the edge? No thanks, I'm good let me just climb back into this tiny, killing contraption and get my feet on solid ground.









Recommended Reading:

Futuristic Field Trip for Kids

Graphic Design and Architecture, A 20th Century History: A Guide to Type, Image, Symbol, and Visual Storytelling in the Modern World*















ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)


Brand Me: Lora Langston aka Adubahwha?

Sunday Food for Thought: BRANDING YOU and me

Hey, if you came here from a search, can you tell me what got you here? This is an old post. I'm not sure what is driving traffic. Brand me. Brand youBranding for BloggersSunday Food for Thought? I used to write those every Sunday and then I decided they were too personal for what the blog has become. So, leave a comment and let me know. Enjoy!

Sunday Food for Thought: BRANDING YOU and me
Sunday Food for Thought: 
BRANDING YOU and me.


I've been reading up on professional blogging through posts sent to my inbox by Problogger. For the most part, I am doing everything wrong. I'm a disaster. For example, did you miss me? I was MIA for about two months. Apparently, I'm not supposed to ask, as it is a sure sign of an unprofessional.

And then, there are the theories on 'to post or not to post', to whichever theory you subscribe (posting every day or every other day or once a week) you should maintain a schedule. 


That is, you shouldn't post sporadically- every day one week, once the next week, none the next, and then a few times a day the next, just because you have something to say, like I do.

I can say, based on my absence and the noticeable drop in stats, okay the DRAMATIC drop in stats, posting at least once a week is important. 


Someone pointed out that posting everyday might annoy my subscribers. Ahem... I would have to have subscribers to annoy them.

Another common mistake the naive, unprofessional blogger makes is not focusing on a particular subject matter. Specialization is best, know your readership, find your niche. 

My niche? 

Mommy Bloggers? Nope. Aspiring authors? Nope. Nutty people? Noooo. People interested in Dramatic Arts? No. Crafters? No. Freelance writers? Humor? Overweight Moms? Nope, nope, and more nope. Maybe a Blogger's Club for Midwestern Mommy Creative Types? Uh that's a big, fat, no. (10 followers) My very own .com just for my rambling mind? Apparently not. (20 followers)

Update: I have found my niche. Education Bloggers. Afterschool, Summer Camp, Teachers, Homeschoolers, and Daycare Workers. Things are going quite nicely now.

Don't use slang, vernacular, incorrect grammar. Don't get excited and post with spelling errors, your reader's will lose respekt for you. (See what I did there?) 


Puffalump! Cheese and rice! Bleep, I ain't got no chance of becoming a professional, branded blogger. Or do I?

UpdateI didn't even realize I was making mistakes back then. I still make mistakes today. Probably for the same reasons.

Content is Key and the Perfect Title is Golden.

Update: Okay, I used to write cute titles all the time. Now, before I even think of content to write I do an SEO search for the BEST keywords to put in my title. Downside, it won't attract my Facebook family and friends to read my blog. Upside, it is evergreen. The gift that keeps on giving. Titles and keywords used this way can take awhile to stick. Sometimes, posts don't get SEO juice for up to two years!! Then, they just take off. That is why, I want to know... what brought you here?


You see, I have found my niche. It's Kid Bloggers, who are mostly moms like me or Early Childhood Teachers looking for new twists on old ideas. I work for them, but I like to mingle with aspiring or published authors too. I love reading posts that flow, engage, and make me laugh or cry. 

I don't want to scare off my niche group with posts about my fatness, laziness, or craziness. Or my my core Christian readers with my liberal take on Christianity. Or my Non-Christian readers with my Jesus talk. Or worse yet, bore everyone with my obsession with ancestry and historical fiction.

So... I tried to split my personality with my various blogs and Facebook pages. Know what I found out? People seem to like me despite my ramblings, outspoken political views, or overall reckless blog behavior. 


Hey, fellow writers: I just learned how to spell reckless. Are you kidding me? All of these years, I thought it was Wreckless. I guess that is my Indiana upbringing... he is such a wreckless driver. Then again, that was dumb. If he was a wreckless driver rather than a reckless driver, he'd probably be a good driver minus the wrecks.

Ramblings. 


That's what I, Lora Langston, do best and you don't have to hop over to loralangston.blogspot.com STOP THE PRESSES THIS LEADS ME TO A THOUGHT WITHIN A THOUGHT (loralangston.com was a nice thing to own until I didn't and then they raised the little renewal price of ten dollars to sixty, meanies) or Midwestbloggersassociation.com or theplayconnection.com or on  Facebook or Lora Langston on Examiner.com even Kids Creative Chaos on Facebook


Nope, because when I wasn't paying attention or even trying I discovered Lora Langston is my brand even if you have to work through my split-personality to find me on Facebook (Lora Langston) or Twitter (@playconnection) or Pinterest/kidschaos:   (we do the scavenger hunt).


I'm gonna continue to ramble, write in my Indiana vernacular, post when I feel like it, and go off topic sometimes 'cuz that is what my subscribers seem to enjoy about me, my unpredictability. I'm a train wreck or is it reck?


My dry sense of humor lends to a few things: Some find me stupid and annoying but can't resist reading... and others aren't quite sure if they should laugh or run. The rest, well, they get me.


Whichever category you fall into, I hope you'll stick around! There are many more ramblings to come and lots of creative, crafty fun for kids.


Subscribe to Lora Langston on Facebook, and Check me out on Twitter and PinterestThis is where my branding is best with over 180,000 followers.

Okay, I won't be mad if you like me here too because this is the brand that didn't go but inspired this post. Kids Creative Chaos on FB (hoping for 500 Likes, for now).


Update: I have over 11,000 Facebook likes as of 12/2015.

Cheers to a happy 'You' Brand too.


Update: I'll pop back in and update this post as things continue to improve. 

Adubahwha? That's what people used to say to me in college, when they had no idea what I just said...

Recommended:

Welcome and About Me

Branding for Bloggers*









ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)



Read YA Fiction Online: Moon Magic Chapter 8

YA Fiction Online


Have you been reading free books online? We're sharing our YA fiction novel online. We recommend this novel for ages 13 yrs. and up. If you're new, start here- Moon Magic Chapter One.  As always, this material is copyrighted and not meant to be published on any other website or platform. It will be published in full once completed. Click here for Moon Magic Chapter SevenEnjoy!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

This is the last free chapter of the YA Metaphysical Novel. The book is now published on Amazon. 



Read YA Fiction Online: Moon Magic Chapter 8



Online YA Fiction Novel


Moon Magic
Copyright 2017

Chapter Eight : Serenity’s Story


Serenity’s ability to ignore the past had come to an end. As she drifted in and out of cerebral consciousness, she relived the past in 4D. Highly aware of the comings and goings in her hospital room, she was frozen and unable to see or to speak. Wide open, her mouth drew deafening gasps of air into her lungs as she stayed mostly in a lucid dream-like state.


Friends and family saw a broken human fighting for oxygen and struggling for survival, but within the inner workings of Serenity’s system, she was still very much alive. Every spoken word interrupted and confused her thoughts.


Able to concentrate and change the outcome of her dreams she spent many hours trying to manipulate the past. However, her thoughts drifted to the things she couldn’t change, at least not in this current state of being.


In the summer of 1988, Serenity graduated from high school. Keeping with family traditions she had spent her first summer as a so-called ‘adult’ living on a reservation in Oklahoma. The Creek Indians on the reservation still practiced ritualistic ceremonies and young girls were expected to attend while they were still pure.


In those days, keeping one’s virginity intact until the eighteenth birthday was quite a feat. Serenity’s parents were strict but not religious. Their morals were strong, outdated, and politically incorrect. Needless to say, she didn’t always agree with them. But, when the time came for her initiation into the ‘tribe’ she knew she’d be ready.

Her parents had never kept secrets about their heritage. She’d poured over books soaking up every detail of the Creek culture. The oneness with nature exhibited by her ancestors held tight. Growing up in the bible belt was difficult. She had to keep so many secrets. Many Christians believed Indians who practiced rituals to the Great Spirit were against God. Even though, the Creek believed that God and the Great Spirit were one in the same.


Back then, every time she shut her eyes, the ancestors had revealed their ancestral memories. Now, her eyes stayed permanently closed. Her DNA was imprinted with years of struggle, and the ancestors were delighted to have so much time to reveal their stories day in and day out.  


When Serenity was younger her parents had poo-pooed the night terrors. It was nothing, just a dream. But, on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, they finally opened Pandora’s Box and admitted that they too had these memories. Growing up without that knowledge had been a lonely existence. When the time came, she vowed not to do that to her own child.


In an effort to protect her only daughter, Serenity’s mother had kept secrets. “It’s for the best, baby doll. The less you know the easier your life will be.” She’d comfort Serenity after a nightmare by saying, “There’s no such thing as ghosts, now go back to sleep.” She had deceived her daughter only to hide the inevitable truth. The plan wasn’t meant to hurt or hinder only to protect her little girl from night terrors, worldly injustice, and a lifetime of prejudice.


When Serenity turned eighteen her mother said, “I know you are aware that spirits exists. That ghostly creatures follow you. You were so young when it started, I did not want to frighten you. Most of us never remember the night terrors as children. We have no knowledge of the after-life but you did. I see them too. I’ve talked to many spirits, many relatives, lost souls- friend and foe. I’ve seen visions of things I cannot explain. It’s the Creek way, we are connected to the earth, eternally.


As a child, the beings only came to me in the form of beloved pets. Something my young mind could handle. They comforted me. They told me they loved me. As an adult, I instinctively came to know that they had been my ancestral grandmothers guiding me. I trusted them. Later, they were stronger more vivid and harder to forget. With nowhere to run, I often cowered under my coverings. I shared with no one- not even your father. I knew he would think I was a crazy lady.


Many Christians believe that only God knows our destiny. They think visions are sent by the Devil. I see things before they happen. I don’t know our destiny, but if I can decipher the dreams, I can often help in some way. It’s a fine line. When I can’t  help or when I realize the event has already taken place, I have night sweats.


If God didn’t want me to help why would he grant me this power? Maybe everyone has the ability but others avoid it because they fear God or the Devil? I don't know. I only know that I work to find the answers. I pray to the Great Spirit, God Almighty, and I know that they are one in the same.

My night terrors and sweats can be erased when I rely on my abilities to affect change. The difficulty comes when knowing when to let go and let God and when to act as his servant. This comes with practice and training from the Sages. It is a great gift. It is your choice to look away and choose your own destiny or face humanity and listen to your past. The decision will come after your lessons on the reservation. Only after you know your truth, are you capable of making the right choice.”

Serenity’s grandfather was the most enthusiastic about the night terrors. “The ancestors like you, Serenity. They share their strife with you. You must listen loudly to understand. When you listen, your ancestors and the Great Spirit will guide you. Do what they say and you will make modern miracles. Embrace your dreams. Do not ignore or discount them- you must embrace and harness the power.”

After that, he encouraged her parents to send her to a future Sage Camp. Right. What would her friends think of that? She had told them she was spending the summer visiting relatives in Oklahoma. It was the truth, she didn’t even have to lie.



Recommended:

Moon Magic Starts Here

Cool Stylish Backpacks for Teen Girls


Homeschool Lessons and Activities




Find out what happens to Aurora: Allegedly Mystic.




Famous Explorers: Lewis and Clark Expedition Led by Sacajawea: Homeschool Social Studies Lesson

Lewis and Clark Expedition: Three Famous Explorers

Most people have heard of the famous explorers, Lewis and Clark. These men led an expedition to uncover the western part of the United States. Like earlier explorers, they befriended Native Americans. A young, Indian woman, named Sacajawea, joined them acting as a guide. 

Learn more with our online homeschool lesson on history. We find games and activities to make your online learning fun and free. Enjoy!

 *Social Studies: Grades 4-12, some sections are suitable for early elementary and preschool.

Famous Explorers: Lewis and Clark Expedition Led by Sacajawea: Homeschool Social Studies Lesson
Famous Explorers: Lewis and Clark Expedition Led by Sacajawea:
Homeschool Social Studies Lesson.


Teacher Resources:
Free Lewis and Clark Lesson Ideas or Teacher Lesson Plans from Brainpop.com

Make your Own Worksheets

A great video to watch as a family is National Geographic's Lewis and Clark, narrated by Jeff Bridges. We found it on Netflix. It runs approx. 45 min.
____________________________________________________


Student Lesson

History:

Let's get started with a Schoolhouse Rock Video on Westward Expansion. This video is from Schooltube.com, so you won't find inappropriate ads.
Schoolhouse Rock on SchoolTube: Westward Expansion
Schoolhouse Rock on SchoolTube: Westward Expansion.






For Brainpop Subscribers: 

We love Brainpop for the videos, quizzes, Q&A, and activity options. Each video comes with companion activities and free printables. (If you don't subscribe, you can choose the family option and pay monthly.)

Note: Sacajawea- nobody seems to know how to spell her name. You will see it spelled Sacagawea and Sacajawea. There is also a huge discrepancy in her date of death. 

Watch this video to learn more. When you click over, be sure to click the "x" in the upper right corner of the video to remove the ad.  Sacajawea Video Biography for 4th - 12th grade


Sacajawea Video Biography for 4th - 12th grade social studies lesson Sacagawea
Sacajawea biography on Teachertube.com.

Short Video on Sacajawea for Preschool from Nick Jr.


When do you think is the true death date of Sacajawea?
What makes you believe this theory? Answer in your daily journal.

 _____________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Science Component:

What are the classifications? ____________________________

Geography:

Interactive Map of Lewis and Clark Expedition. This map shares excerpts from their journals during each section of the journey. Use the map to answer the questions below. Copy and paste this into a Google Doc to answer the questions.


In what state did the expedition begin?


1.___________________________________________________

In what state did the expedition end?


2.___________________________________________________

What does the heart on the map represent?


3.___________________________________________________

What travelling years are depicted on the map?


4.___________________________________________________

Name 3 Native Peoples they met on their journey.


5.___________________________________________________

Language Arts Component:



Use this FREE PRINTABLE CHARACTER MAP to compare Meriwether Lewis and Sacajawea. Note their similarities and differences.

Open up a Google Doc or grab your Daily Journal, and define these Vocabulary Words:

Sacajawea; Meriwether Clark; William Clark; expedition; Louisiana Purchase; corps; navigate; encounter; fort; translator; trek; accurate; species; point of view; perspective.

Read more about the Lewis and Clark Expedition as you research to write a bio paper on Lewis and Clark. 

Click each image in the article to learn more. This is a good resource for images to add to your paper. Just right click on the image, copy or save, and then insert or paste into your document. If you are writing in your daily journal, print the images and glue or staple them onto your paper. Be sure to give your paper a clear title. Early elementary students should write 3-4 paragraphs. Older elementary through high school need to write a minimum of 5 paragraphs.



Tips for writing your Lewis and Clark Research Paper:

For the introductory paragraph, start with an opening sentence, define what you will talk about with clear sentences. Use these sentences to write the main body of your paper. Talk about each sentence in detail using descriptive words. If you mention it in your introductory paragraph, be sure to go in depth in your middle paragraphs. Tell about important dates, places they explored, and troubles they faced on their journey. Finally, use the last paragraph (summary) to summarize what you've just talked about. Don't bring up anything new in the last paragraph - just tell us again briefly what you've already told us. You can even start with, "In summary". For example, In summary, I have described how to write a biography paper on Lewis and Clark. Lewis and Clark were famous United States explorers who travelled with an Indian guide named Sacajawea. Without the work of these, brave people, the West could have remained unknown.

Start with this Printable Cause and Effect Graphic Organizer

To continue your research check out the safe search for kidrex.org


Social Studies Just for Fun Online Games

Here is a fun game that will help you with facts on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Lewis and Clark Game.

Have you completed our United State Capitals Lesson? This week we played a game to review what we've learned. Review the United States Capitals Game.


Recommended Reading:

Home School Activities

What Was the Lewis and Clark Expedition?*

How We Crossed The West: The Adventures Of Lewis And Clark*

Lewis and Clark: A Prairie Dog for the President (Step into Reading, Step 3)*

The Story of Sacajawea (Dover History Coloring Book)*



*These are the weekly lessons I do with my children. We supplement these activities with reading a book of your choice for 30 minutes each day (bedtime counts), Khan Academy and Time4Learning Math Lessons, and taking a break every 30 minutes for exercise time (we run up and down the stairs, walk around our yard, ride bicycles, or jump on an indoor trampoline).




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Copyright 2014 by Lora Langston, Kids Creative Chaos.











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