Best Christmas Movies,Literature-based Holiday Classics

Must-See Christmas Holiday Themed Movies in All Genres Christmas movies and holidays classic films are a huge part of our holiday festivities. There are several movies that I have to see each year or it won't feel like Christmas. Here is that quintessential list of holiday classics. There's a debate in the movie viewing world between two Christmas movie megaliths: Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Miracle on 34th Street."

Now call me un-American or Grinchy, but I don't get the thrill of "Miracle on 34th Street", not the 1947 with Maureen O'Hara or the 1995 with Sir Richard Attenborough. "It's a Wonderful Life" then, gets my vote of the two films. However for absolute best all-around, must holiday film my favorite is Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" 1984 with George C. Scott). The soundtrack alone should be enjoyed at least once every holiday season. Since the writing of the article, I rediscovered "Night of the Meek," in which Art Carney plays a drunken, compassionate Santa Claus. I highly recommend it. Here's a link to a more modern version. "A Homecoming Story" (The Waltons) with Patricia Neal, is beautiful, too. To finish reading this article, click here.

Free Printable Cut and Color Leveled Reader Booklets

Free Printable Cut and Color Leveled Reader Booklets Your new reader has just mastered her phonics lessons; she's reading with some fluency. But summer vacation is here. She won't have access to classroom readers. Do you buy a set of classroom readers to keep up her momentum? You can but you don't need to; there are free printable reading, phonics, spelling, vocabulary and grade leveled readers right here on the internet. These vocabulary-boosting books will also build phonics, spelling and fluency skills, in a fun, hands-on way. Click here...

Book to Movie Films for World War 1 History Lesson Plans

Book to Movie Films for World War 1 History Lesson Plans World War One is probably the most overlooked, least explored war in American history classes. Europeans know more about WWI because many countries such as France, England and Germany were involved in conflict for a longer period of time. Ironically most historians agree that World War One, called then the Great War, and 'the war to end all wars' was the catalyst for WWII. Read more

Vampire, Horror Fiction Books for Twilight, Eclipse Lovers

Best Young Adult Vampire Fiction Books for Twilight and Eclipse Lovers Stephanie Meyer's didn't invent vampire romance fiction with her Twilight book series. Modern vampire fiction has enjoyed a cult following for several decades now. For fans of vampire fiction who've consumed Twilight looking for fresh reads, look here. Here are vampire books you can sink your teeth into. Vampire Plagues: Book One- London, 1850, Book Two- Paris, 1850, Book Three- Mexico 1850. History-mystery lovers will devour Sebastian Rooke's trilogy, set in the Victorian era. Middle School and up. Click for more recommendations...

Free printable Shel Silverstein activities

Maurice Sendak, Shel Silverstein Publish Books Two beloved children's authors, Maurice Sendak ("Where the Wild Things Are") and Shel Silverstein ("The Giving Tree") have new books out. Silverstein's "Every Thing on It" was published posthumously, while Sendak's "Bumble-Ardy" is raising hair and hackles. Silverstein died in 1999. He had a colorful history and raised a few eyebrows. He is as well-known for his drawings as he is for poetry. After joining the armed services and serving in the Korean War, Silverstein became a cartoon illustrator for "Playboy" magazine. Silverstein was a folk singer and guitarist. He wrote what would become Johnny Cash's only silly song: "A Boy Named Sue." Read more.

Banned Books Week- Check out these Children's, Teen Authors and Literature

Most Banned Books? Authors of Teen, Children's Literature This week, Sept. 24 to Oct.1, celebrates the 30th anniversary of the ALA Banned Book Week. BBW celebrates authors who broke convention to write books about touchy subjects. Here are stats about most oft-censored children and teen authors and literature. Would you believe that most of these are required reading in most high schools? Most of these statistics hold true for adult literature as well. Read on...

Henry Winkler Awarded OBE for Services to Dyslexic Children - "Hank Zipzer" Books

Henry Winkler Awarded OBE for Services to Dyslexic Children Every girl loves the Fonz, even Queen Elizabeth II, it seems. The Queen awarded Henry Winkler (aka Arthur Fonzarelli of "Happy Days") the Most Excellent OBE (knighthood). Winkler was honored for services to dyslexic and special needs children. Notable is Winkler's "Hank Zipzer" kids book series. Read more...

Free Printable Plant Science Books and Activities for Fall Nature Unit

This article is part of a series of six articles comprising six lessons in a science unit on plants. It has applications and adaptations for grades K-10 and addresses biology, math, social studies, writing (research and creative writing), literature, art, music and physical activities. The lessons are interactive and multisensory. You'll find lessons, printables, games, projects, web resources and literature connections. This article covers lesson two; we will explore the seeds of the plant. As always I'll begin with unit scope and sequence. Cross Curricular, Hands on Plant Science Unit

Free Printable medieval castle models, heraldry designs, coat of arms patterns

Free Printable Castles: Cut and Paste Activities Cut and paste activities make ideal educational tools. Students, need a project to submit for a reading response, literature, history or social studies assignment? If you teacher allows it, why not make a model or 3D diorama? Here is a complete castle model that you could make for an assignment. Use for literature response if you are reading about about fantasy, medieval life, fairy tales, Shakespeare. For more info Click here

Best War History Books and 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? Most of these films are based on literature connections. Read more...