Book to Movie Educational films for American History

In education, we are moving toward connection and continuity across the curriculum. We are incorporating literature and response writing into subjects that are normally not literature based classes, such as social studies, math and science. Teaching American history and need some great literature based movies for your class? Here is a timeline of book-to-movie combinations to read and watch with your class. Most of these films are based on books.

Only a few of these are documentaries, because let's face it most documentaries are pretty dull. But I've listed movies that are not too 'Hollyweird' also. I've listed the book title separately if it has a different title. I've also listed the author and leading actor of the movie for reference. I've noted the movie rating and scenes to watch for also. Read more at Literature-Based Movies for an American History Curriculum.

Note: When I wrote this article, I wrongly listed "The Crucible" as being rated R when it is, in fact, rated PG-13. Also, I incorrectly stated that "Patriot" is PG-13 when it's R. My apologies.

For elementary and middle school or special needs high school students, I also recommend the book "Sign of the Beaver." "My America" and "Dear America" are both good history series, too.

Free Printable 'Where the Wild Things Are' Coloring and Activities

Maurice Sendak said of himself that he wasn't a children's author. He just portrayed childhood honestly. Nevertheless, Sendak holds a place as a favorite kids' author and illustrator. He passed away on May 8 and as we bid farewell to author Sendak, let's remember him by his books. The Where the Wild Things Are movie premiered October 16, 2009. Based on Sendak's beloved childrens' book, the movie is 'wildly' popular, too. Need free printable coloring, games, activities and lesson plans from WTWTA? Then you have come to the right place. Read on for links to free printable coloring pages, word search, crossword puzzle, lesson plans and activities. Let's start with the free printable "Where the Wild Things Are"coloring pages, because that's typically what people want most. Read more

Free Printable 'Hunger Games' Book, Movie Activities

It's an understatement to say that "The Hunger Games" book trilogy, by Suzanne Collins, has taken the world by storm. It's lit a fire, pardon the pun! "The Hunger Games" is the first fiction book my non-fiction reader husband has read since Steinbeck's "In Dubious Battle." "The Hunger Games" movie blasted to top spot when it came out in March. The saga continues in "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay" which don't stay long on book shelves. Planning to teach a unit on "The Hunger Games" books or movie? Here are free printable lesson plans and activities for several different content areas. As for age level, the movie is acceptable for most ages, but the books are a bit graphic. I recommend using "The Hunger Games" series with kids over 12. Read on

Free Printable Preschool Felt Board Stories, Patterns, Templates, Stencils

Felt boards are a teaching tool used in preschool classes to teach lessons and tell stories by illustrating with felt pieces. When I ws a kid, Sunday School teachers used a similar tool called Flannel-Graph. Here are free printable felt board patterns, templates and stencils. These templates can be used to trace and cut out shapes for a felt board. These patterns can also be used to cut shapes from fabric for Halloween costumes, appliques for craft projects, templates to make stencils for painting and even to make patterns for cookie cutters for play dough or sugar cookie dough. Read more at Preschool theme pattern to print

Free Printable Disney Easter Activities

Celebrate the joy of Easter with these free printable Disney Easter activities. Need some free printable greeting cards? Here are links for ten different Disney character Easter cards. Print Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eyeore, Rabbit, Roo and all your friends from the Hundred Acre Woods. How about some free printable Looney Tunes Easter cards? Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Wile E. Coyote and other Looney Tunes friends. For Easter letters, why not print some stationery, decorated with Disney's Winnie the Pooh? Write an Easter message to grandma and grandpa, teachers and friends.  Free Looney Tunes printables

Dr. Seuss a Polymath? I Vote "Yes!"

Oh, the places Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, has gone in 108 years. From the Jungle of Nool to the top of Mt. Crumpet to the best-seller list and On Beyond Zebra, the good doctor is loved in all lands, tongues and, I suspect, genera and species. As the Washington Post reminds us, March 2 is the birthday of this patron saint of fun. I propose that, in honor of Seuss Day we elect Geisel our newest polymath, our next Renaissance Man. After all, says Assessment Psychology, it's been some time since the last, Rabindranath Tragore was added to the list. And the U.S. only has one polymath so far. I won't tell you who--see if you can find out. Take a moment the check the other Renaissance Men. And yes, we're overdue for a Renaissance Woman category.  Who better than Seuss for homo universalis? Read more on Dr. Seuss Should Be Next Renaissance Man

Free Printable Presidents Day Lesson Plans, Activities--Read Around the World with Nobel Prize Laureates

Several American presidents have become Nobel Prize winners. Since President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, Americans have become more focused on the Nobel prizes. Here are lesson plans for reading 'around the world' with Nobel Prize for Literature Laureates. In middle school and especially in high school, use these lessons for world literature, history, world religions and world cultures classes. These lessons are perfect for President's Day. Read more at Read Around the World with Nobel Prize for Literature Laureates

Free Printable Chronicles of Narnia Coloring Pages and Activities

C.S. Lewis wrote the seven Chronicles of Narnia during WWII. I read the books first at about ten years old. They are fascinating stories. I particularly loved the names for characters and the solemnity and grandeur of Cair Paravel and the honor of Aslan. The Chronicles of Narnia's first book to movie The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was wildly successful and the second Prince Caspian enjoys equal success. If you loved the Narnia books and movies, here are links for coloring pages to continue your Narnia fantasy and adventure. I've included some other coloring pages featuring nicely drawn images of the mythical creatures featured in The Chronicles of Narnia and also in Harry Potter. Read more at: read more

Literature for Chinese New Year, Asian Culture

Best Books for Chinese New Year, Oriental Culture -- Upper Elementary, Middle School High School Students Chinese New Year celebrates the culture of the Orient. This year CNY is the Year of the Dragon and is celebrated on Jan. 23. What better way to explore oriental culture in your classroom than with literature? Here is a collection of childrens' books of Asian and Chinese culture, traditions, history and wisdom for parents, teachers and homeschoolers. Recommended ages are 10 and up. Read on for free printable CNY lesson plans and here's the Chinese New Year list of children's literature books. 

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.