Free Geminids Meteor Shower Resources, Comet Wirtanen Lesson Plans

There's a party going on in the heavens right now! Two, count them two, meteor showers are raising some celestial fireworks. December's regularly-scheduled Geminids meteor shower is doing her stuff (Geminids are called "fireball" meteors--check them out and you'll see why!). And a brand-new meteor light show from comet Wirtanen may put in an appearance. Wirtanen visits every 5ish years, but this is the first time she's bringing friends! Two disclaimors, first article I linked to is about the Ursid meteor shower on Winter Solstice, 2010 (remember a lunar eclipse showed up, too?). But the links I used have materials on the Geminids--just click the homepage or type "geminids" in the search. There's info on Wirtanen too. In 2010, we didn't get to see much of that trifecta, because it was overcast. But the 2012 Geminids arrive on a cloudless night. So get out there and enjoy. And follow up with these printables in school or at home. (Once a homeschooler always a homeschooler). Also, yes this isn't really a holiday, but I think a meteor shower is definitely something to celebrate!! Read more

Free Printable Advent Manger Scenes, Nativity Scenes

During Advent we prepare our hearts for the Advent (coming) of Jesus. We set out Advent wreaths, calendars and Nativity sets, also called the creche, manger scene or naciemiento. Here are free printable nativity scenes. These paper nativity scenes provide hours of educational fun for children and preschoolers as they color, cut out and assemble the manger scene. Children learn the Christmas story as they create the stable, shepherds, animals, wisemen, Mary, Joseph, angel and Baby Jesus.   read more

Free Printable Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Solstice, Yule Christmas Cards to Color

You know what tickles me pink? Finding free stuff and sharing it with you! Everytime I stumble upon a new free printable crafts sight I think, "oh my readers are going to love this one!" Today's freebies site has free printable holiday coloring pages. We're so fortunate in the US, to have so many rich and varied holiday traditions and cultural observances in which to participate: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa. Here are Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah cards to print, color and share. Use these for Yule, Saturnalia or Winter Solstice if you observe those. May your December holiday be festive and filled with love, whatever you celebrate! read more

Free Thanksgiving Day Crafts and Holiday Printables

Tis the season for Turkey and cranberries. I can smell the stuffing and apple pie already! Ready for some fun Thanksgiving Day fun? Here are free Thanksgiving lesson plans and crafts that focus on fall, harvest, native Americans and pilgrims. Oh and of course, turkeys! Click here for Thanksgiving pilgrims crafts, lesson plans, games, activities and  printables. I did say free and printable. No need to spend big money on Thanksgiving decorations! Use at home, school, work or church. Free Printable Thanksgiving Crafts and Activities

Free Diwali Recipes to Print

Here is a compilation of best Diwali recipes. Other religions that observe Diwali, also called Divali and Deepavali are Jainism and Sikhism. All those who celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, insist that the festival isn't complete without the feasting, especially with sweets or 'Mithai', so here are sources of Diwali recipes. I'm not Indian, nor do I practice the Hindu faith, but reading about these mouth-watering confections and foods makes me wish to visit Bali and maybe get invited to participate in a Diwali festival.  Recipes to Celebrate Hindu Diwali

Free Printable Halloween Puzzles, Trick or Treat Mazes

Mazes are puzzles in which the player must follow a path, usually with his pencil, through a complicated pattern. Mazes are great fun and make great lessons to practice eye-hand coordination. Here are free printable Halloween and trick or treat mazes. Puzzle mazes vary from complicated to quite easy. Perfect for preschool, special education and on through high school.  Halloween Puzzles, Trick or Treat Mazes 

Free Printable Stickers, Labels and Gift Tags for All Occasions

Family Fun magazine is a great resource filled with free printable activities, crafts and games. I just discovered links at FamilyFun.go.com for even more free printable activities--stickers, labels, gift tags and themed party stickers. Everything a craft-a-nista needs to throw her own party (for any holiday!) As a magazine, Family Fun is the best all-around family periodical in publication. On the FamilyFun.go.com website, you'll find that you've only touched the tip of the iceberg if you've only read the Family Fun magazine. Click here for low-down Printable Stickers, Labels and Gift Tags for All Occasions