WHY?

To say my kids "enjoy" trying to stump me and my husband is an understatement. The problem is, they keep asking us the same questions every day, and try to get us to not answer correctly. Not only are the questions SOOOOO simple (okay, I'll cut them a break, they are only in 4th, 3rd, and 2nd grades) but the questions are just so inane too. 

So while looking for the next great book to introduce my kids' repetoire, I stumbled upon the book that I think might educate both them and me a bit, or at least it would make for some great dinner conversation. The Time for Kids "Big Book of Why" seems like the perfect book, doesn't it?

  

Benjamin Franklin on Education

I've always been interested in the life of Benjamin Franklin.  The guy just seemed so unique!  And while I was disappointed to learn that the Disney cartoon I watched about Franklin and a mouse as a child was pure fiction (sigh!) I still enjoyed considering how he came up with all his inventions and theories.

So when I had a choice of class assignments on Franklin, I jumped at the activity.  Check out THIS ARTICLE for a brief explanation of what Franklin thought of the formal educational system in the early United States.

Although never a president, Franklin earned his way onto a bill.

Elementary School Olympic Activities

Most students are aware that the Olympics are a sports competitions between the nations of the world.

Teach students about different aspects of the Olympics such as the flags, mottoes, and medals. Encourage competition between the students by recreating or adapting traditional Olympic games.

Follow the link below to eHow.com for our Egghead's article on Olympic activities.

Elementary School Olympic Activities eHow.com

High School Filler Activities

Occasionally teachers may have some time left over after the normal lesson plan has been finished. Instead of allowing students to waste time by socializing, have some filler activities that will review and reinforce what has been taught in the class.

Our Egghead has provided a list of filler activities, including games and trivia, for high school and middle school Literature, History, Geography, Science, and Mathematics classrooms. Please follow the link below to eHow:

High School Filler Activities eHow.com