Advent Our Lady of Guadalupe Holy Day

On December 12, Catholics mark the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. On this day in the liturgical calendar, we honor the Blessed Mother, Mary Mother of God. She appeared to Juan Diego (feast day Dec. 9) an Aztec farmer at Tepeyac Hill in Mexico in 1531.

Following her apparition, millions converted to Christianity. We honor the Virgen de Guadalupe as the Patroness of the Americas. Her story appeals to many. In times past, conversion has been thrust upon people by acts of imperialism (such irony). Tyranny, violence, holy wars (which should be called unholy wars) are anathema to the gospel. Here's more about Our Lady's quiet little way.Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Printable Catholic Saints Paper Dolls

I enjoy looking for free printable cartoon coloring pages, but my real passion lies in finding homeschooling and religious education free printables. I remember my early teaching and homeschooling career, sans computer. I must have made thousands of lessons. Alas, I am woefully inept as an artist, so those that required drawing skills...lacked. But now, with the beauty of the Internet, we have access to free printable lesson plans, coloring pages, cut and paste crafts, games and activities. Here are printable Catholic paper dolls for Advent and Christmas. Free Printable Catholic Saints Paper Dolls and Coloring Page Activities

Free Printable Feast of the Immaculate Conception Activities, Crafts

December 8 marks the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The Immaculate Conception is one of six recognized Holy Days in the liturgical calendar. Here are free printable activities and lessons to celebrate this feast day. I've gone through all the noted Catholic websites and linked this article to children's liturgy activities that explore the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Our Blessed Mother.  read more

Free Printable Thanksgiving Puzzles and Word Games

Thanksgiving kicks off the Christmas holiday season in schools and at home. When I think of Thanksgiving holiday parties, I think of food, family and how richly blessed I am. I remember past Thanksgiving celebrations family and students I've taught. I've always linked curriculum current holidays. At Thanksgiving, we study American history, exploration, settlement, religions, native American cultures and early technology. At our holiday parties, we play seasonal themed games. Here are lesson plans for the holiday season, beginning with Thanksgiving. These are adaptable for Christmas, too. You can print games, puzzles, word searches, crossword puzzles, matching games etc. I use these games to connect lessons and content. Word games and puzzles also make excellent non-traditional tests.  Read more

Ways parents can develop awareness of poverty, teach generosity

If I had a buck for every time I heard someone say "kids today are so insensitive and selfish," I'd be rich. If kids lack sensitivity, it's because we parents have failed to teach empathy. And kids need to learn empathy, especially with those in need. Here are ways to develop awareness of world poverty and teach generosity. Christmas is a great time teach kids awareness of social justice, world poverty. read more

Advent Recipes, Christmas Cookie Recipes

Advent was our favorite season when we homeschooled. We did holiday math, advent writing, Christmas social studies, winter science. Everything about Christmas is a teachable moment. Here are Christmas cookie recipes with a holiday object lesson. Our family is into its third decade making these holiday treats. read more

DIY Advent Calendar Craft for Christmas Countdown

 Advent is the four week period before Christmas. Advent calendars make a great way to countdown the days until Christmas. You can purchase an advent calendar, print of of the many free Advent calendars or make your own using this easy pattern. Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, so the length of time Advent lasts will change each year. To make your Advent calendar reusable from year to year, you can simply number the windows from 1-30. That will ensure that you always have enough windows to countdown for each day before Christmas. On the years with shorter Advent seasons, simply continue on after Christmas. read more

Free Printable Winter Season Lessons, Activities

The winter season is a popular theme in preschool and early elementary. In science, the winter season makes an ideal focus for chemistry, physics, earth and life science topics. In social studies, students might explore winter-specific holidays and religious celebrations, like Yule, Saturnalia and the December solstice. Concepts are adaptable across different curricula: writing, math, reading, literature, art and crafts. Here are free printable winter season activities. Most are interactive, hands-on project-type activities. Perfect for many ages and grade levels. Great for special needs learners, too. Read more

Easy, DIY Advent Calendar Countdown to Christmas Craft

Advent is the four week period before Christmas. Advent calendars make a great way to countdown the days until Christmas. You can purchase an advent calendar, print of of the many free Advent calendars or make your own using this easy pattern. read more

St. Nicholas Day Party Planner- Dec.6

Christmas Holiday Party Planner: St. Nicholas Day Activities Christmas traditions around the world differ from country to country. Every country has special cultural recipes, activities and festivals. St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6; here's a party activity guide for a St. Nicholas Day celebration. Read more

Christmas Countdown Calendar Craft

Advent Math, Writing Project Craft Teach some math and social studies as well as giving with this advent craft. Perfect Christmas and Advent holiday countdown craft for children. read more

Free Printable Christmas Nativity Bible Coloring Book

Free Printable Advent Christmas Countdown Coloring Book Advent is the Christian season of preparation before Christmas. Advent is the equivalent of Lent before Easter. Here is a free printable Advent countdown to Christmas book with coloring and Bible activities for each day. read more

Free Printable Christmas Preschool Crafts

Free, Printable Preschool Learning Crafts When older siblings go back to school all day, preschoolers get bored. When the weather is too wet or cold to play for outside play, preschoolers need activities. Preschool teachers need supplemental practice pages for holiday, letters, numbers, shapes and other concepts. read on

Christmas and Advent Craft- Jesse Tree

Jesse Tree Advent Devotional Craft History, tradition, devotional use of the Jesse Tree to trace the lineage of Our Lord and prepare for his coming. Craft project instructions.
read more

Free Printable Hanukkah Activities

Free Hanukkah / Chanukah Printables 10 Websites featuring free Jewish, Yiddish, Hanukkah activities, printables, greeting cards,games, decorating, coloring, cut and paste and lesson planning. Mazel Tov! read on