I've got a fill-in-the-blank "I Have a Dream" speech print-out challenge at my blog that would be a great little exercise after your children listen to the speech.

Hello Michelle, I checked out your History Inspires Etsy site. Interesting. I'll have to chat it up at my History for Children blog :)

I just read Mao's Last Dancer, an autobiography by Li Cunxin, who grew up during China's Cultural Revolution. At age eleven he was chosen to study ballet in Beijing...far away from his family. It was an enjoyable and VERY interesting read that I have been recommending to everyone.

DD 10 will find these under the tree: -bike (she has SO outgrown her current one) -that new bananagram book -quarter collection booklet (she's going to love it - just got interested in coins) -boots -a collection of Rin Tin Tin movies I found in the Walmart $5 bin -riding pants and gloves that she needs -2 tops and maybe pjs -roller blades if I can find some (anyone have advice on a brand for wide feet?) -fold-away ping-pong table-top (family gift...and I can't wait to play!)

Ditto to Stacia too. Mark Kurlansky's books are really interesting. Try Cod or Salt.

I jump between Safari and Firefox with no problems.

I saw this idea in Family Fun magazine...and I want to play. You recreate the crossing of the Mayflower: One child is the New World and stands on a chair, one child is a blindfolded Mayflower and the other children are rocks sitting or lying on the floor. The "Mayflower" is across the room from the "New World" (ideally on the East and West sides of the room respectively). The "rocks" are spread out in between. The "New World" talks the "Mayflower" (who can't peek or talk) across the floor and through the "rocks" all the way to the New World. For younger kids I do have a link at my blog for a "Crossing of the Mayflower" coloring page. Here it is: http://historyforchildren.blogspot.com/2009/11/pilgrim-cat.html

October Sky (true 1950's story about a group of West Virginia high school boys who win the national science fair) Pursuit of Happyness (based on the true story of a homeless man struggling to raise his son and become a stock broker. Stars Will Smith. This movie made such an impact on my children) A Man Named Pearl (A documentary about a South Carolina black man who was not allowed to purchase a home in an area of his small town because "blacks don't keep up their yards." He became quietly obsessed with his yard. It is fascinating to see the profound impact he has had on his town. This film is filled with good people. Wonderful and inspirational. You will feel good for days) Madison (Another true story. This one takes place in my home town, Madison, IN. It's on the Ohio River and hosts hydroplane races every year. The town has the only city sponsored boat in the circuit and the Miss Madison has always raced against big named boats like Budweiser and Atlas Van Lines. This is the story of the man who was behind getting the town to sponsor the Gold Cup, fixing up the run-down Miss Madison and in the end driving it across the finish line to win in 1971. Great Dad and son relationship story. Stars Jim Caviezel. Shot on location, so enjoy the scenes of where I grew up!)

If you're feeling really creative you could get a couple of refrigerator boxes from an appliance store and make them a house. Have fun painting it and personalizing it. The nice thing about the cardboard playhouse vs the plastic kind is that you can fold it flat and put it away when they are not playing with it. I guarantee they will love it! :001_smile:

Have you given your child a "facts of life" book to read that you would recommend?

Ditto to blogspot. Very easy.

When my son was six he and I were enjoying the Boxcar Children series.