Spotlight on Sources:
Welcome to Renzulli Learning’s Spotlight on Sources, some of our most engaging resources to excite and inspire your students!
There are some fun holidays and celebrations in May! This week we are featuring our favorite May Holiday activities for all ages! From the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo to Memorial Day we have activities to help excite and enrich your students. Looking for something different? Head on over to your Teacher Dashboard and Search Resources! Try using Lessons to introduce your students to these fun and amazing topics!
To create Lessons, go to your Teacher Dashboard and click Teach, then, select Lessons. Click New Lesson and use the drop down menu to select the Grade Level, Subject Area, and Topic for the lesson. You can select the number of differentiated resources that you would like the system to provide to your students. You can choose comprehension questions from our database or write your own!
Check out a few of our favorite activities below!
Don’t forget, if you want to assign a weekly activity simply search the title of the weekly activity from your Teacher Dashboard and then send the activity to a student as a favorite! To locate these activities within Renzulli Learning you can SEARCH Enrichment Activities and type in the title of the activity you would like to locate. For more ideas to infuse enrichment activities with your curriculum, please visit the Unit Supplements on the Teacher Site, under “Teach.” We can also link these enrichment resources to your regular curriculum if you send us a theme or topic.
K-2
A Gift for Mother’s Day
Projects and Independent Study
Would your mom like a homemade gift for Mother's Day? If so, here is an easy project to do that she will cherish. All you need is some paints, a pencil, paintbrushes, and some heavy paper to make a wonderful symmetrical design.
Wonderopolis: Why Is Memorial Day a Holiday?
Websites
Have You Ever Wondered... Why is Memorial Day a holiday? When is Memorial Day? How do people celebrate Memorial Day? This website will answer these questions and more! You can also listen to the text then, test your knowledge with a short quiz at the end!
National Geographic for Kids: States- Kentucky
Websites
Kentucky is nicknamed " The Bluegrass State." Visit this site to learn all about Kentucky's history, geography, first inhabitants, natural resources, landforms and more!
3-5
Research Sites
Have you ever wondered how mother's day was started? Many cultures also have holidays where they celebrate mothers. Find out when America began celebrating this holiday nationally.
History of Cinco De Mayo
Research Sites
Cinco de Mayo is often celebrated in America even though it isn't an American holiday. Check out the background of this Mexican holiday. See if you can find some reasons for why Americans celebrate this festive holiday.
Memorial Day Observed
Research Sites
Memorial Day is celebrated in May. It is much more than a day off from school. It's more than parades and picnics. It is a day set aside to remember Americans who died while serving our country.
6-9
Websites
Do you wonder about the differences between Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Flag Day? Explore the origins of these patriotic holidays. Learn about the American flag, the Pledge of Allegiance, Arlington National Cemetery, the Purple Heart, and much more. Adobe Reader is required to view these publications.
Online Activities
Kentucky is in the east south-central region of the United States. The Kentucky Derby, held in Louisville, is the oldest horse race held continuously in the world. It is also the first and most famous leg of the Triple Crown. Click the link to read more about “Kentucky”.
Videos & Podcasts
Get your dancing shoes on. This online tour will look at three of the biggest holidays that are unique to Mexico! Learn about the origins, historical significance, and traditions of Cinco de Mayo, Dia de los Muertos, and La Virgen de Guadalupe. Are you ready for a party?
10-12
Research Sites
This site provides you with links to a wide range of documents pertaining to Mexican American history, particularly in Texas. Learn about the settlement of Texas, and race relations there, from 1778 through the twentieth century.
Research Sites
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. People celebrated Decoration Day by decorating the graves of war veterans with poppy flowers. Decoration Day is now Memorial Day, but poppies still remain a symbol of those who gave their lives during war. Click on the link to read more about the history of Memorial Day!
Creativity Training
In sports, hyperbole comes naturally. Every player is a champion, and every game an epic contest. When you witness something truly remarkable, how do you find language to describe it? From 1973, here is sportswriter Red Smith's account of the racehorse Secretariat. Note especially his first sentence. Then watch for the piling up of numbers. How could you use Smith's techniques in your own sports story?
Each week, we will send you a few examples of our best and most popular resources. For more ideas to connect enrichment activities with your curriculum, please visit the Unit Supplements on the Teacher Site, under “Teach.” We can also link these enrichment resources to your regular curriculum if you send us a theme or topic. Use the Submit Your Resource button on the Teacher Dashboard to send us the resources you already have or submit an idea for a new Super Starter Project!