The Learning Calendar

June 2, 2006 - Italy's Republic Day

2006-06-02T08:25:00.000-10:00

June 2nd is Republic Day in Italy!

“Republic” day is the day that countries set aside to commemorate when they became a “Republic” -- and a REPUBLIC is a type of governement where there is ONE leader who is elected by a small body of citizens. ITALY is a REPUBLIC… But where is Italy? What is the history of this great country? You MAY know of Italy as the homeland of the Romans… one of the greatest empires in history…. but it's history begins even long before the rise of Rome! Also, Italy is home to VATICAN… and has been home to some of the greatest ARTISTS in history… Let’s learn more about Italy in honor of REPUBLIC DAY!

Today's Podcast: Italy - Republic Day

June 1, 2006 - Summer Safety Month

2006-05-31T23:00:00.000-10:00

The eagerly awaited summer season begins this month and families begin to move at a more leisurely pace…. In the summer there seems to be a little more time on children's hands…. Time to fill outdoors—in the sun, near the water, on bikes, on boats, and cruising in cars. Each of these summer experiences means great fun! But there are also some potential dangers…. In today’s podcast, we’ll talk about Summer Safety – and how to make sure you have the most fun – safely – this season!

Today's Podcast: Summer Safety Monthh

May 31, 2006 - Walt Whitman's Birthday

2006-05-31T22:57:00.000-10:00

Walt Whitman was a famous poet – but did you know he was also a journalist, and deeply involved in the politics of the 19th century? Today, we’ll learn a little bit about his life, and hear some of his poetry in honor of his birthday!

Today's Podcast: Walt Whitman's Birthday!

May 30, 2006 - The First Daily Newspaper Published in America

2006-05-30T07:04:00.001-10:00

On this day in 1783, the first American Daily Newspaper was Published!

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Have you heard THAT phrase before? It used to be shouted on the streets to encourage people to buy newspapers…
Newspapers today are usually published daily – and sometimes weekly – and people read them to find out about different kinds of news… LOCAL news, NATIONAL news, or WORLD news.
In honor of the first daily publication of newspapers in America, let’s learn a litle bit more about them and their history!

Today's Podcast: The First Daily Newspaper Published in America!

May 30, 2006 - The First Daily Newspaper Published in America

2006-05-30T07:04:00.000-10:00

May 26, 2006 - Sorry Day in Australia

2006-05-26T02:28:00.000-10:00

Today is Sorry Day in Australia. On May 27, 1997 a Referendum was passed in Australia where 90% of the people voted to remove discrimination clauses in the Australian constitution against Indigenous Australians.

In 1995 the Australian Government examined the practice of removing Aboriginal children from their families to make them more Western and to fit into the culture. This practice went on throughout most of this century until the late 1960s. As a result of the investigation, a national apology was called for.

These two events combined lead to the declaration of Sorry Day and the Week of Reconciliation. With this podcast well take a closer look at those events and learn a little about the original people of Australia the Aborigines.

Today's Podcast: Sorry Day in Australia

May 25, 2006 - The Release of Star Wars!

2006-05-25T00:52:00.000-10:00

Thursday, May 25, 2006 marks the 29th anniversary of the first release of the movie, Star Wars. But why are we celebrating the release of a movie?

Is it because Star Wars was named #15 on a list of the top 100 films of the 20th century by The American Film Institute?

Or that the release of the movie was actually the start of a movie dynasty that spanned 30 years?

Or that the release of Star Wars marked the beginning of advanced special effects in films and movie-related marketing products that still is seen in Hollywood?

Yes! To everything! Star Wars is much more than a just a movie and its influence can still be felt today.

In celebration of the anniversary well take a look at the movies story, as well as examine its cultural impact.

Today's Podcast: Star Wars is Released!

May 24, 2006 - Brooklyn Bridge Opens!

2006-05-24T00:47:00.000-10:00

On May 24, 1883 President Chester Arthur and Governor Grover Clevland officially opened the Brooklyn Bridge before more than 14,000 spectators! The bridge crosses the East River, and connects Brooklyn with Lower Manhattan. While the engineering was a grand accomplishment, the design was also well noted.

Today's Podcast: Brooklyn Bridge Opens

May 23, 2006 - World Turtle Day

2006-05-23T00:21:00.000-10:00

May 23 is World Turtle Day! There are about 250 species of turtles and tortoises... there are fresh water turtles, sea turtles, and tortoises - turtles that live on land! In celebration of World Turtle Day, with this podcast, we'll take a look at turtles, learn about the endangerment of sea turtles, and discover some things YOU can do to HELP turtles!

Today's Podcast: World Turtle Day

May 22, 2006 - Buckle Up America Week

2006-05-22T01:23:00.000-10:00

Today begins "Buckle Up America Week"! Buckle Up America is a campaign to encourage proper safety belt use -- and is coordinated National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Seatbelts were first invented in the 1800s, and first appeared in the United States in the early 1900s... But because there were very few cars on the road back then, they were not designed to keep people safe in a crash - they were meant to keep people inside their cars on bumpy roads! Today, however, with millions of cars on the roads, the need for seatbelts to prevent injury is more important than ever!

Today's Podcast: Buckle Up America Week

May 19, 2006 - Malcolm X

2006-05-19T00:20:00.000-10:00

Do you know who Malcom X is? His story – just like him – is a very powerful one! Today, we will look briefly at the life of Malcolm X, and then, to honor his birthday, we will listen to one of his speeches… in his own voice!

Today's Podcast: Malcolm X

May 18, 2006 - Mount Saint Helens Eruption

2006-05-18T08:31:00.000-10:00

On this day in 1980, Mount Saint Helens Volcano Erupted...

Mount Saint Helens is a volcano in the state of Washington… and over 25 years ago, it erupted after a couple of months of activity… on this anniversary, we’ll learn a little bit about volcanoes, then we’ll learn about the events that led up to the eruption, what happened during it, and then after it.

Today's Podcast: Mount Saint Helens Eruption

May 17, 2006 - National Physical Fitness Month!

2006-05-17T10:41:00.000-10:00

How do YOU stay physically fit? Do you know all of the reasons why physical fitness is GREAT for you? Today we’ll learn about different ways to stay physically fit, and what you can do to keep yourself healthy!

Today's Podcast: Physical Fitness Month

May 16, 2006 - Lewis and Clark Part II

2006-05-16T00:28:00.000-10:00

Yesterday, we learned about the FIRST half of the Lewis and Clark Expedition… TODAY we’ll continue on with our story! When we left off, Lewis, Clark, and their team of explorers had traveled far enough across the United States to the glimpse the Rockies…. They had spent the winter in Fort Mandan, and had previously hired Native Americans to help guide their journey. Let’s continue on from there!

Today's Podcast: Lewis and Clark Part 1

May 15, 2006 - Lewis and Clark Part 1

2006-05-15T02:56:00.000-10:00

Yesterday was the anniverary of the start of the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition!

Lewis and Clark were great American explorers... how much do YOU know about them? Today, we will enter the world of Lewis and Clark and explore the untouched and wild vastness of the American West, 1803-1806!

Today's Podcast: Lewis and Clark Part 1

May 12, 2006 - Florence Nightingale's Birthday!

2006-05-12T00:22:00.000-10:00

May 12th is Florence Nightingale's Birthday. Florence Nightingale's life was long and adventuresome but her most lasting contribution was the founding the nursing occupation. Nightingale saw nursing as more than a job, she saw it as a calling and is credited with saying, "For us who nurse, our nursing is a thing which, unless we are making progress every year, every month, every week, take my word for it, we are going back."

With this podcast we will take a look at Florence Nightingale's life, her experiences in the Crimean War, and the contributions she made to nursing.

Today's Podcast: Florence Nightingale's Birthday

May 11, 2006 - Mother's Day is Sunday

2006-05-11T02:03:00.000-10:00

Mother's Day is celebrated every year on the second Sunday in May. Many people celebrate by spending time with their mothers, making them special breakfasts and giving them gifts of flowers and sweets. It is also a day of remembrance and prayer for mothers who have died. Many churches hold special services honoring the mothers of their congregation through prayer and thanksgiving.

Where did this remarkable holiday come from? Let's find out!

Today's Podcast: Mother's Day is Sunday

May 10, 2006 - Golden Spike Anniversary

2006-05-10T03:27:00.000-10:00

On May 10, 1869 the railroad tracks of the Central Pacific Railroad met those of the Union Pacific at Promontory Summit, Utah. While the ceremony was not especially well-planned or impressive, the significance of the event is tremendous.

America had been growing at an enormous rate and people were moving across the country in great masses. However, the traveling was not easy and sometimes dangerous. But the placing of the golden spike, changed all that.

With this podcast we will examine why this event is so important to the history of the United States and what the completion of the transcontinental railroad actually meant to Americans.

Today's Podcast: Golden Spike Anniversary

May 9, 2006 - European Union Observance

2006-05-09T02:15:00.000-10:00

Even most people in Europe probably do not realize the significance of May 9th to the existence of the European Union. However, it was on this date in 1950, that the first declaration calling for a uniting of economic interests within Europe was read. That is why, during the Milan Summit of EU leaders in 1985, it was decided to make May 9th as the Observance of the European Union day.

Today the European Union has 25 member countries and covers a large part of the continent of Europe and their membership is still growing. According to the Europa Web site, "All EU countries are committed to peace, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, and they work together to promote these values in the wider world."

With this podcast we will examine how the European Union came into existence and learn what their role is today. Well also look at the plans for the Union in the future.

Today's Podcast: European Union Observance

May 8, 2006 - VE Day

2006-05-08T01:43:00.000-10:00

On May 8, we celebrate VE Day - which stands for Victory in Europe Day. This date marks the official end to the fighting in Europe in World War II. The War, which is often called "The War to end all Wars" was fought around the world, with two main areas of fighting... the Pacific, and Europe. With this podcast, we'll focus on the actions in Europe, and the actions that led up to this momentous day, and find out why it is so important.

Today's Podcast: VE Day!

May 5, 2006 - Cinco de Mayo!

2006-05-04T23:43:00.000-10:00

Did you know it’s Cinco De Mayo?!

Cinco de Mayo means “The 5th of May” in Spanish – yes, today IS the 5th of May, but WHY are we saying it in Spanish? It’s because it is an important Mexican holiday -- that we celebrate with parties and fun! In today’s podcast, we’ll learn a bit of history about this special day and why we celebrate it – not just for Mexicans, but for Americans, too!

Today's Podcast: Cinco de Mayo!

May 4, 2006 - Hindenburg Disaster Anniversary is Saturday

2006-05-04T01:46:00.000-10:00

This Saturday is the Anniversary of the Hindenburg Disaster…

Have you heard of it? The Hindenburg was a ZEPPLIN – a large, floating airship – filled with hyrdogen to keep it afloat in the air… in 1937, zepplins were starting to become a popular form of transportation – but then the HINDENBURG BURST into flames upon landing… let’s learn a little bit about what happened, and also a little bit about the history and science behind balloons, dirigibles, and zepplins!

Today's Podcast: Hindenburg Disaster Anniversary - Saturday

May 3, 2006 - National Bicycling Month!

2006-05-03T01:48:00.000-10:00

Did you Know this month is National Bicycling Month?

Have you dusted off your bicycle and ridden it lately? If not, this is a great time to do it… during National Bicycling Month! Today, sit back and enjoy a look at the history of bicycles, and the sport of cycling… then, perhaps you’ll want to plan a biking excursion for yourself, your friends or your family!

Today's Podcast: National Bicycling Month

May 2, 2006 - Astronomy Week

2006-05-02T10:58:00.000-10:00

Did you Know that this week is Astronomy Week?

The mission of Astonomy Week is to “BRING ASTRONOMY TO THE PEOPLE!” THAT means that people around the country can learn new things about astronomy this week because… science museums, observatories, planetariums, and nature centers…. host special events and activities about it! In today’s podcast, we’ll learn a little bit about our Solar System in honor of Astronomy Week!

Today's Podcast: Astronomy Week

May 1, 2006 - May Day!

2006-05-01T01:30:00.000-10:00

May 1st is celebrated around the world with a variety of different May Day traditions... but what are the origins of this holiday – why do we celebrate with flowers and may poles? Did you know that it was a Roman holiday celebrating the coming of Summer? Let’s find out more!

Today's Podcast: May Day!

April 28, 2006 - National Arbor Day

2006-04-28T08:45:00.000-10:00

Today is National Arbor Day! The most common date for state observances of the holiday is the last Friday in April, but a few states celebrate when the weather is best for tree planting, which is January and February in the south and up to May in the far north.

The idea for Arbor Day originally came from Nebraska because in the 1800s the state was virtually treeless....

Today's Podcast: National Arbor Day!

April 27, 2006 - Babe Ruth Day

2006-04-27T00:53:00.000-10:00

Learn about one of the most famous and talented baseball players of all time!

Today's Podcast: Babe Ruth Day!

April 26, 2006 - John Audubon's Birthday

2006-04-26T10:18:00.000-10:00

John James Audubon is considered to be one of the first naturalists in America! The National Audubon Society is named after him! Its mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems - focusing on birds, other natural wildlife...

Let's learn more!

Today's Podcast: John Aud!

April 25, 2006 - Yesterday: 16th Anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope Launch!

2006-04-25T03:15:00.000-10:00

Yesterday was the anniversary of the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope! The hubble was originially scheduled to go up in 1986, but with the Challenger Disaster, it was delayed.

It was then launched, in 1990, abourd the Space Shuttle Discovery...

Learn MORE!
Today's Podcast: Hubble's Anniversary!

April 24 2006 - National Volunteer Week

2006-04-24T02:53:00.000-10:00

This week, starting Sunday, April 23rd, is National Volunteer Week!
Several countries now have National Volunteer Week celebrations including
the U.S., Canada, England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Australia!

In America, National Volunteer Week is set aside to remind us about all the good work that volunteers do to improve our communities. The 2006 theme is "Inspire By Example" because volunteers have the power to inspire the people they help --- and to inspire others to serve!

In this podcast we hope to inspire you to go out and volunteer by giving you some background on National Volunteer Week, AND giving you a look at why volunteering is so important!

Today's Podcast: National Volunteer Week!

April 21, 2006 - Earth Day Part 2

2006-04-21T07:22:00.000-10:00

Today is Part 2 of our Earthday Podcasts!

Yesterday, you learned about the history of Earthday, and you learned what this year’s theme is… today, let’s learn a little bit more about that theme… Climate Change Solutions!

Today's Podcast: Earth Day Part 2!

April 20, 2006 - Earth Day Part 1

2006-04-20T00:37:00.000-10:00

This Saturday, April 22, is Earthday!

In honor of Earth Day, we will have two days of podcasts!… Today, we’ll learn about the history of Earth Day, and talk about some ways to take part in it… and tomorrow we’ll talk about a specific topic – Climate Change --- which is the theme for this year’s Earthday!

Today's Podcast: Earth Day Part 1!

April 19, 2006 - Alcohol Awareness Month

2006-04-19T01:25:00.000-10:00

For today’s podcast, let’s learn a little bit about alcohol, and how to avoid it! We will look at what alcohol is, learn some important facts – and give you some ideas on how you can stay away from the pressure to drink alcohol…
Listen carefully! We’ll ask you some questions at the end of the podcast to see how much you’ve learned!

Today's Podcast: Alcohol Awareness Month!

April 18, 2006 - National Wildlife Week

2006-04-18T01:20:00.000-10:00

Next week, starting on April 22nd, is National Wildlife Week!

Each year, the National Wildlife Federation hosts a week in April to help everyone learn about wildlife and endangered species… this year, get an early start by learning about wildlife and planning some activities! In this podcast, we will focus on why this week is important, and also on the Endangered Species Act.

Today's Podcast: National Wildlife Week!

April 17, 2006 - Yesterday was Wilbur Wright's Birthday!

2006-04-17T01:22:00.000-10:00

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of one of history’s true pioneers of science: Wilbur Wright.

Born on April 16, 1867, Wilbur made history in 1903 on a beach in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina when he became the first human to take flight in a motorized airplane...

Today's Podcast: Yesterday was Wilbur Wright's Birthday!

April 14, 2006 - Tomorrow is Leonardo Da Vinci's Birthday!

2006-04-14T01:19:00.000-10:00

Who is Leonardo Da Vinci, and what did he contribute to the world? Today, we will learn about this incredible man, and we’ll also learn a little bit about the Renaissance!

Listen carefully, we’ll ask you some questions at the end of the podcast to see how much you’ve learned!

Today's Podcast: Tomorrow is Leonardo Da Vinci's Birthday!

April 13, 2006 - Thomas Jefferson's Birthday!

2006-04-13T00:32:00.000-10:00

On this day, in the year 1743, Thomas Jefferson was born!

Thomas Jefferson was one of America's greatest presidents. He wrote the Declaration of Independence, was responsible for the Louisiana Purchase! What’s that? Stay tuned to find out! Today, in honor of his birthday, let’s learn about his important contributions to America!

Today's Podcast: Thomas Jefferson's Birthday!

April 12, 2006 - Passover

2006-04-12T00:56:00.000-10:00

Today is Passover!

...an important day for all those of the Jewish faith. The story of passover is also important Christians... the New Testament tells us that Jesus was celebrating Passover on the night before his crucifixion, which is Holy Thursday. So for all Jewish and Christian people, let's learn a little bit of the history of this important celebration!

Today's Podcast: Passover!

April 11, 2006 - April is Poetry Awareness Month!

2006-04-11T00:56:00.000-10:00

April is Poetry Awareness Month!

Last week, we learned about the famous author and poet, Maya Angelou, and we learned about three different types of poems – the HAIKU, the LIMERICK, and FREE VERSE…

In honor of Poetry Awareness Month, let’s learn a little bit more! Today we will learn about the HISTORY of poetry, and we’ll read some famous poems.

Today's Podcast: Poetry Awareness Month!

April 10, 2006 - Pulitzer's Birthday!

2006-04-10T00:15:00.000-10:00

Imagine that you wrote a story that was soooo good that you won an award that would make you famous! Or, you worked for a newspaper and wrote about such an imporatant story that millions of people around the world would read it?

That’s what would happen if you won a Pulitzer Prize – and Joseph Pulitzer, the man behind the award, was born on THIS day in 1847! He donated all his money when he died to help start this award…

In honor of his birthday, let’s learn a little bit about Journalism, and how the Pulitzer Prizes got started!

Today's Podcast: Pulitzer's Birthday

Friday, April 7, 2006 - Next Week is Holy Week!

2006-04-07T01:33:00.000-10:00

Next Week is Holy Week!

All around the world, Christians will observe Holy Week next week! Holy Week begins with "Palm Sunday" and ends with "Easter Sunday," one week later!

Do you know how Passover, Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter are all related to Holy Week? Let's find out how!

Today's Podcast: Next Week is Holy Week!

April 6, 2006 - The North Pole is Discovered!

2006-04-06T00:43:00.000-10:00

On this day in 1909, The North Pole was discovered!

The North Pole is an Arctic Region – the coldest place on earth! It NEVER loses its cover of snow and ice… and in the winter, the temperature can be as low as 94 DEGREES below zero! How cold is 94 DEGREES below zero? Well… to judge how cold it is, you can compare it to your freezer… Your freezer is probably no more than ZERO degrees – so the Arctic in the winter is much, much colder than even your freezer...

Today's Podcast: The North Pole is Discovered!

April 5, 2006 - National Oceans Week

2006-04-05T01:26:00.000-10:00

This week is National Oceans Week!

Learn all about our oceans today in honor of National Oceans week.

Today's Podcast: National Oceans Week

April 4, 2006 - Maya Angelou's Birthday

2006-04-04T02:23:00.000-10:00

Today is Maya Angelous’s Birthday!

Dr. Maya Angelou is a phenomenal woman who is hailed as one of the greatest writers of our time. She is not only a writer, though…. She is a poet, an educator, an historian, best-selling author, an actress, a playwright, a civil-rights activist, a producer AND a director! Her most famous work is the autobiographical book “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, and at the end of this podcast, we will recite a poem from that book!

In 1971, just after “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” was released, her first book of poetry was published. Each of her poems are beautiful testimonies to the trials and joys of life.

Today's Podcast: April 4, 2006 - Maya Angelou's Birthday

April 3, 2006 - Washington Irving's Birthday

2006-04-03T01:20:00.000-10:00

Today is Washington Irving’s Birthday!

Born in 1783, Washington Irving is known as the father of the American Short Story. He’s most famous for his stories RipVan Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow… do you know know them?

In honor of Washington Irving’s birthday, let’s learn a little bit about short stories!

Today's Podcast: April 3, 2006 - Washington Irving's Birthday

March 27, 2006 - Welcome to the Learning Calendar Podcast!

2006-03-27T15:17:00.000-10:00

We have two bits of exciting news this week!

Recently, we have updated and posted "The Learning Calendar" Website - the companion site to our daily Podcast!
Find resources for nearly every day of the year at http://www.homeschoollearning.com/tlc/ !

SECONDLY, We have released our first podcast - an INTRODUCTION to The Learning Calendar! See the "Today's Podcast" link below to listen!

We hope you visit your favorite Podcast site and subscribe to our Podcast Feed today!

Today's Podcast: The Learning Calendar Introduction

March 15, 2006 - Welcome!

2006-03-15T14:12:00.000-10:00

We are excited to announce that we will be launching our first DAILY Podcast on April 3, 2006. We hope you all join us for some fun and educational content that will give you details, tidbits, and information about holidays, anniversaries, birthdays, and historical moments!

Did you know that http://www.homeschoollearning.com/units offers free unit studies? Start your learning even before our podcast begins!

The Homeschool Learning Network broadcasts from Maui - so Aloha and we hope to see you back here!