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SUMMER SHIMMERS

by

rh-summer-capelet-0609

http://www.redheart.com/FreePatterns/tabid/118/Default.aspx?tabid=118&patternid=WR1841.pdf

I just received the free pattern info on the beautiful capelet shown here while I was browsing the net for a sheer Summer shoulderette which would be well suited to the transition from hot, muggy days to damp, chilly evenings we so often have in the St. Louis area.  I had in mind to crochet something with some shimmer to it.  I love working with Lustersheen, the yarn called for in this pattern, but think it would adapt marvelously to one of the shimmery yarns too.

My original inspiration for a summer shawl is this masterpiece from Kim Guzman:

k-guzman-shimmer-shawl-0609

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/crochetkim/dreams-shawl-2

Kim’s shawl was designed with Skaska yarn from http://www.skaska.com/products.html

purveyors of wonderful laceweight, delicioso, scrumptious, edibly delicious yarns.  However, there are numerous laceweight and fingering weight yarns that could be substituted.  One of the great things about making loose shawls is that gauge is only important when determining if you have enough yarn to finish the project.  Of course, you don’t want to vary too much from the designated sizes of hook and yarn or you’ll wind up with a frilly piece suited for Andre the Giant or Tom Thumb – neither of which is near my size!

So, if you need something to warm you shoulders on a cool evening in Spring or Summer, one of these should do the trick.

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Hanukkah Unit Studies for Kids

Learning about Hanukkah is important for people of all faiths as a reminder that December isn’t just about Christmas and that their are many other important holidays that happen during this time. Hanukkah unit studies can give you ideas for incorporating the holiday into your holiday studies that happen in December, or to use at home for learning about people of different faiths.

Homeschool Superfreak has a lot of basic ideas for how to build a Hanukkah unit study, as well as FAQs about what Hanukkah is and why it is celebrated. This list is a good stargint point but doesn’t include all the details you’ll need. For example it says you can play the dreidel game but doesn’t explain how to do that or why it’s important. (If you need that information, this post from Mama Smiles is a good source.)

Teachers Pay Teachers has lots of great lesson plans and activities if you’re willing to pay a little bit to get some good content. Two I really like are this Hanukkah PowerPoint presentation from Shelia Melton, which provides a good overview of traditions, food and the history of Hanukkah; and a virtual field trip to Jerusalem from MagiCore, which includes lots of videos showing the city and activities like playing dreidel, drawing a menorah and making latkes. It’s a Google Drive folder and also includes writing activities and more for kids in second to fifth grade.

Kids Activities Blog has some simple printables with facts about Hanukkah and things kids can color in like a Star of David, sufganiyots (jelly doughnuts) and a menorah. These are great for learning the basics.

Homeschool Giveaways has a printable ebook about Hanukkah complete with questions kids can answer after they read. This would be a good one for older kids with good reading comprehension.

NurtureStore’s Hanukkah unit study includes a printable mini book, tons of crafts, as well as math and writing activities. I love the dominoes game that’s part of the unit.

And check out our previous posts for more Hanukkah crafts and learning activities!