| Books to Read | Discussion Sign-Up | English Membership Site →LOGIN SUBSCRIBE← |
Learning Library | Suggested Podcasts /Articles |
Learn English
with American Holidays
| February | March | April | May | June | July |
| August | September | October | November | December |
|
|
|
|
the 1st U.S. patent registered. Have you ever had a great idea? What did you do about it? Are you afraid to be different? Do you prefer to fit in, or to stand out? Is there something you really believe in? Enough to work very, very hard at it? If the answer is yes, put your whole heart into it and try to make it happen! Join an Inventor's Club and get some feedback. There's no reason the next great invention couldn't be yours! Cool Inventions in 2009 |
 Click on the picture for lots of information and trivia regarding patents. |
|
|
|
 Click on the picture for more great cheesecake recipes! |
National Cheesecake Day OK, Milk Chocolate Day, then Lasagna Day, then Cheesecake Day all in the same week! I hope we'll see Miracle Diet Day next week, because we'll probably all need it! Seriously, though, I want to tell you that very few people in my family like pumpkin pie, but they love Pumpkin Cheesecake! There's my recipe for you! (The gingersnap crust is awesome!) Cheesecake by Louis Armstrong |
|
|
|
|
National Lasagna Day Mmm, lasagna! Do you like it with Italian sausage or ground beef? Or do you prefer vegetarian lasagna? Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese? Do you like to cook the noodles first or use them right out of the box? Of course, there are lasagna purists. I think it depends on who you learned from when you were learning to cook. Either way, make/order/buy some lasagna today and celebrate! How to make Vegetable Lasagna My mom loves vegetable lasagna! |
 Click on the picture to check out our recipe for One-Pan Lasagna. Super easy and delicious! |
|
|
|
 Click on the picture for great links to chocolate recipes! |
National Milk Chocolate Day Great! Finally a holiday that celebrates a nutritional food! Milk = dairy. Check! Chocolate comes from cocoa beans, and beans = vegetables. Check! Not quite as healthy as dark chocolate, I know. That's why I alternate from day to day! Chocolate Charmer (I've watched it 3 times, and I'm probably going to watch it again!) |
|
|
|
|
Walk on Stilts Day Do you think walking on stilts is easier than jumping on a pogo stick? Or easier than keeping a hula hoop moving? I can't imagine how they do it, but if you want to learn in order to celebrate today's holiday, today's website and video will teach you how. Have fun (and be careful!) How to Build and Walk on Stilts |
 Click on the picture for some tips on stiltwalking! |
|
|
|
 Click on the picture for some tips on being the world's coolest aunt or uncle. The Jeffersons Uncle George and Aunt Louise |
Aunt and Uncle Day Somebody wanted to be sure each family member received a holiday in their honor! Today the focus is aunts and uncles. Often, these are the people who are the most like parents, but just different enough to be exciting. If they have kids, those cousins are sometimes one's best friends. If you're an aunt or uncle to someone, be sure to let them know you think they're special, but never undermine the parents. Cooperation and collaboration are the best tactics for keeping this relationship friendly and intact. |
|
|
|
|
Parents' Day Signed into law in 1994 by President Bill Clinton, today is a day to celebrate the amazing role of being a parent. The magic of watching a child grow up, guiding them on their path so they can be the best they can be, giving them just enough guidance to be helpful, but allowing them the time they need to develop wings and fly... this is parenting. Even if you don't have children of your own, there are hundreds of children who need to be adopted. Even if you can't adopt a child, there are hundreds of children who are not available for adoption, but still need you to be there for them, in whatever ways you can find, because there's no one else to show them that they're special and they're loved. |
 Click on the picture for a fantastic website with information on common and tough issues of parenting. Charice sings to her Mom Because You Loved Me |
|
|
|
 Click on the picture to see a great explanation of cousin relationships. What You Ought To Know |
Cousins Day If someone tells you they are your second cousin, twice removed, would you have any idea how they were related to you? (Or who removed them?) Many people speak very fondly of their cousins. These are the relatives that you see at family reunions who are about your age, give or take 10-15 years. Because they're from the same family, you see them at holiday gatherings, family reunions, and later in life, funerals. People who develop close relationships with their cousins usually work to keep family ties intact. |
|
|
|
|
National Hot Dog Day One of our typical American foods. Coney Island, Chili Hot, grilled, most people love 'em! |
 Click on the picture to read the history and legends of hot dogs. A Hot Dog Program |
|
|
|
 Click on the picture for an emergency preparedness checklist. Prepare Your Home for an Emergency |
Preparedness Day We often have fun with crazy, wacky holidays, but today it's time to be a little serious. We all know emergencies can happen, usually with little or no warning. It's really important to take certain steps to be able to meet the needs your family will have. Today's website and video present valuable tips for being prepared. |
|
|
|
|
Junk Food Day Hot dogs, popcorn, candy bars, soda, chips, snack crackers, candy, snack cakes and pies... To some people, junk food is comfort food. To some people, junk food is poison. To some people, junk food isn't really even food. What is your take on junk food? Is it a steady diet for you, an afternoon snack, or do you avoid it altogether? Maybe after you read today's article and watch the video, you'll have more input to help you decide how and when to allow junk food into your diet. |
 Click on the picture to read 38 interesting facts about junk food. How to Dress a Hamburger |
|
|
|
 Click on the picture to see how lollipops are made. She Wants a Lollipop |
Lollipop Day Lollipop, sucker, these sweet treats have probably been handed out at more doctors offices, beauty salons, and on Halloween than any other candy. Whether you have one with chocolate tootsie roll inside, or a sour one, or a big, rainbow lollipop, they're a comfort food few people can resist. |
|
|
|
|
Hug Your Kid Day There used to be a bumper sticker that asked, "Have you hugged your kid today?" Hugging is very beneficial for emotional health. But all scientific jargon aside, hugging just feels right! Hug is where you truly meet heart to heart. |
 Click on the picture for some quick and dirty tips on hugging your child. Love and Hugs |
 Click on the picture for some interesting facts about ice cream. Video Recipe: Blueberry Ice Cream |
Ice Cream Day Can you believe some people think that only July 18 is Ice Cream Day? My husband claims that he never eats ice cream unless he's alone or with somebody. I know several people who feel the same way (you know who you are!) Whether you love pralines 'n pecans, butter pecan, Mackinac Island Fudge, Peach, Strawberry, Blue Moon, or just good ole vanilla, every day is a day for ice cream. It's just that this day is a very good excuse to have it for breakfast! (Shh, don't tell anyone!) |
|
|
|
|
Yellow Pig Day I'm wondering if you're as shocked and/or skeptical about this holiday as I was! First of all, everyone knows pigs are pink. Second of all, I had never heard of this holiday before! But it's really true, this is a bona fide holiday. If you click on the picture, you will find out many things about the number 17, which is what this holiday is all about. (I think you should help this poor pig along by telling all your friends, because this holiday has a long ways to go to make it to a Hallmark calendar.) |
 Click on the picture for many reasons that Yellow Pig Day is on July 17. Steps to Finding a Prime Number |
|
|
|
 Click on the picture for the real story of what tapioca is and where it comes from. Homemade Tapioca |
Tapioca Pudding Day Quick now, without looking it up, can you tell me whether tapioca is a fruit, a grain, or a vegetable? Can you tell me where it comes from and where it's grown? I'm guessing very few people know anything about tapioca besides it was that thick, yucky stuff they served us in the cafeteria at school. Well, click on the picture to find out all about tapioca, and then watch the video to find out how to make a delicious, homemade tapioca pudding. |
|
|
|
|
Pandemonium Day Pandemonium Day? Pandemonium can happen every day, not just on July 14. However, this is a day to expect it, to embrace it, to "go with it". You might even purposely create a little pandemonium to avoid taking life too seriously. Some synonyms of pandemonium are bedlam, chaos, and confusion. However, if you choose, you can think of words like creative, freeform, and spontaneous (not combustion). It's all in how you look at it! Have fun today, let your hair down a little, and enjoy this unusual holiday! |
 Click on the picture for some ideas on how to celebrate this wacky holiday. Because of Winn Dixie Here you get just a hint of the pandemonium that this dog creates. |
|
|
|
 Click on the picture for 15 different paper bag animal puppets. Making a Paper Bag Album |
Paper Bag Day Paper Bag Day. Hmmmm... Wonder who started this holiday. In any case, we can always find ways to celebrate, no matter how unusual the holiday is, right? For example,
|
|
|
|
|
Baked Beans Month What is your traditional "get-together" menu? One of the most traditional combinations is ham sandwiches, potato salad, carrots and celery, and baked beans. My mother loves to tell the story of the time she took us to a church picnic, and as the food was being put out, she mentioned that none of her children likes baked beans. However, that day, to her embarrassment, we each ate a large helping of baked beans! Some people's kids! Be sure to enjoy a large helping of this delicious dish yourself this weekend, in honor of Baked Beans Month! |
 Click on the picture to read a very interesting history of this traditional food. BBQ Pit Boys make Barbecue Baked Beans |
|
|
|
 Click on the picture to read full instructions for a Teddy Bears' Picnic. The Teddy Bears' Picnic |
Teddy Bears' Picnic Day During the early 1900s, Theodore Roosevelt was in office as President of the United States. His nickname was "Teddy". During a hunting trip in Mississippi in 1902, he refused to shoot a small bear which had been captured in an unethical way. He felt it unsportmanlike and refused. The Washington Post picked up on this story, and made a cartoon of the event. Toy store owners, Morris and Rose Michtom, wrote to President Roosevelt for permission to call their stuffed animals "Teddy Bears". Teddy bears became wildly popular. Their company went on to become the Ideal Toy Company, one of the largest toy companies in the world. |
|
|
|
|
National Sugar Cookie Day |
|
|
Does anyone remember a plate of warm sugar cookies, with that delicious vanilla fragrance, and a tall glass of lemonade or milk? Sugar cookies decorated only with colored sugar sprinkles are soft and chewy, with a little bit of crunch from the sugar. Those which are decorated with frosting, as shown in today's video, are much different, but still delicious. Our recipe for this delectable treat is for old-fashioned sugar cookies. Watch the video for a complete lesson on creating a work of art with your cookies! Check out the book on the left for an opportunity to teach your kids about consideration, patience and other character traits using cookies as an object lesson. Great artwork! |
|
|
How to frost cookies like a professional |
|
 Click on the picture to read a New York Times article about a school which is using video games as part of the curriculum, and why. A VOA News video about using video games as teaching tools. Play some games on our site! Start with that old favorite, Pong. |
Video Games Day It seems that there are three kinds of people: those who love video games, those who hate video games, and those who don't care one way or the other. Some people are completely obsessed with video games, which gives them a bad reputation, but others claim they exercise one's fine motor skills. Whatever your opinion, it looks like video games won't be disappearing anytime soon. We have tried to offer our daughter an alternative to an actual video game console by helping her to find fun, and sometimes educational, software or online games. Recently, however, we did let her get a Wii with the Wii fit program. If you're looking for some itdeas for your kids, this page has a lot of information and links to other valuable sights. |
|
|
|
|
National Macaroni Day What is the favorite American food? Do you think it's fried chicken, or peanut-butter-and-jelly, hot dogs, or apple pie? How about macaroni 'n' cheese? Introduced in 1937, now more than one million boxes of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese are sold every day! That may mean it's the winner. You can click on the picture if you want to try a delicious, homemade version of Macaroni 'n' Cheese. Maybe you'd like to try a |
 Click on the picture for the history of Macaroni 'n' Cheese, plus some great recipes! Patti LaBelle cooking "over the rainbow" macaroni and cheese. (Fun to watch, even if you don't want to make this recipe.) |
If you're not hungry right now, try these crafts with your kids to celebrate today's holiday.
| |
|
|
|
 Click on the picture for the interesting history of fried foods. The Perfect Fried Chicken |
National Fried Chicken Day Fried Chicken is one of America's favorite foods. Recently, recipes have been revamped a bit, using healthier oils for frying. The reason for the great taste of fried chicken, however, is that the breading seals in the juices, but also absorbs some of the fat while frying. This means the chicken will have a crunchy breading on the outside, but will remain warm and juicy on the inside. Celebrate National Fried Chicken Day with a meal of chicken, salad, corn-on-the-cob, and maybe some strawberry shortcake for dessert. Yeah! |
|
|
|
|
Workaholic's Day Being a workaholic has both positive and negative points. On the positive side, people who tend to be workaholics are also driven to succeed. Great inventions, new concepts, innovative companies, all need workaholics to give what it takes to develop these things. On the negative side, spouses and children may suffer, and the person's own health may suffer. But please don't discount all workaholics as bad. Many of the things we all enjoy today are because someone had the drive to keep on keepin' on until the goal was reached. |
 Click on the picture for a Workaholic's Survival Kit. Work-Life Balance |
|
|
|
 Click on the picture for the ultimate campers' packing list. Dave and the boys go camping. |
National Park and Recreation Month West Michigan has some wonderful parks and campgrounds. The change of pace and the change of scenery are great for giving families a sense of newness and refreshing. If possible, keep your camping gear together so when the mood strikes you, you can quickly pack up and go. Be sure to click on today's photo for a packing list. We have created a list of the Campgrounds and State Parks in West Michigan to help you get started! |
|
|
|
|
I Forgot Day I was originally going to feature a different holiday today, but I forgot what is was. Then I found a really great video for today's holiday, but I forgot to copy the link, and now I forgot what it was about. But anyway, this is an interesting holiday, and it gives you a legitimate excuse for, for, um... I forgot. |
 Click on the picture to read about the founder of I Forgot Day. Tom Rush Remember Song |
|
|
|
 Remember how you used to love the jokes in Reader's Digest? Click on the picture to read them online? Laughter Yoga in Cancer Hospital Chicago U.S.A. And if you need some help getting started... Try this |
International Joke Day My husband can make people laugh in almost any situation. He often tells me, "Life is pretty difficult at times. Seeing the humor in tough situations can lighten things up a little bit." And wise King Solomon said, "A cheerful heart is good medicine." |
|
|
|
| February | March | April | May | June | July |
| August | September | October |
Double click on any word on this page to get an instant definition!
You know you want to practice writing in English, but it's just so hard to get motivated! Sign up below for the English Writers' Club to receive lots of ideas about what to write. You can write a sentence, a paragraph, or a complete essay! Write it, send it, and I will correct it!
↓
| ELE Membership Site Learn much more, much faster! All levels include: Vocabulary * Pronunciation Grammar * Interactive quizzes Dictation * Games * Puzzles Videos * Much more! |
| Membership Levels and Benefits |
|---|
$9.99 USD per month *All Website lessons *Online Voice Recorder |
$14.99 USD per month Over $40 w/o subscription *Website lessons *500 words of writing correction *10% discussion discount *1 1-hour discussion *Online Voice Recorder |
|
$29.99 USD per month Over $80 w/o subscription *Website lessons *1,000 words of writing correction *15% discussion discount *2 1-hour discussions *Online Voice Recorder |
|
$49.99 USD per month Over $180 w/o subscription *Website lessons *3,000 words of writing correction *20% discussion discount *3 1-hour discussions *Online Voice Recorder |
|
$89.99 USD per month Over $200 w/o subscription *Website lessons *Unlimited writing corrections *25% discussion discount *4 1-hour discussions *Online Voice Recorder |
It has many English lessons, courses and quizzes to help you improve your English even faster.
www.EverybodyLovesEnglish.com
A division of Brookwater Group, LLC
Michigan, USA