Your Daily Elephant Picture

My daughter and I love elephants, but there is only so much space in her room for more toy or keepsake elephants, so we go elephant hunting in our own way - The way that saves elephant lives and doesn't use guns. We use my iPhone to take pictures of every elephant we see. So, I thought I'd share some of them with you as often as I remember.

Today - This is your daily elephant picture:

Gifts for Elephant Lovers

My daughter, as you know, is a huge lover of elephants. So, on her birthday, someone shared this amazing link with me.

It's from Bored Panda, and it lists complete with pictures, 15 gift ideas for elephant lovers. They are too, too cute!

Here's the link:

BORED PANDA'S 15 ELEPHANT GIFTS

Elephant pics from thrifting

Random elephants

This Day in History with Benjamin Franklin

On this day in 1706, Benjamin Franklin was born. Anyone who studies science, history, or has frequented a library, has encountered the ideas, the works, and discoveries of Benjamin Franklin.

Whether you find his fascination with electricity equally as fascinating, or his love for books a complete sheer and utter delight; the man accomplished enough in one lifetime to pass on enough material for months of lessons.

Get your kids and students, or you for that matter, involved at a hands-on level with these freebies that will save you time and money. After all, as Benjamin Franklin would say:

Time is money 

Spend your time learning with your children because the legwork of research has already been done for you in gathering this list of information. Following are some links to some awesome sites across the web that deliver free lesson plans and printables to make your job as a parent and/or educator that much easier:

Why Benjamin Franklin Made the History Books
Free Benjamin Franklin Lesson Plans and Printables (There are links to tons of freebies in this one!)
Free infographic memes and quotes to use for handwriting or memorization

Free MLK Day Lesson Plans and Printables

Civil Rights, Black History, Social Studies and Cultural Studies - Whatever you call it, National holidays like Martin Luther King Day are a great time to study about historical leaders.

How much do you know about Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Where was he born?

How old was he when he was assassinated?

What was the name of his most famous speech?

What hotel was he at on the day of his death?

Find the best MLK Day lesson plans and printables from across the web at these links below:

Facts About MLK

Free Lesson Plans/Printables


When you're done learning all there is to learn from the above links, and the links within these links, it's time to write your own narrative about Martin Luther King, Jr.

Begin by writing your own "I Have a Dream" speech.  What is your dream?

Next, make a list of community organizations or people you know who need your volunteer efforts to help out.  Start small, and work up to great things by giving to others.

'Let There Be Light' Creation Illustrated For Children

I received the book “Let There Be Light” by Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review and was very excited about reading it to my children. When it arrived, I was even more excited as I began to read it to my seven-year-old daughter who absolutely adores elephants, as there were several pages that featured pictures and mentions of elephants.



She was thrilled! There are at least three pages that contain adorable and beautifully illustrations of elephants throughout the book.

The book is a retelling of the Genesis account in the Bible that describes creation. I was equally as thrilled at how, while the book is aimed at children, it stayed true to the biblical text and only changed the wording to appeal to a young audience while leaving the original meaning of scriptures intact.

The hard cover book’s 14 pages of easy-to-read text and 21 pages that have beautiful illustrations work together to bring the Word of God to life for a child. The pictures, illustrated by New York Times bestselling author of “On the Night You Were Born”, Nancy Tillman, are captivating and a perfect complement to the story. At the turn of each new page, you feel as if you have stepped inside the pages and are part of this marvelous creative week.

This child’s book would be a great addition to a child’s learn-to-read or early reader library. It would also make a sweet bedtime story. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself, as a parent, grandparent or any adult, enjoying it as well because the story paired with the beautiful illustrations will leave you in deep awe no matter your age.

It expresses not only God’s omnipotent power but His amazing tender love for each individual, including the child enjoying the “Let There Be Light” book. The author’s intent is spelled out in a quote featured on the back cover that reads, “You are part of something truly amazing.”

Find the book sells for $16.99 from ZonderKidz publishing.