Facts about French Fries

French Fry Facts

Do you think that French Fries came from France?

First, let me tell you about facts and fiction!

A fact is something true, and you can prove that it is true.

Fiction is imaginary, and it can’t be proven accurate.

Now, let me tell you where French Fries came from! They originated in Belgium, a Country in Western Europe. History states that the people of Belgium have been frying potatoes since the late 1600s. The French Fries were originally called Pomme de Terre Frittes. They say the name French Fries was given to the Pomme de Terre Frittes by American Soldiers in Belgium during World War I. The soldiers named them French Fries because the Belgians who introduced them to the French Fries spoke French!

 

Facts about French Fries:

1. French Fries did not come from France.

2. French Fries are also called Chips or Fries, depending on what part of the world you are in.

3. There is a museum called Frietmuseum that is dedicated to French Fries in Belgium.

4. President Thomas Jefferson introduced Americans to French Fries.

5. July 13 is National French Fry Day!!

6. Thick-cut fries have less fat than thin-cut ones.

 

Books about French Fries and Fact or Fiction:

1. Chip and Curly by Cathy Breisacher

2. 5000 Amazing Facts by Parragon Books

3. Introducing French Fry Guy by Steve Rachwal

4. Chips or Fries? by Lisa Lewison

 

Facts about Ice

Last week, we dedicated our time to expressing gratitude for items and experiences that start with the letter H. This week, we invite you to contribute by sharing what you are thankful for that begins with the letter I. Your responses can create a wonderful atmosphere of appreciation and reflection as we continue this meaningful practice together.

I’m feeling thankful for ice today! It’s such a simple yet refreshing pleasure. What about you? What’s something you’re grateful for that starts with the letter “I”?

❄️ Ice, Ice, Fascinating! The Cool Story Behind Nature’s Crystal

It’s cold, it’s slippery, and it can turn your lemonade into a summertime masterpiece. But did you know ice is also full of surprises? From floating on water to falling from the sky, ice is one of nature’s coolest tricks.

Let’s crack the surface and explore the wonders of ice!

🧊 What Is Ice, Anyway?

At its core, ice is simply frozen water—but it’s not just cold. It’s a scientific shapeshifter!

• Water freezes at 32°F (0°C), locking molecules into neat, rigid patterns.
• These patterns form crystals, which is why snowflakes and frost have such amazing shapes.

And here's a fun twist: ice floats because it’s less dense than water. That’s why glaciers can sail across the ocean like frozen ships!

Facts about Panda Bears

Giant Panda Facts: The Bamboo-Loving Icons of Chill

Hey there, animal lovers — if you’re into fluffy, slow-moving introverts who chew on stalks and mind their own business, have I got a creature for you. Meet the giant panda: black-and-white, bamboo-obsessed, and possibly the world’s most charming conservation success story.

Born Tiny, Grows Mighty (and Still Adorable)

Here’s a wild one: when pandas are born, they weigh less than 5 ounces — about the size of a stick of butter. They’re pink, bald, blind, and totally helpless. But fast-forward a few months, and you’ve got yourself a tree-climbing fluffball with the jaw strength to snap bamboo like pretzel sticks.

And yes — they have a thumb, sort of. It’s actually an enlarged wrist bone that lets them grip bamboo like a pro. Evolution said, “You’re gonna eat 99% plants, you’re gonna need tools.”

Panda Lifestyle: Eat, Nap, Repeat

Facts about Counties

County Facts

Who knows what the largest county in the United States is?

A. Los Angeles County

B. Mohave County

C. Nye County

D. San Bernardino County

If you know the answer to the trivia question, leave it in the comments

 

Do you know what a county is?

Facts about Counties:

1. A county is a particular area of a state or country. 

2. There are over 3,000 counties in the United States. 

3. James City in Virginia was the first county formed in the United States. 

4. The state of Texas has the most counties. 

5. Kalawao County, Hawaii, is the smallest county in the United States. 

6. The state with the fewest counties is Delaware. Delaware has only 3 counties.

 7. Louisiana has parishes instead of counties. 

Share a fact with us about counties?

 

Books about states:

1. The Everything Kids' States Book: by Brian Thornton

2. America's 50 States: by Flying Frog

3. The 50 States: Activity Book: by Gabrielle Balkan

4. Kids' Road Atlas by Rand McNally

 

Movie Night

Movie Night

What makes Monday Marvelous? In our house, Monday is movie night!! The kids get to pick out their favorite movie and watch it with us (parents/caretakers). It's a great time to bond and grow as a family. After the movie is over, ask your child to tell you about the movie and what they learned from it.

Have you seen a good movie lately? Please share your thoughts about it with us! Child-friendly movies only. All other movies will be deleted.

Here is a list of movies:

1. Paw Patrol: The Movie

2. Raya and the Last Dragon

3. The Addams Family

4. Happy Feet

5. Brave

6. Inside Out

7. The Nightmare Before Christmas

8. Toy Story

Parents, please ensure movies are child-friendly before watching them with your child/children.

 

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Writing and Drawing

Drawing and Writing

Do you like to write? I love to write!! Writing is good for your soul! You can write down whatever you are feeling on paper, and it helps you deal with things in your life. So, go get that journal out and start writing! Write a story, a poem, or a biography! The possibilities are endless when you write. Write till the point on your pencil is gone!! Then sharpen it and write more or get a pen. Writing can take you on adventures you only dream of. Let your pencil be your guide! 

If writing is not your thing, you can use the pencil to draw your dream home, a magical land far away, or some fantastic cartoon characters. Whatever you choose to do with your pencil is entirely up to you! Just have fun and learn.

I have made a variety of printables for you. Check them out, they are free:

http://www.joeysavestheday.com/p/printables.html

Facts about Hummingbirds

Last week, we focused on expressing gratitude for items and experiences that begin with the letter G. Today, we invite you to participate by sharing something you are thankful for that starts with the letter H. Your contributions can foster a spirit of appreciation and reflection.

I'm grateful for Hummingbirds. What are you grateful for that begins with the letter H?

🌈 Winged Wonders: The Enchanting World of Hummingbirds

They’re tiny, they’re speedy, and they sparkle like flying gemstones. Hummingbirds are nature’s confetti, fluttering around gardens and forests with a buzz, a blur, and a whole lot of brilliance.

🚀 Fast Facts That Fly

• Hummingbirds can flap their wings up to 80 times per second. That’s faster than a blinking eye!
• They're the only birds that can fly backwards, yep, like little aerial ninjas.
• Some species weigh less than a pencil eraser and can zip around at 30 miles per hour.

Their heartbeats can soar to 1,200 beats per minute during flight. That’s like a tiny drum solo in the sky!

Facts about the Human Alarm Clocks

Human Alarm Clock Facts 

Learning is good for the brain, and your brain loves to learn new things!! So, I want to share a weird but interesting fact from history with you today.

Have you ever heard of the Knocker-Ups?

In the 19^th and early 20th century, in Britain and Ireland, alarm clocks were not cheap and unreliable. There was a profession known as the Knocker-Ups or Knocker-Uppers. The profession was to wake people up for their jobs so they could get to work on time. Yes, a job that pays a human to be an alarm clock. 

Usually, the job was performed by the elderly and sometimes constables. They would use heavy sticks to knock on their clients’ doors and long bamboo sticks to tap on upper windows. Some were known to have used dried pea shooters. Some would knock on doors or windows a few times and move on, and others would knock until they were sure the person was awake! The profession ceased by the early 1970s. What a weird but fantastic world we live in!! We sure have come a long way since then!! 

Now, we rely on alarm clocks on our cell phones or other electronic devices. You can choose from various sounds to set as the sound you want to be awakened to.

Books about alarm clocks:

1. The Noisy Clock Shop by Jean Berg

2. Maisy's First Clock: by Lucy Cousins

3. What's the Time, Clockodile? by Jonthan Litton

4. Clocks and More Clocks by Pat Hutchins

5. Telling Time: by Jules Older

6. Humble Math – 100 Days of Telling the Time by Humble Math

Parents, please be sure the books are child-friendly before reading them to your child/children.

 

Facts about the five senses!

Five Senses Facts

Name a food you absolutely love?

Did you know taste is one of the five senses?

 

The five human senses in ABC order:

1. Hear—Sound waves enter our ears and travel through our tiny ear canals, which lead to the eardrum.  

2. See- Light enters the eye through the cornea. That light passes through the cornea and hits the eye lens. The light moves to the retina, and the optic nerve transmits the visual information to the brain.

3. Smell—We inhale air that contains odor. That air binds to receptors inside our nose, and then the odor messages are sent to our brain.

4. Taste—When you eat, your saliva helps break down your food. The receptor cells located in your taste buds send messages to your brain through your sensory nerves.

5. Touch—Our skin is the biggest organ in our body, and every part has touch receptors. These receptors travel along the sensory nerves that connect to the spinal cord, and the signals are sent to the brain.

Here is a tasty recipe for salmon lovers. I hope it pleases your taste buds. Enjoy!!! 

If you have any allergies to any ingredients, please don’t eat them! Please get your parents' permission and guidance.

Salmon Burger Recipe:

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons of olive oil; divided

8 cloves of garlic minced

1 onion diced small

3 6oz cans of skinless, boneless Pink Salmon, drained

6 tablespoons of Mayo

1 tablespoon of mustard

1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs

2 slices of bread ripped into tiny pieces

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of pepper

2 eggs

Directions:

Get all your ingredients together. Mince the garlic and dice the onion. Fry the onion and garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan on medium-high heat for about 7 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside. In a large bowl, put the drained salmon, mayo, mustard, salt, pepper, Italian breadcrumbs, ripped-up bread, 2 eggs, and the cooked onion and garlic; mix up well with your hands or a fork and form into 6 burgers. In the same pan that you cooked the onion and garlic in, add 2 more tablespoons of olive oil and let heat up. Add the 6 salmon burgers to the pan and cook on medium-high heat for about 8 to 10 minutes on each side or until the desired level of doneness is achieved; be sure not to burn them. Remove the burgers from the pan and set them on a plate with paper towels to drain excess oil off them. Serve on a multi-grain roll or bread of your choice with lettuce, pickles, cheese, mayo, mustard, ketchup, or whatever your heart desires.

 

Books about the five senses:

1. Look, Listen, Taste, Touch, and Smell: by Pamela Nettleton

2. My Five Senses by Aliki

3. Baby Loves the Five Senses: by Ruth Spiro

4. Our Amazing Senses by Jodi Wheeler-Toppen

5. Taste (The Five Senses Series) by Maria Rius

Parents, please be sure books are child-friendly before reading to your child/children.

 

Success and Kindness

Happy Mentor Monday!! 

May you find the keys to your success 

and a mentor to help you get there!

Does anyone need any help with anything? Do you need a mentor to help you achieve a goal? Do you just need to talk to someone about something but don’t know who to go to? Let’s all help each other out. Let’s engage and learn from each other!

Mentoring is for you if you have a special talent and love helping others. If you can share your wisdom with us or someone else, please do! Help someone out with the kindness of your heart!

I can mentor and give you ideas on writing and how to get a book published for anyone interested. I can also give you ideas on how to homeschool your child. I can also listen and be a shoulder to cry on if you need a friend.

Definition of mentor= "advise or train (someone, especially a younger colleague)."-by Oxford Languages.

Definition of kindness= "the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate."-by Oxford Languages

Books on mentoring and kindness:

1. Spread Your Sunshine With Acts Of Kindness by Cheryl Shyne

2. Kindness Starts With You by Jacquelyn Stagg

3. Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen

4. Kindness Rocks by Sonica Ellis

5. Make the Most of Mentoring by Susan Colantuono

6. Mentoring My Elementary-and Middle-School Students by Todd Feltman

Parents, please ensure books are child-friendly before reading them to your child/children.

Joey says to always help out when possible and be kind to others. There is nothing like the love of a friendship to get you through! 

 

Fruit Facts

🍎 Fruitful Facts

How Nature’s Juicy Treats Keep Us Strong

Fruits aren’t just delicious, they’re powerful! Each colorful bite is packed with vitamins that help us grow, think, and feel our very best. Whether you're munching a mango or savoring a strawberry, you're fueling your body with goodness from nature.

Let’s take a tasty tour through some fruit-powered health facts!

🍌 What Are Vitamins, Anyway?

Vitamins are tiny nutrients found in food that help our bodies work well. They protect us, give us energy, and keep our hearts, brains, and skin happy.

Think of them as little helpers, and fruits are full of them!

🍊 Fruit & Vitamin Match-Ups

Let’s explore how some of your favorite fruits secretly pack superhero nutrients!

Oranges and kiwis are full of Vitamin C, which helps your immune system stay strong and heals little cuts. Bananas bring Vitamin B6, a brain booster that helps keep your nerves relaxed. Blueberries are rich in Vitamin K, supporting healthy blood and strong bones. Sweet strawberries are another source of Vitamin C, protecting your cells and giving your skin a healthy glow. Apples carry a small amount of Vitamin A, which supports your eyesight and your body's defenses. Mangos offer a double dose of Vitamin A and C, making them great for keeping your eyes sharp and fighting off germs. And finally, papayas shine with Vitamin E, which protects your body and helps your skin sparkle.

Fun fact: The deeper the color, the more vitamins a fruit may have!

🍓Let’s Talk Gratitude

Ask your readers:
“What’s your favorite fruit, and how does it help your body?”
Encourage them to make a “Fruit Thanks” list, like:

• “Thank you, banana, for helping my brain feel smart!”
• “I’m grateful for oranges because they help me stay strong when I’m sick.”

✨ Extension Ideas

• Create a fruit rainbow with drawings or real slices, labeling each vitamin
• Design a “Fruit Superhero” with powers from vitamins (like “Captain C” or “Mighty Mango”)
• Make a gratitude smoothie: blend favorite fruits and say thank you for each one!

Here’s a list of fruits in alphabetical order with some of their nutritional information:

• Apple- Fiber, Potassium, Vitamin C, Vitamin K.
• Avocado- Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Vitamin B6.
• Banana- Copper, Manganese, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C.
• Cantaloupe- Calcium, Folic Acid, Iron, Vitamin K.
• Grapes- Copper, Manganese, Thiamine, Vitamin C.
• Oranges- Fiber, Potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C.
• Strawberries- Ellagic Acid, Fiber, Folate, Vitamin C.
• Watermelon- Amino Acids, Beta Carotene, Lutein, Lycopene.

🍍 Fruit Superpower Match-Up Activity

Activity: Meet Your Vitamin Heroes!

Instructions:

1. Draw seven fruits: one orange, a banana, a blueberry, a strawberry, an apple, a mango, and a papaya.
2. Next to each fruit, write:
   • The vitamin it’s famous for
   • The body part or health benefit it helps
   • A fun thank-you message to that fruit!

Example:

• 🍌 Banana → Vitamin B6
  💡 Brain Booster!
  🙏 “Thanks, banana, for helping me think clearly!”

Bonus Challenge:

Create your own “Fruit Superhero” character!
Give them:

• A name (like Captain C or Papaya Protecto)
• Their superpower (the vitamin)
• A catchphrase of gratitude (“I fight germs with fruity power!”)

Books about fruits:

1. Eating the Alphabet: by Lois Ehlert

2. Oliver's Fruit Salad by Vivian French

3. The Fruits We Eat by Gail Gibbons

4. Mrs. Peanuckle's Fruit Alphabet by Mrs. Peanuckle

Hey parents! Make storytime extra special by checking that the books you choose are perfect for your little ones. Happy reading!

 

Facts about Giraffes

Last week, we focused on expressing gratitude for items and experiences beginning with the letter F. Today, we invite you to share something you are thankful for that starts with G. It could be an item, a cherished memory, or a quality you appreciate in others. Contributing your thoughts can create a spirit of appreciation and reflection within our community. We look forward to hearing what you're grateful for!

I feel incredibly grateful for giraffes with their graceful necks and gentle demeanor. They remind me of the beauty of nature. What’s something you’re thankful for that starts with the letter G? Let's share our gratitude!

🦒 Head in the Clouds: Exploring the Wonderful World of Giraffes

With necks that seem to stretch to the sky and spots like a living work of art, giraffes are nature’s skyscrapers, and there's a lot more to them than height alone!

Facts about Axolotl

Facts about Axolotls

The Enigmatic Axolotl: Take a dive into the Mysteries of the Mexican Walking Fish

Have you ever heard of an Axolotl before? They are so incredibly cute!! I want to tell you all about this amazing aquatic amphibian! They are actually aquatic salamanders! They stay looking like babies their entire life. But here's the genuinely fascinating part-they have a unique ability to regrow their lost body parts. Imagine that when they lose a limb, they can regrow it in as little as three weeks. It's a process where nearby cells travel to the injury site, and regeneration starts. Isn't that weird but amazing? We live in a very fascinating world! There is so much we can learn from the world around us!

Axolotls, often called the Mexican Walking Fish, are not fish at all but a type of neotenic salamander. These fascinating creatures have captured the imagination of scientists and animal lovers alike with their unique features and regenerative abilities. Here are some incredible facts about axolotls that showcase why they are one of nature’s most intriguing amphibians:

 

Quick facts about the Axolotl:

Facts about water

Water Facts

Did you know that water, a truly unique substance, exists naturally on Earth in three distinct forms: liquid, solid, and gas? This peculiarity allows water to move around the Earth, a process we call the water cycle. Consider this: the average water molecule spends less than a week in our atmosphere, and a single drop of water contains billions of these molecules. Each water molecule comprises two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, forming the familiar H2O.

The water cycle consists of 7 processes: evaporation, condensation, sublimation, precipitation, transpiration, runoff, and infiltration. 

Why not take a moment to explore each stage of the water cycle? Understanding this natural process can deepen your appreciation for the world around us.

 

Facts about water:

1. Water is about 70% of a human’s body weight.

2. Water regulates the earth’s temperature.

3. Water helps deliver essential nutrients to all the cells inside our body.

4. The human brain is made up of about 75% water.

5. Hot water freezes faster than cold water.

6. Frozen water is about 9% lighter than water, so ice floats when in liquid.

7. Water covers about 70% of the earth’s surface.

8. Humans need to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Water is good for you, so drink plenty of H20 today!!

 

Facts about the Sun

Sun Facts

Did you know that the sun is the closest star to our planet? Yes, our sun is a star!! That is why we can see it so big and bright!!

Here are some facts about the sun:

1.  The sun is a star.

2.  The sun is mainly made up of hydrogen and helium.

3.  The earth orbits around the sun.

4.  The sun is over 92 million miles away from the earth.

5.  Ancient Greeks named the sun Helios.

6.  The sun is more significant than Earth.

7.  Scientists say that the sun is almost a perfect circle.

8.  A little over 1 million earths could fit inside the sun.

9.  You need the sun to sustain life.

10. The sun can improve the immune system, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. The sun has many other benefits. Isn’t our sun amazing?

Share a Sun fact or benefit with our viewers?

 

Friends and Family

Last week, our discussion centered around expressing gratitude for items and experiences that begin with the letter E. This week, we invite you to join us in sharing something for which you are thankful that starts with the letter F. Your contributions will help cultivate a spirit of appreciation and reflection.

I feel incredibly thankful for the wonderful Family and Friends in my life! They bring so much joy and support. What about you? Is there something special you’re grateful for that starts with the letter F?

👯‍♀️ From Giggles to Group Hugs: The Magic of Friends & Family

Whether it's your bestie who shares your snack stash or your cousin who joins every kitchen dance party, friends and family add color, comfort, and connection to our everyday lives. They’re like the sprinkles AND the cake.

Let’s unwrap what makes these relationships so special!

Facts about Lyrebird

🎶 The Lyrebird: Nature’s Master Mimic and Musical Marvel

Deep in the forests of eastern Australia lives a bird so talented that it could be mistaken for a sound engineer. The Lyrebird doesn’t just sing, it mimics. And not just other birds. This feathered virtuoso can imitate the sounds of chainsaws, camera shutters, car alarms, and even human voices.

🪶 What Makes the Lyrebird So Unique?

Facts about Currency Money Cash

Paper money or currency has a long and rich history that can be traced back over 1000 years to its earliest known use in China. On the other hand, the invention of the first coin is often attributed to the Lydians around 600 B.C. This development marked a significant shift in how people conducted transactions and facilitated trade. Fast forward to today, and we see that over 175 different currencies are utilized worldwide, each representing the economic uniqueness of the countries and regions where they are used. The variety of currencies shows how different economies and trade interact globally.

Facts about money(currency):

1. The U.S. Dollar is widely recognized as the primary currency for international trade, investments, and reserve currency. It is used in various countries around the world and is considered the standard currency for global transactions.

2. Credit cards are a widely used financial tool that allows individuals to make purchases or access a line of credit without using cash. The concept of credit cards dates back to the 1950s when the first universal credit card was introduced, changing how people conducted transactions and managed their finances.

3. The British pound, symbolized as £ is considered the world's oldest currency and is still in use. Dating back to the 8th century, it has a rich history and has been in continuous circulation for over a thousand years.

4. There are four primary types of money. Commodity money is based on the value of the material from which it is made, such as gold or silver. On the other hand, Fiat money does not have intrinsic value and is declared legal tender by the government. Fiduciary cash refers to a currency backed by a government or central bank but not convertible into a physical commodity. Lastly, commercial money encompasses non-physical forms like bank deposits and electronic transfers.

5. In ancient Rome, salt was a highly prized commodity widely used for trading goods and services. It held significant economic and cultural importance and played a crucial role in the monetary system of that period.

6. The term "salary" has an interesting etymology. It actually comes from the Latin word "salarium," which was the money paid to Roman soldiers so they could buy salt. The Latin word "sal" means salt; from this, we get the word "salary." So, the connection between "salary" and "salt" goes back to ancient Rome.

Here is a list of some of today’s currencies from around the world:

1. Australian(AUD)

2. British Pound(GBP)

3. Canadian Dollar(CAD)

4. European Euro(EUR)

5. Japanese Yen(JPY)

6. New Zealand Dollar(NZD)

7. South African Rand(ZAR)

8. U.S. Dollar(USD)

Check out this currency converter calculator online: currency calculator

Remember to obtain permission from your parents or caretaker before clicking on the link. 

"Have you ever heard of Numismatics? Share your thoughts in the comments below!"