The adjective eclectic is one of my favorite words in the English language. Dictionary.com (one of my favorite websites) defines eclectic as “not following any one system…but selecting and using what are considered the best elements of all systems.”

Eclectic describes so much in my life—from my choice of homeschooling curriculum to the furniture in my living room.

Eclectic also describes this list of links. Consequently, if you’re looking for theme, you’ll find none. The following list is simply an eclectic assortment of some fantasic websites. But theme or no theme, I hope you’ll take the time to check them out.

• Looking to buy a book online? Want the best price? Make sure you search on AddAll.com first. AddAll quickly and conveniently searches the new and used inventory of a large number of online bookstores. AddAll then returns an easy-to-read list with prices (from low to high), shipping time, and total cost including shipping. It’s an excellent way to find the best deal on the web for books.
• TheMint.org is a well-organized website with tons of easy-to-understand information about everything money-related. TheMint.org was designed to help teach 6-12 graders how to manage money wisely. (Thanks for the link, Sonshine!)
• Speaking of eclectic, Make and Takes is an eclectic mix of craft ideas, kids crafts, recipes, and so much more. This site might also be a great source of inspiration for this month’s Face Time with the Kids challenge.
• Too hot to cook in the oven? How about using your crock pot? If you’re short on recipes, you’ll find lots of inspiration here at Crockpot 365, an interesting and entertaining blog run by a woman resolved to use her crockpot every day in 2008.
• Since we’re approaching election day, how about a Free pdf from the Smithsonian Institution entitled “Winning the Vote: How Americans Elect Their President.” This pdf includes lesson plans and activity pages. Here’s the Smithsonian’s description:

The purpose of the lessons in this issue is to introduce students to the office of the presidency and the informal process of electing the president. Related objects from Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History are featured, along with activities that encourage students to consider the powers of the presidency and the informal methods that have evolved to select candidates for America’s highest office.

Students learn about the powers of the president as set forth by the Constitution, read an electoral map, identify the role of political parties, and understand the role of the Electoral College. The lessons are supplemented by activity sheets that can be photocopied for students.

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