As if I didn't need another reason to miss my native New England this time of year, we've just completed a unit on the novel The Witch of Blackbird Pond in conjunction with our history studies of Colonial America.
Fortunately, I get my monthly Yankee (no, not these guys!) fix from the magazine of the same name, which I just discovered has a wonderful website full of recipes, stories and photographs capturing the heart and soul of my beloved birthplace.
Serendipitously, we were wrapping up our unit with a discussion on the Salem Witchcraft Trials and the various theories behind the hysteria, when this month's copy arrived in my mailbox. Wouldn't you know that there was a cover story on the "Colonial Meetinghouses of New England"--exactly like the one in TWOBP and the site for the infamous trials. If you share my interest in colonial New England--or are studying this time period for school--be sure to check out the story here.
Showing posts with label School of Ark. Show all posts
Showing posts with label School of Ark. Show all posts
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Early Explorers
Our past week has been a whirl wind of explorers of early America. Beginning with St. Brendan, the Vikings (what exactly was so great about mead, people?) and following through Christopher Columbus to the early colonial settlements.
It's one of those occasions where I find myself pining for the, relatively-speaking, ancient history of my New England youth. I tried and tried to find a wonderful colonial village in the Chicago metro area but to no avail. There were people here at that time, don't let me mislead you, but they were not the colonial people with whom I associate the 17th and early 18th century. (Oh to live within driving distance of the Plimoth Plantation again!) I am, however, trying to embrace my mid-western history and discovered an interesting little game on the early exploration of Illinois. It's brief, but worth a look.
Plus, now I have even more reason to extend my stay on the East coast next summer....Field trips!
It's one of those occasions where I find myself pining for the, relatively-speaking, ancient history of my New England youth. I tried and tried to find a wonderful colonial village in the Chicago metro area but to no avail. There were people here at that time, don't let me mislead you, but they were not the colonial people with whom I associate the 17th and early 18th century. (Oh to live within driving distance of the Plimoth Plantation again!) I am, however, trying to embrace my mid-western history and discovered an interesting little game on the early exploration of Illinois. It's brief, but worth a look.
Plus, now I have even more reason to extend my stay on the East coast next summer....Field trips!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Reason Number 2
The other day I was feeling overwhelmed. Too many appointments, too many commitments. More than enough of everything to go around--except me. How could I possibly meet all those needs for all those people? I hadn't a clue, but I knew Someone who did so I asked for help. And as is always God's way, a simple request is often met with joyful abundance.
Extraneous commitments were dropped. A few appointments were rescheduled. Priorities were rearranged and the tide began its easy ebb out to sea. Sighs of relief were breathed. Most of all by a grateful me.
But, God wasn't finished yet.
In my inbox came an email--a totally random, out-of-the-blue email. With the subject line: The 10 Most Important Things You Need to Know About Homeschooling and a suggestion to "check out #2". So, I clicked through and found The 10 Most...article and had to smile as I read number two:
"2. You are qualified to homeschool your children if you love to read to them, love to spend time with them, love to explore the world with them, love to see them learn new things and, most importantly, love them. Again, don’t doubt your ability! "
One more wink from God, I'd say.
And, just in case you're interested, the rest of the Top 10 Reasons can be found here.
Extraneous commitments were dropped. A few appointments were rescheduled. Priorities were rearranged and the tide began its easy ebb out to sea. Sighs of relief were breathed. Most of all by a grateful me.
But, God wasn't finished yet.
In my inbox came an email--a totally random, out-of-the-blue email. With the subject line: The 10 Most Important Things You Need to Know About Homeschooling and a suggestion to "check out #2". So, I clicked through and found The 10 Most...article and had to smile as I read number two:
"2. You are qualified to homeschool your children if you love to read to them, love to spend time with them, love to explore the world with them, love to see them learn new things and, most importantly, love them. Again, don’t doubt your ability! "
One more wink from God, I'd say.
And, just in case you're interested, the rest of the Top 10 Reasons can be found here.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Drive Thru History
As a part of our American History studies this year, we are entrenched this week in the study of the explorers of Early America. On a whim, I picked up a copy of Drive Thru History: Episodes 1-3 from our local library (my favorite place to shop).
I couldn't have been more surprised (or pleased!) when I arrived home and noticed the Focus on the Family stamp on the back of the DVD case. We settled in at the end of our school day to view the first episode, which covered Christopher Columbus, the Khan-Polo Connection, Florence and Amerigo Vespucci.
It was even better than I had hoped.
Not only was the content thorough and well-presented, but the series manages to weave the importance of Christian figures throughout. What a pleasant surprise!
Sure, everyone recognizes the names of the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. But do you know what motivated Columbus to choose the name Santa Maria for one of his vessels?
And, if I remember my own school days correctly, our great land derives its name from the explorer Vespucci. But do you know where he got his name?
The people at Coldwater Media are on to something good. Take a look and see.
From Episode 1-The Discovery:
From Episode 2-The Pilgrims
From Episode 3-Boston and the Revolution
Additional trailers and discussion guides are available at the Drive Thru History site.
I couldn't have been more surprised (or pleased!) when I arrived home and noticed the Focus on the Family stamp on the back of the DVD case. We settled in at the end of our school day to view the first episode, which covered Christopher Columbus, the Khan-Polo Connection, Florence and Amerigo Vespucci.
It was even better than I had hoped.
Not only was the content thorough and well-presented, but the series manages to weave the importance of Christian figures throughout. What a pleasant surprise!
Sure, everyone recognizes the names of the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. But do you know what motivated Columbus to choose the name Santa Maria for one of his vessels?
And, if I remember my own school days correctly, our great land derives its name from the explorer Vespucci. But do you know where he got his name?
The people at Coldwater Media are on to something good. Take a look and see.
From Episode 1-The Discovery:
DTH :: Episode 1 INTRO from ColdWater Media on Vimeo.
From Episode 2-The Pilgrims
DTHUS :: Episode 2 INTRO from ColdWater Media on Vimeo.
From Episode 3-Boston and the Revolution
DTHUS :: Episode 3 INTRO from ColdWater Media on Vimeo.
Additional trailers and discussion guides are available at the Drive Thru History site.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Five In A Row
Do you use the Five in A Row series in your homeschool?
We haven't actually used this series ourselves, but the books present a novel (no pun intended) literature-based curriculum that can be used with children who are simply pre-3Rs. I do, however, love their book list and refer to it regularly when planning my studies--even for a story time which includes my older children.
No one--and I mean no one--is ever too old for a good book.
But I digress.
There are a few families in our midst who are anxious to begin homeschooling their little ones. Many of them want advice. As it just so happens, the authors of the Five in A Row series have summed up nicely my thoughts on educating preschool children (and this absolutely applies whether your preschooler will be educated at home or in a traditional classroom setting.) Head on over and read this or one of their other interesting articles. Trust me, your preschooler will thank you.
We haven't actually used this series ourselves, but the books present a novel (no pun intended) literature-based curriculum that can be used with children who are simply pre-3Rs. I do, however, love their book list and refer to it regularly when planning my studies--even for a story time which includes my older children.
No one--and I mean no one--is ever too old for a good book.
But I digress.
There are a few families in our midst who are anxious to begin homeschooling their little ones. Many of them want advice. As it just so happens, the authors of the Five in A Row series have summed up nicely my thoughts on educating preschool children (and this absolutely applies whether your preschooler will be educated at home or in a traditional classroom setting.) Head on over and read this or one of their other interesting articles. Trust me, your preschooler will thank you.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Do Your Homework!
This is one of those "Do as I say, not as I do" parenting/homeschooling/teachable moments. No one will be any more disturbed than I (okay, maybe The Captain) when they find out about our lovely little educational science project gone awry.
It appears that the breed of tadpole contained in the kit we purchased is that of the African Bullfrog persuasion.
And it also appears that some of these little fellers can grow pretty big.
Don't any one of you remind me that I ordered said kit of my own free will.
Please.
I will have enough explaining to do (not to mention worms to dig) should our frog grow to its maximum size.
It appears that the breed of tadpole contained in the kit we purchased is that of the African Bullfrog persuasion.
And it also appears that some of these little fellers can grow pretty big.
Don't any one of you remind me that I ordered said kit of my own free will.
Please.
I will have enough explaining to do (not to mention worms to dig) should our frog grow to its maximum size.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Celebrating Snow!
I did promise more details on the "Snow Day" planned for the end of our Catholic Schools Week celebration, so here it goes...
There is nothing more fun than playing in the snow on a snow day! Unless...the temperature is hovering in the single digits and outside your door the prairie winds are making it feel even colder! This fun and educational (shhh...don't tell the kids!) day was great because it combined all things snow with the cozy warmth of indoors!
All of my girls (okay, maybe with the exception of Baby Girl) love to decorate. So, before the festivities began, I gave them free rein with winter colored (dark and light blues, lavender, white and silver) streamers, tablecloths and table glitter. They did a fantastic job setting the scene.
As our guests arrived, we sent a group of adventurers outside to collect a container (labeled in ounces) full of fresh snow.
How much water is in 32 ounces of snow?
Once inside, everyone put their science caps on to try and guess how much water would result when all the snow had melted. Can you guess? It surprised us all. (I'll put the answer at the bottom after you've had a chance to think.)
We created a funny Mad-Libesque "Snow Day " story found in the December/January 2009 Intermediate issue of Mailbox magazine (You can buy these to start your own collection, but your local library probably carries them for free!)
Then, on to the motor skills portion of our program. A few simple (and I do mean SIMPLE) games were planned. The first was the Mitten Relay. Teams were picked and equally divided (not all of the preschoolers on the same team) and two piles of snow gear were set across the room. Racing against the clock, each team member had to get fully dressed in the winter wear and then take all their equipment off and pass it to the next person in line. Such fun!
Naomi and Candace wanted to go first. Not that they're competitive or anything. They get that from their father. Ahem.
There is nothing more fun than playing in the snow on a snow day! Unless...the temperature is hovering in the single digits and outside your door the prairie winds are making it feel even colder! This fun and educational (shhh...don't tell the kids!) day was great because it combined all things snow with the cozy warmth of indoors!
All of my girls (okay, maybe with the exception of Baby Girl) love to decorate. So, before the festivities began, I gave them free rein with winter colored (dark and light blues, lavender, white and silver) streamers, tablecloths and table glitter. They did a fantastic job setting the scene.
As our guests arrived, we sent a group of adventurers outside to collect a container (labeled in ounces) full of fresh snow.
How much water is in 32 ounces of snow?
Once inside, everyone put their science caps on to try and guess how much water would result when all the snow had melted. Can you guess? It surprised us all. (I'll put the answer at the bottom after you've had a chance to think.)
We created a funny Mad-Libesque "Snow Day " story found in the December/January 2009 Intermediate issue of Mailbox magazine (You can buy these to start your own collection, but your local library probably carries them for free!)
Then, on to the motor skills portion of our program. A few simple (and I do mean SIMPLE) games were planned. The first was the Mitten Relay. Teams were picked and equally divided (not all of the preschoolers on the same team) and two piles of snow gear were set across the room. Racing against the clock, each team member had to get fully dressed in the winter wear and then take all their equipment off and pass it to the next person in line. Such fun!
Naomi and Candace wanted to go first. Not that they're competitive or anything. They get that from their father. Ahem.
Then the big girls had a go of it. Although my Ethiopian born daughter has become well-versed in all things snow, the jury's still out as far as Mr. T is concerned.
Mr. T--and I'd venture to say all the other boys--were much more interested in the next two games: Snowball Throw and Snowball Toss. Rather than unleash a torrent of snowballs flying around the Ark (at least not at my coaxing), we purchased styrofoam balls in a variety of sizes to use as *fauxballs*. A simple line of masking tape on the floor and a similar "X" several paces away marked the first target. The object was to land your fauxball directly on the "X". Not as simple as it seemed, and several children cried foul claiming my floor was slanted.
The Snowball Toss was basically the same game (my creative juices had ceased flowing at this point) except that you had to aim through a hula hoop and then land on the "X".
After all of our playing, it was definitely time for a fun, winter inspired meal! The girls helped create a menu a few days ahead of time. We decided to serve tacos where each child created their own "snowflake" tortilla (unsweetened) and "snowmen on a stick".
The Snowball Toss was basically the same game (my creative juices had ceased flowing at this point) except that you had to aim through a hula hoop and then land on the "X".
Mr. T was quite certain he had died and gone to heaven. He was full of his standard sucking up.
After all of our playing, it was definitely time for a fun, winter inspired meal! The girls helped create a menu a few days ahead of time. We decided to serve tacos where each child created their own "snowflake" tortilla (unsweetened) and "snowmen on a stick".
Snowmen and fruit. Who knew?
And finally, for dessert, the girls found a super-cute Snowman Cupcake recipe. I should have better gauged the difficulty level based on the video tutorial accompanying the recipe.
And finally, for dessert, the girls found a super-cute Snowman Cupcake recipe. I should have better gauged the difficulty level based on the video tutorial accompanying the recipe.
After a valiant try, we decided that this Snowman family would be complete with six members. As for the rest of their family, I am sad to say, they met with milder weather and an untimely demise.
During the apres-party, we finished up with a reading activity using the book White, Wonderful Winter. After reading the book, we brainstormed verbs that might describe winter activities and put them into a poem template. We also crafted a few paper snowflakes out of blue construction paper and after applying a glue-wash, added texture to them with table salt. All of our work graced the "display" area (a convenient wall on the side of the fridge) for several weeks to come.
As for the snow melting? Only 8 oz. of water remained after the snow (with a little help from modern technology) melted. Taking it a step further, we placed the water in an open container and left it on the counter with a sheet for the family to guess how long it would take to evaporate. Mr. T guessed 3 minutes while Candace assumed 100 days. I can tell you it was somewhere in between.
Anyone have a guess how long it took 8 ounces of water to evaporate on the Ark?
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Are You Celebrating?
In betwixt and between doctor visits this week, we are planning quite a celebration (an even bigger one if Baby Girl continues to feel better...and we have some answers!)
This week, in our little homeschool (and at The Boy's parish day school) we are celebrating Catholic Schools Week.
We've arranged for quite an agenda, mimicking the typical Catholic day school's week of events.
Monday is Student Appreciation Day.
We've declared it Pajama Day (everyone--including Mom--will be learning in cozy pajamas and fuzzy slippers!) We'll also do our shared reading/buddy reading time alongside a special Breakfast Buffet prepared (and yes, opening the box = preparing) by Mom.
Tuesday is Teacher Switch Day.
Our students are turning the tables on us today and the teachers will become the students! Hannah and Beulah along with two other good homeschooling buddies will each be presenting a brief lesson to the "class". Rumor has it that we'll be making windsocks and playing UNO in Spanish. So much fun when you get to decide what to learn!
Wednesday is Service Appreciation Day.
Wednesday is our lightest day of school all week. Most of our extracurricular activities are scheduled this day as is our parish's all school Mass. Hopefully, Baby Girl will be feeling up to the morning Mass and we'll be joining a surprise guest for a special treat afterwards. We'll also be dedicating a particular portion of our afternoon to brush up on the Works of Mercy and decide how we'll be putting them into action this coming Lent (which now officially begins in a month!).
Thursday is Teacher Appreciation Day.
We have a special just-for-fun outing planning late morning this day with another homeschool family. We'll also be thanking all of those teachers who go above and beyond to inspire us, to teach us and to nurture our growing souls. (N. B.--If you live on the Ark and are reading this message, this would be the appropriate day to, you know, appreciate a certain teacher who shall remain nameless, but who would be oh so blessed by your thoughtfulness. Ahem.)
Friday is School Spirit Day.
We thought about calling a snow day--just for the fun of it--but decided it would be more fun to throw a SnowFest Day! Look for more to come about this exciting day we have planned!
Hope you have a wonderful week!
This week, in our little homeschool (and at The Boy's parish day school) we are celebrating Catholic Schools Week.
We've arranged for quite an agenda, mimicking the typical Catholic day school's week of events.
Monday is Student Appreciation Day.
We've declared it Pajama Day (everyone--including Mom--will be learning in cozy pajamas and fuzzy slippers!) We'll also do our shared reading/buddy reading time alongside a special Breakfast Buffet prepared (and yes, opening the box = preparing) by Mom.
Tuesday is Teacher Switch Day.
Our students are turning the tables on us today and the teachers will become the students! Hannah and Beulah along with two other good homeschooling buddies will each be presenting a brief lesson to the "class". Rumor has it that we'll be making windsocks and playing UNO in Spanish. So much fun when you get to decide what to learn!
Wednesday is Service Appreciation Day.
Wednesday is our lightest day of school all week. Most of our extracurricular activities are scheduled this day as is our parish's all school Mass. Hopefully, Baby Girl will be feeling up to the morning Mass and we'll be joining a surprise guest for a special treat afterwards. We'll also be dedicating a particular portion of our afternoon to brush up on the Works of Mercy and decide how we'll be putting them into action this coming Lent (which now officially begins in a month!).
Thursday is Teacher Appreciation Day.
We have a special just-for-fun outing planning late morning this day with another homeschool family. We'll also be thanking all of those teachers who go above and beyond to inspire us, to teach us and to nurture our growing souls. (N. B.--If you live on the Ark and are reading this message, this would be the appropriate day to, you know, appreciate a certain teacher who shall remain nameless, but who would be oh so blessed by your thoughtfulness. Ahem.)
Friday is School Spirit Day.
We thought about calling a snow day--just for the fun of it--but decided it would be more fun to throw a SnowFest Day! Look for more to come about this exciting day we have planned!
Hope you have a wonderful week!
Monday, January 19, 2009
A Theatrical Look At Teaching Multi-Age Learners
(Subtitled: Wow, Jonesee! This was too good to be left in the comments!)
I am not certain if I have ever even heard of this movie. But I'll be clicking right over to Netflix to add it to my queue.
Although not a movie specifically about home education, this documentary style film tells the story of a teacher in a small French village educating 13 students, ages 4 to 12.
Certainly sounds like several homeschool families I know...
You can read the full summary of To Be and To Have here.
I am not certain if I have ever even heard of this movie. But I'll be clicking right over to Netflix to add it to my queue.
Although not a movie specifically about home education, this documentary style film tells the story of a teacher in a small French village educating 13 students, ages 4 to 12.
Certainly sounds like several homeschool families I know...
You can read the full summary of To Be and To Have here.
Homeschooling Kindergarten--A Follow-Up Question
I have really appreciated the comments about homeschooling in Kindergarten. If you haven't had a chance to add your two cents, please visit this post and let me hear about your Kindergarten ideas.
Ouiz asked a great question about homeschooling several, multi-age children. Unfortunately, I am not well-equipped to answer it, as my only two homeschoolers this year are a pair of fourth graders. Next year, I'll add to that pair, a pair of Kindergarteners, which will double my enrollment, but still leave me to only teach two grade levels.
So, how do you do it? How do you balance the needs (academic as well as physical and emotional) of many levels of learners?
What kind of schedules/routines work? Which ones don't? I'd love to hear! And I'll be thinking about the things we do here on the Ark to help make our school day run (somewhat!) smoothly.
Ouiz asked a great question about homeschooling several, multi-age children. Unfortunately, I am not well-equipped to answer it, as my only two homeschoolers this year are a pair of fourth graders. Next year, I'll add to that pair, a pair of Kindergarteners, which will double my enrollment, but still leave me to only teach two grade levels.
So, how do you do it? How do you balance the needs (academic as well as physical and emotional) of many levels of learners?
What kind of schedules/routines work? Which ones don't? I'd love to hear! And I'll be thinking about the things we do here on the Ark to help make our school day run (somewhat!) smoothly.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Thanksgiving Prayer Service
We'll be wrapping up school for Thanksgiving on Wednesday. But before we do, we'll be sharing a lovely Thanksgiving Prayer Service with a few other homeschool families tomorrow morning. We'll be making Michelle's Blessing Mix, eating a nutritious, contemporary (and most importantly kid-friendly!) lunch and most importantly, gathering together to give thanks and praise to our God for the many blessings He has given each one of us! Below is a copy of the prayer service we'll be using:
We'll be wrapping up school for Thanksgiving on Wednesday. But before we do, we'll be sharing a lovely Thanksgiving Prayer Service with a few other homeschool families tomorrow morning. We'll be making Michelle's Blessing Mix, eating a nutritious, contemporary (and most importantly kid-friendly!) lunch and most importantly, gathering together to give thanks and praise to our God for the many blessings He has given each one of us! Below is a copy of the prayer service we'll be using:
Thanksgiving Prayer Service
Entrance Song: Come Now is The Time to Worship
Opening Prayer: Jesus, our brother, you sat down to talk and to eat with your friends. You always reminded them to give thanks for their blessings. Today, we want to say thank you today for the many blessings you have given each one of us. Amen.
First Reading
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through Him.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Second Reading
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God.
Reflection Song: You Are Good
Thanksgiving Reflection:
Think about…
- things which are blessings in your life
- people who have helped you
- a time when a difficult situation turned into a blessing
Which of these times is it easiest to thank God? What does God’s word tell us about giving thanks to Him? When should we thank God? What will help us?
Present Gifts of Thanks (we'll be creating our own "Thankful Tree" which will be displayed after the prayer service during lunch)
Prayers of the Faithful (response-Lord, Hear Our Prayer)
Closing Song: Forever
Thursday, November 13, 2008
St. Frances Cabrini
Wednesday afternoons are Liturgical Tea days on board the Ark. If you're ever passing through Chicago on a Wednesday, you should definitely stop by for a little "tea and." We have celebrated many different feasts on these Wednesdays this year, but by far, my most favorite celebrations are of the saints. I think the arklings would agree, too.
Yesterday, we celebrated (a day early--because we just couldn't restrict ourselves to Wednesday-only feast days) St. Frances Cabrini. We were blessed to have two dear homeschool friends join us for the afternoon where we first did a lesson on homophones. A perfect lesson, I must say, as it culminated in the creation of a deliciously edible homophone--chocolate mousse--so simple it was made entirely by the children. And while it chilled for an hour in the fridge, we switched gears and learned about St. Frances Cabrini.
Her missionary spirit, born of her early childhood longings, captivated the children. Not to mention, the influence she exerted in the Chicago area was visible to them in buildings, schools and the order she founded. I used a wonderful lesson applicable to all elementary ages (and perhaps even junior high) found here.
As we sat at the table enjoying our mousse, Barbara's homemade biscotti (which are so much easier to make than I ever imagined!) and hot chocolate, tiny paper boats depicting the traveling missionaries adorned the centerpieces. And after listening to the children (even Naomi) describe to the Captain what we did at school, I think we might have actually learned something, too!
Wednesday afternoons are Liturgical Tea days on board the Ark. If you're ever passing through Chicago on a Wednesday, you should definitely stop by for a little "tea and." We have celebrated many different feasts on these Wednesdays this year, but by far, my most favorite celebrations are of the saints. I think the arklings would agree, too.
Yesterday, we celebrated (a day early--because we just couldn't restrict ourselves to Wednesday-only feast days) St. Frances Cabrini. We were blessed to have two dear homeschool friends join us for the afternoon where we first did a lesson on homophones. A perfect lesson, I must say, as it culminated in the creation of a deliciously edible homophone--chocolate mousse--so simple it was made entirely by the children. And while it chilled for an hour in the fridge, we switched gears and learned about St. Frances Cabrini.
Her missionary spirit, born of her early childhood longings, captivated the children. Not to mention, the influence she exerted in the Chicago area was visible to them in buildings, schools and the order she founded. I used a wonderful lesson applicable to all elementary ages (and perhaps even junior high) found here.
As we sat at the table enjoying our mousse, Barbara's homemade biscotti (which are so much easier to make than I ever imagined!) and hot chocolate, tiny paper boats depicting the traveling missionaries adorned the centerpieces. And after listening to the children (even Naomi) describe to the Captain what we did at school, I think we might have actually learned something, too!
Thursday, November 06, 2008
What Kind of Fish Are You?
The girls are finishing up a unit on ecosystems. As a final part of their studies, I asked them to write a friendly letter requesting information from an organization who supports stewardship of the environment. We found this clever little fish game at the World Wildlife Federation. Enjoy!
I'm Fish finatic and
I'm a Bluefin Tuna.
The girls are finishing up a unit on ecosystems. As a final part of their studies, I asked them to write a friendly letter requesting information from an organization who supports stewardship of the environment. We found this clever little fish game at the World Wildlife Federation. Enjoy!
I'm Fish finatic and
I'm a Bluefin Tuna.
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