Classic Literature

When we started planning this year, I had some concerns as to what classic literature would fit our school year. Classic literature that is appropriate for upper elementary aged children. Well, God always answers prayers! During the American Revolution, families would read the bible, Gulliver’s Travels, and Robinson Crusoe! Happy Mommy =) We read the bible every day, so we decided to read Gulliver’s Travels first! I do not enjoy reading out loud for numerous reasons, so I get very happy when I find audiobooks at Librivox, which means free voice in Latin!

Which brings me to today. We just listened to the chapter where Gulliver has to convince the Ruler of the little people to let him go. So, how do the children get free from Benjamin's chain? By writing Benjamin the Ruler, a letter convincing him to let them free. I will provide their daily rations, lunch, when they are let go =)

Pocahontas and Massasoit

Our first topic in our first component teaches about the Lost colony of Roanoke and Jamestown.  So, of course, we got to meet Pocahontas!

We enjoyed making long houses…

Turning cartwheels….

and eating strange foods =) I looked up the wrong Indian Tribe, so our foods were all from the Pilgrim time period and region =) We liked the Boiled Bread!

The second topic is about the Pilgrims, so last weeks food completely fits! We took the food and headed to the great outdoors!

We headed for a waterfall to read about the Pilgrims. The plan was to find a rock and talk about stepping on the rock. Did you know that is a myth?! There is a rock that is set aside as Plymouth Rock, but we did that. Not the pilgrims =( So, I was a little sad because I wanted to study more about rock formations =( Oh well, we can still learn =)

Benjamin decided he wanted to study acorns. Now we need to look up New England acorns =)

Opening Day

School has officially begun! Last Monday, we officially started the Sky Mountain days. We did so by having a better routine, some independent work, decorating our classroom a bit more, etc. Then, on Friday, we had our school group opening day….

 

Meeting at the Liberty Tree.

Captain Moroni coming in…

On the Freedom Trail learning about Noble Patriots and gathering goodies…

With Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty…

The school group with Captain Moroni…

All dressed and ready for the learning of colonial life (i.e. where the privy is)…

Playing colonial games…

In battle….

Meeting Patrick Henry.

 

Wow, what a perfect, busy day! Here’s to a wonderful school year!

Back to School Sewing

I have never enjoyed shopping. Even when I had all the money in the world to shop with. So, you can imagine the excitement each year when everyone has to go ‘Back to School’ shopping and I realize that I DON’T HAVE TO! YEA!!!! However, I do have to go sewing =)

Well, the children are old enough now that they too have to go ‘Back to School Sewing.’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So far this year, we have sewn: Class ‘B’ uniforms (stay at home pajama pants with a neat American flag t-shirt), Class ‘A’ uniforms (colonial outfits with haversacks), and school bags for when we are car-schooling instead of home-schooling =)

We still need to finish Bekah’s dress and accessories. It takes a lot longer when an 8 year old is doing the sewing =) Oh, and make money bags for their wampum.

FYI, we do have class ‘C’ uniforms…. jeans and our school t-shirt! I can’t wait to see those next week at opening day =)

Wampum

Today we learned about all the types of monies the colonists used and the problems that came along with it. then we decided which money system to use in our home this year. They want to be be able to buy Wii, computer time, and movie =) I thought specie would win, but I was wrong. Isaac really wanted paper money, but I told him it wasn’t ‘worth a continental,’ and if he wanted it, he had to design it and I would copy it =) The settled with wampum. Our wampum. however, will come in a variety of forms. Rocks, shells, beads, and whatever they can make with sculpey!

         

American Revolution

This year we will Defending the Title of Liberty as we learn about the founding of our great country. I don’t always feel it is great. I get discouraged. But it is great. We are so blessed to live here!

But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people. Leviticus 20:24

Our was founded on miracles. I have read the book Seven Miracles that Saved America. I have been inspired to love our country because of it!. Our country should not be here! Without God’s Hand in our country, the restoration of the gospel would not have been able to happen. For that reason, I love my country!

Happy Homeschool Day

Well, it is happy in our home =)

Bows after a performance of Jesus cleansing the Temple!

      

Science… making homemade laundry and dishwashing detergent.

     

Our bamboo in honor of Hokusai.