March 03, 2011

History is fun!

We are doing Roman history this year in school. Matthew is in 7th grade and studies under his dad's capable hand. I work with the girls on 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades.

Matthew is a reader, he reads something, it makes sense to him, he integrates it into his vast knowledge bank and that is that. When I did 3rd grade Roman history with Matthew he would glance at the craft offerings that accompanied the lesson and say 'Mom, we don't have to do that, do we?' I quit offering, relieved that I didn't have to get all the supplies out and end up doing it all myself!

My 2 older girls on the other hand are not really into words. They need visuals and hands on learning. They fidget when I read to them, they can hear my words over and over 'Republic.... Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon.... Empire... expansion.... Augustus.... blab blab blab.... but it is just not sinking in.

Fortunately, I have a book that saves history from doom - Classical Kids: An Activity Guide to Life in Ancient Greece and Rome.

The way I can get them to sit and listen to the historical facts is by the promise of a related craft. We have done many from this book. (I really should be photographing this stuff more. But my days are so FILLED with crafts and creativity it has almost become ho hum. Will do better.)

So here is my 1st/2nd grader Laura as the Roman girl in her stolla (p. 104) with her beaded bracelet (p. 110). I liked this craft because it involved more than just cardboard and paper!

Oh, last night at I was giving Lily her cuddle she actually said 'history is fun'! I am telling you that is big Cole news!!


(that is paint on her hand and arm!!! left over from some other, unsupervised creative activity)
Mum, you need to come to visit.... the girls have forgotten how to brush their hair ;) we need you!

8 comments:

  1. We homeschooled our kids in the "dark ages." It is fun to read your post and have many lovely memories come to mind ~ except for teaching Math. :) We loved literature and history.

    Good job, mom/teacher!

    Fondly,
    Glenda

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  2. Love the bracelet idea...Laura did a fantastic job with it!

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  3. oh how fun this was for me, as I understand homeschooling woes!

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  4. You reminded me of the time we were studying the ocean and the girls and I built, painted and stuffed a 10' long paper whale. We hung it from the ceiling between the living and dining rooms. Visitors thought we were nuts but it was such fun! I wish I had taken pictures. Thanks for sharing your homeschooling activities with us!

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  5. It's great how you can make history come to life.

    congratulations! I am bestowing on you the Awesome blog award.
    You can read about it here -
    http://planettreasures.blogspot.com/
    cheers,
    Tess

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  6. Anonymous8:39 AM

    You are making history fun.
    You make me wish I still had someone at home to teach (learn with.)

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  7. "History is fun"!!!! high Five to that. Great job.
    Cheers, jj

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  8. Shona, I love this post! This is what home schooling is all about. When our kids can act and dress up with history..it really comes alive! So inspiring. Sigh..a page from my past. :o)

    xo
    Donna

    PS. I LOVE what you are doing on your blog here! :O)IT's REALLY good!

    ReplyDelete

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