....We celebrated Columbus Day, as I said we would. I woke the kids to the sounds of opera music and then greeted them dressed in my green velvet dress. Their eyes were wide with wonder...what's going on?? They had special cinnamon pastries for breakfast, and then, right after they asked if I had texted Bailey to tell her about the special day, she showed up dressed in a perfect costume!
We began with a review of the 23rd Psalm, and then we watched a Biography special on Columbus (from A&E). The kids filled out a big poster board full of information about Columbus, and then they did some worksheets (alphabetizing Columbus Day words and mapping his 4 voyages across the Atlantic). We discussed how character traits usually have a good and bad side, like sides on a coin. On the one hand, Columbus had amazing ambition and dedication to his mission (finding a shortcut to Asia), but on the other hand, he was ruthless and cruel in his orchestration of that mission. He began as a celebrated man, but he died in bitterness. It was a fascinating story to study, and I did some online research to supplement the A&E version.
Next, we danced to opera music. The big kids always lament that they miss "dancing time," so on this special day, they got some time to move creatively! And speaking of creativity, the next activity was art: 1) making things out of scented play-doh (another thing the big kids have been requesting to participate in), and 2) painting on the easel. Each child did a wonderful painting--we put them out on the deck to dry. Thankfully, it didn't rain that day!
For our last fun activity, we made cut-out sugar cookies. We had planned to carve pumpkins too, but that got postponed due to time constraints.
Overall, it was a great day to learn more about Columbus than we knew before. It was also a perfect time to do some fun things that we often don't have time for on other days. Finally, I greatly enjoyed keeping the kids "on their toes." I want them to see some of the wonderful benefits of doing school at home, which includes the flexibility to shake things up!
Okay, I posted this today instead of yesterday because I was too tired last night...so I'll end it and start a new one for today.
hey very fun to read your blog! I am glad to know you have one. I'll add you to my blogroll and then I'll know where to find you! I love your title too.
ReplyDeleteUh, yeah, I would like credits for being the Pumpkin Padre and properly supervising the carving of 4 pumpkins without any resultant trips to the emergency room. In the words of Father Guido Sarducci, "It's a Miracle!"
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