Expedition Earth: China

Ni Hao!  We have had a wonderful time over the last two weeks studying China!  I am so thankful to have found this curriculum packed full of hands on learning activities so that BOTH of my kids can learn at the same time. 

We started off our week “flying” to China.  They each have their own passports which we stamped with the Chinese flag and dated our entry (sorry, no pictures).

Here are a few of the things that we did while we were “in” China:

-read LOTS of books about China, looked at pictures, discussed similarities and differences

-learned how to say “hello” in Mandarin Chinese.  They also practiced painting the symbol for hello.



-We used Google Translate to listen to our names and many common words in Mandarin Chinese. 

- They learned to count to 10 in Chinese using this fun YouTube video.

-They made some fun paper lanterns.



- We watched several YouTube videos and read about The Great Wall of China.  Then, they built their own little version out of sugar cubes!  It may not look like much, but it sure was a lot of work!  It also gave us a lot of time to talk about what it must have been like to build the real wall without all of the modern machines we have today.



- We studied animals of China.  Alexis did some copywork about the different animals and them classified them according to their kind.  Then, we took a few days to study Pandas.  After we studied them, they made Panda masks and watched “Kung Fu Panda.”




- We read “Look What Came from China” and talked about the many things that we use today that were invented in China.  One of the many things we read about was paper.  So, we made our own paper!  We used paper from our shredder, which happened to have some green construction paper in it.  Therefore, we ended up with green paper!




- They used their paper to practice writing their numbers in Chinese.



(notice Schuyler in the background, trying to get his hands on the Expedition Earth binder!)

- We played with Tangrams, an ancient Chinese puzzle.  Alexis really enjoyed doing these and was very good at them!



-They made their own dragon puppets and watched Mulan.

- Read “The Story about Ping” by Marjorie Flack.  Then we watched a YouTube video about Comorant fishing.

- Learned to identify China on the map.  Alexis also completed a mapping activity and learned major landmarks.

- We learned about children in China with the book “Children Just like Me.”

-We are compiling all of their work in their Expedition Earth binder.





- We culminated our study of China by celebrating with the family.  We made a Chinese meal (fried rice, oriental salad, and egg drop soup). We added fortune cookies, even though we know they did not originate in China.  During our meal, we made sure not to eat until the eldest person took the first bite.  The eldest person was also to face the door.  Also, no knives or forks were allowed at the table (those are considered weapons).





                     (eating with chopsticks was not so easy!)

My little cuties dressed the part….



The kids also helped me to come up with things to pray about for China. We wrote these on a prayer card (we will add a card for each country we study)  Will you join us in praying for China? You can pray…

1. Although Bibles are being printed in China, not everyone who wants a Bible has access to one.  Pray that everyone can have a Bible.
2.  Pandas are facing extinction.  Pray that these beautiful animals that God created will be protected so that future generations can enjoy them.
3.  To limit population growth, China has a one-child policy which is leading to forced abortions and many children in orphanages.  Pray that these children will be happy, healthy and find good homes where they will learn about the love Jesus has for them.
4.  Pray for the government of China.  Pray that the leaders humble themselves and recognize Jesus as Lord.

Next stop….South Korea!

Traveling the World–Introduction to Geography

Over the last two weeks, we began our two year study of the world!  We had a great first two weeks of introduction to geography. The main resources that we are using are Expedition Earth from Confessions of a Homeschooler.  This is loaded with hands-on projects, printables, and more!  We are also using Galloping the Globe.  

Alexis and Josiah are both excited to learn about many different countries.  I issued them their very own passports that will be stamped with the flags of the countries as we “travel” to them. 

Here are a few things that I managed to capture this week.

They had LOADS of fun making a paper-mache globe! 




The learned the names and locations of the seven continents and five oceans by singing them to the tune of “Oh My Darling.” 

We began the week by talking about the Creation of the world.  They worked on pages for their Earth lapbook, which I do not have pictures of.

Books we read included: Me on the Map, Follow that Map, and How to make an Apple Pie and See the World.

After reading, Me on the Map, they found their own “place on the map.”  Thanks to TeachMama for the printables!  They worked together on this projects.  Josiah did most of the cutting, and Alexis did the writing.  This activity helped Alexis with learning the difference between continents, countries, towns, and states.  A lot of this was still over Josiah’s head, but he is still picking up things and learning.  Our layers include: My Planet, My Continent, My Country, My State, My City, My Street, and My Home.




Josiah really enjoyed the mapping books!  He has always loved to play with maps and always asks questions related to directions. Whenever we are in the car, he wants to hold a map or the gps.   From a very young age, he could tell when we were headed in a wrong direction.  Now, he says things like, “Why are we headed West?”  

With our studies, I plan to use as many Five in a Row books as I can.  This week, we used “How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World.”  There were so many things to do with this book that we could have spent a few more weeks with it!  They both enjoyed this story very much! I found many ideas on Homeschool Share.

We used printables from Homeschool Share to create a scene from the book.  They love whenever I bring out a big roll of paper.  They spent a a long time working together to make their scene!




Baking our very first apple pie was great practice with reading a recipe and practicing fractions.  It was also great practice for my patience   I didn’t manage to get any pictures of the process!


Afterwards, we had an Apple Pie Party!  They invited family over to share their pie with.  The scene that they painted and the paper-mache globe made great decorations.  They sang their Continents and Oceans song and Alexis read “How to Make and Apple Pie and See the World” for our guests to hear! 





First, we will be traveling to Asia!  When I told the kids that we would be studying China first, Alexis said, “Lots of things are made in China!”  Stay tuned for more world travels!

2012-2013 Curriculum and “Schedule”

It has been over SIX months since I’ve posted a blog!  We’re still here and doing what we do.  I just decided to take the pressure off of myself and not blog after our newest little blessing arrived!  It is so hard to believe that Schuyler is 5 months old already!



His BEAUTIFUL newborn pictures were taken by my friend, Falynn Dial (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Falynn-Dial-Photography/144217915690389)

After taking a much needed break from schooling (and just about everything else), we are back in session.  We began our new school year on Friday, July 20!  Alexis is now in First Grade and Josiah is in Preschool.  Here are a few shots of their first day.






Our first week went very well!  I was a little nervous about starting back and trying to get into a new routine with an infant around.  However, it feels great to get back into a routine.  Here is how our day lines up now. Other than beginning our day,  I will not be putting set times for our schedule, because it only frustrates me when I can’t stick to it. 

Our Schedule

6-7 – My time to get ready, have quiet time, feed the baby
7 – wake up Alexis and Josiah
7-8 – Breakfast, Bible, Chores
8 – School Begins

For now, my mom has been coming over to help with the baby while I do the morning school time.  Schuyler is not much of a napper.  Until I get him napping better, she helps out so I can have focused time with the other two.

Alexis’s Language Arts with me / Josiah’s workboxes – While I do phonics, reading, spelling and grammar with Lexy, Josiah has 4-5 workboxes that he can work on quietly by himself.  He loves having his own work!  I switch up his boxes daily to make them exciting for him.

Josiah’s Preschool/ Lexy’s Workboxes – I spend about30-45 minutes working with Josiah.  During this time, Lexy does her workboxes.  They include her Calendar/Math notebook, Handwriting book, Copy work, and whatever else goes along with our lessons for the day.

Lexy’s Math/ Josiah quiet play time – While I work with Alexis on her Math, Josiah plays quietly.

BREAK!  I love that we have plenty of time for the kids to have a break during the day.  A couple times a week, I will let them have 20 minutes of this time for the Ipad or computer games that I pick out for them.  Then, they play…together!  Another thing that I love about homeschooling is that my kids are the best of friends!  This break is usually about an hour to an hour and a half.

Lunch

Reading – I read a chapter from our read-aloud book (currently, The Trumpet of the Swan).  Then, the kids read for about 20 minutes by themselves on their beds.

Geography/Science/Music/Cooking – FUN – our afternoons are for our “crafty” and “fun” school things.  I’ll post more about what we’ve been up to soon.

On Thursday afternoons, Lexy’s piano teacher comes.

Josiah usually takes about a 2 hour nap in the afternoons. However, I’ve been letting him stay up some to participate in some of our afternoon activities.

So, what are we using this year????

Alexis’s First Grade Curriculum

Language Arts – Rod and Staff Bible Nurture Series Phonics and Reading ; All About Spelling Level 2; First Language Lessons 1; Copywork

I’ve been a little unsure of what to do in the area of phonics.  Lexy’s reading has really taken off over the summer. She LOVES reading and spends at least an hour most days on her bed with books.   I’m not sure if I skip these lessons since she’s figuring it out on her own, or continue with them anyways. 

Math – Rightstart Math B

Geography – Expedition Earth with Galloping the Globe

Science – Whatever goes along with our country studies…animals, volcanoes, etc.  I will use ideas from Expedition Earth and Galloping the Globe, along with pulling ideas from the web, library books, etc.

Music – piano lessons; Coloring The Classics. We will also read library books from the different composers that we study.

Art – not yet determined

Bible – ABC Bible verses, My ABC Worship songs (more on those later), Character Concepts for Preschoolers 94-7 year olds) from the Learning Parent

Co-op – Our Co-op will be studying animals the first semester and pioneers the second semester.  We will also be involved in the library homeschooling program and learning about Space!

Other – Alexis will participate in American Heritage Girls this year as well.

Josiah’s Preschool Curriculum

Before Five in a Row
All About Reading Pre-Level 1

I have been combining these two curriculum and pulling together my own “Letter of the Week” type approach.  I have not been using the All About Reading in the order that is suggested.  Instead, for each letter of the alphabet, I have chosen a BFIAR book (or another book if there isn’t one that I like to match the letter) and we do the 3 AAR lessons that go with that letter (Uppercase, Lowercase and the Sound lesson).  I also pull ideas from COAH, Homeschool Share, Homeschool Creations, and my own ideas.  Here is our Before Five in a Row/ Letter of the Week book list:

A – Agnus Lost
B – Blueberries for Sal
C – Caps for Sal
D – Make Way for Ducklings
E – Horton Hatches the Egg (one of my all-time favorite books!)
F – Rainbow Fish
G – The Big Green Pocketbook
H – A House for Hermit Crab
I – undecided
J- Jesse Bear, What will you Wear?
K – Katy and the Big Snow
L – Lentil
M – When I was Young in the Mountains
N – The Napping House
O- Owl Moon
P – Peter Rabbit
Q – The Quiet Way Home
R – Miss Rumphius
S – Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel
T – Corduroy (Teddy Bear)
U – Undecided
V – Very Last First Time
W – Where the Wild Things Are
X – undecided
Y – Undecided
Z – Undecided

That just about covers it!  I am very excited about this year!