It feels like it has been awhile since I updated you on Our Journey Through History. We have had a nice extended holiday break that included a snow storm and my daughter’s birthday. However, we did get some history done during break and are jumping into the Civil War this month.
Over break we enjoyed watching Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier as a review of our study of the Alamo. There are obviously some fictional aspects of this film but it is a great way to spark discussion about the events surrounding the Alamo and the expansion of the United States. We listened to O Henry’s Christmas story, Injunction part of a radio theater presentation by Focus on the Family, Traveling Home for Christmas. This was a fun story that gave some insight into life during the California Gold Rush.
We also enjoyed molasses cake with apple sauce from an Oregon Trail recipe. We did have to adapt the recipe as it was far too loose as written, so we doubled the flour to get the right consistency. It was a tasty treat.
As we begin our study of the Civil War and try to get back into a normal routine, we did a K-W-L chart about the Civil War and have several field trips planned. If you are unfamiliar with a K-W-L chart you simply make a three-column form. The K you list all of the things you ‘Know’ about the subject. Under the ‘W’ you list the things you want to know about the subject. This can help you as you are covering broad topics to include those things the children are interested in learning. When you have finished the study, go back and put the things that you ‘Learned’ under the ‘L’.
I was surprised to realize that they both had an interest in Civil War medicine. This was not an area I had originally planned to focus on but given their interest, we will be including several activities to learn more about that aspect of the war.
If you have not yet gotten your resource list for this month remember to check the free resource library. We would love to hear what books or resources you like to use when studying the American Civil War.
Also check our free resource library with history freebies, recipes, and more!
When you sign up for our free resource library you will get a link and password to the library, we are adding to the library each month with new items. You will also get a bi-weekly newsletter email to keep you up to date on what we have going on.
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A Few Freebies and Deals This Month!
I’m pretty excited about this new app and its on sale for 25% off right now! We love All About Spelling but this app gives us so much flexibility to take our work and practice on the road and not have to worry about losing the tiles. Check out AALP Letter Tile App today!
Apologia is having a huge store wide stock up sale! Great time to buy if you want to change curriculum for next year or if you are looking to switch things up this semester.
Free Daily Writing Prompts for Elementary or Teens Write Shop is offering free daily writing prompts to help make teaching writing just a little easier.
Write Shop is also having some great sales and giveaways for their 17th birthday this month! 17% off and a free gift when you use code 17years.
Schoolhouse Teachers is having a huge Jan. Sale. A full annual membership for only $90 for your whole family. I have a complete review of this program coming on Monday but we are excited to be using a preschool class for Benjamin, several resources to help in our history, and possibly one of the health classes for the older children.
Struggling with memorizing those multiplication tables? Educents has Times Tales almost half off right now! They also have the complete learn to read Hooked on Phonics set at over half off right now. This is a slightly newer version than what we used but Hooked on Phonics was the program that finally taught my daughter to read.
This is a great FREE challenge to help get some of that energy out inside even during this crazy weather. Lots of new activities and several age levels to choose from.
The Schoolin' Swag Blog 