I am wife to a magnificent man and mother to five wonderful children. Three of my children were born in the Northwest and two were born thousands of miles away in Liberia, West Africa. Birthplace is no matter, all of my children were born in my heart. This is our journey.

Monday, November 14, 2011

History

It can be a challenge to teach five kids at four different grade levels. I am always looking for ways to streamline so this year I decided to choose a History curriculum that would work for multiple grade levels.


This is our supplies basket. We have clips, pencils, colored pencils, scissors and sometimes glue or other items depending on what we are working on. It works well having this in the middle of the table during work time.


This particular day the kids were working on maps of the area we had been reading about. We are currently studying the Middle Ages.


It is fascinating for me to study history as an adult. I feel like I am learning as much as the kids are learning.

 

Teaching multiple ages groups has its challenges but it also has some advantages. I have noticed that my youngers are mastering skills earlier than the older ones did. They really are sponges soaking up everything going on around them.

I love that they all are learning the same thing and it makes for some fun discussions around the house.

 

This girl loves to do anything that involves color. Can you see that smile? If it resembles art, she is in.

If you are interested we are using Story of the World, Volume 2. We read the current section, answer comprehension questions, do a narration exercise and then we choose activities from the corresponding activity book to keep things interesting. History, Geography, Writing and Art all in on place. I love it!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

It was raining.

The weather has changed here in the Northwest. There are moments of sun where we send the kids out to "Hurry and get some rays!"


Recently on a drizzly and cold day our youngest decided he wanted to roast marshmellows...over a candle.


Well, why wouldn't you?

It took awhile but it worked! Yum! (If you like marshmellows that is.)