These days it is getting harder and harder to find good and accurate American History curriculum. While there is a plethora of world history in the academic world, finding age appropriate history books is a challenge. We have found many books over the years that have been a great resource. Although there are history books of all kinds, elementary is what has been the hardest. Below are three units I have created for elementary and middle school age to get…
Rembrandt was a 1600’s artist of realism and portraits….a wealthy famous painter Who was Rembrandt? A painter from the Netherlands Resources: Art Activity: Silly funny portraits of faces here: Courtesy of Hundred Acre Wood Other Option: Books: Art in Early America by Randy Osofsky A Child’s Introduction to Art: the Worlds Greatest Paintings by Heather Alexander MagellanTV: Exhibition on Screen History’s Greatest Painters show Season 1 Episode 7 (minute 27-39 shows process of painting) Printables for Faces below: Extensions: Compare…
Monet- the master of lilies and impressionism who went from a grocer to an impressionist Who was Claude Monet? Claude Monet was an impressionist from the 1800’s who enjoyed painting the everyday. He grew up in Paris, France, living to almost 90 years old. His experience growing up as a teen on the water and helping with shipments, he often painted boats and water scenes. Later he painted the everyday pleasures of the middle class he saw including beaches, ladies,…
How a Certified Teacher Answered the Call to Homeschool I am a certified public teacher but I’m a mother FIRST – I’m a parent just like you. Like me, I’m sure there are days you will doubt your skills. You don’t have lesson plan training and hours of IEP meetings or books and materials with references at your disposal. You probably don’t have dozens of certified tenure teachers to guide you along the way either. It’s just you and your…
Michelangelo – the Master and Ambitious Nobleman How did Michelangelo paint for 4 years straight on the Sistine Chapel? How did he create so many complex marble statues that were intricately carved? Who Was Michelangelo? Use MagellanTV Season 4 Episode 4 (minute 16 is great and minute 25 shows how ink is made) The Art Project Painting the Sistine Chapel The Process 1. Make a cardboard box chapel or just layer the paper under a table (flatter and shorter table…
1880’s Spain – the man of many styles and emotions Barcelona gave Picasso adventure, but France gave him his freedom. A Rebel, a Genius Teach your kids a few fun facts about Pablo: Who Was Pablo Picasso? Pablo didn’t like the ordinary or rules… Picasso did not like the restraints of “school” and “education” but instead roamed the streets. He was accepted to a prestigious art school at 14 years old (very rare – the school made an exception) and…
In 1850 Paris, France—Oh, Van Gogh – you moody man The Basics: After a simple search at the local library, I found dozens of great resources and ideas to teach about this passionate and notable artist. The basics just include a good resource or two, an art project and extras if you want. It’s easy and fun. Let the creativity bloom. Books & Materials: What We Did: I enjoyed watching the boys take (quite literally) the meaning of “impressionism”. They…
A Renaissance Man with Many Talents Da Vinci is a many of many talents – some known some not as well known. He was brilliant and perhaps a little moody. There are a lot of books on him. He may be known for his painting and creations most, but he also studied life and embraced the art of humanity and God’s creation. That’s why after some research, I chose to have the kids do the bird wing study. There are…
Yes for Homeschooling Year-Round While most public school kids are spending months winding down the year and doing activities or year-end parties to end for the summer, year-round homeschoolers continue as normal. While it may make you stand out more or provide questioning glances, year-round has always been a yes for our family, and I will tell you some great reasons why. Maybe you are already a homeschool family and homeschool year round or are a “school year” family with…
Educational Multiple studies have been done on the effects of cursive on the brain and how it utilizes different parts of the brain than typing. The current culture relies heavily on technology, touch screens and typing for its instant gratification and efficiency. And I’m all for this since we utilize this everyday ourselves. However, it is vital that handwriting including cursive is taught in your homeschool, even just in the basic levels because it’s proven to help stimulate the brain…