Surviving At Home

Gaining independence through revolution in 1775 Over the past few years we have been struggling to find good, clear cut curriculum for American History. Our eldest child loves history and has already utilized a lot of the history curriculum out there. After a lot of trial and error, trying to find books that were age appropriate but also interesting (not those 500 page biographies on one topic!) we finally found a good set. It wasn’t without failure. The first lesson…

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An interactive journal activity using a great American text. As you read, you learn an overview of American history from Vikings to the presidents and everything in between… Free Printable Lessons 1-28 Below: What this American History teaches… This history book with lessons covers a wide range of general history in easy to read chapters. Each chapter is about 10 pages or less, with pictures and large print. Simply using Google images and the key concepts and phrases of each…

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Using Southwest Advantage – an American History Curriculum for the Teaching the Settlers of America This curriculum design was inspired by our family vacation plans (long awaited and desired!) to visit Jamestown and Williamsburg, Virginia. We studied this unit both before and after visiting Jamestown. History really came to life. If you haven’t seen Virginia yet, I highly recommend it! Below are the lessons we designed using Southwestern Advantage materials about the Early Settlers. Bringing our trip to life, we…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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