Homeschool didn't start out as a selfish endeavor, but it's fast becoming one.
As I weekly draw inspiration from our life, from our surroundings and from our curiosities, I can't help but frame a few lesson plans around the kinds of stuff I want to better understand.
Last week, we took a field trip to Mount Vernon, and while the kiddos were enthralled with colonial wardrobe and the animals on the farm, I wanted to extract every tidbit of Washingtonian history from that place.
I was transported to a time in history (in our very own neighborhood, mind you) when colonists were carving out a life along the Potomac with slavery-run farms and early thoughts of a new government that would represent their own needs and desires.
The whole experience made me want to know more.
This week, the kids have moved on to ancient Egypt and the mummies, but I'm still hanging back with George and Martha.
I've started reading this biography so I can learn a little more of the story of early America.
Here's how I'm going to justify this: If I become an expert on some of the topics we're covering in our studies, won't that make me a better teacher when we revisit these topics down the road?
And here's some of what we saw that day at Mount Vernon. Isn't it incredible? Click the links if you want to learn a little more.
The mansion
The tomb
The farm
The museum
What a great way to experience American History. I really liked L's colonial dress.
ReplyDeleteKinda jealous of Ray Ray's jacket. that pretty hansdome. great photos. Fresh butter? I could go. Corn darts? Ahh. Aiming for the bull's eye. Now it all makes sense.
ReplyDeletelove lil's dress :) i was in No way all about this stuff when i was young, sadly. i hope when we are east coast again we can plan a Danielle guided trip! i would love it and i know the kids would too... don't want them to be adults before they enjoy it, like their mom! oh, i know you aren't big into video teaching, but have you ever watched the "liberty's kids" series? we watch through netflix, but also on you tube. they are really great, i think. i learn every time :) and we then continue on the internet with the event that was in the show. just an idea.
ReplyDeleteoh on another note.. there are some great new Usborne books about ancient times. lots with flaps (see inside Egypt). and one of G's faves that we read cover to cover is called "Time Traveler" .. pretty neat ways to look at life during those times. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteAnd what a great project! I love that your kids are having all these tangible encounters with history. You're take such a sensory approach to their educations, and I think it's wonderful! Also, I think watching you get all caught up in a subject will only be good for them. I mean, your modeling exactly the kind of passion you're hoping to inspire!
Looks like a great field trip & I glad the teacher got to enjoy it too... Keep up the great work:):)
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