Weekly Report

This week, we really got into the Christmas mood! In between working on math, spelling, reading, and writing, the kids found time to decorate.

We love our tree at night when all the lights glow brightly!

Abby and Allison made little cookies from Sculpey Clay. They look good enough to eat!

Allison made tiny felt stockings and a tiny wreath with bits of our Juniper bush added for an outdoor effect.

We also formally began our study of the Civil War and have been reading some great books. Grant and Chloe have enjoyed reading about the Underground Railroad and how the slaves followed the North Star into Canada and to freedom.

Follow the Drinking Gourd

The Drinking Gourd

Abby and Grant read biographies about Harriet Tubman and learned quite a bit about her amazing life and how she helped many escape slavery on the Underground Railroad.

Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman

Our Civil War read aloud is Across Five Aprils. This book has generated lots of discussion about the Civil War. The book takes place in Southern Illinois and chronicles a large family whose members are divided on the issues that caused the war. Across Five Aprils is a difficult book and really should be read aloud to children who don't know a lot of the vocabulary associated with the Civil War. This week in our reading we learned about succession and the firing on Fort Sumter that started the war as well delving into the deep and troubling issues that divided our nation.

Across Five Aprils

We've also started a study of snow and snowflakes in our nature studies! Check out our learnings here: Without Excuse.