As we have embarked on the journey of homeschooling, I'm very thankful for other families here that also home school. We have started a co-op. From time to time, the moms get together for coffee and just to chat. We also have
started putting together special activities for our children. Some things we have done so far have been
field trips, messy art day, and presentation night. This last Thursday night was a presentation
night with the theme of Social Studies.
We, as a family, chose to speak on China. We are enjoying
our Social Studies Curriculum called “Children Around the World” from Winter
Promise. They have so many different
activities and interesting stories about China and was a great jumping off
point. I was so thankful that our internet
was working well during part of the study as we were able to stream different
education video allowing the kids to “visit” China. We even had fun trying out some yummy Chinese
food (my first attempt at trying to cook Chinese food) and trying to eat with chopsticks.
But we all turned in our chopsticks for “real silverware” very quickly. J
Yes, the unit was
fun. Putting the presentation together
took work, but it was so much fun to see it all come together. I was able to buy the material used for the
display board as well as the girls’ costumes, when we were in South Africa. The kids worked hard on the display and went over and over their presentations. The night of the program came. Less than an hour before we needed to leave, I finished Kayla's costume. In a whirlwind, we got everyone ready and out the door. When it was Alissa and Justin's turn to present, they got up and did a great job of
sharing the information they had learned.
Alissa presenting her part called "Challenges" dealing with population, endangered animals, the Great Wall, and the church in China.
Justin presenting his part called "Meet China". He talked about the location, tigers, the Forbidden City, the New Years Celebration, and some inventions.
Kayla "helping" her daddy with the powerpoint.
Their table display
The three "Chinese" kiddos
As I look back on the evening, it was so worth all the stress and
time. Seeing the kids developing in
their speaking skills, seeing them take ownership in what they had learned, and
having others encourage them in their studies is such a valuable part of their education. So we will look forward to the next
presentation night.
