CLICK HERE ---> Thanksgiving Fun from Colonial Williamsburg

CLICK HERE ---> More Thanksgiving Learning Fun!


There are 4 other great video's about the First Thanksgiving at this link.  <---CLICK THERE

Props List

LINES
Do you have your lines memorized yet? If not, you need to work hard on it today. Be sure to have someone read the line before yours also so you know your cues (definition: cues - means when to say your lines).

PROPS
Here is a list I came up with. You may have some of your own ideas that I haven't though of. Feel free to bring items you feel confident we could use.

• Pretend Fire Pit
• Indian Corn / Squash / Pumpkins
• Baskets
• Animal Skins / Furs
• Wooden Bowls, Cups
• Stuffed Animals (turkeys, squirrels, forest animals, fish, seaside animals)
• Bow and Arrows
• Pretend food ANY (ideas include eggs, vegetables, turkey, bread, meat, pitchers)
• Plymouth Rock (cardboard ? paper mache?)
• Fake Trees
• fabric / fake needle & thread (sewing)
• Bible
• Pretend tools for building homes
• Solid colored blankets (grey, brown, black, blue)
• fishing items
• guns

BACKGROUNDS
If anyone is interested in bringing anything for the background, here are some ideas. I may decide to make some if I have time, so if you are going to help out by making some of these, please email me at cmahmhprz@aol.com .

I really like the cornstalks in the background of these pictures. It would be nice to have a 3 sisters representation.
 You could make this out of poster board glued to cardboard for strength. If you decide to make this, please email me.
 I also really like the wheelbarrow.

I love this Mayflower! Be sure to include a mast. 

Keep Practicing!

Remember your pledge... Practice your lines for at least 10 minutes everyday. Memorize, memorize, memorize. Be sure to look at the line before your line so you know when to speak. Have someone in your family or a friend practice your lines with you. They simply read the line before yours and then you recite your lines.

Once you have your lines memorized, start thinking about what you are really saying. Think about how your character would be feeling or what they would be doing with their body while they are speaking. Begin acting our your lines, not just reciting them. Practice in front of a mirror.

Costuming Ideas

How to Make a Pilgrim Costume -- powered by ehow

Here is a boy's Indian costume headdress hat that you can make yourself. Buy some craft feathers or cut them from colored paper. Then cut a stiff paper strip, long enough to fit around your head. Cut notches at each end that fit into each other. Line up the feathers in a row on the inside and tape them down.

Here's another no-sew costume. Get a large tan or brown t-shirt and fringe the bottom. Wear this with khaki pants. Cut a strip of tan or brown felt to fit around the head. (I used hot glue to make my headband.) Hot glue some feathers to the back of the headband on the inside of the band. 

Week 9 Assignments 11/2

This week I would like the kids to work on memorizing their lines for the play we will be performing in two weeks. I gave everyone their assigned parts and scripts to take home. I don't have any extra copies so if your child needs a new one, you can download it here:

http://www.mediafire.com/view/?7gobpl9a8z8dl5o

Also, don't forget to visit the link below and watch all the wonderful virtual tours of Plimoth Plantation! Just click the picture.

Week 7 Assignments 10/19

If you are getting your updates via email, be sure to visit the website to get full access to videos and more!

No assignments this week except to finish up reading their books and get going on their book reports. If anyone is already done, we can do some presentations this week. Please let me know ahead of time by emailing me at cmahmhprz@aol.com.

We will be learning about the Wampanoag Indians this week and you may like for your child to view this wonderful video produced by Plimoth Plantation at http://www.scholastic.com/scholastic_thanksgiving/webcast.htm This week have them watch the Wampanoag Indian video and save the other videos for  upcoming weeks.

The next 4 weeks we are going to be focusing on a Thanksgiving theme. There are two things I would like to do. First of all, I would like to have the children perform a Thanksgiving play the last week before co-op (11/16) during the lunch hour. We will be practicing this play from 2:30-3:00 the next 3 weeks. I will be inviting the younger kids to participate as well. Costumes will be simple and I will have more information about that next week.

Secondly, I wanted to see if there was any interest in doing a special lunch on November 16th, either bringing treats to share, having a potluck or something else. Let me know your thoughts and ideas on this. We could have the children each bring something for the church's food bank that week.

Please email me with your thoughts. See you Friday!

Week 6 Assignments

Be sure to look at the art blog as there is a supply the children need to bring this week.

Last week the kids learned about the Iroquois Indians. If you and your child would like to learn more, I found this great website that will teach them more.

http://www.bigorrin.org/iroquois_kids.htm

You're child may wish to come to class with a drawing, projects or information to share with the class. I like to start each class giving the kids a chance to show more of what they learned at home.

We learned about the homes the people lived in called longhouses. Here is a short documentary (12 minutes) that teaches a lot about their homes and lifestyles. Please preview it as it does contain information about their belief system.

Assignment: This week have your child start thinking about how they will share the book they have read. They will be presenting the projects so they will need to be prepared to speak in front of the class. Here are some ideas to get them started. 

• Book in a Box  Decorate a box to represent the book and fill it with objects that sybolize different aspects of the story. 
• Book Timeline  Use words and pictures to make a timeline of important events  from the book. 
• Write a diary that one of the story's main characters might have kept before, during, or after the book's events. Remember that the character's thoughts and feelings are very important in a diary.
• Construct puppets and present a show of one or more interesting parts of the book.
• Dress as one of the characters and act out a characterization.
• Design costumes for dolls and dress them as characters from the book. Explain who these characters are and how they fit in the story.
• Write and perform an original song that tells the story of the book.
• Design a book jacket for the book. I STRONGLY suggest that you look at an actual book jacket before you attempt this.
• Create a newspaper for your book. Summarize the plot in one article, cover the weather in another, do a feature story on one of the more interesting characters in another. Include an editorial and a collection of ads that would be pertinent to the story.
• Book Mobile  Create a mobile using the four story elements (setting, character, plot, theme).
• Shoebox Diorama  An oldie, but a goodie, create a diorama of an important scene from the book.
• Book Collage  Create a collage using pictures that represent different parts of the book.
• Movie Poster  Pretend the book is going to be made into a movie and create a poster to promote the movie.
• Main Character  Make a 3-D model of the main character and write an interview with that character.
• Setting  Make and label a detailed map of an important setting from your book.
• Scrapbook  Make a scrapbok with items and pictures athat are important to the life of the main character and to the story.
• Interview a character from your book. Write at least ten questions that will give the character the opportunity to discuss his/her thoughts and feelings about his/her role in the story. However you choose to present your interview is up to you.

Week 5 Assignments

Please take a moment to join the class roster at right. Then leave me a comment below letting me know you did. Don't forget to visit the art class blog. Thanks!

I was so impressed with everyone's enthusiasm and research that went into the Explorers Reports! Some of the students were new to speaking in front of a group and were a little nervous while others were quite comfortable. Some are just learning to research and write reports with other students having a lot of experience doing it. For me, this class is not just about the history of the United States, it is also an opportunity to sharpen these skills for the kids.

I really have three goals with this class. Here is what I believe I want to see developed and sharpened throughout the year:

• Opportunities to interact with other students about the lessons they are learning. Reasoning, critical thinking and just the confidence to share will be my goal with your child. We will do this through monthly public speaking projects and class discussions.

• Learning to research topics and clearly present unit projects. I want to see the kids take their learning farther than a once a week history class. With each student doing their own research, we can deepen our discussions and have a richer experience. 

• I want the students to find excitement in learning and especially in their learning about the people of the past. Each student is an individual and has had different levels of exposure to the topics we are exploring. My goal is not to give 'em the facts as much as it is to ignite a passion for their own  individual leaning. I want to see them take it as far as they want to go! 

I am excited as we head into our next unit. I hope that as I continue to learn the best way to present the material that each class will be better than the last. This is a growing and learning experience for me as well. I always want to improve and never become stagnant. With that in mind, I would like to introduce our next unit...

North American Indians

This past weekend we went to a wonderful yearly event in Perrysburg called "They Walked Here Before Us". It is a Native American Powwow and was a wonderful experience. I recommend you try to go next year! 

Here is a Reading Rainbow episode to get the kids excited. If you have any trouble viewing it, you may be able to get it at your library. The title is The Gift of the Sacred Dog. 

The Gift of the Sacred Dog from WVPT on Vimeo.

Assignment: 

After watching the above video have your child make up a their own Native American name. We will be sharing them in class.

This month the children will be doing book reports on a historical fiction title. Below you will find some book options but you are welcome to choose any you would like. If your child is not reading, or is a reluctant reader, feel free to use audio books or have a read aloud time. I will give more information later on how to do the book reports. They will have a few weeks to complete this assignment.

*I have not pre-read most of these books. Please use discretion.

Buffalo Before Breakfast - Mary Pope Osborne (Reading Level 2.5)
The Magic Tree House takes Jack and Annie back in time by almost 200 years. On the Great Plains, they meet a Lakota boy who shows them how to hunt buffalo. But something goes wrong! They must stop a thousand buffalo from stampeding!

Meet Kaya - Janet Beeler Shaw (Reading Level 4.3)

Video Summary.. 

Children of the Longhouse - Joseph Bruchac (reading level 4.2)
When Ohkwa'ri overhears a group of older boys planning a raid on a neighboring village, he immediately tells his Mohawk elders. He has done the right thing -- but he has also made enemies. Grabber and his friends will do anything they can to hurt him, especially during the village-wide game of Tekwaarathon (lacrosse). Ohkwa'ri believes in the path of peace, but can peaceful ways work against Grabber's wrath?

"An exciting story that also offers an in-depth look at Native American life centuries ago".

The Birchbark House - Louise Erdrich (Reading Level 4.9)

An Ojibwa girl named Omakayas grows into an impressive young woman struggling to survive as a Native American in the 1800s. In the first of a cycle of novels partly based on her own family history, Erdrich offers a compelling and original saga, told from the point of view of a young Ojibwa girl on an island in Lake Superior in 1847.

Trail of Tears - Joseph Bruchec (reading level 4.3)

It is October 1, 1838, and John Ross, the chief of the great Cherokee Nation, is looking at his home for the last time. He and his people are about to begin the long march west. Today is their first day on the Trail of Tears.

This captivating true story of the Cherokee Indians, forced to leave their land and travel 1,200 miles to Oklahoma, and their survival against all odds, is set against the backdrop of American history at its most dramatic. With bright, unique illustrations and clear, moving text, this epic story of friendship, war, hope, and betrayal will appeal to both boys and girls interested in learning more about our Native American heritage.

Om-kas-toe of the Blackfeet - Kenneth Thomasma (reading level 4.8)

Life changes dramatically for the Blackfeet people in the early 1700's when a twin brother and sister discover a strange animal and succeed in bringing it back to the tribe.  (Sonlight book)

Easy Readers: 

Little Runner of the Long House - Betty Baker(Reading level 1.9)

Week 4 Assignments

This past week we learned about ships and sailing. We also had the opportunity to hear 3 explorer presentations which were very well done. Next week we will hear the rest of the presentations and finish out our explorers study.

We made maps in class and I gave the kids instructions to finish them at home doing the following steps:

1. To make your map look ancient, tear the edges slightly. Gently wipe both sides with a used, damp tea bag. Crumple the map into a ball and leave it to dry.

2. When your map is dry, carefully uncurl it, put it on a sheet of paper, and brush it with cooking oil. Then blot it dry with paper towels. It should now look and feel like genuine parchment.

Week 2 Assignments

This week in class we: 

• Discussed what it would be like to be an Explorer
• Read a book about Vikings
• Discussed a bit about Lief Ericson and his father Eric the Red
• Played a Viking Adventure Game

For homework this week, I would like the kids to explore more about Leif Ericson as I only gave them a teaser about his very interesting life. Here are some books you could check out of the library or read online:

#1 Choice : Leif the Lucky by D'Aulaire

Considered by some children's book authorities to be the d'Aulaire's finest work, this biography of Leif Erickson, son of Eric the Red, best exemplifies the artist's skill in Norwegian folk art, style, and history. Their well-researched text is lavishly illustrated with Viking rune-like carvings, from the dragon prow of the ship that Leif must hurry to remove, lest it anger the spirits of the land, to the stave churches so unique to Norway. Landscapes depict emerald green fjords against floes of ice and mountains of snow. The grand halls of King Olav Trygvason are ornamented with carvings of Nordic mythical creatures while tame polar bear cubs romp and play. In this setting the young Leif grows to manhood and learns the skills of navigation, sailing his own ship when just a teen from Greenland to Norway. It is on his return journey that he discovers a new land what we now know to be Newfoundland. Later he sends settlers there  actually establishing a colony. 54 pages

Alternative Book Recommendation: (Use caution as I have not personally read these)

Viking Adventure / Bulla

Eric the Red and Leif the Lucky / Schiller

Free Online Book

Viking Tales by Jennie Hall (Look at chapter titles)

Want to take the lessons deeper? 
Free Online Viking Lesson Plans

Extra's
Viking Quest Game - Beware it does contain information about Viking's worship of false Gods, war like behavior and other viking issues.

Assignment: 
Over the next two weeks, we will be studying famous explorers. I would like each student to choose an explorer and research their life. Then the students will have an opportunity to share the projects in class on October 5th. Here are the guidelines: 

Student Made Map:

Students must include a student made map (not printed off the computer or copied by machine from a book) that shows the explorer’s country of origin and routes of their major voyages.

Oral Presentation in the first person:

Each student will present a 2-3 minute presentation highlighting the explorer’s life and major accomplishments. The presentation should be delivered in “FIRST PERSON” as if the explorer himself is speaking or possibly as a ship mate or family member of the explorer. Costumes are encouraged. Each student may wear clothing that best represents how their explorer may have looked. Students must show their routes of exploration. They may feel free to make or bring any additional projects or props that represent their explorer. 

Please email me at cmahmhprz@aol.com after your child has chosen their explorer. I want each child to do a different explorer so choose quickly. If they are highlighted in red, then someone has already chosen that explorer. 

Projects will be presented on October 5th. 

Date	Explorer	Nationality	Achievement
Around 1000	Leif Ericson	Norse	First European to reach North American Mainland
1271-1295	Marco Polo	Italian	Traveled to the Far East, to what was known then as Cathay or China-Made men want to travel there through his book
1394-1460	Prince Henry	Portuguese	Created navigation school in Sagres, Portugal Explored the western African coastline
1487-1488	Bartholomeu Dias	Portuguese	First European to round the Cape of Good Hope
1492-1504	Christopher Columbus	Italian	Made 4 voyages to West Indies and Caribbean Islands
1497-1503	Amerigo Vespucci	Italian	Sailed to West Indies and South America
1497-1498	John Cabot	Italian	Explored the shores of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Labrador
1498	Vasco Da Gama	Portuguese	First to travel to West Indies around Africa
1513	Vasco de Balboa	Spanish	Led expedition across Panama and found the Pacific Ocean
1513	Juan Ponce de Leon	Spanish	Explored Florida looking for the Fountain of Youth
1520-1521	Ferdinand Magellan	Portuguese	Commanded first globe circling voyage
1519-1521	Hernando Cortez	Spanish	Conquered Aztecs in Mexico
1523	Giovanni da Verranzano	Italian	Searched for a Northwest Passage
1523-1535	Francisco Pizarro	Spanish	Conquered Peru
1534-1542	Jacques Cartier	French	Traveled St. Lawrence River
1539-1541	Hernando De Soto	Spanish	Explored American Southeast-Discovered the Mississippi River
1540-1542	Francisco Vazquez de Coronado	Spanish	Explored American Southwest
1577-1580	Sir Frances Drake	English	First English to sail around the world-Defeated the Spanish Armada- Claimed California for England