Lesson one with Homeschooling in the Woods was looking at what drew people to explore. There was some information which came with the curriculum, but I also had the children have a look at this book:
Using some of the information and cut outs, as well as some photocopied maps and scrap papers, the children created their first Explorer’s Journal page. On our journal page we attempted to show the four main reasons for exploring the world – adventure; spices of the Orient; the spread of Christianity and gold & riches. We also included a bible verse from Acts 1:8:
We also started a recipes collection at the back of the journal:
This week I made some spice biscuits to surprise the children with. We had meant to do it together but ran out of time, so one evening whilst they were at choir I baked a batch using the recipe from Homeschool in the Woods which contained spices of every kind:
And just because I have to embellish everything, I packed up some for our intrepid explorers to have along the way:
We own a Polaroid camera which produces pictures immediately which by their very nature look aged. Now I do realise that Polaroid cameras did not exist in the 15th century (!), but we decided to use a bit of artistic licence to make our journal page look pretty:
As part of our first lesson we also made our own paper mache, huge map of the world, on which I posted a quick tutorial yesterday. At the moment it is flat and we have painted the seas blue and the land green. Throughout this study we will be adding more geographical features. For example yellow sand to show the deserts, or building high mountains painted white at the top to show the main mountain ranges in the world. I look forward to developing our map further:
Next week we will be learning how to tie knots and dry fruit for the journey aboard ship.
I love your note pages!
Thanks Jen!
Are you enjoying using a curriculum or missing doing your own thing? There seems to be a good mix of both. Is it easier and does it go in as much depth as you usually go? Thanks for your help.
It doesn’t go into as much depth and that is one thing I will be changing next week, with more writing activities. Apart from that it is much less work using a curriculum!
I finally got to take a look! What you are doing is amazing and must be a lot of hard work. I’m your newest follower!!
Hi Helen! It’s always nice to hear from someone I know IRL! Thanks for following along!
Really love the activities you’ve chosen. ‘Sounds like so much fun!
Thank you Elizabeth!
I love the way you packaged the cookies – such a perfect way to keep them thoroughly connected! And the Polaroid pictures add a nice touch of whimsy 🙂 When you finally make it to the homeschool finish line, and “retire” from teaching, you should consider writing your own curriculum. You really know how to bring it all together with polish.
Ha! Thank you. I’m too lazy, I think, to get it all packaged up to a curriculum standard! Nice thought though!
Looks like you all are off to a great start. Every lesson is better when connected with a sweet.;) Your photo adds a nice touch to the recipe page, which looks fantastic.
You are so creative! Hugs, Claire.
Oh, yes, biscuits make everything more enjoyable to do! Hugs back!
Nice! Cookies look yummy!!
They really were!
Oh your young explorers must be having a great time. The journaling is gorgeous!
Thank you Marie! We’re watching the Pirates of the Caribbean next which I’m certain will ensure everyone enjoys learning about pirates.
I love packing the cookies in burlap. Such a nice touch.
Thanks Ticia!