Visit a Floating Museum
I love it when I hear about out-of-date things being re purposed, so I was thrilled to hear about something that is re purposed to provide an exciting supplement to regular education. The USS Midway is a retired aircraft carrier that is now a floating museum that provides exciting and engaging learning opportunities. The focus is on real-life math and science as well as the history linked to the aircraft carrier itself. The curriculum was designed by a Wheelock College graduate, Sarah Mann Hanscom.
If you are in the San Diego area, you and your children can actually take part in the hands-on learning that happens here. The activities on the ship are geared towards children in grades 2-8. There are also pre- and post-visit materials available for grades 4-8. Since the museum is in California, the activities are all linked to the California Content Standards. Your whole family can stay the night, too! There is a long waiting list, so you have to make reservations about 6 months in advance. Reservations open on August 18th.
What a unique opportunity for your family to learn together and have some fun!
Filed under Lesson Plans | Comment (0)Dance, Music, Memories
My family loves music and dancing, so I incorporate both into our school day as much as possible. We are always singing, and I can’t stop dancing! I guess we have a rockin’ home school!
Dancing is a great way of burning some energy on days when we are stuck inside. In order to make things a little more interesting, this past week we went to the library and borrowed some great dance music. We listened just for fun a couple of times first. Then on a day when we were stuck inside, I put on some Latin music and taught the kids the basic step for salsa. We danced for about 20 minutes. It was a really great workout for me and loads of fun for the kids!
What is it about music that brings such joy? “Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp.” (Psalm 149:3) God created music for us, and He wants to sing and dance to praise Him. Why not enjoy this gift with your children? It is so uplifting to move your body, so when you and the kids are in a sour mood, try putting on your favorite tunes, and dance up a storm!
Dancing is a great way to enhance your physical education program as well. Starting a unit on dance will change things up a little bit, and maybe your children’s coordination will improve in the process. It is always great when you can take part in the activities that your children engage in, so learn some different dances together, especially ones that will come in handy at weddings and the like. You can also study the different cultures that the dances come from.
Music plays an integral part in dancing as well. You can teach your children about the rhythm, the particular instruments used in the music, and a little about music theory (if you can get your hands on a copy of the sheet music). Learning about the particular style of music opens a window into a culture, too. You can also study the lives of different musicians or composers known for a certain type of music. Maybe you have a budding musician or composer in your home!
Families all have something that makes them special and unique. In my family growing up dancing was that something special. My mother always wanted to be a dancer, so dancing was her passion. I have great memories of dancing with my mom. We laughed and had so much fun. It was just something that defined my family, and I cherish those memories today. Why not make a few memories with your kids?
Filed under Lesson Plans | Comment (0)
