Islamic Art

During our Middle East study, we learned a lot about Islamic Art. As Muslims, we don't draw people, so much of our art consists of geometric shapes, patterns, and nature. 

These are the two main books we used as references. 

Discovering Islamic Art 

DK The Arts A Visual Encyclopedia 

The first lesson we started with was learning about symmetry. The boys used pattern blocks to make designs and the others copied the design on the opposite side. 

After the boys understood that Islamic Art is all about symmetry they got to work on making their own geometric patterns and designs. 

We watched this short video

This study was part of our Iran country study and bridge lesson. Khaju Bridge in Isfahan, Iran has the most beautiful arches and ceramic tile art. The boys and I did a unit study on this bridge. If your interested you can grab this unit study from my TPT store. Click on the image below. 

Lewis and Clark Salt Dough Map

During our Lewis and Clark unit study we completed a salt dough map tracking their journey west. We are using Little School Smiths unit study for our lesson plans. All the instructions and labels are part of the lesson. We read What was the Lewis and Clark Expedition as our main book. 

Along with the salt dough map the boys wrote a paragraph about the Louisiana Purchase. 

We also learned about Thomas Jefferson and his role during the Louisiana Purchase and Expedition West. 

We like tying our history and language arts lessons together. We covered Cause and Effect during one of our English lessons. 

The map was helpful during our reading. It allowed the boys to visualize the main events and where they took place. 

We were also able to review map symbols and directions during this activity. 

Intro to Ancient History

My second grader has been working through Intro to Ancient History from bookshark level B. We've loved all the books, projects, and hands-on activities. 

After learning about Ancient Greece we made Laurel Leaf Wreath

Ancient Rome and the City of Pompeii

Roman Chariot

Mayan, Inca, and Aztec

Native American 

We learned all about Ancient Egypt, Pyramids, Mummies, and the Nile River

These are just some of the activities and times we covered. We also learned all about Ancient China, Silk Road, and Ancient Africa. I'll share the rest in another post. 

Maple Syrup Festival

Hi guys, I am finally getting around to posting about our Maple syrup festival trip. We enjoyed learning how maple syrup is made and getting to taste different types. They were very delicious. My boys agreed that the freshly made, natural stuff is way better than the store bought. 

Exploring an Iroquoian Village

History is a favorite subject around our house. Part of the reason why the boys love it so much is that we keep it as hands on as possible. This year is no exception, we've been learning about Canada's Native Groups.

We had an opportunity to visit a reconstructed 15th century Iroquoian village. From 1973 to 1987, excavations uncovered 11 longhouses on the site and over 10 000 artifacts from day-to-day lives of the Iroquoian people who once lived in the village. Three of the longhouses have been reconstructed based on the archaeological findings. (source:www.conservationhalton.ca)

The boys were in awe and loved every minute of our visit. We didn't go with a group and just did the tour ourselves. It was a good way to review and make some of what they learned in the books come to life.

Inside one of the longhouses

Here, the boys are pretending to pound corn just as the Iroquois did. 

Exploring deer/moose antlers and animal hides.

We even got to look at a turtle shell. 

The boys surprisingly found the beds comfortable.

A baby carrier 

exploring all the different baskets and food they harvested and dried. 

The longhouses were massive and just impressive. 

I hope you enjoyed taking a little tour along with us. The boys want to revisit and see the one longhouse that was under construction. They got to also play a game of lacrosse which was invented by the Iroquois. I didn't get any pictures because my battery died :(. But if you live in the Toronto area this is one place you must visit.

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Weekly Wrap Up

FREEBIE! Inuit of the Arctic Vocabulary Charts

Hi guys! I've shared with you before that this year we will be studying the different Native American groups in Canada. As we study each group I'll be share some freebies with you guys. The first group we will be focusing on is the Inuit of the Arctic.

Today I wanted to share with you some vocabulary charts and cards. I hope you benefit from them .

Here are all the 12 words that we will focus on; Permafrost, Eskimo, Inuit, Inuk,

Inuktitut, Nunavut, Igloo,Cache, Kayak, Umiak, Komatik, Aumiat. 

I always display our vocabulary words on these clipboards that are mounted on the wall. 

The boys will use these vocabulary cards to record the words.

Click on the image to download your free copy.