Tina Robertson

Amazing and Free American Revolution Lapbook for Multiple Ages

October 19, 2022 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This free American Revolution lapbook and hands-on unit study for multiple ages is fun to use as spine. Be sure you grab my other lapbooks for hands-on history.

The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America.

Amazing and Free American Revolution Lapbook for Multiple Ages

And using a history lapbook to contain all the subtopics which interests your children is a fun way to not only learn, but memorize important parts.

American Revolution Facts for Kids

Here is some information about the colonies which will help you to start your lapbook and unit study.

New England Colonies

Connecticut
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Rhode Island

Middle Colonies

Delaware
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania

Southern Colonies

Maryland
Georgia
North Carolina
South Carolina
Virginia

Also, look at this book The American Revolution for Kids: A History with 21 Activities.

There are many ways you can arrange the lapbook and it’s necessary to use all my minibooks.

Mix and match my lapbook with other topics that interest your children.

Minibooks for an American Revolution Unit Study

Also, look at the minibooks included in this free lapbook.

There are 6 cover pages
Battles of the American Revolution
Boston Massacre
Boston Tea Party and the Sugar Act
Can You Answer
Causes of the War
England’s Reason for Taxing the Colonist
Join or Die political cartoon
Map of the 13 colonies
Patriots
Road to Liberty timeline
The Stamp Act
Paul Revere
Taxation Without Representation
Who was King George and Who Were the Colonist

Too, you’ll love these ideas for a fun co-op or just to do at home.

Besides, it’s the hands-on fun which make history come alive.

American Revolution Hands-on Ideas

First, we made a trip to Goodwill and picked up teacups (mismatched is perfect), some fall foliage from Hobby Lobby. and we picked up a lot of clothes.

As you can see in the picture above, our table decorations for the Early American co-op rocked.

We had different tables or stations set up for the following activities.

Because silhouette photos were popular, we had a station for pictures. Bring a lamp, and a chair, and tape paper to the wall for your little artist to trace their sibling or friend.
Of course we had to try different flavored teas.

In addition, we had other activities.

One table we had corn husk doll making and another table the kids made bead decorating or flint corn.
Additionally, we had a guest speak from the Daughters of the American Revolution who was “George Washington’s” mom and told us stories about him.
We learned George Washington’s favorite dance, the Minuet. He was supposed to be quite the dancer.

Also, one of the activities the kids loved the most was the Minute Man race.

Our co-op bought tons of oversized clothes and just like the Minute Man, the kids had a minute to change into them.

Remember to buy the clothes oversized so the kids can leave their clothes on. (lol). Then have them race for their teams.

How to Get the American Revolution Lapbook

Finally, how to Grab the Free 33 page lapbook. It’s a subscriber freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE

2) Grab the freebie now.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages

Day 20 Homeschool Lesson Planning And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

October 18, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Homeschooling at the beginning is not about stressing about homeschool lesson planning but learning how to lesson plan if you want to. Today is Day 20 homeschool lesson planning of the 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers.

There is a big difference.

Just as you would not expect your child to know how to read this year until you start together, you need to cut yourself some slack in how to lesson plan.

Day 20 Homeschool Lesson Planning And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

Each new homeschooler’s background makes a difference if he or she feels qualified or not to teach their children.

Do not stress over the fact that you do not know how to lesson plan.

Struggling homeschoolers and even seasoned veterans are constantly scrutinizing their lesson plans versus how much time they have in the day to school.

Homeschool Lesson Planning Tips

Lesson Planning is Just As Much Lesson Journaling.

This may sound like another oxymoron but in the beginning, it is better to journal what you accomplished at the end of the day. This is a huge benefit for several reasons. One reason is because you can realistically see what you can achieve for the day.

This will fast forward your learning curve because you will plan closer to what your children can realistically finish for the day. Avoiding wasting valuable years being stressed out over unrealistic lesson planning will add joy to your journey.

Many organizing planning mommas have been misled thinking they have more hours in their days than the rest of us.

By seeing what was accomplished versus what was planned gives you a more realistic feel for lesson planning.

Write it All Down.

Paper planner, online planner, app or great big oversized calendar in your kitchen, it does not matter. Keeping track of what you do is all that matters.

Yes, I love my curriculum planner and I have found that many times anytime I tried something online, I came back to paper planners.

They work for me because I have it sitting writing there beside me and no need to boot up. However, that is just me. You may prefer and may do better with something else. It does not have to be elaborate, simple works best.

Launch A Lesson Plan.

Whether you are using a boxed curriculum or choosing each subject yourself, you will one day want to substitute a lesson plan.

Maybe you want to plan how to complete a book. Again, my suggestion is that because you want to learn how to lesson plan your first or second year, start right away. Jump into lesson planning now and test the waters.

Look at this example below of how to cover a grammar book for the school year.

Study each step as I have thoughts and questions that you need to ask yourself. It is an easy way to learn the beginnings of lesson planning because you have a resource.

Later on. as you become more skilled, you can make lesson plans from practically any resource.

Day 20: Lesson Plan or Lesson Journal? {31 Day Boot Camp For New Homeschoolers on My Blog}

7 Steps for Planning a Homeschool Lesson

Determine the total days in your school year or time for the curriculum. Note: Typical days in a school year are 180. I will use that number too.
. Decide how to divide the book/curriculum. Dividing by chapters is an easy way.
Weed out chapters/content that you don’t want/need to cover. I started with 32 chapters and whittled it down to 30 that I feel we may need this year.
Determine chapters you want to cover. I will cover 30 chapters over the course of a school year.
Simple Division. Divide 30 chapters by 180 day equals about 6 days per chapter to cover it for the time I have allowed.
Ask: Do I want to include special projects or testing ? Then adjust the number of days up or down depending on what type of projects.
Can some of it be covered orally so that there is not so much writing?

A plan has to be adjusted to your needs and to your household and not copy what you see seasoned veterans doing.

It is hard to not compare yourself to seasoned veterans because you may have set real high expectations this year.

You may feel their success and confidence might be absorbed through some type of osmosis if you copy exactly what they are doing.

The problem with this is that you don’t lead their lives and vice versa.

Lesson planning and tweaking curriculum are learned arts. Give yourself some time and in the meantime take advantage of laid out or boxed curriculums if you want to.

New to Homeschooling Start with the Basics

1 – 7 Start with the Homeschool Basics

8-14 Homeschool Organization 101 for Beginners

15 – 21 Best tips for New Homeschoolers Choosing Curriculum

Geronimo Stilton The Fourth Journey Through Time Fun Cleopatra Collar

October 17, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Geronimo Stilton Back The Fourth Journey Through Time has several sections in it. If you love the Geronimo Stilton Books, you’ll love this book and book craft.

The section and craft we focused on is about Cleopatra.

This book of the Geronimo Stilton series takes us through Cleopatra’s Time, Genghis Khan and Queen Elizabeth.

Geronimo Stilton The Fourth Journey Through Time Fun Cleopatra Collar

And today we are going to hang out in Ancient Egypt with the Queen of the Nile and have fun reading Geronimo Stilton Back The Fourth Journey Through Time.

About The Geronimo Stilton Books

Geronimo shares accessories to become perfect Ancient Egyptians.

And fashions during Cleopatra’s Time which gives a perfect base for today’s hands-on activity.

These books really can’t be beat for introducing historical topics, vocabulary, and fun illustrations.

Here is a peek into the elaborate and beautiful library of Alexandria.

Then, you can also add a few facts about Ancient Egypt.

Add this The Geronimo Stilton Book Fourth Journey Fun Egypt Game.

Cleopatra and Ancient Egypt Fun Facts

Ancient Egyptians loved board games.
Egypt has the only remaining ancient wonder in the world.
While she was known for her beauty, she was also very intelligent.
Cleopatra spoke around 9 different languages.
Both female and male ancient Egyptians wore eye makeup.
Cleopatra was the last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty.
Cleopatra’s favorite perfume was Mendesian perfume named for the city Mendes.
She had 4 children- 3 with Mark Antony- Ptolemy Philadelphus and twins Cleopatra ‘Selene’ and Alexander ‘Helios’. And one with Julius Caesar who she named Caesarion “Little Caesar”.
Ancient Egyptians called their home Kemet rather than Egypt.

If you want to add a few books to your mini unit study then, Everything Ancient Egypt.

And 1,000 Facts About Ancient Egypt are a couple great companion reference books.

Also, look at this great video on Cleopatra Queen of Egypt or Ancient Egypt For Kids from Homeschool Pop while you create your jewelry.

Cleopatra Project Ideas

Finally, let’s make a fun Cleopatra collar and craft jewelry.

You will need:

smooth sturdy cardboard
empty toilet paper rolls
hot glue gun/sticks or school glue
craft paints
dinner plate and a bowl

First, trace a large dinner plate onto your cardboard.

I used the back cover from a 12” x12” cardstock pack. You could also use poster board, but it will crumple a bit easier.

Corrugated cardboard will work but may be too thick.

Next, trace a bowl up near the top of the larger circle. You want to leave more room at the bottom for your necklace design.

Cut out both circles.

Cut all the way up one side of the empty toilet paper rolls.

These next few steps are fun and are what make this project turn out amazing.

Start by creating designs on your cuffs and collar with hot glue.

This is a good introduction to a hot glue gun if you feel your child is ready because it doesn’t really require touching the glue or pressing things together.

Now, use the hot glue gun to create a bunch of different jewel shapes on aluminum foil or a silicone mat.

I did find with the foil that it stuck to the hot glue. I just peeled off around it because it doesn’t affect it if left on the backing.

You can also help tidy up the edges and shapes with scissors. Dried hot glue cuts very well.

These silicone mats are great for protecting your table or desk while painting, gluing, etc.

Too, another tip is that you can use regular white school glue if you like to make your design.

But hot glue dries much faster. Let the hot glue harden and dry completely, pull off any glue strings that may be left behind. Then paint them in using pretty jeweled colors.

While your jewels are drying give your cardboard collar and cuffs a coat or two of gold, going right over the hot glue lines

Once your gold and jewels are dry you can attach them to the cuffs and collar with a bit more hot glue.

Your beautiful Cleopatra inspired cuffs and collar are ready to wear and show off your royalty!

Digging into ancient history can be so much fun and educational at the same time.

Homeschooling offers us a wonderful opportunity to introduce the world in a more relaxed way and make memories at the same time.

Other Geronimo Stilton Books Resources

Easy Hands-on Fun Ancient Greek Games for Kids DIY Knucklebones

October 16, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you’re doing hands-on history and want to add ancient Greek games for kids, you’ll love this knucklebones game and the other history games on my page.

I am sharing with you how to make and play Knucklebones.

It’s one of the oldest discovered ancient games.

Knucklebones is an ancient Greek game typically played with 5 small objects.

Easy Hands-on Fun Ancient Greek Games for Kids DIY Knucklebones

They were initially made from the knuckles of sheep or goats.

It was also called Tali, 5 stones, Jacks, scatter jacks, dibs, jackstones, or astragalus.

It is a primitive form of the modern game of jacks that is played with little metal pieces and a rubber ball.

The game of Knucklebones is 2,000 years old.

How Knucklebones Was Invented

The official rules are not known as it is such an ancient game.

But several versions have been guessed at through paintings and sculptures.

We are making the version that is like the more modern jacks game.

According to Sophocles, the mythical figure Palamedes invented te game of Knucklebones.

And taught it to Greek soldiers during the Trojan War.

Here is an image of a sculpture depicting two Greek girls playing Knucklebones.

They look so much like two little modern girls playing on the sidewalk, don’t they?

Ancient Greek Games for Kids

Look at some other toys ancient Greek children played with or spent their day being entertained with. And learn the Greek name for them.

Spinning Top-Stromvos
Rattles- Platagi
Animal Figurines- Athyrma
Marbles- Spheria
Piggyback game- Ephedrismos
Ourania- Game with a ball
Passe-boule- Similar to basketball

Here are some images of Ancient Gr e ek Toys to get an idea of what they looked like.

Ancient Greece Game Knucklebones Rules

You can play this game with 1 to 4 players. Cast (or toss) the knucklebones the same way you would dice.

Toss one knucklebone up into the air and try to grab one off the ground. Catch the falling one before it hits the ground.

Repeat but grab 2, then 3, then 4 to complete a sequence.

The winner is the first person to complete all the required sequences.

You can also play by tossing up all into the air and trying to catch as many as you can on the back of the hand or in your palm.

If you are going to play this version make your knucklebones smaller so they are easier to catch and don’t hurt.

Yet another variation is to try to toss one up and grab as many as you can in your hand before it falls.

You will want to practice.

Don’t scatter them to much or throw them too high. This will give you more control over catching them or grabbing them up.

Also, a completely different take on knucklebones assigns a points system to each side of the die.

And the winner is the one with the highest point value after tossing the knucklebones and counting up where they land. This is where the numbers or symbols you added come into the game.

Encourage your children to make up their own game with the Knucklebones. See what their imagination comes up with.

Next, look how to make your own DIY Knucklebones.

How to Make DIY Knucklebones Game

I found this terra cotta air dry clay at dollar tree and thought it looked pretty ancient so it was perfect.

You will need:

Air dry clay
Paint pen or permanent marker

Then, create a rustic dice shape by first rolling 4 to 5 similar sized balls of clay out.

Next, pinch to create a bowed shape on the top and bottom of one face. But don’t invert too much if you plan on writing/drawing on them.

Rotate and repeat this step all the way around, this will give us a basic shape similar to real knucklebones.

Allow the clay to dry completely. This is what your final shape should look like.

Decorate your sides with numbers or symbols if you like using a small paintbrush and paint or a paint pen.

We researched ancient Greek numbers and used those. This will give your child some math practice too. You could also make up your own symbols for your family if you want.

Make a key like I did here to keep track of what each Greek number represents.

What do you think? What other Ancient Greek games for kids will you add to your Ancient Greece Unit study?

Other History Games for Kids

And finally, here are some other Ancient Greece activities.

Other Ancient Greece Activities

How to Determine the Best Learning Style Approach for Your Child?

October 15, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Determining the best learning style approach is much easier when you know about homeschool learning styles.

A learning style is not something I thought about when I started homeschooling or even when my kids were struggling.

However, had I taken time to learn what is the best learning style for each of my children, I would have saved myself unnecessary stress.

How to Determine the Best Learning Style Approach for Your Child?

And although a lot of resources exist about learning styles, I like simple explanations.

Instead of using the technical terms in the educational world, I find using the term learning personality is more beneficial.

It’s easy to understand that each child has a different personality and it affects how and what they learn.

Some children are more language arts focus, others more craft focus, and still others relationship focus.

Styles of Homeschooling

For example, when I started homeschooling, I used only a workbook approach. It’s the only learning style I knew from my experience in public school.

However, as I homeschooled longer, I researched the other learning style approaches besides just workbook approach.

The other four approaches besides workbook approach are

the Unit Study approach,
Classical approach,
Unschooling approach and
Charlotte Mason approach.

Determining which learning style works for your family helps you to choose curriculum that works for your family.

Look at these questions which will help you to determine the best homeschool approach for your family.

Do your child learn best by doing? Charlotte Mason, the Unschooling and Unit Study approach all focus on hands-on activities. Of course the topics you study about will be applicable, but each of these approaches advocates hands-on learning.
Are you wanting your children to model great minds of the past? Then you’ll want to learn about the Classical approach.
If your child prefers to stay on topic and you want to cover all school subjects through the one topic then research a Unit Study approach.
Some families prefer that learning is child-led and the parent is only the facilitator. Then research the Unschooling approach.
Maybe you live in a state where strict record keeping is necessary. Then, can you combine a workbook approach which makes test taking and record keeping easier with another approach loved by your family.

Why Your Child’s Learning Personality is Important Too

Because teaching styles are only part of choosing curriculum easily, I’ve included a link to my online course Identifying Your Homeschooled Child’s Learning Personality.

How to Determine the Best Learning Style Approach for Your Child? Determining the best learning style approach is much easier when you know about homeschool learning styles. A learning style is not something I thought about when I started homeschooling or even when my kids were struggling. However, had I taken time to learn what is the best learning style for each of my children, I would have saved myself unnecessary stress.

YOU WILL LEARN:

How to understand the way your child prefers to learn so that you can teach him in a way that he enjoys learning;
How to pinpoint your child’s learning personality;
A starting point in understanding (barring any special learning challenges or disabilities) and accepting your child’s preferred way of taking in information;
Understanding when the learning personality emerges; and
Teaching tips for each learning personality to stop the head-butting.