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Geronimo Stilton The Second Journey Through Time Sun King Fun Medallion

December 28, 2022 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

For the Geronimo Stilton The Second Journey Through Time book, we’re making a sun king fun medallion. Be sure to grab more Geronimo Stilton Books ideas and crafts on my page.

Let’s take a trip with our mouse guide Geronimo to the Court of Versailles in 1682 CE in Back in Time, The Second Journey Through Time to meet King Louis XIV and learn about Palace of Versailles.

Geronimo Stilton The Second Journey Through Time Sun King Fun Medallion

Did you know that King Louis XIV (that’s #14 in Roman Numeral) was known as “The Sun King”?

It was a nickname that he gave himself.

And Louis XIV chose the sun as his personal emblem.

The sun is the symbol of Apollo who is the god of peace and the arts.

Geronimo Stilton The Second Journey Through Time Sun King Fun Medallion

King Louis named himself such because he wanted the realm to revolve around him like the planets revolve around the sun.

Be sure to grab Geronimo Stilton The Second Journey Through Time book.

Facts about the Sun King Louis XIV 

  • Louis ruled for 72 years, he was just shy of 5 years old when it passed to him.
  • King Louis XIV died of gangrene on September 1, 1715.
  • Louis XIV built his extravagant Palace of Versailles after the civil war known as the Fronde when he had to flee from his palace in Paris at just 12 years old, He fled to the family hunting lodge 13 miles outside Paris.
  • He was very strict in his protocols at court and every moment of the day was precisely organized and planned out.
  • The king was an excellent ballet dancer.
  • He died at the age of 76 and was succeeded by his grandson King Louis XV.
  • A U.S. state is named after him. Louisiana was given its name by French explorer René-Robert Cavelier for King Louis.

Then you’ll want to add a few more hands-on activities to understand about the French.

Hands-on Ideas to Understand the French Empire

For example, look at the hands-on ideas below.

  • Free Storming the Bastille Game
  • Free Homeschool History Cards – French and Indian War
  • 15 Hands-on History Ideas for Kids Studying the French and Indian War
  • Beethoven & The French Revolution Minibook 
  • French Revolution Unit Study + Free Copywork
  • Learn About the Geography of France by Creating A Solar Oven
  • Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time Series Fifth Journey Fun Eiffel Tower
  • 10 Interesting French Crafts And Activities For Kids
  • Facts about France Geography Worksheet

Besides, hands-on activities makes learning stick so be sure to include a few more with this book.

Geronimo Stilton The Second Journey Through Time Sun King Fun Medallion

Too, look at more Geronimo Stilton Book crafts.

Geronimo Stilton Book Activities

Next, look at these other crafts to go with the books.

  • The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft
  • Journey Through Time Geronimo Stilton Time Warp Fun Lost City of Atlantis
  • Race Against Time Build a Fun Greek Water Clock
  • Out Of Time Fun Sir Francis Drake Ship Craft
  • Stilton Journey Through Time Series Fifth Journey Fun Eiffel Tower
  • 10 Things to Learn From The Fun Geronimo Stilton Chapter Books
  • The Fourth Journey Through Time Fun Cleopatra Collar
  • Learn About Mozart The Eight Journey Through Time Geronimo Stilton Series
  • The Geronimo Stilton Book Fourth Journey Fun Egypt Game
  • Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time Craft a Fun England Tower Guard
  • Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)
  • Down and Out Down Under Make a Fun Edible Coral Reef
  • Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary And Fun Corn Craft
  • The Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time Colosseum Craft
  • The Race Against Time Geronimo Stilton Activities: Fun Edible Spine
  • #2: Back in Time Mayan Craft
  • The Curse of The Cheese Pyramid Barbie Mummy
  • Who Is Geronimo Stilton Rodent Notebooking Page

Now, let’s learn how to make this fun sun king gold medallion.

Geronimo Stilton The Second Journey Through Time Sun King Fun Medallion

I hope you enjoy our journey with Geronimo and also making your very own medallion.

Hot glue is a fun medium for art projects because you can use it for a lot more than just attaching two objects.

It can be put into silicone molds to create shapes that harden once it dries or used free handed like we are going to do today.

How to Make a Sun King Medallion Craft for Kids

Since your child will create their medallion freehanded I am giving you some loose instructions and tips to help them create it.

You will need:

  • Hot glue gun
  • Glue
  • Gold and black paint
  • Plastic bead chain or string
  • Silicone mat

Directions:

Gather all your supplies and don’t forget that silicone mat. It is the best material for peeling off your glue creations and is heat safe!

Your child can create any shape medallion that they would like.

Additionally, they can design their own crest to represent themselves, the family, or they can try to recreate a King Louis sun medallion like this one.

The most important thing is to build up your layers by creating a first layer and letting it cool.

Geronimo Stilton The Second Journey Through Time Sun King Fun Medallion

Use toothpicks and craft sticks to try and add a little shaping or detail to the glue when it is partially cooled but not all the way.

But if it’s too liquidly it will just keep pooling.

Geronimo Stilton The Second Journey Through Time Sun King Fun Medallion

Then add layer after layer until it is thick and shaped like you want it. We tried to get a general sun shape.

Geronimo Stilton The Second Journey Through Time Sun King Fun Medallion

Once the entire thing is completely cooled and hardened, peel it off the silicone and paint it gold with craft paint.

It will probably take 2-3 coats to get good coverage.

Geronimo Stilton The Second Journey Through Time Sun King Fun Medallion

When it is almost dry use a paintbrush to dry brush on some black craft paint to age and patina your medallion, so it looks like an old treasured relic.

Brush off excess, you just need a bit.

Geronimo Stilton The Second Journey Through Time Sun King Fun Medallion

Allow the paint to dry fully.

Measure a piece of chain or string to create a necklace that can be slipped on and off over your head.

Geronimo Stilton The Second Journey Through Time Sun King Fun Medallion

Flip the medallion over and hot glue the length of chain or string to finish your necklace.

What do you think?

1 CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: book lists, books, crafts, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, historyspine, homeschoolhistory, medieval homeschool history, middle ages history, world history

American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

December 24, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We enjoy the American history game U.S. President Go Fish for studying homeschool history.

And we love History For Kids Go Fish Game series a lot, and with a good variety of history topics we can easily add them to several studies.

American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

Today is all about the U.S. Presidents Go Fish and how to use it.

Also, we are going to take this game and build an entire presidents unit study around it with books, hands-on activities, and videos that will help you dive deep into it without cracking open a curriculum box.

About the U.S. Presidents Go Fish Game

Moreover, the U.S. Presidents Go Fish game is a simple game to add to a presidential unit study.

I like it because it is a quick play game that will pack a lot of educational punch.

Too, it comes with a little mini book that gives instructions and plays like traditional go fish but you collect all 4 presidents from each category (cold war, industrial revolution, reconstruction, etc.).

Or kids can collect presidents by guessing them correctly based on the hints on the card the other player gives.

You can take it on the road, use it in place of your lesson for the day or add it to your morning basket to help start the day.

The one drawback is that as of this date, it only includes the first 44 presidents.

American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

Additionally, look at this list of books to use as a unit study spine or for your learning day.

Books about U.S. Presidents

10 Resources about U.S. Presidents and The White House

Here are some books to add to a presidential unit study that cover a good variety of ages.

What Presidents Are Made Of

See America’s presidents as never before—made of objects! Using everything from blue jeans to boxing gloves, Hanoch Piven “builds” the characters of eighteen of our nation’s leaders. Revealing anecdotes accompany the creative collages and lend insight to the charismatic personalities of prominent presidents from George Washington to Barack Obama, resulting in an irresistible resource.

Our Country's Presidents: A Complete Encyclopedia of the U.S. Presidents

Revised and updated to include the winner of the 2020 presidential election, this photo-filled and fact-packed book is a timely must-have reference.National Geographic presents the 45 individuals who have led the U.S. in this up-to-date, authoritative, and lavishly illustrated family, school, and library reference.

A Kid's Guide to U.S. Presidents: Fascinating Facts About Each President

Concise and Interesting Guide to the U.S. Presidents Updated to Include President Biden

A Kid’s Guide to U.S. Presidents contains a concise and interesting summary of each president’s background and accomplishments from George Washington to Joe Biden.The role of the president has been an important one throughout the history of the United States. This engaging look at each president and their impact on the country is the perfect introduction to get kids interested and excited about learning about history and politics.

Politics for Beginners

While it isn't specifically about the presidency, this book offers a lot of good information on political parties, elections, and the presidents relationships with other people who hold important political careers.

Fandex Family Field Guides: Presidents

Fandex Family Field Guides: Presidents is a chronological field guide to all 45 of America's chief executives, from George Washington to Donald J. Trump. A hands-on reference, it includes more than 50 grommeted, die-cut cards featuring a full-color image of each president along with facts about his personal and political life.Which President made the Louisiana Purchase? Which President won a Nobel Peace Prize? Which President also served as justice of the Supreme Court? Who was in office during the Teapot Dome scandal, and who endured the childhood nickname “Useless”?

Toobs: USA Presidents

8 PROFESSIONALLY SCULPTED FIGURINES – This themed collection is perfect for U.S. History buffs. It includes 8 professional sculpted busts of some of the most influential presidents, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and JFK.

Who Was George Washington?

In 1789, George Washington became the first president of the United States. He has been called the father of our country for leading America through its early years. Washington also served in two major wars during his lifetime: the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. With over 100 black-and-white illustrations, Washington's fascinating story comes to life - revealing the real man, not just the face on the dollar bill!

Where Is the White House?

The history of the White House, first completed in 1799, reflects the history of America itself. It was the dream of George Washington to have an elegant "presidential mansion" in the capital city that was named after him. Yet he is the only president who never got to live there. All the rest have made their mark--for better or worse--on the house at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Megan Stine explains how the White House came to be and offers young readers intriguing glimpses into the lives of the First Families--from John and Abigail Adams to Barack and Michelle Obama.

The First Book of presidents

This book is good to use as a beginner spine.

George Washington and the Founding of A Nation

A full account of George Washington's role in building the early U.S. republic explores his life, focusing on the assets he brought to public life.

Furthermore, add hands-on activities.

Hands-on Ideas for a President Unit Study

For example, use the Safari Ltd US Presidents busts to introduce and build excitement to the start of a new topic or for art inspiration.

American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

Create your own bust with Crayola Air Dry clay and a flashcard of a president for a model.

All you need is some clay and a toothpick and craft stick to carve and add detail.

American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

Any age can use these but I like that the scrabble tiles are so versatile and don’t seem babyish like some letter tiles might for older kids.

Instead of writing out spelling and vocabulary words use letter tiles. Call out words you would like your child to learn and let them do it with the letter tiles instead of paper.

This activity is easy to modify for any age level by simply using easier or more difficult words.

American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

 In addition, here are some vocabulary/spelling words to get you started and let your younger children put them in alphabetical order.

  • President,
  • election,
  • politics,
  • republican,
  • democrat,
  • ballot,
  • veto,
  • federal,
  • constitution,
  • monument, and
  • executive.
American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

Besides playing the U.S. Presidents Go fish according to the directions you can also use them to create a timeline by pulling 5 or 6 random cards and having your child place them in order.

American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

More Fun History Games

Look at them below.

  • The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States
  • Kids Art History Board Game Ideas
  • Ancient Egypt DIY Simple and Fun Mummification Process Game
  • Entertaining Games in the Past How to Make an Easy Backgammon Game
  • Easy Hands-on Fun Ancient Greek Games for Kids DIY Knucklebones
  • Unit Study: French Revolution + Free Storming the Bastille Game
  • 7 Super Fun History Games to Bring the Past to Life
  • Ancient Egypt Mehen free Printable Board Game (Hands-on History)
  • Free Ancient Greece Go Fish Game – Ancient Greece Unit Study
  • 13 Free and Fun BEST Printable History Board Game

Furthermore, add some American Presidents board games.

4 American Presidents Board Games

Play a fun board game like one of these below to learn about presidents, elections, and politics.

U.S. Presidents Go Fish

FUN AND EDUCATIONAL GAME FOR KIDS – memorize basic facts painlessly as you compete to collect most cards.

FACT-FILLED BOOKLET: Set includes a booklet explaining facts about each card, as well as ideas for other games to play with the deck.

MONOPOLY House Divided Board Game

WIN THE PRESIDENCY: The Monopoly House Divided board game is about U.S. Elections. Buy states, earn votes, and take over the White House as the new president

IT'S PARTY TIME: In this Monopoly game, players choose a Candidate token and get assigned to the red or blue party. Players vote with their party -- unless it's better for them not to

Election Night! A Super Fun Way to Learn Essential Math, Geography and Civics While Strategizing Your Way to The White House.

A home learning home run that teaches kids to think big things while mastering the hardest to learn addition and multiplication facts, U.S. state geography, and the mechanics of the Electoral College.

Double-sided gameboard includes addition and multiplication game versions to keep kids sharp on math skills, with varying levels of complexity based on player skill level.

Professor Noggin's Presidents of The United States Trivia Card Game

PLAY & LEARN: Professor Noggin’s series of educational card games encourages kids to learn interesting facts about their favorite subjects.

FUN FACTS: Since the time of George Washington, important leaders have ruled from the Oval Office. Learn about the first 44 Presidents of the United States, the times in which they served their country, and the challenges they faced as leaders of the world's most powerful nation.

Finally, videos are always a great way to present information in a fresh new way as well as take a little of the teaching responsibility off your shoulders.

  • US Presidents For Kids
  • Us Presidents Song For Kids
  • Presidential Trivia For Kids
  • Why is Voting Important
  • President of United States Job
  • The White House For Kids

Leave a CommentFiled Under: History Resources, Teach Homeschool History Tagged With: american history, games, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, homeschoolhistory, U.S. Presidents

Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

December 23, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I’m sharing some Daniel Boone activities and we’re making delicious Johnny cakes. You’ll love my unit study and other ideas on my page Daniel Boone – North American Explorer.

Have you ever wondered what it was like to live like early settlers and explorers?

What about when Daniel Boone was forging the Wilderness Trail through the forest from the mountains of Eastern Tennessee to the Kentucky River which is about two hundred miles? 

This legendary man led a group to create the first path that would lead to exploration of the west from his part of the country.

Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

If you want to explore one of the most famous trailblazers of the time, here are some fantastic resources for learning about Daniel Boone.

And I am sharing a simple and tasty recipe for Johnny Cakes to give you a taste of what the man who became a folk legend would have enjoyed.

Activities for Learning about Daniel Boone

  • Amazing Daniel Boone Explorer Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study.
  • Daniel Boone Exploration DIY Easy Compass Activity and Survival Ideas.
  • Daniel Boone Classroom Activity Guide.
  • Survey the country with Daniel Boone.
  • Daniel Boone North American Explorer.
  •  Watch Daniel Boone The Series (from 1964) on YouTube. Or The Adventures of Daniel Boone on Amazon Prime.

Then, here are some fun books.

Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

The books are for multiple ages.

Books About Daniel Boone

10 Resources for A Daniel Boone Unit Study

Whether you want to add a hands-on unit study or are looking for a few resources, you'll love one of these.

1. Daniel Boone: The Life and Legend of an American Pioneer

Struggle against the Shawnee defenders of Kentucky. Drawing from popular narrative, public record, documentation from Boone's own hand, and recollection gathered by 19th-century antiquarians, the author employs the methods of the new social history to produce a portrait that defines Daniel Boone and the times he helped shape.

2. Who Was Daniel Boone? (Who Was?)

Called the "Great Pathfinder", Daniel Boone is most famous for opening up the West to settlers through Kentucky. A symbol of America's pioneering spirit Boone was a skilled outdoorsman and an avid reader although he never attended school. Sydelle Kramer skillfully recounts Boone's many adventures such as the day he rescued his own daughter from kidnappers.

3. The Dangerous Book for Boys

The bestselling book—more than 1.5 million copies sold—for every boy from eight to eighty, covering essential boyhood skills such as building tree houses, learning how to fish, finding true north, and even answering the age old question of what the big deal with girls is—now a Prime Original Series created by Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Greg Mottola (Superbad).

In this digital age, there is still a place for knots, skimming stones and stories of incredible courage. This book recaptures Sunday afternoons, stimulates curiosity, and makes for great father-son activities. The brothers Conn and Hal have put together a wonderful collection of all things that make being young or young at heart fun—building go-carts and electromagnets, identifying insects and spiders, and flying the world's best paper airplanes.

4. Willy Whitefeather's Outdoor Survival Handbook for Kids

From treating a bee sting to building an overnight shelter, kids will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to survive outdoors.All ages

5. Daniel Boone: Frontiersman (Heroes of History)

Written for readers age 10 and up -- enjoyed by adults!In search of open spaces and land to call his own, Daniel Boone fearlessly led a band of brave settlers into the bountiful Kentucky wilderness. Daniel's expert hunting ability, incredible outdoor survival skills, and courage under fire helped his companions stay alive in a dangerous and unknown land despite threatening encounters with soldiers, Indians, and even other settlers.

6. History Pockets: Explorers of North America, Grades 4-6+

The book includes the following pockets:

  • Introduction to Explorers of North America
  • Christopher Columbus
  • John Cabot
  • Hernando Cortes
  • Jacques Cartier
  • Sir Francis Drake
  • Henry Hudson
  • Daniel Boone
  • James Cook
  • Lewis and Clark
  • John Wesley Powell

7. Daniel Boone: Trailblazer

Born in Pennsylvania in 1734, Daniel Boone cut a path west, carving his name into trees. Although he endured repeated property losses, he became a household name and was greatly admired for his surveying skills and the many claims he laid, opening the west for further settlement.

8. Survive & Thrive: A Pocket Guide To Wilderness Safety Skills, Plus 16 Quick-Check Skill Cards

Gear up for outdoor adventure, learn to stay alive, and help yourself thrive – feeling confident that you can handle whatever comes your way!

Accidents happen and nature can be unpredictable, which is why this ultra-portable survival kit is a must-have for casual nature explorers and slightly more adventurous campers in need of essential outdoor guidance that they can carry along with them.

9. Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set

Titles In This Set:The Blizzard ChallengeThe Desert ChallengeThe Jungle ChallengeThe Sea ChallengeThe River ChallengeThe Earthquake ChallengeThe Volcano ChallengeThe Safari ChallengeThe Cave ChallengeThe Mountain ChallengeThe Arctic ChallengeThe Sailing Challenge

10. Daniel Boone: Young Hunter and Tracker (Childhood of Famous Americans)

A general account of the life of the prominent American frontiersman who is especially remembered for helping to settle Kentucky

Also, look at some of these fun facts about the time during the life of Daniel Boone.

What was Life Like During Daniel Boone’s Life

Also, you’ll love these fun tidbits about life during Daniel Boone’s life.

Too, it’s fascinating to learn about is the foods that were eaten by the men and women who explored and pushed westward.

A food that was popular were Johnny Cakes.

And they are thin, fried cakes made of cornmeal. They were eaten sweet or as a savory dish.

Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

Further, they were created by early Native American, specifically believed to have been called

“Shawnee Cakes” by the Pawtuxet Indians and mispronounced by settlers as Johnny cakes.

Johnny cakes are known as: Johnny bread, hoe cakes, journey cakes, and Jonakin depending on the region of the country they are from. Shawnee cake was a favorite diet among Shawnee Indians.

Additionally, Daniel Boone was captured by the Shawnee.

He led a rescue attempt to retrieve his daughter and two other girls who had been captured by them.

They admired his bravery so much they made him one of them. After being captive from February 1778 to June 1778, he escaped.

About Corn

Moreover, Johnny Cakes were cooked and eaten hot right at the fire and they made excellent traveling food as it carried well.

Originally, the cake was made of maize which was ground into a very fine meal.

The resulting corn meal was then mixed with water and baked on a flat stone that had been heated in a fire.

Corn is one of America’s oldest foods, used by Native Americans in bread, cakes, and porridge.

It became a very popular staple with settlers and explorers as well because it was much easier to grow, grind, and less expensive than wheat and rye seed.

Without a mill to grind corn into flour it was often ground with a mortar or in earliest times with a hollowed stone, then sifted through finely woven basket.

Now, we can skip the extra work and pick it up already ground from the store to make this Daniel Boone inspired treat to get a taste of what he would have eaten.

How to Make Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes

Before I get started, I admit this is our favorite Johnny Cakes recipe.

It’s really good. Start your unit study by making these for breakfast.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cups ground cornmeal (white or yellow)
  • 3 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Oil for frying
Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

First, combine cornmeal, sugar, and salt in a bowl and combine well.

Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

Bring water to a boil and slowly stir in cornmeal mixture. Whisk quickly until well combined.

Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

Remove from heat and stir until smooth and creamy.

Allow cornmeal batter to rest for 10 minutes. Stir in butter.

Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

Add oil to a nonstick or cast-iron pan and heat over medium low.

Drop batter by heaping spoonful or form patties by hand and place in a hot pan.

Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

Fry for 8-10 minutes.

The waiting part is hard but if you mess with them too much while they cook you will find that they fall apart. 

Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

Just pick up the edge gently and check to see that the edges are golden brown, it will look like this when perfectly browned.

Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

Flip and cook for about 5-6 minutes on the opposite side.

You can eat your Johnny cakes as is or top with syrup. Delicious!

What do you think? Are you including this in your unit study?

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: american history, early American history, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, homeschool, homeschoolhistory, recipes

Free Amazing American Civil War Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study

December 21, 2022 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This free amazing American Civil War lapbook is huge. And you’ll love my other lapbooks on my Homeschool Lapbooks page. And I have a HUGE unit study on my American Civil War or War Between the States here and also look at Best Homeschool Unit Studies.

We visited this unit study twice and added more minibooks for several topics we considered in our study of the civil war.

When I introduced this unit study, I shared quotes from both views of the war or North and South.

Free Amazing American Civil War Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study

First, by Abraham Lincoln.

I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free…It will become all one thing, or all the other.

“A House Divided” speech, June 16, 1858

Second, I shared this quote by Jefferson Davis.

I worked night and day for twelve years to prevent the war, but I could not.

The North was mad and blind, would not let us govern ourselves, and so the war came.

How to Teach About the War Between the States

Too, although the American Civil War was one of the ugliest time periods in American history, you have several ways you can teach it.

When it was our first time covering and my kids were younger, I focused on understanding what was going on in American history during the 1860s,.

For example, we learned about games kids played, the food they ate and defined the areas of the north and south.

In addition, if your kids are older, you can focus on locating the battle sites on a map to give your child a deeper understanding of geography.

Also, some kids may love to learn about the fashion or focus on reading the newspaper of that time, the Harpers Weekly.

Free Amazing American Civil War Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study

Additionally, we’ve studied this unit quite a few times and the minibooks I have can make at least two if not more lapbooks.

However, look at the topics of the minibooks which come in this lapbook.

Topics for the American Civil War

  • Abe Lincoln Divider
  • Abe Lincoln minibook
  • American Civil War Color the States

  • Cause of the War
  • Civil War Battles
  • Clara Barton

  • Cotton Gin
  • Cotton Plant Life Cycle and Boll Pocket
  • Eli Whitney minibook

  • Famous People of the War Divider
  • Freedom Quilt
  • Gettysburg Address and pocket

  • Harriet Beecher Stowe
  • Harriet Tubman
  • Honest Abe Top Hat

  • Lincolns Cabin
  • Matthew Brady
  • North and South Leaders

  • Other Names of the Civil War
  • Slavery and the Road to War
  • Underground Railroad Data Divider
  • Weapons

Then if you’re working with multiple ages and want to create one lapbook with contributions by each kid look at my idea below.

Types of Lapbook Layout

Look at the first lapbook we made.

Free Amazing American Civil War Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study

Each of my sons created minibooks and we made one large book like layout.

Free Amazing American Civil War Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study

Then, I connected several file folders to make one book-like project.

Secondly, you can make your lapbook like most I create here which are made to open with one file folder and you place all the minibooks inside.

We added an extra top flap because we had so many topics we covered.

Free Amazing American Civil War Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study

So, the point is with this huge lapbook you have many ways use the minibooks and create one lapbooks or many.

More Hands-on History Lapbooks

Also, you’ll love these other history homeschool lapbooks.

  • Medieval Japan Lapbook for Kids and Fun Hands-on Ideas
  • Amazing and Free American Revolution Lapbook for Multiple Ages
  • Fun Pharaohs and Queens Ancient Egypt Lapbook and Activities
  • Free Native American Plains Indians Fun Lapbook for Kids (& resources)
  • 18 Colorful and Free Lapbooks for History Unit Studies
  • Awesome Ancient Greece Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Activities
Free Amazing American Civil War Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study

How to Get the Free American Civil War Lapbook

Finally, how to grab the free 32 page lapbook. It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get access my subscribers library and this freebie.

However, not all of my freebies are in the library (wink).

I like to keep up to date with what is valuable to you so I can give you more, some freebies you must sign up again on the form below even if you are already a follower.

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2 CommentsFiled Under: Lapbook, Lapbooks Tagged With: american history, americancivilwar, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, homeschoolhistory, lapbook, lapbooking, lapbookresources, lapbooks, modern history

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

December 20, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

The Journey Through Time Book (Geronimo Stilton Special Edition) is our book for adventure today. And we’re doing a knights armor engraving craft. Be sure to grab more Geronimo Stilton Books ideas and crafts on my page.

Was King Arthur real? Most historians believe he was just a fictional character from folklore and legend.

But that doesn’t stop him from being a very fascinating part of the Medieval period.

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

With dashing and chivalrous knights, Camelot, jousting, castles, and kings is it any wonder that our favorite time traveling mouse zoomed right into the Middle Ages among the likes of King Arthur and Excalibur.

We are visiting this time period through Geronimo Stilton’s The Journey Through Time, the first book in the Journey Through Time series.

And Geronimo Stilton also makes stops in prehistory with the dinosaurs and in Ancient Egypt.

About The Journey Through Time Book (Geronimo Stilton Special Edition)

The story is fun and captivating but as always, the author weaves so much amazing information into it.

Readers learn fantastic vocabulary from the period, medieval fashion, castle architecture, and the feudal system.

Too, they will even be reading an excerpt from an Alfred, Lord Tennyson poem.

Just because these books are colorful and whimsical it’s no reason to discount the quality they add to your child’s reading time.

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

In addition, Safari Ltd Toobs have a fantastic knights and dragons set that make for a great addition to a study or to this book.

They can be used to set the mood for introducing a new unit theme, in sensory bins, dioramas, or even as pawns in place of standard board game pieces.

Additionally, we learned that knights had a code of chivalry to be followed.

The Knight’s Code of Chivalry was a system of morals.

Further, the code declared all knights should protect others who could not protect themselves like widows, children, and the elderly.

Facts About Knights and The Knight’s Code of Chivalry

  • The word “knight” comes from an Old English word meaning “servant”.
  • Knights were sworn to uphold their duty to God, to the church, and to their liege lord.
  • Earlier anyone who proved themselves brave and honorable in battle could be awarded knighthood by the king but later it was decided they had to descend from nobility.
  • Young boys could begin their knight training at just 7 years old. They were sent away to live and train and were called pages.
  • At 13 years old, they could become a squire as they continued their education and training.
  • They were finally able to be dubbed a knight at 21.
  • William Marshal was one of England’s greatest knights and was considered the greatest tournament knight of his time.
  • Women could be knights as well. For example, the Order of the Hatchet (Orden de la Hacha) in Catalonia was a military order of knighthood for women.
  • A knight would be punished with public humiliation for breaking the code.
  • Knights armor weighed between 45 and 55 lbs.
The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

Geronimo Stilton Book Activities

Next, look at these other crafts to go with the books.

  • Journey Through Time Geronimo Stilton Time Warp Fun Lost City of Atlantis
  • Race Against Time Build a Fun Greek Water Clock
  • Out Of Time Fun Sir Francis Drake Ship Craft
  • Stilton Journey Through Time Series Fifth Journey Fun Eiffel Tower
  • 10 Things to Learn From The Fun Geronimo Stilton Chapter Books
  • The Fourth Journey Through Time Fun Cleopatra Collar
  • Learn About Mozart The Eight Journey Through Time Geronimo Stilton Series
  • The Geronimo Stilton Book Fourth Journey Fun Egypt Game
  • Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time Craft a Fun England Tower Guard
  • Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)
  • Down and Out Down Under Make a Fun Edible Coral Reef
  • Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary And Fun Corn Craft
  • The Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time Colosseum Craft
  • The Race Against Time Geronimo Stilton Activities: Fun Edible Spine
  • #2: Back in Time Mayan Craft
  • The Curse of The Cheese Pyramid Barbie Mummy
  • Who Is Geronimo Stilton Rodent Notebooking Page

In honor of King Arthur and his wonderful Knights of the Round Table we are creating a Medieval Knight in a full suit of armor.

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

This method is a simpler version of the intricate metal engraving that was done on jewelry, metal plates and more by goldsmiths of the Middle Ages.

How to Make a Knights Armor Engraving

You will need:

  • A cardboard piece
  • Aluminum foil
  • Hot glue gun/glue sticks
  • Black craft paint
  • Paper towel
  • Toothpick tape
  • Pencil/pen

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

Start by sketching out a simple knight in armor shape on your cardboard.

After you are satisfied with it in pencil you can go back over it with a pen to make it easier to see.

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

Trace over the lines with hot glue.

Be sure that you make the lines thick enough that they will leave an impression in the foil.

You don’t have to add a lot of detail at this point, just the general shape is enough.

Allow to cool and harden.

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

Once the glue is hardened, cover your cardboard in foil and wrap around the back. Tape into place.

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

Carefully, run your fingers over the raised surface to press the foil into it.

You will want to go back and forth over it several times.

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

Once your outline is fully showing through the foil take a toothpick and gently scratch in a few details to give your knight more interest.

Squirt a little black paint right onto your completed design.

Spread it gently with a paper towel and let it sit for a couple minutes and wipe it off.

The black should stay inside the indentions and create some dimension making the design stand out a bit and age it a bit.

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

Allow the paint to dry and your knight engraving is ready to go on display.

You can use the same technique to write your name, engrave a castle design, or anything else you like.

The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: book lists, books, crafts, Geronimo Stilton, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, homeschoolhistory, literature, medieval homeschool history, middle ages history

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