Welcome to Russia....

We signed in our passports.

We used Google Translate to hear how to say our names and even some cartoon characters names in Russian.  The phrase below is Welcome to Russia.

We learned about Russian nesting dolls.  We colored pictures of them.  I didn't have the supplies in the house to create our own set.  We also colored beautiful Faberge eggs sheets.  Joey did an awesome job staying in the lines.  

We watched a History Channel special on Faberge Eggs.  It was wonderful special and full of historical  pictures and accounts.  We found it on Youtube.  We had to watch it in 10 minute segments, but it was worth it.  So then we decided to make our own fabrege eggs.  We used inflated balloons with newspaper and glue.  Quite messy and required alot of adults hands-on.  The only one to enjoy it was Caty. 

 

Then we used decoupage glue and tissue paper to cover the dried newspaper.

 Here's our masterpieces drying.   We took down a curtain in the school room area to allow more light to come from the porch.  We left the rod brackets up to create an art display/drying area.

Joey also spent some time trying to learn a little about chess.  He enjoyed it alot, but he got frustrated at how long a game could take. 

The girls thought they could learn too. Turns out they just like using the pieces to play dolls.  They played the king and queen were boyfriend and girlfriend.  They had all the pawns say a prayer together to start their day.  It was cute.

We were going to have Russian tea cakes and tea this week.  Unfortunately that and our meal were put on hold.  We will have to post that later.  I think because winter has hit us full force, it is a good time to continent hop again!  We are going to look at Antarctica next week.  I have a fun penguin project planned and Youtube was full of videos on Antarctica travel.  I would even be willing to travel there to marvel at the beauty I could see through their camera's eye.  That was until I saw the cost to travel there......will never happen!!  Thinking warm thoughts till next week.

Lapbook giveaway from Hands of a Child

Last year I started reading about Lap books.  I was a little confused, but decided to try them.  We have done a few in the past year.  Some of them in traditional Lap book format in file folders and some of them just in a folder or 3 ring binder.  When I do them in a binder we are able to add extra information and reports.

One of my favorite places to purchase lap book materials is Hands of a Child. 

They run some wonderful specials, and you can't beat their $5.00 lapbook specials.  They also offer a free lapbook, that changes every few months. 


Music Appreciation Pack

I recently purchased their Music Appreciation pack, and the lovely thing about their project packs is you can adjust how you complete the unit.  It comes with a suggested time frame to complete the unit in, and even has a guide you can follow.  You can complete lap books in a week.   We have chosen to break this one down to a much longer period and only complete one activity a week.  Each unit comes with a suggested reading list that you can chose from.  This unit features 6 different composers, different ways we can make music, different kinds of musical instruments, etc.  It is definitely meeting all of our needs for a music class for the final semester of school.

Lessons can be purchased from Pre-k through high school.  But I like the fact that I can use one unit to teach across the board.  I just adjust for each child's learning level.  We are using the Music Appreciation unit for Kindergarten to 4th grade. 

Pros:
*Completely laid out lesson plan.
*Ability to adjust the lesson plan to our family's needs.
*All templates provided for each activity.
*All information is provided to complete each activity.  This includes vocabulary lists with definitions.
*You can order packs to be printed and shipped to you or just order the ebook version and download immediately.  You only print what you want to then.

Cons:
***I have noooo cons for this unit.  Or any other unit that I have purchased in the past year.  The only issue you may have is if you do not have a good printer (and you order the ebook versions), make sure you print in Fast Draft printing mode.  We are using an older printer right now since my good one broke down, and it doesn't print as well. 

After Redoing their website.....Hands of a Child is prepping for the release of the 400th Project Pack release Party!!! It's going to be a huge celebration!! 

They are going to generously be giving away this pack to one of our readers.  Here is how to enter:

*Visit Hands of a Child and come back to our blog and post a list of your 5 favorite project packs you would like to get. 

Extra entries:
*  Follow our blog using a reader.
*  Follow us on email.
*  Subscribe to their newsletter.

Please leave an individual post for each entry.  A reader will be chosen at random.

**Free bundle packs include a printed Project Pack, Kit Pack, and Answer Key
(when available) which will be mailed to your winner when the drawing is
completed. This is a $40 value with EVERYTHING covered by us, including
shipping!  Hands of a Child will be mailing the project pack to you upon release.