China Part 2 (Co-op)

Earlier this week we had our geography co-op. Before the co-op a couple of friends came over and watched a video on Ancient China.

When it came time for presentations, Caitlin was all ready in her traditional Chinese dress, known as a Cheongsam.

She talked about the different clothing throughout the last few thousand years, as well as the Chinese foot binding process. 

Jayden talked about the traditions of the Chinese New Year, including the legend of the Chinese New Year, the history behind the red envelopes, the foods they eat and why they eat them.

The kids enjoyed egg rolls, traditional Chinese steamed mantou (steamed bread), and water straight from China's Yellow Sea! (Ok, ok, it was from my kitchen).

Later the kids played a game where they had to move candy from a bowl to a plate using chopsticks. They got to eat whatever they managed to get. 

Some of them were really good and some of them were frustrated! So one of the moms gave a quick chopsticks tutorial. 

We saved a couple of chopsticks to use on our own time too! 

China Part 1

We have been working on a China unit study for a geography co-op we are part of. Jayden's topic was the Chinese New Year, and Caitlin's topic were the traditions of fashion throughout the last 2,500 years in China.

We read lots of books, but this one was our favorite.Anything that Ms. Frizzle does is always adventurous, which is a plus for us!

We watched skimmed through several documentaries, which, admittedly, none of us really enjoyed. 

We also watched a short video on Brainpop Jr about Ancient China. 

Last weekend we went to a Chinese New Years Festival. 

 They had a lot of their art displayed, which we checked out before the show started.

The kids got a chance to practice some calligraphy. 

They also made bookmarks. 

It was extremely crowded there but the celebration was very interesting. 

Everything was in Mandarin, although a lot of it was translated to English.  Kids told jokes. Their banter was based on homophones that we didn't get because it was in Mandarin.

A very talented woman played a three stringed instrument. 

Children and adults did some wonderful dancing in their traditional Chinese garb. 

And finally, there was a martial arts performance. 

When we got home we made several crafts including paper lanterns and the New Year Dragon to decorate the dining room in preparation of our co-op meeting. 

 

Here is Jayden working on his presentation. 

Both kids did a History Pocket on Ancient China. They learned about the food, shelter, and clothing during that time. 

Look at these faces! Don't they look like they enjoyed geography? ;)

A Little Bit of Everything

This month J & C earned new stripes on their belts. They work so hard and have both come so far in karate!!

 We recently joined a weekly class at the library. These beauties have learned to finger knit! They have made lots of necklaces and bracelets for friends.

Jayden started 5th grade math this month. His new curriculum is one he picked out on his own because he no longer wants to do math work on Khan Academy. His choice is Saxon Math.

 Caitlin is excelling in her math. She is halfway through her second grade curriculum.

A couple of weeks ago a group of homeschoolers took over a local pizzeria. The pizzeria opened early just for our group. They took a tour of the freezer, kitchen, prep area, pizza ovens, register area, etc. Then they got to make their own pizzas and build their own sundaes. 

Jayden got a robot for Christmas. He built it almost entirely on his own! It was a time consuming project but once he finished he felt very proud of himself!