Homeschool history for this week took us to two totally different ancient civilizations. First we learned about Queen Esther and how she saved her people, and then we learned about the Greek Parthenon and some of their day in the life activities.
Each week as we visit our timeline the kids prepare their projects, paper, presentation and read for participation questions. I am never not amazed at what they come up with for their projects. Of course we use recyclables as much as possible. Our ideas for this week was to build a Greek Parthenon, and a scepter to represent the King and Queen in the story.
Homeschool History Timeline Paper
Our homeschool history allowed time is on Wednesday. Each week starting over the weekend the kids start working on what they need to have ready for their projects. My oldest son grabbed our encyclopedia, began his research. He is in high school so his paper has to be two pages, cursive and show the research skills we have been working on for English 1. He doesn’t have to do the outline each time, with notes, but I do request that he use sources other than the internet. In addition to that he works on more than one source and his descriptions. He is a very good writer, but needs to elaborate more on describing something.
My youngest two who are in middle school and upper elementary work on their homeschool history papers. I give them the timeline book to do their research. This helps me because I know where to look for their participation points. Prior to this it was a little scattered due to the various websites they would research. Hence the need for the History Encyclopedia.
Presentation Skills and Development
I am not sure how they practiced this week, but each of them did well with the presentation. Our goal for this was to portray a comfortable posture as they recited their paper. Memorization is encouraged but not necessary. Also, for my oldest he will have to try and use index cards for his timeline next year. This will prepare him to read his presentation and break it down into smaller parts. My hope for this exercise is to have him speak more comfortably on a topic after reading it.
ll three of them stood up and delivered the information very well. My middle school son took the first part of Esther and my oldest too the last part of Esther. It was very interesting to hear their take on the topic. My oldest spoke about how Esther was used by God to save her people in his homeschool history report, while my other son wrote his topic on Queen Vashti and other parts of the first chapter in the book of Esther.
Hands On Project to Visualize the History
My youngest made a Greek Parthenon to go with his theme for his homeschool history. It was assigned as the project that was well know in Ancient Greek. He explained about the democracy and how the Greek people would vote. He mentioned Pericles and the history behind him. When he made his Parthenon, the design shows ruggedness. He used cardboard and pool noodles. As we are viewing it is noticeable how he made some pieces to look damaged and aged.
My middle schooler wrote about King Ashureruis and his kingdom. How far he ruled, and how many provinces he ruled over. He discussed the feast and his first wife Queen Vashti. This opened up a great dialogue where we were able to discuss how important it was to not disgrace the King in the ancient civilization. His project was a scepter made from a tomato stake, feathers we had in the craft box, a plastic orange painted red and superglued to the top of the tomato steak. The ingenuity was unmatchable.
My oldest son talked about Mordecai and how he raised Esther. Haman’s demeanor and plans toward Mordecai, and how the King was pleased with him. It was very interesting to hear the detail that he went into on his story and how everyone obeyed the decree except Mordecai. I do allow them to read the passage and write the story how they hear it. For me, this shows great comprehension and the ability to retell a story correctly. Finally, my oldest’s project was another scepter. Much bigger because he reused a Harry Potter scepter, removed the top and replaced it with a horseshoe. It’s really heavy and can’t stay in the house, but it was really well crafted.
Participation and Comprehension of the Subject
The participation questions came from the sections of the Bible they were to read and a library book on Ancient Greek civilization. I have them read all of a section and then read a line. As I read a line I leave out a key fact or date. Then they fill in the correct information. I give them five. All three of them were able to answer all five questions and a few bonus ones.
Not all weeks turn out this well, but my goal is to help them learn to decipher what is important to remember when taking notes whether by memory or pen. The projects can be viewed each week on my Instagram @Momsarefrugal.
If history is your favorite subject leave a comment! Also sign up for my newsletter with more ways to homeschool on a dime.
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