Happy new school year! In this recap, I am going to share what we did at home for more hands-on learning related to Classical Conversations Cycle 1, Week 1 memory work.
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ABOUT US:
If you are a new follower, welcome! Here is a brief intro about our family and our experience with CC. My name is Lindsey, and I have been homeschooling for 5 years. We have been doing Classical Conversations from the beginning, so this is our 5th year in the program. We love it!
I am a Foundations tutor. Last year, I had 7-9 year olds, and this year, I have 4-6 year olds. I am the creator of the Foundations of the Bible studies that pair with the optional CC Bible memory work.
My oldest is almost 9, and we are doing Essentials for the first time — so excited! This is his second time through Cycle 1. It’s fun to see how much he remembers (it’s a lot). My middle is 6-1/2, and this is her third year enrolled in CC. She’s been in the classroom learning since she was 2. My youngest is 3 and joins me in class while I tutor. He’s been in the class since by belly. He loves to participate in all school things and knows the memory work + hand motions!
BIBLE:
Resources: Foundations of the Bible vol. 1
For Week 1, we learned about the first three days of Creation. Science is woven throughout the first two lessons. The kids really enjoyed learning about the different layers in our atmosphere and their purpose. They learned that God cares about every detail, and He created the world through His words.
Note: This study pairs with each week of the CC optional Bible memory work, but you can go at your own pace because there is SO much to learn. You can also jump in at any time. Anyone can do this study, not just CC families. Learn more about the Foundations collection here.
HISTORY:
Resources: Story of the World Book Cycle 1 (Match Up List) | Story of the World Series | Real Cool History for Kids Podcast — Chronological episode guide here
Activity: The 10 Commandments Wheel
This week, we learned about Commandments 1-5. We used the free commandment wheel I have on my website to draw the first five commandments. We also read chapters 1 & 2 of Story of the World. We are trying to read the ancient history volume in its entirety this year. I have a SOTW match-up as well on my website.
SCIENCE:
Resources: Learning with Friends Year 1 Bundle (code GRACEFRIENDS for 10% off) | CC Connected Sandbox File
Activity: Nature journal, classifying magnetic tiles or Legos
This week, we learned about the classifications of living things. We sorted magnetic tiles into as many categories as possible. We started with a broad category and then got as specific as possible to help them understand how living things are classified. We also went outside to find living things that we could classify. The kids classified a worm and their dog.
GEOGRAPHY:
Resources: Trace black line maps from CC sandbox | Drawing Africa
Activity: Trace maps daily, Make a recipe from the region (Crockpot Recipes)
We learned about the Fertile Crescent this week. Story of the World chapter 1 pairs with geography so that is what we read. We also made a crockpot Mediterranean meal to try the flavors of the region. I love cooking through geography. I put the black line maps in sheet protectors and have the kids tracing them each morning as part of their independent work before we begin.
LIBRARY BOOKS:
Here are some books related to the weekly memory work.
Please note: I have not read every recommendation. Some books I've checked out and still need to preview. I'm sharing for ideas, but please screen yourself.
- 10 Rivers that Shaped the World by Marilee Peters (Geography)
- Behind the Mask by Ruth Heller (English)
- The Dot by Peter Reynolds (Fine Arts)
- The Epic of Gilgamesh by Geraldine McCaughrean (Geography)
- Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson (Fine Arts)
- Ish by Peter Reynolds (Fine Arts)
- Mesopotamia by Catherine Finan (Geography)
- The Variety of Life by Nicola Davies (Science)
TUTOR PLANS:
How to Make a Tutor Board | Week 1 Tutor Plans | Blank Tutor Template
Here is my tutor board for week 1.
YOUTUBE PLAYLIST:
I created my first YouTube channel to record all the songs and hand motions I want to use with the kids. I've compiled each subject's songs into a weekly playlist. I create this primarily to help the parents in my class review the motions with their kids at home. This is a great resource for other tutors to use to build their plans for the week.
PREVIEW: WEEK 2 PLANS
Here's a look at what we plan on doing for Week 2.
That's a wrap! Hope you have a great first week!
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