In this recap, I am going to share what we did at home for more hands-on learning related to Classical Conversations Cycle 3 Week 10: Bible, History, Geography, and Science memory work. I will also link our favorite picture books and share a look at my tutor board.
Let's dive right into what we did for Week 10!
Bible:
Resource: Foundations of the Bible vol.3 | Bible Memory Songs | Hymnology Cards
This week, we began learning about the letters written by Paul. We are covering Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians.
I absolutely loved diving deeper into the letters that Paul wrote and helping my kids understand more of the context as to why the letters were written. Each letter was written to a specific church and for a specific purpose. They each had unique cultures and circumstances that Paul had to address.
I love spending our mornings reading from this study and reading the related Bible reading. It has been such a blessing for our family, and I pray it is for you as well.
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 — it’s not too late. Anyone can do this study, not just CC families.
History:
Resource: Story of the World Book (Match Up List)
This week, we learned about manifest destiny. We dive deeper into our history topic on Tuesdays, which landed on a sick day in our house this week. We did school from the couch because my toddler slept on my lap all day. I read from Story of the World, and the kids memorized the CC sentence. That’s all we could do! Grateful for the simplicity and effectiveness of just memorizing the songs — especially on sick days.
Science:
Resources: Learning with Friends Year 3 Bundle | CC Connected Sandbox File
Activity: Paper bag lungs and cup with balloon lungs
For science, we did two activities. First, we made paper bag lungs for the kids to decorate. Then, we made a lung replica with a clear cup and balloons for the kids to see how the diaphragm and lungs work together. You can either blow into the straws and watch them inflate, or you can softly pull the bottom balloon to show how the diaphragm works with the lungs.
To make the clear cup replica, you need:
- 2 straws
- 3 balloons
- Clear cup
- Play dough
- Tape or rubber bands
Poke 2 holes in the clear cup for the straws to fit through. Secure a balloon to each straw with tape or a rubber band inside the cup. Cover the opening of the cup with a balloon that has the top cut off so it can stretch wide enough over the opening. Securing the straws with play dough so no air can get into the holes. If you tug on the balloon over the cup opening, it will cause the balloons on the straws to fill with air and release. You can also blow into the straws to watch the balloons inflate and deflate.
Geography:
Resources: CC Sandbox Geography page | Drawing the USA | Eat Your Way Through the USA Cookbook
Activity: Make a meal from one of the states we are learning each week.
This week, we learned about Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. We finished drawing all 50 states with our Draw through the USA book. My kids have also memorized the CC states and capitals song from start to finish!
For our recipe this week, we made smoked salmon for Alaska. Alaska is the top producer of salmon. We also had an apple crisp for Washington since Washington is the top producer of apples. As we eat dinner, I like to read the fun facts for each of the states we are learning about from the Eat Your Way Through the USA book.
Library Books:
As always, we grab a ton of books from the library because I love picture books. We do our read-aloud time at bedtime. There were not many to choose from at my library this week, but enjoyed the few we could grab. The pioneer book has recipes and information on how pioneers would have cooked and lived while traveling west.
- Apples to Oregon by Deborah Hopkinson — The slightly true narrative of how a brave pioneer father brought apples, pears, plums, grapes, and cherries (and children) across the plains.
- The Respiratory System by Kay Manolis — This book explains how the respiratory system functions to take in the air we need to live.
- Skillet Bread, Sourdough, and Vinegar Pie: Cooking in Pioneer Days by Loretta Frances Ichord — Presents a look at what was eaten in the American West by pioneers on the trail, cowboys on cattle drives, and gold miners in California camps.
- Pedro's Pan by Matthew Lasley — Inspired by the true story of Felix Pedro, a prospector who launched one of the richest gold rushes in Alaska’s history.
YouTube: Week 10 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. I also think this is a great resource for other tutors to use to build their plans for the week.
If you are a parent and not tutoring, the "best practice" for CC is to let the tutor introduce the memory work in class for the first time on community day. You then review the week's memory work with your child until the next CC community day. You ideally use the methods you saw the tutor use in class at home with your child.
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