Medieval Lesson and Family Crests

Monthly, local homeschoolers get together at the Library for a class on History, Art or Science. Our first lesson with this new group was Medieval Life for kids. We learned about the Family Crest, social levels, food, watched a video about worst jobs of that time, what kids wore and did in those days, and much more. Here are some pictures from that day.

Before class, I helped create The Michalek’s Coat of Arms and made some basic images for the kids to assemble their own on cardboard during class. Our Family Motto is based on our school prayer. “Be pleasant. Have joy in God’s Graces. Show Love.” Or in latin “Adfulgeo. Exultatio Honors Prae Deus. Affectus.” Sounds more like a magicians spell? Anyways, our symbols represent our adorning love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Brigid as our patron saint, hope to reap rewards of hard work, mothering spirit, and Jesus and Mary at the center of our days. Every square inch of it has a meaning.

You can learn more and create your own from ideas found on the web.
http://medievaleurope.mrdonn.org/heraldry.html
http://www.digiserve.com/heraldry/symbols.htm
http://www.heraldry.ca/kids_en/heraldry_make_shield.htm
http://www.storyboardtoys.com/gallery/coat-of-arms-lesson-plan.htm
Create your own Medieval Persona: http://www.box.frodelius.com/Medieval/handouts.html



We discussed and reenacted the plague
 
and watched a youtube video about “The Worst Jobs of the Middle Ages.”



And we tasted some tasty snacks. We had baked apples with honey and buckwheat pancakes. Mmmm, surprisingly.

Countdown to Moving Day

The kids and I had a “fun day” with the empty boxes. I think it lasted a few hours. Here they are playing restaurant.



MOVING COUNTDOWN IDEA:
One box I made especially for the kids is a countdown box, counting down the days until we move. I put in a gift, covered the box with a paper bag, then taped it up real tight. Added an image of a moving truck on front, drawing the numbered squares on the side. They add a card each day (a paper that is printed with a moving box and words/pictures describing what we’re doing that day.) When the last “box” is added to the “moving truck” they get to open it up and there is a surprise gift inside to use at the new house!


 
On the back I drew the two truck doors. One door said “Leaving from…” and “Moving to…”
They also each have their own backpack that they can add their favorite stuffed animals or other things to, so they don’t get packed up.

When I left the box castle/restaurant, they grabbed the camera and put on their best silly faces and put on a dance show. I so love that they are home for us to share this time together. It makes packing harder, but the memories of it all are worth it. We are learning so much… about each other!

The Birthday Party Tradition

My mom always threw fun birthday parties for me, and often still does for all members of our family. It doesn’t matter if family or all my friends were invited, it is always a special day. So of course, I have brought the tradition of birthday parties in to my family. For ages 1-99! My kids know they are special to us, but one day a year is ALL ABOUT THEM.

The Happy Birthday Sign magically appears… same as Mamaw’s. We now make sure to have photos of past birthdays, or scrapbooks out to see how they’ve grown.

The table is set with style and goodies…


The Cake is decorated (by me of course)…
 
Balloons are all around…

(took yellow smile balloons and added Pooh features)

And Family and Friends show up ready to celebrate!

 
*Themes: Toy Story 3D, Winnie the Pooh 1st Bday,
Embroidery Party, and Princess of God our King.


Stanley just had to be “the man of the hour.” And who would have thunk that Chicken Noodle Soup from the crockpot with breadsticks would be such a hit?


What are your birthday traditions? please comment!

Devotional Storytime

Some of my favorites to read to the kids are from Catholic Heritage Curricula. These are their Grade K-3rd Readers, but they are perfect for parents to read to their children!

We read a daily devotional from this book series, Devotional Stories for Little Folks:

My second graders are the most interested in this book, learning valuable lessons on how to behave in church and at home – and so much more. It has helped us, including myself, learn more about our faith life and ideas for our daily activities. Thank you Nancy Nicholson!


You might also enjoy, Rare Catholic Stories:




Besides these books, I am simply thrilled with their elementary home study books. Our favorites being their preschool program and Science "Behold & See" books.