History can be a rockin' good time!

Last week, I came a cross this YouTube channel called History for Music Lovers.  All I can say is that the kids and I must have spent over an hour watching and rewatching the videos.  We were supposed to be working on other things!

Mac, especially, cannot get the song lyrics out of his head.  He is often caught singing in the kitchen and at the table, "Fleas on rats, fleas on rats" (from the song, Black Death to the tune of Hollaback Girl) much to Abby's disapproval. She doesn't like the images those particular lyrics conjure up.  Her favourites that needed replay were Constantine (to tune of Come On, Eileen) and Iceman (to the tune of Tax Man, by the Beatles.)

Just from listening to a handful of songs (there are over 51 in all) a few times, the kids are able to recall details about various events and people.  Its quite ingenious, I think, to develop and carry out such an ambitious project that leads to a fun way to remember historical facts and figures.

Here's the link.  http://www.youtube.com/user/historyteachers#p/a

But be forewarned... it is a time sucker - so make sure you have a cup of coffee in hand and snuggled in a comfy chair. Or at least in a spot that you have room to boogie and dance in, if you feel so inclined!

Home-Made!

I came across some creations that the kids have made recently after off-loading two months worth of pictures.


Firstly, we went to a night of art in downtown Halifax.  We spent our time looking around the exhibits at AGNS and partook in the group art project of what you think the brain would "look" like.  There were over 100 pieces to be "created" and each piece, when finished, fit onto a large canvas, like a puzzle.  It was incredible to see the "brain" transform as more and more pieces were added on.  The one on the left is Abby's contribution.  She went for one that showed personality.  Mac, on the other hand, went for the techno look as he said the brain is like a machine.  After their finished pieces were placed, they could talk to a neurosurgeon who was on hand to talk about the brain.  Mac asked him some challenging questions.

 Secondly, for Christmas, the homeschool group kids decided that their annual gift swap would be a homemade one this year.  So the kids racked their brains to figure out what they might do.  Abby came up with making beaded bracelets and an owl tree ornament that she could sew out of felt.

First ornament

 Once Mac came up with his idea, he was eager to hit Grampy's shop.  He worked on the lathe to create some exquisite ornaments.  The one he made for the homeschool group was a big hit, and had a request to make another.  Then, of course, I needed one, too.

The one made for a friend.