Summer School fun history lessons.

So M. really wants to get started on Civil War history. We've had a pretty good first start to homeschooling this past year for 4th grade, so I wanted to continue that energy over the summer so 5th grade can be even better.

Now, before we jumped into Civil War I decided we would begin with the discover of the Americas before we addressed the wars.

Here is our beginner "Dead Reckoning" explorers kit including a DVD case, a mock compass, (V is 5 and enjoying our classes with us over the summer), a cover map that exCLUDES the Americas, a few inside maps including one similar to a Rendition by Columbus, as well as colored pencils.

We did a comic book panel timeline for Columbus' misadventures and true history. We did a DIY compass with a cup of water and a magnetized needle in a cork. And we practiced dead reckoning with a street map, remember

Distance or speed measured out along compass current heading to be able to chart a course.

M. loved the true story of Columbus and V. who again is 5 loves telling people about dysentery.

How To Train Your Dragon activities

We go to lengths to keep a young man interested in reading. 

Here is joint operation map of the Barbaric Archipelago.

And a wanted  poster for the dominant villain in the series. "Alvin the poor but honest farmer."

The map was drawn, inked, on thin scrap ply wood and mounted on the wall. My son added the color and some of the ships and dragons. 

How to Train Your Dragon

My six year old and I have been reading the "How to Train Your Dragon" series enthusiastically with boisterous oration for each character. Apart from having to adjust the name "Big Boobied Bertha" to Big Bertha, I have had no qualms and been able to keep him riveted to each chapter, two or three at time each night. The ridiculously simple drawings are perfect for the story and convey just the type of silliness my son needs in a story. Very different from the movie in that Toothless is actually a small dragon and the relationship with dragons is much more communal. We've turned this story into numerous activities like creating wanted posters for the more treacherous villains, putting up a giant wood print wall map of the Barbaric Archipelago, and singing the Hooligan Anthem as often as possible. Highly recommend the series for a father and son, and very excited to find more somewhat slapstick character based stories for the future.