George Washington's Breakfast

What did George Washington eat for breakfast? That's what a little boy named George (who also shares the same birthday as George Washington) wants to know in George Washington's Breakfast by Jean Fritz.

Well, I'm not going to give too much away in this wonderful living book teaching kids more about George Washington than they think they are learning, but we made it...

And no, they are not pancakes!

2010/2011 Family Year Overview PDF

For those who are interested in seeing our new school year overview click HERE .
We will be using Ambleside Online's year 5 as our spine resource and to keep things flowing smoothly for all of us, I will be using Truthquest's American History for Young Students II 1800-1868 to help choose books for the two youngest, keeping the same history time table for us all. So as an example, I will choose a book my five year old can understand and read that to all of the kids, and then Laura, who is an independent reader can read her own books later on in the day.

(When Laura reaches year 7, Timothy and Audrey will begin year 2 guaranteeing they will be on the same history time line)

Just for reference the Ambleside History guide goes like this:

Year 1 -- early history, focusing on people rather than events
Year 2 -- 1000 AD - Middle Ages
Year 3 -- 1400 - 1600 (Renaissance to Reformation)
Year 4 -- 1700's up to the French Revolution and American Revolution
Year 5 -- 1800 to 1920 up to WWI
Year 6 -- end of WWI to present day, then a term in ancient history
Year 7 -- 800-1400's Middle Ages (Alfred, King Arthur, Joan of Arc)
Year 8 -- 1400-1600's (Renaissance to Reformation)
Year 9 -- 1688-1815 including French and American revolutions
Year 10 -- 1815-1901 including the American Civil War
Year 11 -- 20th Century
Year 12 -- ancient history 
 
 
I will continue to post schedules and book guides in the days to come leading up to our first day of school.

Viking Ships- Viking Tales

This is a good video with some interesting information about Viking Ships.

Abigail's Peacefield

Another reason to love Ambleside- an in depth look into the lives of the one who changed ours; like Abigail Adams. Her biography in "Abigail Adams, Witness to a Revolution" has opened our eyes to an incredible woman.

I have no idea why this was our favorite piece of information today, but it was unanimous- what had to be posted here, on our little blog was Abigail's house- Peacefield. After returning from Europe, Abigail and John moved into their "Old House" and it's many problems thinking that it was a matchbox of a house after their mansions in Europe.- Ummm... If that is a matchbox mine must be ...


Abigail brought home two roses from abroad: the White Rose of York...

And the Red rose of Lancaster ( I don't know... looks pink to me- but what do I know?)

So, if you ever visit Peacefield, like we plan on doing, ask if these two roses are still in bloom (which according to my research, still do)- you might impress a few guides!

The Battle of Bunker Hill

One of the best things I love about Ambleside Online is the tapestry of rich stories that get weaved from different perspectives. From the biography of Abigail Adams, to a rich Historical book like This Country of Ours, then to George Washington's World we get a 3D (if you will) perspective of times in history. I asked Laura what she loved most about her history readings today.
She said what stood out to her the most was the story of Bunker Hill (which did not actually occur on Bunker Hill- it took place on Breeds Hill). George Washington had just been dispatched as the Continental Army's general to which he responded with dread. He simply did not feel he had the strength or the wisdom for such a task.
When certain events lead to the colonist resisting the British, a turning point occurred within the hearts of the brave men of America- they fought; and they fought hard. The Battle of Bunker Hill was a losing battle- the colonist lost, but boy, did they put up a good fight- all heart and strength.
The British lost more men than the colonist and also gained a new found respect for the proud men who fought for their country.
Washington was elated. He now knew these poorly clad and badly weapon men with hardly a weapon could fight-
That was what Laura gleaned from this story. She said it is great to know that we all have more in us than we expect just like the colonist.

Olaudah Equianao

" I might say my sufferings were great: but when I compare my lot with that of most of my countrymen, I regard myself as a particular favorite of heaven, and acknowledge the mercies of Providence in every occurrence of my life."

Olaudah Equiano was kidnapped as a young boy along with his sister and sold as a slave into the brutal market of the times. After gaining his freedom later in life, he spent his remaining years as a key abolitionist- 10 years after his death the English slave trade was abolished- watch this video made by a high school student for interesting insight to this man.
You can read more of his life and incredible faith here

George Washington'e World- Thomas Jefferson

We thought it fascinating today as we read from George Washington's World how much Thomas Jefferson loved his "hill". He loved it so much that he wanted to be buried there. As we went on a search to find out about his loved home, Monticello captured our interest. Watch these videos and see if doesn't capture yours as well. (Visit the Monticello sight HERE to explore a 3D view of the house- looks more like a mansion to me)

Here is a fascinating video about the man who build his own home, which by the way took 40 years.



This short clip is fascinating as well- it is just the trailer to the movie they show if you visit Monticello- no fair to us who can't just up and go take a day trip to the house.