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Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

4-H Curriculum


4-H Mall

http://www.4-hmall.org/Category/educationresources.aspx

WIDE variety of subjects - would be great for short-term projects, longer-term projects, unit studies - explore areas of interest - without a large dollar outlay.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Fractions: History

http://nrich.maths.org/2515

Egyptian hieroglyphs


Interestingly segment on the possible history of fractions. Tying in mathematics, history, geography and culture  ;)





Tuesday, January 15, 2013

History Writing Lessons

http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/catalog/history




This book is advertised as being intended for those who have done the IEW training; but in a Montessori home or school, with a child studying ancient history (they also have options for Australian, Medieval, and US History, but we've not seen them yet), it is a great resource for the child to use himself (it is written to the child).

The first two lessons are on poetry; from there it goes into Sumerians, Rome and Greece and more, with essays, summaries, narratives, critiques, research reports, writing from pictures and creative writing. I personally love the Appendix - there is a list of "banned words" such as good/bad and lists of "alternate words" to replace those bland, banned words.

A good deal of language arts rules are taught and reinforced, with a variety of writing styles, all tied into an intense interest of most elementary children.

The guide can be used by most Montessori elementary children who are confidently reading, are ready to write more than a grocery list at a sitting, and perhaps have already done a lot of historical studies - this can be used a follow-up later, as review. I would suggest age 8 and above; and it is written to accommodate up to middle school. It is likely too simplistic for a typical 15-18 year old (although struggling writers of that age might like it as a boost into writing skills!).

The children read and do the lesson themselves, then bring their writing to the adult for review; they then create a second or final draft and add illustrations.

In a Montessori fashion - a lesson a week or a lesson every two weeks could be included in the work plan, with adult-child developed modifications when/where/if needed. Or the child could run through several of them in a week, depending on how much time and interest there is.

Monday, June 18, 2012

People of the Ancient World - series of books



Scholastic now publishes this great set of books. The books are mostly 6th grade reading level and appropriate for history studies of the Montessori elementary children. Scholastic lists the Mayan book as 3rd grade reading level; reviews are forthcoming when our copy arrives!

These books are great for pulling information to give to the lower elementary children, then inviting the 3rd graders to read selections for themselves. With wonderful artwork, non-bias explanations, the civilizations shine forth on their own merit, demonstrating to the children their development and decline over periods of centuries.

A list of available books on Amazon - as of the date of this post, all the books are available for less than $10 each, and are on 4-for-3 - buy 4 and the 4th is free! includes free super saver shipping too!




Monday, June 11, 2012

History: Magazine Subscription - DIG

Dig - Archaeology for Kids

This website and related magazine are great for Montessori children aged 7 and up, for those with a love and appreciation for history.

The whole website is rich in resources: articles, art, submissions, teacher's area with lesson plans and ideas for setting up a history-friendly environment, and so much more.

The teacher's area even includes the topics for at least the next year's worth of issues.









Friday, June 8, 2012

History of Mathematics - YouTube Videos

YouTube has videos on the history of mathematics:

A series of 4 BBC documentaries on the History of Maths
Could be used for the adult to preview and share the stories orally with your younger elementary children; older elementary, middle school and older might be interested in actually watching them. They are geared more for older children and adults in the style of presentation.

The Story of 1 - presented by Terry Jones - BBC
This one would be great for older elementary and older children to watch as a review of what they've already learned, tying in things like the Pythagorean Theorem, non-real numbers and the like. There is some borderline crass humor and some "violence" (Arabic/Indian numeral 1s eradicating the Roman Numeral I; later the 1s and 0s are seen doing some slight graffiti - British humor, all in good fun).





Monday, May 14, 2012

Fossil Facts and Finds





Fossil Facts and Finds is a great site for following up with the Timeline of Life and Old Earth geologic eras.

While heavily Old Earth, this site contains a plethora of information that is valuable for teaching any age of the earth, as well as for exploring an Old Earth without constant propaganda.

Free downloadable booklets; sources for purchasing fossils, images, lesson plans, fossil hunting and so much more.

Well-organized and to the point - can't beat it for a Montessori-like experience :)




Friday, May 11, 2012

Totally History Website

Totally History



This site currently covers information on US History, World History and Art History.