This page will continue to evolve as our plans are finalized and as materials are selected and purchased.
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Math Caroline will continue with the Kumon math program, as well as maintain a daily travel log, calculating mileage and travel time. We will complete a unit on graphing and statistics at Hershey Park using one of the activities offered in their education guide. Geometry and physics concepts will included in our architecture unit. Literature Using the “Poetry for Young People” series, we will study American poets Emily Dickinson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Edgar Allan Poe and Robert Frost at the homesites of each respective poet. We will compare and contrast their works and evaluate each poet’s use of poetic devices. Caroline will then use these devices to write her own poetry. On our way to Hannibal, Missouri, we will listen to Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer on CD and Caroline will choose one of Twain’s books written for younger readers to read independently; “Tom Sawyer Abroad”, “The Prince and the Pauper” or “Tom Sawyer Detective.” At the Mark Twain House and Museum, we will study Twain’s life and his impact on American culture. Curriculum Guides for Tom Sawyer, the Witch of Blackbird Pond and The Watson’s go to Birmingham will be completed. “The Wright 3” by Blue Balliett will be read during weeks two and three when we are studying the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright and visiting Falling Water, Oak Park and the Guggenheim Museum. “Little House on the Prairie” will be read while driving to the Laura Ingalls Wilder’s homesite, “The Wizard of Oz” before attending OZ Fest in Liberal, Kansas, and “The Watson’s go to Birmingham” corresponds with our travels through the South to tie in with the Social Studies unit on the Civil Rights Movement. Language Arts In addition to the poetry writing and literature guides for the above books, bird journal and Junior Ranger booklets, Caroline will be responsible for maintaining a blog and journal, correspondence with friends and family, and writing thank you notes along the way. Social Studies Mapping our travels will include defining each U.S. geographic region, and recognizing each state, it’s location, capital and geographic features. U.S. History will cover Colonial life, the American Revolution, the Civil War and Emancipation Proclamation, and the Civil Rights Movement. Last year’s study of the Oregon Trail and Lewis and Clark Expedition will be reviewed at sites relating to those subjects. Science Our ornithology unit will take us to the World Center for Birds of Prey where Caroline will study Raptors and Falcons and the purpose of captive breed and release programs. We will continue our bird journal throughout the U.S. and study migratory patterns. Junior Ranger programs at National Parks focused on paleontology and geology will be completed in Oregon, Utah, South Dakota, and Virginia. Art History and Appreciation of American Art will highlighted at our visits to Art Museums around the country. Visits to the Scott Joplin House, Graceland, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Pink Palace hands on music exhibit will highlight evolution of American music. Do you have a materials recommendation that fits with our itinerary? Email us at homeschoolacrossamerica.com