Continent Study

Throughout this school year the boys and I have been learning about one continent each month. I must admit that this study has not been as extensive as I had planned. The boys have just not been that into it. But for each continent we have managed to color a map, learn about major climates and landforms, read fiction and nonfiction, and look at pictures of the land and native peoples and animals. It's been a pretty good basic introduction.

We've been putting the boys' maps and other continent work in their portfolios. In addition to that, I've been adding items (mostly pictures) to our continent study box. I think (hope!) that the continent box will be a good resource for us as we go into more in-depth studies over the years to come. I know that Catholic Heritage Curriculum (which we are using so far) does a more in-depth continent study in second grade. And as we read stories and follow news from around the world, we'll be able to refer to the box AND continually add more items.

Here's how it works. I attached a basic map of the continents to the inside of the lid of a big cloth bin. As we study each continent, I gather maps and pictures and back them with construction paper that is the same color as the continent on the map. All of those pictures (which have come from google, old books, calendars, and a set of world landmark flashcards) go into the bin. I also put continent books and other artifacts in the bin, making sure to color code them with a sticker or piece of tape.

Honestly, the boys haven't paid much attention to the bin yet, but I think they will come to appreciate it. I think it will be fun for them to use it for reference and to explore the contents. It's a way to keep our resources organized and accessible.... and it gives me such a "sense of well-being" along the way. :)

It's hard to believe that we're rounding the corner toward the end of the school year. We're working hard this month as always. We've been studying South America, emphasizing the rain forest and dabbling in a little bit of Spanish. We've been having a great time reading lots of fairy tales. This week we're moving on to conservation studies.

Both boys are making steady progress in their core studies. We just ordered a Kindergarten Math book for Adam and he is eager to get started. His handwriting is really looking good. Ray has recently completed the Kindergarten reading material (as outlined by Catholic Heritage Curriculum). He's going to begin the first grade Hooked on Phonics set. His Math and Phonics books are nearly completed as well. It's so fun to see the progress they're making.