To end out the curriculum year the children presented their rendition of life in Greece. We've been studying Greek culture and finally wrapped it up with a presentation for family. We always want them to be comfortable speaking in front of people so part of their "final exam" was to present subject matter that they had memorized plus something they enjoyed about a particular subject AND a science project. They have always presented in co-op classes but it's fun to have the laid back atmosphere of home to "live" the subject matter for others and demonstrate retention. Course grandparents thinks it's a hoot!
The day began with a meal Mediterranean style. Noah fashioned the welcome sign in Greek, bidding diners to enter "The Greek Restaurant". They helped to prepare culture specific food items and place cards so everyone knew what they were eating. Some foods were obvious but items such as the grape leaf wrapped rice and raisin rolls needed some ID. They enjoyed the prep work and added a few new spelling words to their repertoire...like 'Falafel'.
The Mediterranean meals have been all the rave in the fads of heart healthy diets. It really is a fantastic whole-foods selection, very simple and quite yummy. Course we added the Fig Newman's (organic/transfat free version of Fig Newtons) in place of figs as we knew no one would probably eat the actual fruit. The Greeks, Hebrews, Egyptians all ate very similarly due to their common climate, access to water and agricultural practices. Hebrews always ate foods from the biblically clean list, where as the Greeks and Egyptians did not. Interestingly, Egyptians are especially noted for their health problems, evident in the archaeological and biblical evidence. The meal also allowed me an opportunity to reinforce the principles of good nutrition that we try to live by as a family.
Anna chose to present her memorization of the 23rd Psalm (below) and act out one of Aesop's fables. For her science project she presented her idea of a homemade lawn mower where she took apart a fan, placed it on the bottom of a shopping cart and explained how it would work on a poster. Course we never let her plug it in...but at least she had the right idea! She also dressed as a Greek priestess adorning purple, which was a sign of wealth in those days, as the rare purple was made from sea snails.
Noah enjoyed reading the book The Children's Homer and chose to dress as Odysseus the warrior of the famous battle at Troy. He spoke about the battles and the religious life of the Greeks. The pagan nature of the Greek society is always of interest and gave us an opportunity to discuss "false gods" and how it dishonors the one true God. We also read about Archimedes and his many science endeavors, creator of the lever, pulley and how he founded many principles that we use in our math and science today. Noah created a catapult for his science project and explained the mechanics as well as usage of the design. Interestingly, one of his co-op classes this year is Lego Engineering where they build and discuss many of these concepts as well. Couldn't have planned that any better even if I tried!! He also recited 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (Every writing is God-breathed, and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for setting aright, for instruction that is in righteousness).
I'm very proud of the children this year for their efforts. It was a particularly challenging school year with having a new baby and a move all in the same time frame. Sometimes I wasn't the best teacher and other things took precedent over book work, but over all it was a good year of learning and they developed many "life skills" in the process. We're looking forward to the next subject covering Rome to the Reformation and in the many adventures this will lead us.
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
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