Our timeline discovery takes us to a homeschool history spot that includes Spartacus, gladiators’ and Rome. Interestingly, at one point Spartacus fled his city with other gladiators, and went to Mount Vesuvius. Pompeii was destroyed by this volcano. Most importantly, we covered that last week in our lessons! It was fun to see my homeschoolers’ interested in what happened and how it happened. This week was also no disappointment. Learning about gladiator’s and their livelihood holds’ most homeschool boys’ attention.
Each one of my boys decided to make a shield. The best part is that each shield looks different. The material used was approved for each grade, and I loved the detail that they added. More about that later, but if you want to see how they turned out take a look at my Instagram, @Momsarefrugal.
Project
The projects this week for homeschool history were unbelievably good. My oldest used an old trash can lid. He ripped it a bit to look worn, spray painted it silver, added some designs and red food coloring for a realistic blood stained look.
One of them used a very large piece of cardboard, used black spray paint for design because apparently gladiators’ made their shields to look artistic. He added some very interesting handles on the back because he said when you are fighting with a shield without something to hold onto it will fly off. The little things really count and their imagination has no limits.
Finally, my youngest son made his out of cardboard, and I loved it. He found written in his research that gladiators’ kept a slit in the top of their shield’s to keep their swords when not in use. So, he drew a sword and cut it out.
Participation
Participation points went well this week. They all almost made all of the points and answered all of the questions correctly. My oldest two did well, but they forgot one or two names with dates. Since they are older they have to know more detail as they read. It is important when I ask the questions.
Paper
Homeschool history Writing has improved so much since we started this activity two years’ ago. Each one of them has improved on each section of the rubric I use. Their stories are factual, yet interesting. Grammar and punctuation continue to get better, and most importantly they are using lots of descriptive words.
Last year we struggled with that so I added it to my list of goals for this year. Now, the fruits of weekly writing are paying off.
Presentation
Our homeschool history presentation skills are based on four skills: Preparation and planning, delivery and engagement, confidence, and overcoming challenges. This is one area where I see the most improvement. Each one of them very confidently stood still, good eye contact and delivered their research writing. If it was memorized that was a bonus, but right now I am looking for them to be comfortable talking in front of anyone. It is hard to deliver a speech, especially to your family!
Each week my homeschoolers look forward to timeline. Our diy project based learning has been one of the best creative learning ideas’ that I have had in my 14 years’ of homeschooling.
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