Bigger Hearts for His Glory- Unit 14

I certainly love the fall on the east coast. There is so much beauty around and the cool weather makes it just about perfect. 

This week the character trait we learned about was leadership.

Our verse was Proverbs 11:14

For lack of guidance a nation falls,
    but victory is won through many advisors.

Our vocabulary words this week were tax, seine, and treason. 

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We read about the many colonists that banded together when the English troops were sent to force the colonists to submit to the English Parliments demands. The Parliment refused to stop heavily taxing the colonists. 

Tax Time

A perfect Monday following Halloween to reach into the candy bowl for a little taxing demonstration. I gave each child a pile of candy. Next, I made each child pay me taxes.  "If you're wearing purple pay me 3 pieces for taxes. If you had juice for breakfast pay me 4 pieces for your taxes.  If you live in a house with more than 2 bedrooms pay me 6 pieces."  Let me tell you....  Quickly, my little ones were furious! In fact, we saw tears, People! Of course, I gave them their candy treat back after I explained the concept.  They surely agreed with the American people!

We watched this cute video about the Tea Party.  You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-9pDZMRCpQ

British troops were sent to force the colonists to submit to the English parliament's demands.  The Revolutionary War began in Lexington, outside of Boston and George Washington was chosen to be the leader because of his braveness in the French and Indian War.

We read about John Knox and his expedition to lead a caravan to move artillery helping force out the British.  We learned that he persevered despite his many trials along the way.  The guns were nearly lost several times. George Washington was glad to welcome Knox and his guns to Boston! 

We finished the John Audubon book this week and while I was reading the kids were asked to draw the gift Jeane gave to his friend, Cecile. I thought they each did a great job with the gift of a candlestick wrapped with a stuffed snake! I love the unique details and the dragon flys in the snakes mouth just as we read. They are all different and that is what makes it so great teaching 3 kids!! 

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We read about Thomas Jefferson and how he was very intelligent and strong.  He was a talented writer and used his talent to write the Declaration of Independence.  It was signed by the members of Congress on July 4, 1776.

Our final story in history this week was about George Washington's battle at Trenton.  We learned that  the English and the Hessians were waiting for the Delaware River to freeze over so they could walk across to attack Washington's army.  Washington knew he couldn't let that happen and surprised the Hessians when they least expected on Christmas.

Washington's men marched through the snow barefoot and cold.  Some men even froze to death for our freedom.  We made our feet print art project and used a crayon to rub different textures to remind us of the sacrifices that have been made from the many troops. 

I love the snowflake addition to our project! 

Science Experiment

 Audubons adventure to North America was a success and his desire to have an American name, John Audubon.   He was excited to see a bald eagle. We learned that eagles can see 8 times better than we can!  We tried a quick experiment to show just how far. 

Measuring the distance we can see the mouse! 

We cut out a little mouse and the kids stepped back as far as they could until they couldn't tell it was a mouse anymore. It was approx 16 ft. Then I had them multiply it by 8.  Approximately = 128 feet They were surprised that an eagle can see so well!!

We also learned a few fun facts about birds. The most amusing to the kids was that an ostrich can reach 9 feet tall. It's eyeballs are 2 inches across in length. WOW! 

Our hymn was 'How Firm a Foundation' and the kids listened to it over and over this week. We learned that this hymn was written for people to sing to help them be bold and strong in a time of need.  We read Isaiah 41:10, Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Math was a great week introducing multiplication to the little one.  She's completed the Times Tales videos with brothers but, now backtracking some to teach the concept.  She is doing so great in math! We love CLE!

We read Joshua 1:1-9 and learned that Joshua sought God's help and guidance to do a job that seemed impossible.  God promises to be with those leaders who seek Him and follow His laws as they lead their people.

Why yes, my homeschoolers, you can dress in old baseball uniforms and have a  tournament after school today! Lol!  <3

We had a great week and hope that each of you did also!

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See you next week!

Be Blessed!