In an effort to make history more exciting, I came up with another 'great idea' just before Christmas break. (Yes, another one. I shall NEVER give up. ;-) ) I created a story scenario for the kids to jump off from. I wrote the beginning of the story and they each adjusted it within my guidelines. Because of that, you will find that each of their stories' beginnings are almost exactly the same. Now, each week the kids add to their stories. They create a problem/conflict (with my help) and then use the history items they enjoyed/connected with to add to their stories. Each week is another 'chapter'. Now, the goal for this exercise is NOT a perfect plot. The goal is to have the kids have a reason to learn history, even if it's because they need to include in into their story.
As far as their writing goes, we use IEW (Instituted for Excellence in Writing). We have LOVED how Mr. Pudewa presents the material, and it has greatly helped both my children. My daughter - a typical writing rambler has learned to get to the point. While my son, the reluctant writer has learned to get his ideas from his head to his paper. If you are familiar with his style, you will notice the use of dress ups.
Back to the story writing!
The set up:
I created a scenario that sets the kids up for a huge amount of freedom. There was a boy, Ash, who rebelled by sneaking into a place he was not allowed to go, play with magic, that he knew was wrong, and then get swept away through time to the history section that we so happen to be learning about. During his stay in history, he screws things up because he never bothered to learn history well. Left behind is a coin that his Christian cousins/friends find, and they get sent back through the power of the coin to try to clean up his mess. They are always a step behind, until they finish at the end of the year.
Rules:
- They must have a Christian theme throughout.
- At the end of the year there needs to be a lesson that the naughty boy learns (by the times it wraps up.)
- They need to use facts that they have read or learned about concerning different aspects of that historical time such as, food, clothing, speech, geography, climate, political structures, social rules, etc.
- They must include a minimum of 5 of their vocabulary words for the week.
Discussion Time:
During our history discussion at the end of each week, the kids read their newest section of their stories. It is SO fun to listen and laugh, and share their hard work. We discuss the history they have included, give oreo critiques*, and enjoy their creativity.
By posting their stories here, it gives them more incentive to come to class with something more complete, ready to be shared with the world. Check back to see their progress.
Luke:
Age 13 - loves silly stories with strange twists but doesn't love to be a writer.
Here's his story
Alaina:
Age 16 - loves stories and has become a very good story teller
Here's her story
I feel that these ideas are sent to me through the Holy Spirit, yet I screw them up all the time. So, there have been ideas, after ideas, after ideas. I wonder what I'm doing wrong, start to give up, and then He lifts me up through my natural need to be creative to say to me, "You can do this. Don't give up. Here's something to try for today." The years of homeschooling have taught me a few things, and one of these things is that even if an idea only works for a day, or two, it's okay.
*More on oreo critiques soon. I'll post a link here when I explain them. In a nut shell it's: (Something good) - (ONE thing that would make the biggest improvement) - (Something Good).
Enjoy
Rebecca
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