Learning the 50 States

We had a busy week with co-op and a field trip to a nearby pumpkin patch.

Here is a picture of the kids with their pumpkins. It was a nearby very small Heritage farm owned by the Historical Society. We got a ride around the farm on a wagon . We were expecting a hay ride but sadly there wasn't any to be found on our ride. The kids got to hold and see some adorable new baby chicks. They were just three days old. My daughter, Coco begged to take one home with us for a small price of $3.25. I explained that she would need to talk to Daddy about this one. After taking a walk around the farm the kids got to select and decorate a pumpkin to take home. It was a nice field trip for the fall season.

We also hosted co-op this week in our home. It was a small group. We normally have four families with 12 kids. One family has taken some time off and the other couldn't make it this week. Small is easier to manage but we can't wait to see our friends next week for our California Mission tour.

For co-op the kids learned where North America is located on a map. What oceans and other countries are nearby. They labeled the 50 states. Here is a picture of them labeling each one. Since this was an introduction if they needed help they got to look at a map in a book for help. We sang songs and the older kids then labeled the state capitals while the younger ones made sugar cookies in shape of the USA outline. We played more games to match each state to what they are famous for or what is found there. (One of the KONOS activities).

Here the kids are decorating their cookies. After the kids decorated and ate their cookies they worked on USA puzzles both large and small.

I think the kids had a lot of fun at co-op. It was hard for many because this is their first time hearing about the states. I'm sure as we get deeper into this study it will become much easier. My oldest, Chip is having fun with this unit already. He already knows where the 50 states are located on a map thanks to his love for Baseball. Now I am challenging with him learning the capital for each. Coco who is in second grade I will have her learn each of the 50 states and to locate them.

Here is a of the books we read this week:

-A is for America by David Scillian

- This Land is Your Land by Woody Guthrie

-Stories of our American Patriotic Songs by Lyons

Next week we begin a four week unit on California starting with the missions. I will post pictures next time our California Mission model the kids will be making. Have a great week! God's blessings to you!