The Privateer Lynx

For the closing day of the Treasure Island component, we set sail on our adventure on the Lynx, a replica of the orginal Baltimore Clipper Schooner built during the War of 1812.

It was a living history educational sail out of Long Beach. The kids helped raise and lower the mast, learned about the war of 1812, stood at the helm, learned about life aboard ship, and listened to sea shanties. They set off the "guns", firing blanks out of the cannons. It was a fantastic afternoon. I give kudos to the crew--they handled all the wiggly kids just perfectly. I was expecting it to be a little high stress, but it was totally laid back.

This was an incredible fieldtrip!

We have officially set sail on our school year. Next port. . . Swiss Family Robinson!!

The International Print Museum

Our first Fieldtrip was at the International Print Museum, in Carson. It was fabulous. They demonstrated a printing on a Gutenberg press replica, and several other original presses, including one dating 1800. They each tried letter press, printing, sewing a book, in addition to the demonstrations on the machinery. The kids were impressed with the "Lin-o-type" machine. It automatically creates a line of type, eliminating the need to set each tiny letter individually.

Griffith Observatory--September 29th

This collage shows highlites of our recent trip to Griffith Observatory.

We were in the middle of our first component "Treasure Island". Now you may ask, what does this have to do with books and treasure. Well, we are "Sailing for Adventure" on our voyage. Therefore, we need to learn all about ships, sailing, and navigation. We read "Carry on, Mr. Bowditch", a biography about the self-taught astronomer/mathmatician that wrote he book on nautical navigation, or astro navigation.

The kids watched the Planetarium show and enjoyed the exhibits. Then after dark, we climbed to the roof and observed the full moon through their huge telescope. It was very cool and the kids learned alot.

Opening Day

Siena holds the "message" invitation. Jaden holds the bottle it came in. India pretends to be disinterested in the background.

In our school room, coloring the year maps while I read Treasure Island outloud. (This is the first morning after opening day.)

All the kids in their hats and shirts with Emily and Billy. Good luck finding mine. I'm pretty sure they are in there somewhere. Cousin Olivia with pink skirt and sandals front row.fUncle Braden as "Billy Bones" with the Black Spot.

The Saturday before school started, the children received the traditional invitation for opening day. It normally is a clue, but not a total give away, to the topic for the year. This year, the doorbell rang and there was a message in a bottle from Emily Dickenson. I guess they know what to expect now, because as soon as the doorbell rang and I urged the kids to run to get it, India sighed "Oh Brother, Mom". Fortunately, that has been the only attitude so far. All the kids are having a great time.

After a picnic dinner, the kids were introduced to "Emily Dickenson" who came to tell a little bit about her life and explain the meaning of her poem that inspired this years theme:

"There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away.
Nor any courser like a page of prancing poetry.
This traverse may the poorest take without oppress of toll.
How frugal is the chariot that bears the human soul."

Part way through her lecture we this kids were suprised as "Billy Bones" (from Treasure Island) stumbled in with the black spot. He gave the kids their adventure "Maps" and invited them to sign the ships roster. They were given a teeshirt, Captain's Journal, and a clue to start them on a treasure hunt for the next day at home. My kids followed the clues around the house, collecting their school supplies at each stop. At the final destination was a treasure box with Treasure Island inside.

Buried Treasure and the Voyage of the Frugal Frigate

This year's School Adventure is a voyage through Classic Children's Literature including Treasure Island, The Swiss Family Robinson, The Secret Garden, The Jungle Book, and selected Fairy Tales. Along the way we will be learning about animals, survival, pirates, ships, and the history of print and much more!

So far, we have read both Treasure Island and Carry on, Mr. Bowditch outloud, in addition to all the fun projects, fieldtrips, and yes, math as well.

This is the first year that I have written curriculum with my sisters, along with old friends, and a few new ones, too. This year was planned for a younger "love of learning/early scholar" age range and we are having a great time.

The concept was a Mom and Cynthia original, but we have reorganized and written all of the material from scratch.