Class Overview
We began class by reading together John 8:1-11, the story of how Jesus drew in the dirt when the Pharisees brought the adulterous woman before Him as a test. Students were asked to give their thoughts on WHY Jesus did not answer right away and drew in the dirt, but also WHAT could He have been writing/drawing? Though it will probably be one of those questions that we have to wait until heaven to get an answer, a lot of scholars believe based upon OT Priest tradition and a verse from the Prophets, that Jesus may have been writing the names of the Pharisees, and a list of their sins.
Project
Taking a positive spin on the story we read, together as a class we created a list of the Names of Jesus. Each student then picked a different name, and wrote it in "sand". (Ok, glue and salt...) It was great fun to see how the salt spread the watercolors that students then added to the name they had created!
Assignments
-Bring in a brown PAPER bag (such as a grocery bag)
-Research how leather/animal skins was used during Bible Times
Manchester, NH based fine arts program for homeschool students
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Persecution of Christians - History 1&2, Explorers and Trailblazers
Romans tolerated Christians, for a while, as worshipers of just one more among the long list of gods. Eventually, however, Christians’ insistence on following Jesus alone made both religious and political leaders feel threatened. One Roman Emperor, Nero, unjustly blamed the Christians for starting a fire that destroyed nearly 2/3 of the city of Rome in 64AD/CE. He ordered that many be put to death. One form of persecution took place in large stadiums such as the Colosseum where citizens gathered to watch vicious battles. This type of persecution continued until 312 AD/CE.
In class activities:
- Viewed our stop motion animation of the life of Jesus
- Learned who was allowed to wear a toga
- Played a game placing ourselves in the social classes in Rome, and found where we would sit in the colosseum.
- Reviewed the meaning of the word Persecution & learned reasons why the Christians threatened Rome
- Briefly discussed persecution in our time and prayed for Christians around the world
- Watch A Gladiator's Story
- Learn more about the Gladiators at http://www.learningthroughhistory.com/newsletter/archives/62005.php
Assignment:
- Read history card #NT28
- Practice your timeline
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Treasure Hunters: POMPEII
FOCUS: Pompeii (the lost Roman city)
DISCOVERY: making imprints into play dough with lots of little figurines to give them an idea of how things were found when Pompeii was discovered
LITERATURE: "Pompeii...Buried Alive!" By Edith Kunhardt (a Step 4 reader)
We discussed that this is how we know so much about how the Romans lived long ago. We also talked about how scientists can follow volcanic activity very closely in order to warn people of any impending danger.
PROJECT: making a volcano out of model magic and "exploding" our own volcanoes with vinegar and baking soda
DISCOVERY: making imprints into play dough with lots of little figurines to give them an idea of how things were found when Pompeii was discovered
LITERATURE: "Pompeii...Buried Alive!" By Edith Kunhardt (a Step 4 reader)
We discussed that this is how we know so much about how the Romans lived long ago. We also talked about how scientists can follow volcanic activity very closely in order to warn people of any impending danger.
PROJECT: making a volcano out of model magic and "exploding" our own volcanoes with vinegar and baking soda
MUSIC: sang some rhythm songs and began learning our new end of the year song!
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Music - Pathfinders/Navigators - 1/5/15
What patterns do we find in music, and what would music sound like without them?
In class we created patterns using a set of bells.
The definition of music-'vocal or instrumental sounds(or both) combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion.' According to this definition, music would not be the same without patterns. But, does all music use the same pattern?
Music from the Ancient World is very different from the music we are familiar with, and listen to today. While we listened to some familiar musci samples, we discussed the different patterns that we heard, and why it sounds good to us. And then we listened to some music from North Africa. The music from this part of the world has not changed too much from what it was 2000 years ago. People must enjoy it, because it's been around a very long time. We discussed the differences-instruments, vocals, but mostly the patterns, and the way the instruments and vocals are used. We aren't familiar with the patterns they use, so it's generally not enjoyable to us. But, if we grew up listening to it, and understood the patterns used, we would most likely enjoy it alot more!
In class we created patterns using a set of bells.
The definition of music-'vocal or instrumental sounds(or both) combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion.' According to this definition, music would not be the same without patterns. But, does all music use the same pattern?
Music from the Ancient World is very different from the music we are familiar with, and listen to today. While we listened to some familiar musci samples, we discussed the different patterns that we heard, and why it sounds good to us. And then we listened to some music from North Africa. The music from this part of the world has not changed too much from what it was 2000 years ago. People must enjoy it, because it's been around a very long time. We discussed the differences-instruments, vocals, but mostly the patterns, and the way the instruments and vocals are used. We aren't familiar with the patterns they use, so it's generally not enjoyable to us. But, if we grew up listening to it, and understood the patterns used, we would most likely enjoy it alot more!
Saturday, January 9, 2016
Summary for Art: Trailblazers and Explorers: Jan. 5, 2016: We looked at pictures of Ancient Roman Frescoes. They were very beautiful and amazing to think they were from so long ago! We are going to do a Fresco: painting on fresh plaster. But this week we prepared for it by having a drawing lesson. I walked them through how to draw a bird and branch scene from one of these ancient frescoes. We talked about placing things in the right section of the page and how to draw a bird and branch. We talked about proportion and measuring things with your pencil.
Friday, January 8, 2016
Music - Explorers/Trailblazers - 1/5/15
What are patterns? And where do we find them? Patterns are not just found in Math. Patterns play a very important role in music! Without patterns, music might not sound very good.
After discussing what patterns are, the kids created their own body rhythm patterns on paper. We hung one on the wall, and followed it together-not so hard, especialy with all the work we've done following rhythm patterns throughout the year. But then we added a second group following a second pattern. It's alot harder to stay on track when people are using different patterns at the same time!
The definition of music-'vocal or instrumental sounds(or both) combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion.' According to this definition, music would not be the same without patterns. But, does all music use the same pattern?
Music from the Ancient World is very different from the music we are familiar with, and listen to today. We listened to some samples of music that is familiar to us, some Rend Collective worship music, of course. :) While we listened, we discussed the different patterns that we heard, and why it sounds good to us. And then we listened to some music from North Africa. The music from this part of the world has not changed too much from what it was 2000 years ago. People must enjoy it, because it's been around a very long time. And yet when I asked the kids if they enjoyed it, they shook their heads. And so we discussed the differences-instruments, vocals, but mostly the patterns, and the way the instruments and vocals are used. We aren't familiar with the patterns they use, so it's generally not enjoyable to us. But, if we grew up listening to it, and understood the patterns used, we would most likely enjoy it alot more!
After discussing what patterns are, the kids created their own body rhythm patterns on paper. We hung one on the wall, and followed it together-not so hard, especialy with all the work we've done following rhythm patterns throughout the year. But then we added a second group following a second pattern. It's alot harder to stay on track when people are using different patterns at the same time!
The definition of music-'vocal or instrumental sounds(or both) combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion.' According to this definition, music would not be the same without patterns. But, does all music use the same pattern?
Music from the Ancient World is very different from the music we are familiar with, and listen to today. We listened to some samples of music that is familiar to us, some Rend Collective worship music, of course. :) While we listened, we discussed the different patterns that we heard, and why it sounds good to us. And then we listened to some music from North Africa. The music from this part of the world has not changed too much from what it was 2000 years ago. People must enjoy it, because it's been around a very long time. And yet when I asked the kids if they enjoyed it, they shook their heads. And so we discussed the differences-instruments, vocals, but mostly the patterns, and the way the instruments and vocals are used. We aren't familiar with the patterns they use, so it's generally not enjoyable to us. But, if we grew up listening to it, and understood the patterns used, we would most likely enjoy it alot more!
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Navigators - 1/5/2016
Welcome back! It was great nice to be back in classes today.
For the next 4 weeks we will be studying the basics of the history of drama and the theater as well as practicing some essential elements of acting and performing.
Ancient Egyptians used plays, and elaborately staged events to honor their pagan gods. From around 2500 BC to 550 BC, a passion play was performed annually representing the death and resurrection of the god Osiris. This passion play is the first recorded example of theatre.
We typically associate the beginning of theater to be with Ancient Greece around 600 BC. The event recorded from this time was related to a religious festival to honor their god Dionysus. Dionysus, like many pagan gods, was thought to be a god of wine and fertility.
Hoping to help the children gain perspective about the time period we were discussing we talked briefly about Abraham (2150 BC) and Daniel (586 BC). I find it easier to relate years to familiar Biblical stories when thinking about so long ago.
After the snapshot on history that provided a background for where some of our theater practices come from I read several Bible verses that can help us determine if what we are thinking, saying, or doing is honoring to God. I wanted to convey the message that even though theater originated in pagan worship that we have an opportunity to use our gifts, talents, and hobbies to honor God.
Questions we answered...
Why were we made?
Why do we exist?
What are the fruits of the Spirit and how can we use them to honor God?
What gifts or talents has God given you to be used for his glory?
Genesis 1:26-31 various sections
Psalm 139:14 ...you are fearfully and wonderfully made
Isaiah 24:15
Romans 8:28-30
Matthew 28:18-20
2 Corinthians 4:5-6
Ephesians 1:12-14
The discussion with this class was serious and exciting. At times you could see them really trying to process the ideas of:
being created for a purpose,
there is no one in this universe past present or future exactly like you,
God has given you unique gifts, talents, and desires to be used to honor Him!
I am grateful for the opportunity to share my time with these kids!
Activities: Played drama games "Everyone who..."
For the next 4 weeks we will be studying the basics of the history of drama and the theater as well as practicing some essential elements of acting and performing.
Ancient Egyptians used plays, and elaborately staged events to honor their pagan gods. From around 2500 BC to 550 BC, a passion play was performed annually representing the death and resurrection of the god Osiris. This passion play is the first recorded example of theatre.
We typically associate the beginning of theater to be with Ancient Greece around 600 BC. The event recorded from this time was related to a religious festival to honor their god Dionysus. Dionysus, like many pagan gods, was thought to be a god of wine and fertility.
Hoping to help the children gain perspective about the time period we were discussing we talked briefly about Abraham (2150 BC) and Daniel (586 BC). I find it easier to relate years to familiar Biblical stories when thinking about so long ago.
After the snapshot on history that provided a background for where some of our theater practices come from I read several Bible verses that can help us determine if what we are thinking, saying, or doing is honoring to God. I wanted to convey the message that even though theater originated in pagan worship that we have an opportunity to use our gifts, talents, and hobbies to honor God.
Questions we answered...
Why were we made?
Why do we exist?
What are the fruits of the Spirit and how can we use them to honor God?
What gifts or talents has God given you to be used for his glory?
Genesis 1:26-31 various sections
Psalm 139:14 ...you are fearfully and wonderfully made
Isaiah 24:15
Romans 8:28-30
Matthew 28:18-20
2 Corinthians 4:5-6
Ephesians 1:12-14
The discussion with this class was serious and exciting. At times you could see them really trying to process the ideas of:
being created for a purpose,
there is no one in this universe past present or future exactly like you,
God has given you unique gifts, talents, and desires to be used to honor Him!
I am grateful for the opportunity to share my time with these kids!
Activities: Played drama games "Everyone who..."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)