Lego Creations- Homeschool Study on Egypt

We love Lego's! In a house full of boys- it's one thing I can count on to keep them (relatively) quiet for a least a little while!

We are currently doing a study on countries around the world and have started studying Egypt. Inspired by recent events - we are also praying for the people of Egypt as a family.

Instead of going out to buy another expensive Lego kit- the boys used what we already had on hand to build their version of the Sphinx and a Pyramid.

 They also did the photography shown here. (Too bad they didn't wipe off my dusty desk first- guess I'm busted!)

We learn a lot from the ever handy internet. The boys also use P's set of World Book Encyclopedia's (He actually won them from the Louisville Public Library while we were in Kentucky! You can't beat that!)

We read books and look at maps. We like to learn about what life is like for the children who live in a particular country. We usually learn something important about the countries main cities and the topography or landscape throughout the land. We print out maps and color them in and print or draw special pictures of famous landmarks in each region. These things are all glued to colorful paper and a section on each country is then added to our "The World" 3-ring binder. (I'm a big fan of binders) You can also use folders and make individual lap-books, but we (o.k. - I) want all the countries stored in ONE neat place. It's a great reference to look back on and the boys like the idea that they are essentially putting together their own book.

I don't do seperate studies for the 5, 6, and 9 year old on this topic. The little ones sit and learn what P is studying. They don't retain it all- but they certainly do retain a good bit of it! They help with the Lego's and build their own versions. They hear the stories we read. They color the maps. Some of it actually sticks!

One of the things I want to incorporate is to cook a meal (or at least a dish) from each country that we study. The little ones love to help in the kitchen and I know that is something else that will help them remember.

Being a scrapbooker- I obviously love this idea. It is essentially what we do! You can tweak it to fit your families learning styles.




                               
If you are not familiar with Lap Booking- this book is an excellent resource full of ideas and information and will get you on your way to a hands on fun learning style (disguised as crafting) that the whole family can enjoy.

You don't need a reference to get started- but some people actually like instructions. To me, one of the best parts of this kind of study (with or without a reference for ideas) is that you can put it together however you please. My only problem comes into play when the kids have an idea that is different than my own...... and I'm learning to - let- go (it's painful but worthwhile) and let them run with their own plan!

As a matter of fact, I had nothing to do with the Lego projects! I didn't suggest it, and I didn't supervise it. I gave them information about Egypt and they - IN THEIR FREE TIME- came up with the Lego creations.

Do you know what that means? It means that they are enjoying LEARNING!!! Yay-