R is for Robot Area and Perimeter Art Project

This post is part of the 2016 Virtual Curriculum Fair. The theme this week is Discovering Patterns in Math, Science, and Logic. Be sure to read this entire post, because there will be links to additional homeschool blog posts related to this week's theme.

The math curriculum that we use is mastery-based. I tend to supplement with online programs, hands-on activities, and math projects to provide variety and fill in any learning gaps.

I am addicted to teaching so one hobby I like to do in my spare time is search for educational ideas. Today's math project was inspired by an old classroom idea I used many, many years ago. Seeing it on the Internet again reminded me of my students' excitement when using this project to explore and learn about area and perimeter.

I want to share with you Alyssa's Robot Area and Perimeter Art Project. We utilized this activity to review perimeter and area.

First, she built a robot using our colorful centimeter blocks. Each body part was a different color. I asked her to include a head, neck, body, legs, and arms. You can definitely extend this activity by adding on more body parts. I also asked her to use only rectangles and squares. We also reviewed the formulas for finding area and perimeter.

Then, she figured out the area for each part separately. She wrote down the dimensions on the mini chart and did the calculations in her head. She had to remember to double (or multiply) the amount for the legs and arms, because she had two of each.

Alyssa also calculated the total area for her robot showing her work on a separate sheet of lined paper.

Next, she colored in her robot using the coordinating colors. She removed the corner blocks and placed a matching color dot on the grid paper so she'd remember the dimension and size of the body part. She wrote a descriptive paragraph about her robot. This is a great time for you to ask your child to compare or combine body parts. She wrote about the attributes and total area of her robot. Her robot's name was Felicity who is named after one of the American Girl dolls.

Finally, we verbally discussed what the perimeter was for each body part.

As you can tell by the photos she truly enjoyed this hands-on math project. She'll have time to explore the blocks next week. I'll ask her to create another robot with specific dimensions and then she'll compare the calculations for both robots.

The grip paper was found at Hand 2 Mind. The centimeter blocks are best to use with younger children or with older children in the concrete stages of learning. It helps them visualize the concept better. You could color in the centimeter grid paper to create your own set of centimeter blocks or print them on colored paper. Keep in mind the pieces will be tiny and you'll have to cut each one so have a place to store them when finished.

Try searching for colored manipulative blocks to see what you can find. In the past, I've used colored one-inch tiles for this and other activities especially when Alyssa was younger as seen at Kent State University Math. Click on the first link under Bold 1" Grid or visit Do 2 Learn and scroll down to the 1" grid paper.

Other Helpful Links
Perim-Bots Game
Robot Perimeter or The Texas Teacher
Step Into Second Grade

Please visit my Skip Counting, Area, Multiplication Oh My post for additional math ideas.

I am participating in the 2016 Virtual Curriculum Fair this year. Come check out some of the topics my fellow homeschool blogging friends have shared this week related to the theme of Discovering Patterns in Math, Science, and Logic. Click on the following links to read their posts.

Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses - Thoughts on Math and Science
Kristen @ Sunrise to Sunset  - From Counting to Calculus
Laura @ Day by Day in Our World  - How We Approach Math in This Homeschool Year
Annette @ A Net In Time - Struggling with Math, Loving Science
Annette @ A Net In Time  - Lego Pulleys and Levers
Yvie @ Gypsy Road Hands - On Math with Special Needs Learners
Chelli @ The Planted Trees  - Chemistry Using Living Books
Lisa @ GoldenGrasses  - An Appalling Lack of Curiosity
Edie @ Carter Chaos  - Our Favorite Ways to Study Numbers
Tracey @ A Learning Journey  - Robot Area and Perimeter Art Project
Jennifer @ A Glimpse of Our Life  - Math and Standardized Tests
Jen @ Chestnut Grove Academy  - Discovering Patterns: Mathematics, Logic, and Science
Sarah @ DeliveringGrace  - Learning Multiplication Tables
Kylie @ Our Worldwide Classroom  - Multisensory Multiplication
Kym @ Homeschool Coffee Break  - Science and Stuff
Kemi Quinn @ Homemaking Organized  - Math in Our Homeschool for a Later Elementary Organized Reader
Joelle @ Homeschooling for His Glory  - Math and Logic - Our Steady Path
Laura @ Four Little Penguins  - Math and Science Love

I will also link this post up at Life at Rossmont's Wordless Wednesday, Virtual Refrigerator, Through the Calm and Through the Storm's Blogging Through the Alphabet, and at Year Round Homeschooling's Hearts for Home Blog Hop.

I hope you enjoyed visiting A Learning Journey. :) Thank you for stopping by today.

TOS Review: Heirloom Audio Productions - The Dragon and the Raven

Heirloom Audio Productions sent us the The Dragon and the Raven audio drama to review this year in addition to a smorgasbord of digital bonus components. We haven't really used anything like this before so I wasn't sure what Alyssa's reaction would be once it arrived. I was looking for a product that would liven up our history curriculum. After listening to the characters discuss the audio production online, she became intrigued and interested in the historical story behind it. The Dragon and the Raven is based on the novel titled, "The Days of King Alfred" written by well-known author, G.A. Henty. This audio drama is suitable for children ages 6 and up.

The Dragon and the Raven is the perfect conglomeration of original majestic music, captivating sound effects, and  brilliant acting. This newly released Christian audio drama will undoubtedly take your family audio entertainment to the next level. 

Story Summary 
The story takes place during the Medieval Times ranging from AD 870-901 during the reign of King Alfred the Great and the Dane invasions. The Danish forces have invaded and attacked the English country with savage ways of war leading the Anglo-Saxons to ruin, misery, obstacles, and chaos. The story unravels through the eyes of the heroic Edmund who joins forces with and stands beside King Alfred. He trains soldiers to fight against the Danes on land and at sea aboard the Dragon. They defend their land and people in hopes to achieve freedom from oppression and recapture their kingdom. 

What We Received

1. Physical CD Set  
2. Welcome Letter with Link and Password for the Following Bonus Extras (Digital Downloads):

• E-Study Guide and Discussion Starter
• MP3 CD Download
• John Campbell's MP3 Original Score Soundtrack
• The Dragon and the Raven 266-Page E-Book
• Cast Poster
• Movie Poster
• Printable Inspirational (Quote) Verse Poster (Proverbs 21:31)
• Behind the Scenes Documentary (50 minutes)
• The Adventure Letter E-Newsletter

Product Description
Study Guide
The accompanying 49-page study guide was available in PDF format with a colored background. It included vocabulary, comprehension, research, and other enrichment activities. The disk and track number, in addition to the story section title, were found at the top of each page. There is an Introductory page that explains the study guide features and layout followed by two short informative biographical accounts about G.A. Henty and King Alfred the Great. 

The well-organized study guide had an easy-to-follow layout. It was divided into three main sections: Listening Well, Thinking Further, and Defining Words. The Listening Well section numerically listed 4-20 literal comprehension questions about the audio theater drama. The Thinking Further section provided additional more in-depth higher-order thinking skill comprehension questions and activities. Approximately 3-10 enrichments were provided. The Defining Words section contained a list of 1-9 terms to look up and define using a dictionary.

The study guide also offers and concludes with three Bible Studies complete with Biblical truths and referenced scripture verses. We didn't use this section at this time, but hope to integrate it into our studies next year.  

• God's Law and the Nations
• Love Your Enemy
• Literacy

If you are curious and want to learn more about Alfred the Great, then this study guide also provides the parent with a literature list titled, "For More on Alfred the Great." We plan on visiting the library soon in hopes to find a few books about him to read aloud.

A one-page Brief History of Britain and England was included in the guide in addition to a one-page biographical account of Alfred the Great's Legacy. I read both of these aloud to Alyssa before listening to any part of the audio drama. There are promotional ads at the back of the study guide for other audio dramas sold by Heirloom Audio Productions. Give one a try . . . you won't be disappointed! 

CD Set
The set of two CD's arrived in a colorful tri-fold cardboard case. The entire length of the CD set covers 2 1/2 hours of fast-paced adventures containing accurate historical content in a fictional story format. Photos of the narrating cast are on the back of the case. At the center of the tri-fold case is an inspirational referenced scripture verse for Proverbs 21:31 which is at the heart of the story.  

"The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord. 

How We Used It

CD Set
I used The Dragon and The Raven by Heirloom Audio Productions with Alyssa (Age 8) about 3-5 times throughout the week for approximately 15-30 minutes each session. We listened to the audio drama together as a family. I added the MP3 CD to our iTunes library so that we could listen to it at the computer usually after our core lessons. Several tracks were listened to at a time on the computer as a supplement to our Medieval Times History lessons. 

My daughter usually sat on the bean bag creating war weapons (shield and paper sword) as she listened. I searched for King Alfred coloring pages online and also found an Anglo-Saxon Kingdom map. I asked her to color in Wessex and any locations mentioned in the audio on the map. 

We also listened to this audio drama CD in the car on the way to weekly piano lessons which means we were able to hear at least 30 minutes on the way there and 30 minutes on the way back home. I would frequently use this time as second hearings. We paid close attention with hopes to catch any details we missed during the first listening session.  

E-Study Guide
We attempted to use the e-study guide. We did NOT print it out, because there was a brown speckled background. I also kept getting an "unable to convert post script file" printing error message. I wanted to save on ink cost so it wasn't a big issue with me. However, you could always print it out on gray scale if desired. We viewed the study guide and other materials on the computer screen as we listened to the production. 

We utilized the study guide several different ways before making a final decision on how to use it. In the beginning, I would pause and ask questions as we listened to the audio. A few days after doing it this way, Alyssa asked if we could set aside the study guide because she couldn't focus on the adventure in the story. We also immediately realized that not all of the details were caught during the first listening session so we eventually ended up utilizing the e-study guide afterwards while replaying several sections to find the specific answers or she answered questions after the second hearing. 

The Listening Well questions were read prior to listening to the audio. My hope was that Alyssa's ears would perk up and that she would listened attentively with a purpose to the story details. 

The study guide is very complete and comprehensive. In the end, I didn't worry about doing EVERYTHING. We chose a few questions to answer and will revisit the study guide when she's older. Alyssa did retain more information from the audio than I ever thought she would. 

Listening Well
Alyssa verbally responded to several of the questions rather than writing the answers down, because she already has other writing intensive curricula. Some of the basic recall questions were literal while others required you to think analytically. Occasionally, I would ask her to write her responses to 1-2 questions in her literature journal after the audio.   

Thinking Further
Exploratory enrichment activities were added to the study guide. Website links were provided for those who wanted to further research background information and dig deeper into the time period. For example, in the Thinking Further section one hands-on activity Alyssa enjoyed was to recreate the Alfred Jewel using any medium after researching about it online. She chose crayons as her art medium, because she wanted to keep things simple. 

Do you know what a kenning is? I didn't until I learned about it through another activity found in the study guide. You can find it under the Thinking Further section #2 from Disc 1 Track 8. A discussion and short explanation of what a kenning was is included. Alyssa was inspired to create her own poetic kennings. She wrote four kennings about a cat and drew illustrations for each kenning. This was an extremely fun activity to complete after teaching her that Anglo-Saxons used kennings as a form of poetic writing during this time period. Several kennings were also mentioned in the "Death of Eldred" song such as "whale-road" which means the sea. 

 

Defining Words
We discussed several of the vocabulary words from the study guide prior to listening to this Christian audio drama. Alyssa used several dictionaries (print and online) to define a couple vocabulary words from each track on index cards. She stored them in an index card box. 

On several occasions, I gave her a Word Map Graphic Organizer for the vocabulary words. After writing the definition, she used a thesaurus to look up synonyms and antonyms. This activity really helped enrich the experience and expand her vocabulary knowledge. The vocabulary word selections chosen for the study guide were more advanced. I really appreciated it, because it challenged her and allowed her to learn something new. Some of the unfamiliar terms that were listed were Anglo-Saxon, munificent, enigmatical, prowlongboat, cloistered, and swineherd. The vocabulary word, "nauseated," was chosen from the e-study guide to discuss and map. 

Nauseated Word Study Map

Soundtrack
Alyssa enjoys listening to music so the included soundtrack was a big hit with my daughter. We listened to it occasionally during our breaks, when doing chores, and even during several meals. The soundtrack was sent as an MP3 download so we cranked up the volume on our computer to hear it from the other room.

Overall Thoughts
We'd like to continue using and adding more audio theater drama presentations like The Dragon and the Raven from Heirloom Audio Productions to our homeschool day. It was an exceptionally fantastic audio drama that shares heroic adventures while emphasizing Godly character traits. I asked my daughter if she would want to listen to another audio drama by Heirloom Audio Productions again. She yelled out "OH YEAH! I really liked how they taught me history." I am currently reading aloud the e-book from the package.

Alyssa was happy when she recognized one of the voice characters, John Rhys-Davies, from the cast. She thinks his accent is super cool and always full of action. The voices and tones of the performing actors and actresses were clearly spoken and easily understood. Her favorite character was Helen George who played Freya. Alyssa said, "Her lines sounded smooth and real." 

The Dragon and the Raven enabled her to use her imagination and practice visualization skills. She actively listened for longer time periods each session. The audio theater drama spiced up our lessons and brought history to life. History was definitely more engaging and fun using this product. 

I appreciated the character lessons, moral values, and underlying themes about faith, loyalty, perseverance, sacrifice, mercy, forgiveness, family, love, glory, and friendship being woven into the production. 

I highly recommend The Dragon and the Raven to Christian homeschool families with auditory learners who enjoy listening to audio drama presentations for entertainment and educational purposes. This could easily be used as a supplement when used in conjunction with a Medieval Times study or as stand alone product for a specific historical time period. 

Some younger children may find certain parts of the story grotesque; my 8 year-old  daughter is very mature for her age so she didn't get grossed out by battle scenes. There was mention of a few words that may make younger children cringe or lose interest such as the word "beheadings" or "blood," but these are common war terms. Some parental discretion may be advised if using this product with younger or more immature audiences.    

What We Liked 

• Convenience and Portability
• Fast-Paced Adventurous Content
• Passionate Voice Narrations
• Thrill-Seeking Sound Effects
• Beautiful Soundtrack Music
• High-Quality Audio Brought History to Life
• Thorough and Complete Study Guide
• Helpful Bonus Materials

Possible Vendor Suggestions

• Soundtrack Music CD 
• History Maps
• Printable Timelines
• More Hands-On Projects for Younger Children
• Coloring Pages
• Interactive Fill-in-the-Blank Listening Printables 
• Multiple Choice Quizzes or Tests
• Anticipation Guides

Price 
Several bundles are available in the Heirloom Audio online store ranging from $19.97 - $99.97. The Family Four-Pack bundle including all the wonderful digital downloads mentioned in this review, in addition to 4 copies of The Dragon and the Raven, would cost $99.97. Visit their store to explore the other package options and to hear audio samples. 

Social Media
Facebook
The Dragon and the Raven Facebook
The Extraordinary Adventures of G.A. Henty
Twitter @Heirloom Stories #HeirloomAudio #DragonAndRaven
Google +
Instagram @HeirloomAudioOfficial

Visit the Schoolhouse Review Crew Blog to learn more about and read the reviews for The Dragon and the Raven by Heirloom Audio Productions.

Q is for Quadrilaterals

Blogging Through the Alphabet is focusing on "Letter Q" this week. I brainstormed several topic ideas, but seemed to be drawn to the word Quadrilaterals. It must be because I love teaching Math. Here are few activities that Alyssa and I did together this week to help her learn more about QUADRILATERALS.

I LOVE my FREE Teachers Pay Teachers account. I searched for Quadrilateral and clicked on FREE activities. I  found some fun options for our lesson.

First, we watched and discussed a Quadrilateral Powerpoint.
Then, we viewed a Quadrilateral Poster and discussed the Quadrilateral Family Tree Poster.

Next, Alyssa completed a Quadrilateral Search worksheet and a Quadrilateral Shape Practice Color Page.

Finally, she enjoyed the Quadrilateral Cut and Sort activity. This was a simple sort categorizing shapes that are and are not quadrilaterals. She also worked on a more complicated Quadrilateral Sort Geometry Math Center. Alyssa had to sort shapes by the six types of quadrilaterals based on each shape's properties. This activity was a little more time-consuming. I gave her the Quadrilateral Family Tree Map to help after her first attempt. I was able to see what she knew and what she needed more help on.  

 

Tomorrow Alyssa will participate in a Quadrilateral Hunt. I plan on having her take a photograph of each quadrilateral she finds and using them in a PowerPoint presentation. She likes to create PowerPoints in her free time. She'll also complete Inspire Me ASAP's Mix and Match Poster Activity using the definitions, shape names, and pictures.

I will link this post up at Through the Calm and Through the Storm's Blogging Through the Alphabet and Year Round Homeschooling's Hearts for Home Blog Hop.

P is for President's Day Poetry: Abraham Lincoln Acrostic and Bio Poems

Alyssa wrote two poems this week about Abraham Lincoln since Monday was President's Day and February 12th was Lincoln's birthday. Both poems were written after researching and reading about Abraham Lincoln. The first poem was an ACROSTIC poem written on thematic paper and the second poem was a BIO poem. I love teaching poetry while integrating historical information into them!

Acrostic Poem

Bio Poem
Template found at ClassroomMagic's blog

Made by Teachers has a general Presidents Acrostic Poem template you may find useful as well.

Please visit my post about Writing Acrostic Poetry: Integrating Subjects for more tips on writing poetry.

I will link this post up at Through the Calm and Through the Storm's Blogging Through the Alphabet Linky. The letter for the week is "Letter P" so come join the fun! I will also link up at Year Round Homeschooling's Hearts for Home Blog Hop and at Life at Rossmont's Wordless Wednesday Linky.

O is for Oreo Opinion Organizer: Persuasive Writing

Oreos can make pervasive writing more fun! I came across a graphic organizer titled "OREO" when researching ways to teach facts and opinions. I ended up getting way off track but in the end found a brand new-to-me teaching idea. I decided to try this method with Alyssa (Age 8). It was something different from our regular routine which provided a little more variety to our homeschool day.

Prior to using the Oreo Opinion Organizer we watched an OREO powerpoint to introduce the method and brainstormed persuasive (opinion) writing ideas. She chose one topic for today's paper.   

O - Opinion (Clearly Stated)

R - Reasons for your Opinion (Valid)

E - Examples that Support Your Opinion (Relevant)

O - Opinion Restated

I added in a little incentive. I told her she could earn an Oreo cookie for each valid reason in her paper that had relevant examples. Single, double, or triple stuffed Oreos indicate how many reasons with examples your child will add to the paper. She wrote a double stuffed persuasive paper on how cats are better pets than dogs. Her final draft was written the next day. We'll discuss opening, closing, and transitional sentences a different day. The lesson was a huge success!

You can find many free graphic organizers if you do a quick Google search. Here are just a few I found available at Teachers Pay Teachers. Sign up for a free account to access the materials while they are still available for free. These links will get you started.

• Tales of a Tenacious Teacher
• Teaching with Crayons and Curls
• 3rd Grade to the Core
• Smart Cookies Difference between reasons and examples

Here are final draft Oreo Opinion Writing papers.

• The Primary Journey 
• Teaching with Tara

A simple presentation about the method can be seen below. We'll definitely use this method again! 

I will link this post up at Through the Calm and Through the Storm's Blogging Through the Alphabet Linky and at Year Round Homeschooling's Hearts for Home Blog Hop.

N is for Notes: Baby Shower Birthday Notes

Several of you know that I am decluttering my garage after my most recent move. I was going through some VERY old items when I came across a miniature treasure chest filled with birthday cards to Alyssa. In that box were special birthday NOTES.

I received a baby shower when I was pregnant with my one and only daughter, Alyssa. An activity at the party was to make birthday notes or cards for Alyssa. She had a new card to open with a note to read starting with her first birthday until her 15th birthday.

This was such a sweet activity! If you are planning a baby shower for a friend or family member, I suggest adding this fun activity. Alyssa and I recently read them together because they were lost in storage for so many years. She doesn't want to get rid of them, because she really liked reading the notes from everyone. We also have a special note from her great grandmother who is no longer with us.

 I will link this post up at Through the Calm and Through the Storm's Blogging Through the Alphabet Linky. All posts are themed around Letter N. I will also link up at Life at Rossmont's Wordless Wednesday Linky. Thank you for visiting!