Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Homegrown- Oriental Institute

WTH? I can't believe we have this treasure near us and the admission is FREE (donations are recommended and please do support this treasure in our midst).
The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago hosts a collection of artifacts that date back to Mesopotamia....that's right, the first civilization. And I'm not talking about some small pot or arrow, I'm talking about walls from buildings!! Huge statues all preserved right here in Chicago.

 That's King Tut behind Vincent.
Big bull from Petra with Vincent's dad (he happens to be a Taurus, go figure).

The Oriental Institute offers youth and family programs that will educate and entertain children. Talk about hands on experience! When we attended, we learned how the alphabet started and looked for some clues in the collections. So fun!

During the week, we reviewed life in Mesopotamia with some online videos for kids on their history and we learned they created taxes, farming, and other firsts not just writing.

Finally, I brought Vincent up to date with what is happening with the ruins. Some were sent here to be preserved but the rest is being destroyed by the terrorists. http://thediplomat.com/2015/03/isis-is-destroying-priceless-artifacts-heres-how-to-stop-them/

That's why supporting these organizations are worth the investment.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Homegrown- Hoofprint

I've been trying to organize my thoughts with the help of a glass of Chardonnay (I should stick with Sauvignon Blanc but whatever) on how to include the lessons I do with Vincent so that it is easy not only to document but for someone to review (Florida requires that a FL certified teacher review his work annually).

I think I am going to incorporate it into this blog with a title that always begins with "Homegrown" as my moniker for homeschooling lessons.

Vincent visited Hoofprint with his dad where he learned everything about the screen printing process. From start to finish, he produced his own logo and used the machines to print his artwork on paper and finally on shirts. He did this alongside local Chicago artists that use the printing services for their own artwork. Vincent was so happy! If you want your kids to learn about screen printing, click on the Hoofprint link and call them to make an appointment. I believe its $25 for a session.




At the library, I borrowed books on the history of the printing process from Mesopotamia to today. Vincent learned How it started? What materials were used? Who was in charge of writing? What they used it for, etc. Vincent thoroughly enjoyed his lesson.