The Hatmakers Sign

Title: The Hatmaker's Sign; A Story By Benjamin Franklin

Author: Retold by Candace Fleming

Illustrator: Robert Andrew Parker

Copyright: 1998

Summary: Benjamin Franklin tells a story to try to mollify Thomas Jefferson, as Jefferson fumes over his own writing being charged!

                                 

 

This story was an exciting way to Celebrate the 4th of July. We read it at the perfect time of year. Lily and Alex enjoyed making fireworks with paint and using an antique stamp set.

Social Studies (Geography-Boston, U.S History-Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin)
We took a few minutes and read the Deceleration of Independence. I explained to the children that the story The Hatmaker's Sign is based on story told to Thomas Jefferson by Benjamin Franklin when he wrote The Declaration of Independence.. The kids learned that The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents written in U.S. history. We Also placed our story disk on Boston Because we learned that Benjamin Franklin was born there. We spent some time learning about Mr Franklin. The kids read books and completed worksheets about him. They learned about his inventions, life and contributions to America. Lily and Aj also Copied one of his favorite sayings in their best handwriting.

Mathematics (Counting to 100, Graphing)-
The kids colored a hundred chart worksheet. They also did a graphing project using statue of Liberty worksheets.

             

Language Arts (Vocabulary, Copywork)-
The children copied vocabulary words in their best handwriting and did a matching worksheet.

Science (Electricity)-

The kids learned that Benjamin Franklin was the first person to discover many things about electricity. He also invented the lightning rod. We decided to use an electric set to learn about electricity. The children made the light, music and propeller work. The kids also watched a movie and read a book about electricity.

Art & Language Arts (Printmaking, Sign Making, Vocabulary)-

Signs are everywhere! We talked about the purpose of signs and the kids learned that a sign informs someone of something. When John Thompson created his sign in The Hatmaker's Sign story he used words and a picture. The children had to create their own signs. While at a Antique store we found an antique print makers kit dated 1824. Lily and Aj used the stamps in this kit to create their signs. They also used the kit to stamp vocabulary words. They had a blast!

Art (Fireworks, Painting)-
The kids painted pictures of the American Flag and made fireworks using toilet paper roll tubes, paint and glitter.

Thanks for reading!

Worksheets are from 3dinosaur.com and homeschool share.

Clown of God

The Clown of God
By Tomie DePaola
The Clown of God is the retelling of an Old Legend, a story of a "gift for the child."


The first time we read this book Lily cried and said she did not like this book and we needed to return it to the library. When asked why they didn't like this book "Lily said it was too sad because the main character dies at the end." Both Children had a lot of questions about life and death. Some of these questions where- "When will I die?, When will our cat die?, When will other people die?, etc..." I tried to answer them using carefully chosen words so not to upset them. In retrospect I wish I hadn't picked this book this month. Lily and Aj have experienced death of loved ones within our family over the past couple of years. I have not been able to shelter my children from death but I don't want them to dwell on the subject. I decided to do some activities after reading this book but I kept them on the lighter side.


Social Studies-(Geography:Italy,Renaissance,Orphans,)
The story Of The Clown Of God is set in Italy in the Renaissance. Lily and Aj found Italy on our map. They colored a map, flag and did a worksheet On Italy. We talked about the difference in how we live today compared to in the Renaissance. We read tons of books. Lily and Aj enjoyed making their own pizzas and eating Gelato on Italian night. I also explained the term "orphan" and discussed how children are cared for throughout history.


Science-(rainbows)
A rainbow is an optical and meteorological phenomenon that is caused by reflection of light. In the Book the main character juggles beautiful rainbow colored balls. Lily and Aj enjoyed eating a rainbow breakfast and rainbow cookies. They also made their own rainbows out of construction paper. We did an experiment using a box, cd and flash light to create our own rainbows. We also read a great book on rainbows.



Math-(counting, addition)
Lily and Aj reviewed their numbers and used flash cards to do addition. They also did a couple of math work sheets with clowns on them.



Art-(Clowning, Juggling)
There is an art to juggling and being a clown. The main character Giovanni entertains people by doing just that. Lily and Aj learned that juggling takes rhythm, practice and timing. They tried juggling balls that they made and decorated themselves. Putting on clown makeup was a big hit. We also read 2 books on juggling, watched a movie and found a utube video on the Big Apple Circus.


Language-(Vocabulary)
We learned 5 new words while reading this book-(troupe,maestro,torches,violet,brothers) Lily and Aj drew pictures of each of these words after learning the meaning of them.