Hi Lori,LSH in MS wrote:We are in week 19 of EX1850 so we will be beginning the states and presidents study soon. I think I understand how it works for the younger students but what is appropriate for the older students to complete (6th and 5th graders)?
Also since the book basket books are for younger ages do they just focus on the world history during those weeks? I thought about getting a general information book on each state for them to research or go to the library to use the reference books. Any other ideas? The days look so full! I am doing 1st, the supplement and 2 older children and my mind is spinning over this. The assignments seemed to slack off a little but not anymore!
We're just finishing up the state report at the end of EX1850.
Since the state sheets are only one part of history this year, my son and I just read the pages, added the info to the front, and he highlighted his favorite fact on the back. I think the highlighter was Crystal's idea for younger ones, but it keeps my 7th grader alert. Oh, and on the front of the sheet, don't forget to have older kids mark all the surrounding states (and major bodies of water, if you like).
I have had some books in book basket about the 50 states which ds reads on occasion. But he really hasn't read any I got from the 2nd-3rd grade state list (Blueberries For Sal and such), so I pretty much stopped adding those. We sometimes looked at a map (showing Indian tribes or showing the terrain - mountains, lakes, etc) or looked up something that sparked an interest. Ds spent a lot more time with books about presidents and about historical figures. He also read about a few of the "legends" like Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, and our local friend Paul Bunyan :o)
Honestly, there is so much history to learn in this time period that I wouldn't sweat it about the state and president pages. They have been a light and fun part of our day, and I don't try to cram too many facts into his brain.
Then when you get to the end of EX1850, you will have a long break of studying your state in depth, and then at the beginning of 1850MOD you will be spending the first weeks learning all the states and capitals and such. By then, some of those state things will be sinking in deeper because of all the little "seeds" you have planted, plus a greater understanding of the overall picture & how it all developed.