Throughout this school year we’ve been celebrating Mexican holidays & doing crafts to go along with them. Recently we celebrated Cinco de Mayo. I was really hoping we’d be able to finish off our year with a trip to Mexico. I’d love to see Chichen Itza & other Mayan ruins. But, that didn’t happen. Bummer. But, we did create some fun crafts.
To hold all their papers and crafts from our study of Mexico, the kids made quick and easy lapbooks. The lapbook is made from two index folders taped together. A third index folder was cut to make pockets, which were taped to the full index folders.
Throughout the year we have been working on our Native American History Pockets. This was something all 3 of my kids could work on as a group & I loved teaching them all together. We used construction paper & yarn to create the books. Super simple & inexpensive. We learned about 8 different tribes throughout the US & Canada.
To go along with our Native American studies we visited the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center. This was our first time exploring this museum. I was surprised at the variety of exhibits. We were there for the Indian artifacts, but also learned about the natural history, transportation, & community of the Columbia Gorge.
Throughout the year we learned a little bit about a few different Native American tribes. When we were studying the Sioux of the Great Plains the boys made teepees out of paper bags.
With letterboxing in our future, I wanted the kids to create their own stamps.
To go along with our Native American studies the kids made these awesome symbols out of oil pastel. The Plains Indians used both naturalistic & geometric designs in their art. We made both.
On the 5th of May the kids did not work on their regular curriculum. Instead, we had a Mexican themed party day.
To go along with our study of Mexico, we spent January 6th learning about Three Kings Day. It is 12 days after Christmas & celebrates the three wise men bringing their gifts to baby Jesus. We don’t typically celebrate this day in our family, but many Latin Americans do so we explored it.
I’m sure I’ve mentioned that I love That Artist Woman. She has fabulous crafts that are made in such a way that young kids can make them & look amazing. When I saw her Steller’s Jay portrait I knew it was something we would try. Well, we did try them & they are one of my favorite things the kids have made.
