Making History and Geography Revelant.

I am so pleased with our History and Geography studies that has indirectly evolved from exposing the kids to learning about peace and philosophy.

We formally started our History studies this year by reading The History of Us by Joy Hakim.
                                                                       

It wasn't that far into the book that they begin questioning their own history. Now we are doing a family study of our roots.

 We are also reading Roots by Alex Haley, a powerful read and it will just blow your mind away if you watch the movie, or have ever seen it. I recommend this book and movie with adult supervision, and mature audience middle school and up. I know DJ isn't in middle school, but he isn't being damaged because I am right there and I am sensitive enough to know when there is something that may need to be fast forward in the movie. However we got past the first episode that is so horrid and heart wrenching you may just want to hate America. We are peace makers, and philosophers so we can be sensitive, objective, rational and forgiving at the same time. We have no idea if we are related to Kunta Kinte only research can conclude this, it isn't a driving question either. I feel this story is a perfect example of what you find when you dig into your own family history. I also have always felt that this book would be a requirement in my home to read at some point before leaving the nest. They now know that Slavery wasn't just something that happened just because, but they are learning the psychological effects on both slave owners, and slaves. They know about the Middle Passage and are working on a map to trace this unfortunate voyage. Who knows one of their great, great, grandfathers or grandmothers had to take that passage. Trust me we won't stop there until we can identify tribes that we belong too, and how we are descendants of Kings and Queens.

                                                                         

I am also using this Guide to help us stay on track and gain insight using the activities and thought provoking questions included. Up next we are comparing Native American Tribes to African Tribes and learning about how one is able to keep traditions alive.

Other resources we are using....

                                                         

We all have our own workbooks. I imagine that these workbooks will evolve into a very prized keepsake one day.

There are so many ways to approach history and geography, for us we are learning that finding out more about our own history and where it all begin is helping us make greater connections than ever before. Now The Coming of Man has a brand new meaning and they are ready to go back into time starting with themselves.