Oviparous vs Viviparous and Absolute vs Relative Location

Oviparous means to produce a young/baby by mean sof eggs that are hatched after they have been laid by the parent. Viviparous means to produce living young instead of eggs from within the body.

Oviparous Animals: Spiders, Raven, Parrot, Birds, Eagle, Swan,Duck, Pigeon, Penguin, Owl, Ostrich, Chicken, Fish, Frog, Snake, Turtle, Lizard, Crocodile, Platypus, Octopus,Shark, Seahorse, Flamingo, Peacock, Turkey, Echidna, Snails, Salamander, Newt, Snail, Dragonfly, Wasp, and Butterfly.  Source: https://visualdictionary.org/oviparity/

Viviparous: Dogs, Cat, Horses, Snakes, Sharks, Aphids, Deer, Rodents, Cows, Dolphin, Seals, Apes, Monkeys, Lizards, Giraffes, Camels, and Humans. 

Source: https://wildlifeinformer.com/examples-of-viviparous-animals/

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/5-Themes-of-Geography-Scribble-Notes-5947264

https://youtu.be/BFDvrvp33EA

https://www.gtansw.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GTA-Bulletin-Issue-2_2021-pdf.io_-14.pdf

https://miningmatters.ca/docs/default-source/mining-matters---resources/activities-and-lesson-plans/oreo-plate-tectonics.pdf?sfvrsn=d3d9bd98

Memorial Day

 Monday is Memorial Day for America. 

We played a bit of the Star Spangled Banner on the keyboard: https://youtu.be/SjsiaclKxvU Made a wreath: 

American Heritage Challenge

 https://heritageletter.com/collections/heritage-letter-history-challenges

World Turtle Day May 23

 "Shell-ebrate" World Turtle Day with the South Carolina Aquarium as we explore the Sea Turtle Care Center™, where we’ve been caring for sick and injured sea turtles since 2000. The South Carolina Aquarium has now released more than 350 healthy turtles back into the ocean. These endangered animals needed help from our biologists and veterinarians, but they need help from you too! Learn how you can help sea turtles during this live event.

https://takelessons.com/events/world-turtle-day

This is a good video: https://youtu.be/_lI3od1szlE

https://youtu.be/2ZJzs19myik

Victoria Day

Tomorrow is Victoria Day and everything will be closed because we will be celebrating the Queen's birthday. According to this wonderful piee by CBC Kids, "The British queen was born on May 24, 1819. She was a reigning monarch (queen) for 63 years, seven months and two days. Victoria Day was declared a Canadian holiday by the government in 1845.At that time, it was celebrated with picnics, parades, sporting tournaments, fireworks and cannon salutes.When Queen Victoria died in 1901, Canada’s parliament officially named the holiday Victoria Day.It was decided that the day would be celebrated on the second last Monday in May. In 2023, that's May 22nd. Some places might still be a little chilly, but camping is popular on Victoria Day long weekend. In 1952, the government made the decision to begin celebrating Victoria Day on a Monday. It would be observed on May 24th if that worked out. Otherwise, it would be held on the Monday right before it. Today, Victoria Day is a holiday throughout most of Canada. The day is usually marked in most cities with parades, outdoor events and activities like camping and fireworks displays. Today, it might be marked in different ways that allow people to keep a safe distance. That could be virtually online, on television or as a family in the backyard.In Quebec, they celebrate a different holiday on the Monday right before May 25th. It's called Journée nationale des patriotes (National Patriots Day). It replaced a holiday called Fête de Dollard in 2003, which had replaced Victoria day in 1918." Source: https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/why-do-we-celebrate-victoria-day

On this day Monday May 22 Quebec is celebrating the following: "National Patriots' Day (Journée nationale des patriotes) is a commemoration of the Lower Canada Rebellion of 1837. This holiday is celebrated on the same day as Victoria Day. Following early exploration in the 16th century, the French established a colony in this part of modern-day Canada in the 17th century. This became French Canada and Quebec City was founded in 1608. The French ceded it's territories to the British under the Treaty of Paris in 1763, after Great Britain's victory over France and Spain during the Seven Year's War. Inspired by the American Revolution and movements towards independence in other parts of the Americas, the Patriote movement grew in popularity as a reaction against British colonial rule over what was previously French territory. Mainly a political movement, it led to the Lower Canada Rebellions of 1837 and 1838. These insurrections were eventually suppressed by the British military, but the actions of the rebels are seen as a key part of the history of Quebec and its enduring sense of identity.To honour and remember the sacrifice of the Quebec rebels, National Patriots' Day was declared a public holiday in 2003. It replaced an unofficial holiday called 'la Fete de Dollard' which honoured a 17th-century military hero, Adam Dollard des Ormeaux.On National Patriots' Day, all city, state, and government offices in Quebec are closed. Schools, post offices, banks, and libraries are also closed. Public transport will run on a reduced holiday schedule." Source: https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/canada/quebec/canada-quebec-national-patriots-day

To celebrate this day we took a quiz created at: https://www.historyextra.com/period/victorian/queen-victoria-history-quiz/  

Knowledge Obtained from the Quiz's incorrect and correct answers: 

 At 6am on 20 June 1837, Victoria was roused from her sleep and told that her uncle, King William IV, had passed away while he was sleeping. The news came as a shock, but the young queen reacted very calmly. However, her governess had prepared smelling salts, in case Victoria was overcome by the events that were happening around her.

She met with her privy council for the first time just a few hours later. Owing to her diminutive stature (she was only 4ft 11), she was reportedly seated on a raised platform so that her ministers could see her. 

Victoria’s mother and her advisor, John Conway, imposed a strict set of regulations upon young Victoria. Known as the ‘Kensington System’, Victoria had to live by a stifling set of rules that severely restricted her freedoms.

Victoria was famously close to some of her prime ministers – particularly Lord Melbourne, whom she even sent personal letters to regarding her feelings towards the Russian heir Grand Duke Alexander Nikolaevich (later Tsar Alexander II), and Benjamin Disraeli – but others received a far less enthusiastic response from the monarch.

William Gladstone certainly fell into the latter camp, with the queen cuttingly describing him as a “half-crazy and in many ways ridiculous, wild and incomprehensible old fanatic”.Abdul Karim, along with some other Indian servants, arrived at Windsor Castle in June 1887. Abdul became Victoria’s Munshi (teacher) and taught the monarch Hindustani and Urdu for 13 years. The pair became very close: Victoria even kept a photograph of him in her dressing room.  Victoria was an object of fascination for many, but ‘The Boy Jones’ certainly took his admiration of the queen too far. Between 1838 and 1841, the stalker – whose real name was Thomas Edward Jones – broke into Buckingham Palace several times, hiding under the queen’s sofa, eating potatoes in the picture gallery and reportedly even rolling on the royal bed. He was eventually caught and sent to Brazil.

Edward Oxford tried to assassinate Queen Victoria when she was four months pregnant with her first child. She was enjoying an evening carriage ride with Prince Albert, as was their custom: the pair regularly travelled in an open phaeton without guards.  

Oxford took advantage of this, and on 10 June he attempted to kill the queen. He fired both of his pistols in quick succession, but the horses reared up at the sound of the shots and took off at high speed, carrying the queen’s carriage away from her would-be assassin.

Over the course of her 21-year marriage to Albert, Victoria produced nine children. Many of her sons and daughters were married into various European monarchies to help build Britain’s influence abroad and cement international alliances. Her 42 grandchildren were spread all across Europe, in the royal families of Germany, Russia, Greece, Romania, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Spain. Accordingly, Victoria was known as “the grandmother of Europe”.

Prince Albert unexpectedly passed away at the age of 42, and his death rocked the monarchy and sent Victoria into a spiral of despair. 

Although it was at first expected that the queen would adhere to the usual two years of conventional mourning, it quickly became clear that her retreat from the public view and her intense sorrow would continue well beyond this period. For the rest of her life, she only wore black clothes, and she continued to mourn Albert until her own death in 1901.

Queen Victoria died at the age of 81 on 22 January 1901. After her body had been prepared, her family – including the royal dukes, the kaiser and the new king, Edward VII – were summoned to lift her body into her coffin.

With this solemn duty complete, Victoria’s family duly left. Her staff were then able to carry out the queen’s secret instructions, which were never to be revealed to her children. Her personal servant John Brown’s mother’s wedding ring was placed on her finger, and a photograph of him, a lock of his hair and his handkerchief were clandestinely placed beside her.

The queen was buried beside her beloved Prince Albert on 4 February 1901 in a mausoleum at Frogmore. 

Our Results: Your score: 2 / 9

We are not amused.Well, we’ve seen better results. But not to worry: there’s an easy fix! 

I found two free word searches one on Queen Victoria https://wordmint.com/public_puzzles/359380

 and one on the Victoria Day Weekend https://wordmint.com/public_puzzles/335888

World Bee Day May 20

 Today is national bee day thank you to the lovely Sarah at https://www.wildflowersbysarah.com/ who offers a generous pack to newsletter subscribers today on bees.

There is also a cute free produt from: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-World-Bee-Day-Printable-Activities-Templates-and-Worksheets-5561645

The genius' from Twinkl offered this free: https://www.twinkl.ca/resource/bee-mindfulness-collaborative-art-pack-us-ac-1653514382

We followed this neat video: https://youtu.be/H4WmfysBzJo

and created these masterpieces 

This video talks about one of the beginning apiarist' Anton Jansa and why Bee Day is on this day (it was his birthday, born May 20, 1734 and died September 13, 1773) https://youtu.be/hMSnhh8qQGQ 

We watched this video: https://youtu.be/Z5FxJl6-QaM learning that bees are a true pollinator superhero. We are lucky to use their products such as honey and beeswax in lip balms and candles. 

Grade 5 https://homeeducator.com/homeschooling-5th-grade/

 By DM Michals

Looking into homeschooling 5th grade? Whether you’ve been homeschooling since pre-K or this is your first year, you are in the right place! We’ve compiled everything you and your fifth grader need to get started and keep you on the right track. Competencies, developmental milestones, field trip ideas, and more are included below!

By age ten, your child is able to read independently and silently, delivers messages clearly and confidently, and now asks relevant questions about the subject at hand. You’ll see growth spurts, increased appetites, and your child needs a lot more sleep. It’s a big year for your fifth grader transitioning between childhood and adolescence. And, at times they will alternate between the two.

How can you actually use this?

Homeschooling curriculum in the state of Texas must include the five basic subjects of reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics and good citizenship. Science, history and social studies are included below for you. Not from Texas? Check out state requirements for homeschooling fifth grade in your state.

School Supplies for 5th Grade

Suggested School Supplies

Pencils

Pencil sharpener

Eraser

Pens

Lined paper, spiral notebooks and/or composition notebooks

Binders (if needed)

Folders

Colored pencils

Highlighters

Paints (tempera and watercolor)

Paintbrushes

Paper for painting

Construction paper

Whiteboard

Dry erase markers

Ruler

Protractor

Children’s scissors (sharp-pointed)

Glue sticks

White glue

Tape

Math manipulatives

Sight word flashcards

Math flashcards (ex. multiplication tables)

Bookmarks (for longer books)

Globe

Wall maps of the world and the United States

Library card

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Fifth Grade Milestones by Subject

Fifth Grade Language Arts Homeschool

Fifth Grade Language Arts Homeschool

https://www.antilles.vi/uploaded/pdfs/5th_Grade_Core_Competencies.pdf

Decodes unknown words using phonics and context clues.

Able to read independently and silently.

Determines the main idea of a story.

Identifies basic parts of a story (setting, characters, plot, etc…).

Connects texts she reads to her life, other books, and the world.

Able to summarize a story orally or in writing.

Able to identify genre (realistic fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, non-fiction, etc…).

Easily identifies parts of speech.

Spells frequently used words and 5th-grade spelling words correctly.

Writing for 5th Graders

https://www.antilles.vi/uploaded/pdfs/5th_Grade_Core_Competencies.pdf

Writes legibly in print and cursive.

Organizes three-paragraph pieces (non-fiction or fiction) with a beginning, middle, and end.

Writes to express feelings, tell stories, and summarize information.

Responds to comprehension questions using complete sentences.

Able to vary sentence structure.

Able to identify the parts of speech.

Spells frequently used words and 5th-grade spelling/vocabulary words correctly.

Writes for different purposes and is becoming familiar with different forms of writing. (expository, descriptive, persuasive, and narrative).

History and Social Studies for 5th Graders

http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter113/ch113a.html

Understands the principles of the U.S. free enterprise system.

Able to quote the first line of the Declaration of Independence and the Preamble to the United States Constitution.

Understands the cause and effects of European colonization and recognizes important figures.

Understands the events that led up to the American Revolution including the Boston Tea Party, French and Indian War and important figures.

Able to identify our Founding Fathers and Patriot heroes.

Understands political, economic, and social changes that occurred in the United States during the 19th century.

Applies geographic tools to construct and interpret maps as well as translate data into a variety of formats. Tools used include grid systems, legends, symbols, scales, and compass roses.

Understands the different political, population, and economic regions in the U.S.

Able to locate major political and physical features on a map such as the 50 states and their capitals, regions such as the Southwest and the Northeast; and the Rocky Mountains and Mississippi River.

Understands the main ideas in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

Compares the differences and responsibilities of national and state governments.

5th Grade Math

http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter111/ch111a.html#111.6

Understands relationships as related to place value of the digit in decimals through the thousandths.

Able to compare and order two decimals to thousandths and represent comparisons using the symbols >, <, or =.

Able to round decimals to tenths or hundredths.

Adds, subtracts, multiplies, and divides multi-digit numbers accurately.

Able to add and subtract decimals.

Multiplies three-digit numbers by two-digit numbers accurately and with ease.

Solves quotients of up to a four-digit dividend by a two-digit divisor.

Introduces algebraic reasoning and is able to represent and solve multi-step problems involving the four operations with whole numbers using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity.

Determines the volume of cubes and rectangular prisms.

Understands with fluency how to graph an ordered pair, such as (2,5).

Collects and organizes data.

Knowledgeable in financial resources to sustain lifetime financial security.

Able to explain the difference between gross income and net income; and income tax, payroll tax, sales tax and property tax.

Understands the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of payment, including checks, credit cards, debit cards and electronic payments.

Develops a system for keeping and using financial records and is able to balance a simple budget.

Able to describe actions that might be taken to balance a budget when expenses exceed income.

Science for 5th Graders

Science for 5th Graders

Able to differentiate between inherited traits and learned behaviors.

Knows the differences between renewable and nonrenewable resources.

Able to organize, examine and evaluate data using current technology and tools.

Collects, records, and analyzes information using tools and materials to support observations of habitats or organisms such as terrariums and aquariums.

Understands that the Earth’s surface is constantly changing and recognizes how landforms such as deltas, canyons, and sand dunes are the result of changes to the Earth’s surface by wind, water, or ice.

Able to differentiate between weather and climate.

Easily identifies and explains the different characteristics of the Sun, Earth, and Moon.

Able to explain how the Sun and our oceans interact in the water cycle.

Identifies that the Earth rotates on its axis causing a day/night cycle every 24 hours.

Knows that organisms have structures and behaviors that help them live and survive within their environments such as hooves on prairie animals or webbed feet in aquatic animals.

Good Citizenship for 5th Graders

Good Citizenship for 5th Graders

Being a good citizen not only means understanding your right to vote and the privileges of citizenship, but also respect for our planet, good stewardship, and understanding the world around us. If you are in need of resources and lesson plans to fulfill this requirement, consider joining THSC. We offer our “Lone Star Study” guide as a free download for our members.

Here are a few ideas:

Become involved in events and initiatives such as Capitol Days sponsored by THSC.

Learn about the electoral process in local, state, and national elections.

Register to vote and vote! Take your child with you to see the process. Children under the age of 18 are allowed to go with you and even go inside the booth with you in every state in the United States.

Write a letter to your elected officials in support or against legislation affecting lives within your community. Start a letter-writing campaign to get others involved!

Attend city council meetings and discover the workings of your town.

Learn about local and national non-profit organizations and how each serves your community such as the United Way or the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Discuss as a family if you’d like to volunteer at a non-profit in your community.

Attend rallies of causes you believe in as a family.

How is your town significant in Texas history? Find out! Visit the library or chat with a local historian.

Learn the words to “Texas, Our Texas” and discover the meaning and history of the Pledge to the Texas Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discover how each of us affects the environment from how much water we use to how much trash we produce. Then, discuss and implement ways you as a family can lessen your footprint.

Learn about recycling and where and how you recycle items in your community.

Keep our state clean by picking up litter everywhere you go.

Do you know the mayor of your town or your state representatives? Identify leaders in state, local and national governments as a family, including our governor, local members of the Texas Legislature, U.S. senators, local U.S. representatives, your town’s mayor, and Texans who have been president of the United States

For more ideas, check out our teaching good citizenship page.

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Developmental Milestones for Ten-Year-Olds

Developmental Milestones for Ten-Year-Olds

https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/signs-symptoms/developmental-milestones/developmental-milestones-for-typical-fourth-and-fifth-graders

All children develop at different rates. However, certain skills are easily identified by the age of ten. If you have concerns about your child’s development after reviewing this list, please discuss those with your healthcare provider.

Gross Motor Skills

https://www.livestrong.com/article/125518-physical-development-10yearolds/

Increased physical endurance makes longer walks or bike rides easier.

Shows increased body awareness and signs of a growing, maturing body.

Able to adjust speed, force, and direction depending on the situation.

May complain of growing pains or muscle cramps.

Fine Motor Skills

https://www.antilles.vi/uploaded/pdfs/5th_Grade_Core_Competencies.pdf

Manual dexterity continues to increase.

Writes legibly in cursive and print.

Able to type on a keyboard at a minimum of 10 words per minute.

Uses table utensils properly; able to cut food with a knife and fork independently.

Talking and Understanding

https://www.antilles.vi/uploaded/pdfs/5th_Grade_Core_Competencies.pdf

Has a deeper understanding of how relationships with others can include more than just common interests.

Begins to understand the points of view of others.

More aware of others’ perceptions.

May be uncertain about changes happening in their bodies with puberty.

May face strong peer pressure and find it hard to resist if they struggle with self-esteem.

Has a first crush or pretends to have crushes to fit in with peers.

Able to resolve social problems, like fights with friends and siblings.

Sense of what is important is influenced more by friends.

Enjoys being part of a team, group, or club.

Are kind, silly, and curious, but also can be self-involved, moody, and disrespectful.

May test out new attitudes, clothing styles, and mannerisms while figuring out where/how to fit in.

Delivers messages clearly and confidently.

Asks relevant questions.

Uses complex sentences and different types of sentences to express ideas clearly.

Ready for oral presentations in front of an audience.

10 Great Books or Series for Homeschooling 5th Graders

10 Great Books or Series for Homeschooling 5th Graders

Find these books at your local library or find them at any bookstore. If you shop on Amazon, please visit Amazon Smile and choose Texas Home School Coalition as your charity of choice!

We also recommend checking with a site such as Redeemed Reader or Plugged-In as to the appropriateness of any particular book for your child and their personal maturity level.

Another wonderful place for book recommendations is The Read-Aloud Revival, which features booklists and reviews for all kinds of books and reading levels.

Frindle by Andrew Clements. When Nick Allen learns some interesting facts about how words are created, he starts a phenomenon as his new word for pen, frindle, takes over his classroom, the city and then goes nationwide!

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfery. introduces us to Artemis Fowl–millionaire 12-year-old genius and criminal mastermind. When Artemis kidnaps the leader of the fairies, he meets his match when he discovers that these fairies aren’t the sweet ones from bedtime stories. These fairies are armed and dangerous.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. In this seven-book series by C.S. Lewis, readers learn about the characters that have fascinated fans for 70 years. Selected as one of America’s Top 100 Most-Loved Novels by PBS’s The Great American Read, readers join in epic battles against good and evil, discover forever friendships and horrible betrayals and meet the fantastic creatures that encompass Narnia.

Hero Tales by Dave and Neta Jackson. In this beautifully illustrated treasury, Dave and Neta Jackson present the true-life stories of fifteen key Christian heroes. Each hero is profiled in a short biography and three educational yet exciting and thought-provoking anecdotes from his or her life.

The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford. This beloved classic that inspired the movie Homeward Bound has captured the hearts of generations of readers. The lengths to which these three animals will go for each other and for their owner make for a thrilling and thoroughly unforgettable tale.

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness (The Wingfeather Saga) by Andrew Peterson. Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can read aloud, and readers’ groups are sure to enjoy discussing for its many layers of meaning.

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie. The classic tale of mischievous Peter Pan, swashbuckling pirates, budding romance, and all sorts of adventures on Neverland. The book explores the conflict between the innocence of childhood and the responsibility of adulthood in a charming and witty way.

Stuart Little by E.B. White. The classic story by E. B. White, author of the Newbery Honor Book Charlotte’s Web and The Trumpet of the Swan, is about one small mouse on a very big adventure. Stuart Little is no ordinary mouse. Born to a family of humans, he lives in New York City with his parents, his older brother George, and Snowbell the cat. Though he’s shy and thoughtful, he’s also a true lover of adventure.

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10 Awesome Field Trips for Homeschooling 5th Graders

Everyone loves a field trip! From tours of the Alamo to visiting one of our 103 state parks, Texas has something to do for everyone! Don’t feel you have to leave your town or your own neighborhood to enjoy a good field trip. Be creative, and your next walk down your street can be an educational experience. Here are a few ideas to get you started!

First Responder Appreciation: Police, fire, and EMS stations are located throughout most cities. Locate the one closest to your house and make a connection. Tour a fire station, talk to a police officer or reach out to an emergency medical technician and find out what it truly means to be a first responder.

Government: THSC Capitol Days are one-day, hands-on events that allow homeschooling families to fully participate in the state legislative process. These events give the opportunity to defend the rights of homeschool families in Texas, meet representatives and staff and actually help pass a law. A free grade-specific tour is available at our Texas state capitol, which includes history, architecture and the legislative process.

Job Fair: Has your child shown an interest in an activity or profession? Ask around! Many professionals are quick to assist. Discover the ins and outs of what makes their jobs unique while helping guide an eager learner into a possible career choice.

Historical Sites: Enjoy the freedom of homeschooling by bringing your homeschool studies to life. Visit the places you are learning about each day! Tour places close to home or go on a trip through Texas and learn along the way.

Museums: Name it and Texas has it as a museum! From Fair Park in downtown Dallas with its “only intact and unaltered pre-1950s world fair site in the United States,” to the Battle for Texas – The Experience in San Antonio revealing the daily lives of early Texas settlers and the tensions leading up to the Texas Revolution, our museums are abundant and unsurpassed.

Sports: Have you visited the Heart of Texas and gone to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame? Offering educational tours for groups from 15 to 30, the field trips focus on physical fitness and health as well as drug awareness and Major League Math. If you are going in smaller groups, don’t worry. The museum is open to the public and offers a collection of memorabilia and history perfect for any sport’s enthusiast. Check ahead before your visit! The museum is closed on Baylor University’s game days.

Libraries: Libraries throughout our state offer summer programs, spring break activities, and clubs and events throughout the year for all ages. Take advantage of free programs and educational opportunities and make new friends while you’re there.

Theater/Music/Art: In March 2018, scientists at the National Institutes of Health Kennedy Center Workshop on Music and the Brain concluded that music promotes language development and has a positive impact on cognitive functions including attention, visual-spatial perception, and executive function (childdevelopmentinfo.com). Music, art, and theater will open your child’s mind to other worlds and possibilities. Opportunities to view the arts are available everywhere! Grab a blanket and head to a free outdoor concert, stroll through a sculpture garden or grab those tickets to the latest must-see show.

Get Outside: There’s no better place to learn about ecosystems than in your own backyard. Search for insects, nests and other furry habitats. Simply walking around noticing nature opens up a world of insights and conversations.

Living History: Nothing solidifies new knowledge like hands-on learning. Museums and special events throughout Texas offer presentations and workshops that keep the craftsmanship, allure, and heirloom skills of our past available for your family to learn today. Do you have a state park nearby? Check their schedules at https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ to see what fun, heritage events they have planned, especially around the holidays!

For more Texas road trip ideas (and beyond), check out our roadschooling page!

Science Experiments for 5th Graders

Science Experiments for 5th Graders

What better way to enhance understanding of our natural world than to incorporate science into your school day! Here are five fun and easy experiments for you and your budding scientist.

Quick Sand – Nature’s Trap of Solids and Liquids

Sounds Wave – All You Need Is a Spoon and Some String

Supplement – How Fast Does Sound Travel worksheet

Endothermic Reactions – Let’s Bake a Cake!

Discover Terrariums with Dionaea muscipula, Our Favorite Insectivorous!

We believe no one cares more about a child’s education than his parents and hope this article has equipped you in homeschooling 5th grade! Would you like more content like this on other grades? Don’t miss our coming articles in this series —subscribe to our free publications today!

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About the Author: Dawn Michelle Michals

Dawn Michelle Michals is a writer, homeschool mom, musician and social media strategist based in Hewitt, Texas. To learn more about Chelle, visit her website at DawnMichelleMichals.com and follow her on social media at @dmmwrites.

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SOURCE: https://homeeducator.com/homeschooling-5th-grade/

Tulip Festival and Olympics

 

May 12 Until May 22 is the Ottawa Tulip Festival. 

https://www.arthistorykids.com/blog/331

Frieze Tag– a fun art history game for kids to celebrate the summer olympics

August 2, 2016

Are your kids excited for the summer olympics? 

This fun activity will get everyone in the olympic spirit... they'll get active and have some fun as they learn about the origins of the olympic games.

Invite your kids to get into the spirit of the olympics with this fun game! Frieze tag combines art history and the olympics in a fun and memorable way.

The ancient olympic games began in 776BC in Greece. 

Greece is home to some amazing architecture and art, and many ancient Greek buildings incorporate art as elements in the design. One really interesting design element is a long narrow sculpture that runs along the outside of the building near the roof, and in addition to being pretty, it also tells a historical or mythological story.

It's called a frieze (pronounced freeze).

Invite your kids to get into the spirit of the olympics with this fun game! Frieze tag combines art history and the olympics in a fun and memorable way.

How to play Frieze Tag

To play frieze tag, start by introducing your kids to this sculptural element, and explain how the olympics began in Greece. If they've ever played freeze tag before, just tell them it's exactly the same, with one important exception... when you are tagged and you freeze, you have to pose your body in a dramatic way, and pretend you are part of a frieze sculpture.

If your kids have never played freeze tag, you can find the complete instructions here.

Join the Olympics Challenge!

I have 3 weeks of fun ideas that combine olympics with art history, and I'd love for you and your kids to join in the fun! I'll be sending one email each Friday for 3 weeks, beginning this Friday. 

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Find me on social media, or leave a comment below. I'd love to hear all about how much your kids loved this game! Or how they changed it to make it their own...

Source: https://www.arthistorykids.com/blog/2016/8/2/frieze-tag-a-fun-art-history-game-for-kids-to-celebrate-the-summer-olympics

How to raise kids who appreciate art

July 26, 2016

There are two kinds of Art People. Art Appreciators, and Art Critics.

Art Critics like to say subjective things about the art, sometimes without even knowing much about the artist or the art movement. Art Critics think they could paint like that, or that they've seen better. Art Critics like the art sometimes... but usually they find a reason not to.

Art Appreciators, on the other hand, see the value in all kinds of art– even if they don't personally like the style, or the subject matter, or the colors. They can express their opinions in an educated way, because they have a little background, and that context helps them to understand the art.

Raising kids who appreciate art is easy with these 5 simple things you can do everyday.  Art history is such a valuable subject for kids, and helps them excel in all other areas of study and life.

It's okay not to like every painting you see in the museum. In fact, it would be a little weird if you wandered the galleries and LOVED it all.

Raising your kids to be Art Appreciators (or helping your little Art Critic to see things from another perspective) is easy!

1. Model observation in daily life

Art Appreciators look carefully at the world around them. They notice when things are different. They see things that most people miss, and because they are looking, they see little beautiful things everywhere they go. Incorporating a mindfulness practice into your daily routine is a great way to start. Even doing 10 minutes of housework mindfully, or walking barefoot in the backyard for 5 minutes with the intention of observing the beauty of nature, can help you to slow down and shift the way you connect with your day (and your kids). Plus, it's great for them to see you doing these things, because we all know that our kids copy the behaviors they see us doing.

2. Be curious

Art Appreciators wonder, "Why?" They don't usually take someone's word for it when learning a new idea or skill, they need to understand the reason for something, or understand the way it works. This understanding helps them to think critically about art. Help to fan the spark of curiosity each day by answering their questions with questions. Rather than just telling them the answer, guide them down a path where they will discover the answer, or come to their own conclusion.

3. See it from another perspective

You don't have to love everything, but being open-minded to new ideas and being respectful when you don't like something are two tell tale signs that you truly are an Art Appreciator. This way of seeing things from another person's point of view, and trying to pull out one or two positive things about it, reinforces great character traits in our kids. It shows acceptance and tolerance. You can usually find at least one nice thing to say. Instead of, "This is hideous, I can't believe people think this is art!" you could say, "I don't really care for these colors, but I like the energy of this piece." You can also keep your comments objective. Sometimes our personal opinion about the art is secondary. Talk about what kinds of things were going on in the world at that time, and what the artist was trying to say with that piece. Was it motivated by some underlying political or social dynamic of the day? You can think critically about something, and make critical observations without being a critic.

4. Encourage Exploration

Open-ended, and process-based projects (rather than projects that give you step by step instructions to create the art the "right" way or rely on a "good" looking end result to be considered a success) are key to giving kids the freedom to explore with no expectations and no pressure. It sets them on a path of creative discovery that will lead them to enjoy the process, and want to continue creating more in the future.

5. Diversify your art study

Most people have one type of art they gravitate to, but it's fun to mix it up. Art appreciation in your homeschool can include music, literature (and poetry), dance, theatre, and more! There is so much beauty to see in the world, it's nice to know that we'll never run out of wonderful artistic things to explore and that our next amazing discovery might be just around the corner.

Do you have the Art History Kids philosophy art print for your creative space at home?

A fun printable for your kids art area, and a great reminder of all the valuable benefits of exploring art history with your kids. Click to get the pdf file.

Get instant access to the pdf download that you can print and proudly display in your homeschool area, playroom or art area.

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Source: https://www.arthistorykids.com/blog/2016/7/26/how-to-raise-kids-who-appreciate-art

Crayon Day- March 31

    For some reason this posting saved as a draft and then when I updated it it showed today's date instead of March 31. On March 31 I made a nice crayon drawing for Barron to colour yet I did not have enough funds to get anything special, although a Giant Crayon from Micheals art store: https://canada.michaels.com/en/kid-made-modern-neon-giant-crazy-crayon/10655099.htmland some neat Peanut Crayons from Amazon: (because we love George Washington Carver) https://www.amazon.ca/Toddlers-Non-Toxic-Washable-Coloring-Supplies/dp/B093FGM8ZQ/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2VXFPYR32T8G3&keywords=peanut+crayons&qid=1683439999&s=toys&sprefix=peanut+crayons%2Ctoys%2C130&sr=1-4   were favourite contenders at the time. Searching through some inspiration on a budget I found Lotus' free blog and came across her posting: https://www.arthistorykids.com/blog/2016/10/31/great-gifts-for-artsy-kids and she recommends some amazing products without getting anything for them (I tried to search her online in Amazon however I could not find her shop) so these companies should seriously provide her with free products for recommending such magnificent finds (similar as she is!) Anyways since Crayon Day had arrived and at the time we didn't have anything fancy I felt like I needed to make this more of a special day and once we came acorss these Andy Warhol Crayons we were so delighted! You can get yours at: https://www.amazon.ca/Andy-Warhol-Soup-Can-Crayons/dp/0735346380  The company is called Galison and Mudpuppy.  Lotus also mentions another book which is available from this unique company about Vincent VanGogh however the others appear to be equally enchanting: http://www.touchtheart.com/Welcome.html

We also got the coolest pencils with Andy Warhol Quotes From the Gailson Amazon store: https://www.amazon.ca/Warhol-Philosophy-Pencil-Set-Galison/dp/0735337004

Barron adores the colour Blue so the quote on that said, "Everybody Must Have a Fantasy."

The others say, "Being Good in Business is the most Fascinating Kind of Art."

"I Never Fall Apart Because I Never Fall Together."

"Wasting Money Puts You in a Real Party Mood."

"Isn't  Life a Series of Images That Change As They Repeat Themselves?"

"Art is What You Can Get Away With."

"The Idea of Waiting For Something Makes It More Exciting."

"In The Future Everybody Will Be World Famous For Fifteen Minutes."

I think the First and Last are the most wisest! Andy predicted TikTok, Instagram, Blogging, andYoutube!

Notre aventure de peinture en plein air (Our outdoor painting adventure)

 In April of 2016 on her blog the Brilliant Lotus writes, "How to plan a fun day of En Plein Air Painting with your kids. Spring is here, and everyone is ready to be outside. Why not take the paints with you? En plein air painting is just a fancy French way to say "painting in the open air." It's been around for centuries, but was really popularized by Impressionist painters.Painting outdoors has so many great advantages... especially for kids. There is something sort of magical about being surrounded by your subject. Everywhere you turn, there are new things to see, arrangements to consider, and decisions to be made about what to explore on your canvas (or paper). This three dimensional experience really places the artist inside their composition, bringing the smells, sounds, taste and feel of the place within reach. This experiential way of making art results in a painting that reflects an intense observation and attention to detail, and is probably much more “real” than what they usually paint from their imagination.“Everything that is painted directly and on the spot has always a strength, a power, a vivacity of touch which one cannot recover in the studio... three strokes of a brush in front of nature are worth more than two days of work at the easel.”— Eugene Boudin. En plein air paintings in the city, in nature, and at the sea.Wherever you live, you have amazing locations right at your fingertips. Take advantage of your "natural" surroundings. If you live in the city, sit at a sidewalk cafe outside and paint the people and the architecture. If you live closer to nature, go there. If you live near the beach, spend a day in the windy sea air painting birds, clouds, sand and crashing waves. Each place has amazing qualities and fun nuances. More to explore...

EDOUARD MANET: Monet Painting in his Studio Boat : https://www.manet.org/monet-painting-in-his-studio-boat.jsp 

GEORGES SEURAT: A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte: https://www.artble.com/artists/georges_seurat/paintings/a_sunday_afternoon_on_the_island_of_la_grande_jatte

PIERRE-AUGUSTE RENOIR: Bal du moulin de la Galette: https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/becoming-modern/avant-garde-france/impressionism/v/renoir-moulin-de-la-galette-1876

GUSTAVE CAILLEBOTTE: "Paris Street, rainy day": https://www.musee-orsay.fr/fr?no_cache=1&zoom=1&tx_damzoom_pi1%5BshowUid%5D=4038

CLAUDE MONET: "Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies" : https://www.musee-orsay.fr/fr?no_cache=1&zoom=1&tx_damzoom_pi1%5BshowUid%5D=4038

It might sound a exhausting to bring along all those art supplies on a big outdoor expedition, but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve put together a little list of the essentials, and some fun optional extras that you can pack in just a few minutes and be on your way to a fun day of en plein air painting that you and your child will remember for years to come. You can join the Art History Kids mailing list here for free and instant access to the Resource Library where you can download and print the checklist, along with LOADS of other fun project ideas, games and printables. Enjoy a day of painting outdoors with your kids. This checklist will guide you through all the things you'll need to make your day fun and stress-free. En plain air painting is a great way to unwind, enjoy nature, and get creative. There are numerous benefits and advantages to en plein air painting. My favorites are…A Change in scenery: Sometimes a day away from the house can be a great way to re-set the mood when things get grumpy or stale. Early spring is especially beautiful, and a perfect time to plan a special day out in nature. Mastering the art of observation: When you are surrounded by 11 million things to look at, you have to choose your composition carefully. “Will I paint the trees and the clouds, or should I turn around and paint the flowing water in that stream and the reflection of the sky in the water?” Once they’ve decided what to paint, you children will need to study their subject closely to capture it in their art. This careful and deliberate looking is a great foundation for so many academic activities, and also just a great life skill to have in general. Decision making, analytical thinking, and observation are great byproducts of en plein air painting.Eliminating distractions: There are so many things vying for our attention at home, but out in nature there is nothing to do but relax, enjoy the day, and paint. Focus like this is a rare and beautiful thing.Working with variables: When you paint outdoors, your subject may change. Light and shadows move throughout the day, transforming your view into a drastically different composition in just a matter of hours. There is also a time limit to be aware of. You’ll need to do a bit of planning to make sure you’ll finish your art before it gets too dark. For young artists who usually labor endlessly over their work, this may be a difficult exercise at first, but ultimately really freeing. En plain air painting necessitates a quickness that results in a spontaneous and energetic image. Making the most of it: Your day out can be just the beginning of a new unit study on the water cycle, clouds, different types of trees, a new piece of literature that relates to your painting location, a geography lesson… or anything else you can imagine. Make it a really memorable lesson by incorporating learning in more than one subject, and the connections will make an impression and be long lasting. So now that you’re all excited to get started, where do you start? Choose a location: Where will you go, and why? Find your composition: What will you paint, and how will you paint it? Maybe you won’t paint at all. Bring along colored pencils, markers, or pastels for a slightly easier on-the-go art experience.Plan your exit strategy. How will you carry your wet art to the car? Or will you end your day with a long picnic to give your painting time to dry? Think through a plan for leaving to prepare for easy clean-up and transportation, and end the day on a happy note. Bonus Tips for an extra fun experience: Keep it small. Bring a small canvas or notepad for your first few trips, and increase the size of your art as you get more comfortable with the process of painting outside. Also, keep the travel distance small at first. There’s nothing wrong with painting at the local park, a sidewalk cafe, or even in your own backyard.No expectations There is no right or wrong in children’s art. The main goal is to nurture their creative curiosity, and encourage them in their endeavors. If you go to the beach to paint the ocean, and they decide to paint a picture of them with their cat, that’s okay. Enjoy the process The process is always more important than the finished product. Plan. Plan. Plan. The more you plan ahead of time, the easier it will be when you’re out there and ready to have fun. Remember to get the checklist to make your prep a little bit easier!" Source: https://www.arthistorykids.com/blog/2016/4/5/en-plein-air-painting

A cute video in french about two sisters painting en plein air: https://youtu.be/45pBH9eyQ9c

Father's Day Art Sun June 18

Dada for Daddy – A Father's Day Art Project

June 13, 2017

Is your dad silly? Funny? Sometimes a little goofy? 

If he is, he will LOVE to get this art project as a Father's Day gift.

Father's Day art project using Dada Art for inspiration

Dada art is fun and wacky. It's about wearing crazy clothes, using unexpected materials, and pushing the limits of what is considered art.

Some artists in the Dada Movement wrote poems by using words they cut from newspapers. They would pull out random words, and create unusual ideas by putting them together.

You can do something similar for your dad!

How to make a Dada project for your Daddy

Get a magazine and cut out some words that remind you of your dad. Does he like nature? Golfing? Video Games? Maybe he likes a certain color, or a place. Find some words that describe your dad.

Find some pictures of you and your dad, or of some of the things your dad likes. 

Find other objects that you can use in your art. Think creatively... if your dad likes to go to the beach, glue a little sand on your art. If he likes a certain food or drink, use the label or packaging in your art. 

Once you have all of your objects, decide how big you want your art to be. It can be a huge poster, or a tiny postcard. Do what makes sense for you.

Arrange all of the words, images, and items on your page and glue them down.

Wait until Father's Day, and present your Dad with your Dada masterpiece.

Source: https://www.arthistorykids.com/blog/2017/6/13/dada-for-daddy-a-fathers-day-art-project

Mother's Day Art Sun May 14

 Today Barron asked when Mother's Day was and it is on May the 12th this year. We found a neat blog resource from arthistorykids discussing artists that painted their mothers.

Lotus Writes, "From countless artists' interpretation of the 'Madonna and Child' theme, to the the Impressionist paintings of Mary Cassatt, who skillfully captured the idea of domesticity and the bond between a mother and her children... we have plenty of amazing mom art to study and ponder! As we get ready to celebrate Mother's Day next week, let's take a look at the way some famous painters portrayed their mothers in their art. This painting is technically called Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1, but everyone calls it by it's nickname – Whistler's Mother. James McNeill Whistler was an American painter and he is most famous for this painting. It's sometimes called the "Victorian Mona Lisa" and it was the first painting done by an American artist to be hung in the Louvre in Paris. It's so famous, it's been mentioned in literature and even parodied in popular culture.

Painting: James Abbott McNeill Whistler, Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1 (Whistler's Mother), 1871 Whistler's Mother
“In fact modern production genius had thought of everything: sheets, towels, pillow cases, and a print of Whistler’s Mother for over every fireplace.”

— Homer Price by Robert McCloskey

Picasso's Mother

This is Maria Picasso y Lopez. Can you believe that Picasso painted this portrait of his mother when he was only 15 years old?! Most people associate Picasso's portraiture with his cubist works, but he was actually classically trained as a child and young man. He showed great artistic talent from a very young age, and was considered to be somewhat of a prodigy! Picasso recalled, "When I was a child, my mother said to me, 'If you become a soldier, you'll be a general. If you become a monk, you'll end up as the Pope.' Instead, I became a painter and wound up as Picasso."

                                        Painting:  Pablo Picasso, Portrait of the Mother of the Artist, 1896

Van Gogh's Mother

Vincent painted his mother, Anna Carbentus van Gogh, in 1888. He made this painting by looking at a black and white photograph. She was not an affectionate mother, but expressed her love for her family with her words and her actions. She loved to garden and be in nature, and she took her family out for daily walks. She encouraged her children to draw, and kept notebooks full of her own flower and plant illustrations. She passed her love of art, the written word, and nature down to her oldest son Vincent, who famously captured the stars on canvas in a way that no one else ever had before."

                                                  Vincent van Gogh, Portrait of the Artist's Mother, 1888"

Source: https://www.arthistorykids.com/blog/2018/5/7/mothers-day-art-famous-artists-paint-their-moms

Another team member Shiona Herbert from Team Lotus shares the following posting, "Mondrian Mother's Day! Take a moment to think about your mother’s style. Does she wear glamourous outfits? Is her ‘daily uniform’ jeans and a t-shirt? Does she love to wear BRIGHT, LOUD, COLORS, or does she wear a lot of black? Do you know what her favourite piece of clothing is? How would you even describe her fashion style? An artist whose life revolved around being fashionable and who had quite an impact on women’s fashion, was Dutchman Piet Mondrian. “Not only does fashion accurately reflect an era, it is also one of the more direct forms of visual expression in human culture.”— Piet MondrianFamous for his geometric abstract compositions featuring primary colors and gridlines, Mondrian was a leader the Dutch abstract art movement De Stijl, which literally means ‘the style.’ It celebrated pure abstraction that centered on the use of primary colors and perpendicular lines as a utopian expression of a harmonious world.* 

Composition with Red, Blue and Yellow. Piet Mondrian, 1930    A young Piet Mondrian 

It was well known amongst his circle of friends that Mondrian would sometimes go without having a decent meal so that he could afford to dress impeccably.**

                         1965 Mondrian Cocktail Dress Yves Saint Laurent design Mondrian gift bag.
This commitment to fashion along with his artistic foresight saw Mondrian’s composition series have a significant impact on high-end fashion. In 1965, French Fashion House Yves Saint Laurent designed a Mondrian Collection comprising cocktail dresses featuring his geometric abstract style. Well, we may not have the budget for a Yves Saint Laurent dress for our mom, but we can spoil her with a personally designed Mondrian gift bag this Mother’s Day. Make Your Own Mondrian Gift Bag. View some of Mondrian’s composition art from this link: https://www.tate.org.uk/kids/explore/who-is/who-piet-mondrian. Plan out your own Mondrian inspired design on paper. Obtain a plain gift bag, i.e., one without distracting patterns. (White or silver bags work well.) Decorate this gift bag with your Mondrian design. Use a ruler and pencil to create precise grid lines and then go over them with black texta. We’ve had lots of success with using oil pastel to create the blocks of primary colour within the gridlines due to their vibrant nature, but you may wish to use textas or paint. When finished, place your Mother’s Day gift inside your Mondrian Gift Bag!" Source https://www.arthistorykids.com/blog/329 

Cinco De Mayo

   Today is Cinco De Mayo which is a time to celebrate. An explanation of that day is, "Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. The day, which falls on Friday, May 5 in 2023, is also known as Battle of Puebla Day. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations." Source: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/cinco-de-mayo

   We were also informed of some really neat facts such as, "Cinco de Mayo means 5th of May in Spanish. It is the anniversary of a battle that took place between the Mexicans and the French in 1862. Mexico had many rich natural resources and gold, which made them vulnerable to other nations that wanted to take advantage of these riches.The battle is known as the Battle of Puebla. This victory also marks a turning point in Mexican national pride. A small, poorly armed group of about 4,500 men were able to stop the invasion of a well-equipped French army that had about 6,500 or even 8,000 soldiers. Their success helped Mexican people feel very happy and helped create a feeling of national unity. While Cinco de Mayo is a national holiday in Mexico, it is mainly observed in the state capital of Puebla. However, in the United States, it is becoming a popular holiday to celebrate Mexican culture. On May 9 1862, Mexican President Benito Juárez declared a national holiday called The Battle of Puebla Day or Battle of Cinco de Mayo. However, it is no longer considered a national holiday today. The largest Cinco de Mayo event in the world is held in Los Angeles, California, where more than 600,000 people celebrate with music and food. The whole event is called Festival de Fiesta Broadway. In 1933, U.S President Franklin Roosevelt created the “Good Neighbor Policy” enabling good diplomatic relations with Latin American countries. However, it was only in the 1970s and ‘80s when Cinco de Mayo became a popular event in the U.S. In 2005, under the administration of George W. Bush, Cinco de Mayo became recognized as a national holiday to be celebrated in the U.S because of its historical significance. According to Forbes, Americans eat 81 million tons of avocados during Cinco de Mayo. Two other big festivals are held far from Mexico, in Denver, Colorado, and St Paul’s, Minnesota, but they draw hundreds of thousands of participants. The Cinco de Mayo festival in Chandler, Arizona, is known for its Chihuahuas! There are Chihuahua parades, races and pageants. At the end, a King and Queen of the Chihuahuas are crowned.Traditional Mexican foods such as tacos, burritos and enchiladas are served.The Cinco de Mayo celebrations that take place also highlight the traditional dances, dress, and decorations of Mexico. Aside from the U.S and Mexico, it is also celebrated in Australia, Japan, South Africa, and Canada. In Vancouver, people hold an annual skydiving festival called the Cinco de

Mayo Boogie as part of celebrating Mexican culture." Source: https://kidskonnect.com/holidays-seasons/cinco-de-mayo/

To rejoice in this day we watched a neat video regarding Mexico: https://youtu.be/NJNyfITr2mA 

We learnt that Chocolate and originally came from this country. We enjoyed our favourite version of chocolate this day as a mini treat and wished we had popcorn. 

We also learnt that this great artist Frida Kahlo came from Mexico from this cute source: https://youtu.be/AwZc_he1tes  

Visiting this page: https://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/ we discovered that "This year we commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Frida Kahlo Museum, the Blue House. Since 1958, we have witnessed the evolution of art and culture in Mexico and visited by millions of people from all over the world. The house-museum has a unique collection of personal objects, works of art and photographs that offer an intimate insight into the life of Frida Kahlo." We wish the organization a joyous celebration.

It is important to note that, "Frida Kahlo is among the most famous Mexican artists of the 1900s. She was known especially for her disturbing style and her many unsmiling self-portraits. She often included skulls, daggers, and bleeding hearts in her paintings. The pain Kahlo expressed in her paintings came from her own life. She was born Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón in Coyoacán, Mexico, on July 6, 1907. She suffered from the disease polio at 6 years old and walked with a limp the rest of her life. At 18 she was nearly killed in a bus crash. Her injuries were so severe that she spent many weeks in the hospital. She felt physical pain throughout her life. Kahlo began painting self-portraits while in the hospital. Once she was well, she showed her paintings to the famous Mexican painter Diego Rivera. Rivera was enthusiastic. He encouraged her and promoted her work to others. Kahlo and Rivera married in 1929. They divorced in 1939 but remarried in 1941. During her life Kahlo was more famous in the United States and Europe than in her homeland. Since her death, on July 13, 1954, she has become equally famous in Mexico." Source: https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Frida-Kahlo/400121#:~:text=Frida%20Kahlo%20is%20among%20the%20most%20famous%20Mexican,in%20her%20paintings%20came%20from%20her%20own%20life. 

Who was Diego Rivera exacly? "The Mexican artist Diego Rivera is known for creating large murals, or wall paintings. In his murals he represented scenes from Mexico’s history, telling of its cultures, farming and industry, wars, and politics. His paintings feature bright colors and are crowded with people and symbols. Rivera was born on December 8, 1886, in Guanajuato, Mexico. At age 10 he earned a scholarship to study art in Mexico City. In 1907 he won a scholarship that allowed him to travel to Europe. He studied art in Spain and then settled in Paris, France. In Paris Rivera began painting in a style called Cubism. In this style the subject is broken apart into basic shapes, such as squares, triangles, and circles. In about 1917 his style changed. He began to use simple forms and bold areas of color.

In 1921 Rivera returned to Mexico. He and the Mexican painter David Alfaro Siqueiros hoped to create a new kind of art especially for Mexico. They wanted to paint murals on buildings where everyone could see them. The murals would tell the stories of the Mexican people.Rivera completed his first important mural in 1923. He was soon hired to paint murals on several public buildings in Mexico. Between 1930 and 1934 Rivera painted murals in the United States. He died on November 25, 1957, in Mexico City. Frida Kahlo, his wife, also was a famous painter." Source: https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Diego-Rivera/353719 A great video on his painting process is shared at: https://youtu.be/6_eMmicft6Y  

This is our version of a mural: 

Their love story is rather unique as they met when she was 15 and he was 35 then at age 21 she married him. They loved each other yet had an open relationship and they divorced and remarried one year later and when she died it was Diego's idea to make their home a museum. A wonderful vifeo can be viewed: https://youtu.be/rwzFLgZSaGY 

We subscribe to Art History Kids Newsletter and the amazing Lotus and her wonderful team offer a free Frida Kahlo resource which we downloaded from: https://www.arthistorykids.com/resourcelibrary In a posting from her blog from June 2016 she shares a great book recommendations and headband crafts: https://www.arthistorykids.com/blog/2016/6/28/frida-kahlo-for-kids-dress-up-and-paint-self-portraits  Her team reminds us, "Self portraits are a really fun project to do with kids... especially when your are referencing the spectacularly stylish Frida Kahlo for inspiration. She was her own best subject, as she suffered from health problems that often kept her confined to her home. Each self portrait she created reveals a new idea, a new layer to her thoughts, and an artistic flair that was all her own. She was well known for her use of bold and vibrant colors, and her self assured and confident style. She was (and still is) a fashion icon, and she artistically decorated herself as if she was the canvas."

From the free resource provided by Lotus we chose a frame and Barron created a picture of Frida to celebrate this important woman and this important day.

Scrolling through her fabulous postings another mention of Frida occurred by a team member who writes, "As we continue to come to grips with the enforced social isolation we’re presently facing, it’s interesting to note that being isolated has led some people to become artists; great artists in fact! Mexican artist Frida Kahlo whose art is recognised by her use of bright colours and Mexican symbology, contracted polio as a child and was bedbound for 9 months. This wasn’t the first time she endured isolation. When Kahlo was 18, she was involved in a terrible traffic accident and was bedridden for months.  She experienced a lot of pain and had to have many operations throughout her life due to the accident, which lead to Kahlo spending a great deal of time by herself. To keep from being bored, Kahlo took up painting. She initially borrowed paints and brushes from her father who was a professional photographer and amateur artist. He even made a special bed-easel and fixed a mirror above her bed so that she could paint portraits of herself as she lay down flat in bed with her body wrapped in plaster. Of the143 paintings Kahlo created, 55 of them were self-portraits! “I paint myself because I am so often alone and because I am the subject I know best.”— Frida Kahlo

Kahlo’s large 5’8” x 5’8” oil painting, The Two Fridas (1939) reveals two versions of Kahlo each featuring an exposed heart. 

The hearts are reminiscent of those viewed in medical text books. Frida had been preparing to study medicine prior to the traffic accident and would have been exposed to detailed illustrations of the body. This certainly would have contributed to the detail we see in her artworks. Many of Kahlo’s paintings depict the pain and isolation that she experienced throughout her life. This did not stop her from being a lively character or achieving great things. Kahlo was the first Mexican artist to have artwork displayed in the renowned Louvre Museum in Paris. In 1946 Kahlo received the National Prize of Arts and Sciences from the Mexican Government. Her paintings are now so revered that any displayed in Mexico (or which are part of private collections), have been declared ‘Artistic Heritage’ of the nation and cannot be sold outside the country. Kahlo completed many drawings of her foot when she was confined to bed. Her painting What the Water Gave Me (1938) features the reflection of her feet in the water.  It is considered to be a biographical painting; a reflection of her life. A wonderful story about Frida Kahlo (and her practice of foot drawing) can be found in the Little People, BIG DREAMS series. It also offers an interesting timeline of the artists’ life. Self-Portraits Maybe it would be fun to paint a self portrait in bed with the help of a mirror. (Washable crayons may be a better choice to minimize the mess.) Or you might like the idea of running a bath and studying the reflection of your feet on the water… or a body part that is perhaps a little easier to focus on without getting all wrinkly is a finger!  Finger Portrait Mirror Study Decide which finger you’d like to draw. Position your chosen finger in front of a mirror. Study the reflection of your finger rather than at the finger itself. Pay close attention to the shape, creases, lines, scars, freckles…etc., on your finger and draw it in your chosen finger frame. Draw another finger in a different frame till you have an entire ‘gallery’ of finger portraits. Decorate the frames too! You can even use your talented finger to color-in some one-line coloring pages of Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits. Select the ‘on-line coloring’ option and use bright colours to honour Kahlo’s vibrant style."  Source: https://www.arthistorykids.com/blog/218-wn3k5

We found a few other crafts for free on this topic, a neat template when you sign up via email is found at: https://www.mommymadethat.com/frida-kahlo-craft/ There are also two neat free crafts from this webpage that are given via email sign up: https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/frida-kahlo-coloring/ and https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/frida-kahlo-collage/

We chose to download the instant colouring page for free from:

https://artprojectsforkids.org/draw-frida-kahlo/   

We traced it and Barron made this from some sources we gathered and some carnation boquet we purchased at our local No Frills: 

We have two lovey Google Play books which mention Frida and Diego, one very detailed and another a super summary these are our

shared screenshots: 

Barron and I also tried this neat dancing activity from this video:https://youtu.be/5pA8gNj13_4

Together as a couple you can view this lovely piece: https://youtu.be/9dIUCZGLRNM

 

This is a nice map of Mexico available at: https://www.worldatlas.com/maps/mexico

A favourite video of ours with these two cuties, enjoy at: https://youtu.be/iTGhOJ3rt44