I told the kids to find their book bags and put some goodies in them to trade for new goodies. They were then instructed to put their shoes on and sit on the back porch with big brother (Timothy) and listen to him tell them new and interesting facts about Marco Polo. Timothy is a walking "history book". He comes in very handy in this way. I highly recommend getting a walking history book if you can. While he was telling them about Marco Polo's adventures, I ran around the house building the Silk Road.
The kids were then instructed to get their Silk Road map and start their journey through the "Taklamakan Desert". They were instructed to listen for the music of this desert, which is created by the sifting sands and to reserve their energy because there was no oasis until they reached "Tun-huang-shih".
This is them trying to look like they are suffering in the heat! Just ignore the grass, people. That is really sand dunes you are seeing. You have a great imagination, right!? LOL
They arrived at "Tun-huang-shih" and were delighted to rest and have a snack.
Then it was time to move on through the great "Gobi Desert". Unlike the previous desert, this one has oases throughout.The kids stopped for a drink from a cool water pool at an oasis.
At last they made it across the desert and to "Loyang-shih". Here they were able to rest and enjoy exotic dishes. (The most exotic thing I had in the house was homemade lemonade and organic onion rings.) The kids only get juice about twice a month so it is exotic to them.
Now it was time to journey up the Yellow River.
They used "oars" to row on the "Yellow River" all the way to "Peking".
Ahhhh! Peking, the land of trading ~ silk, gold and spices of all kinds...The kids traded for a long time before traveling the Silk Road about three more times.
Blessings, Dawn
How clever! Looks like you guys had alot of fun today.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Diane
This looks like a lot of fun! I love the creative ways you teach your children - and all together too! What types of things did they trade?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your fun day!
Blessings
Leslie
Thanks for commenting on my blog (about being able to HS anywhere!).
ReplyDeleteI wanted to let you know that I have a more up-to-date blog if you'd like to come and visit:
www.homeschoolingj.blogspot.com
ALSO--we're doing SOTW, too! We just finished reading about Marco Polo and I really loved your "Silk Road" idea. I think I'm going to have to steal--I mean borrow that!
Off to read more of your blog . . .
Roxanne
What a great way to teach about the Silk Road!!! Great job. And, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteDana, www.alexml.blogspot.com