The Project!

 As many of you know Ayden started a new school this year.  He is attending a brand new charter school named Loveland Classical School.  This school has a difficult curriculum; he is learning things in second grade that I am needing to learn now as an adult so that I can help with homework.  The school utilizes Singapore math (I still don't know what this is and am learning it as he goes through it) also they use the Riggs system with English.  With Riggs the kids aren't necessarily taught how to spell by rote and memorization, they are learning by phonograms and the rules of English.  These I am most definitely learning with him.  While the course work is challenging it can be a lot of fun.  Ayden has his first diorama project for his History class.  Here are the specifics straight from his assignment sheet:

A shoe box diorama, using clay, cardboard, figurines etc must include but is not limited to the following:

- A River

-Choose an animal that represents life (food, clothing, shelter, tools)

-Places/Shelters where the people live (has to fit the time period so no mansions)

-Demonstrate people working together

-An area where crops can be grown

-Come up with at least one "thing" that your civilization specializes in.  For example, the Indus people made jewelry; you cannot use jewelry in your project.

Ayden and I talked about what he wanted the day he came home.  Ayden was convinced that his house had to have a kitchen, bedroom and so on; it didn't matter how much we discussed about what things were really like he was not changing his mind, that's when I knew it was Dad's job to help. 

Below is a picture of his diorama.  He is pretty happy with it, he came up with what he wanted and we help give ideas on how to execute it and assisted when needed.  Doug built the house in the back and I built the ladder.  His people and rice bowls we purchased and he decorated, the cow was from the toy box.  It was fun to watch him put it together.

We only hope that he has met the criteria for the project!