Bagpipes and oatmeal

On Thursday, we had a wonderful class full of Scottish delights.

First, we re-read Wee Gillis. It is such a good story.  We again talked about and compared the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland.  We then looked at pictures of some of the animals of Scotland.  They have orcas just like us!!  

We also learned about family or clan tartans.  Each family has their own pattern.  You can tell which family people belong to, just by looking at their kilt or scarf!  NEAT!!

We then made some delicious oatmeal.  Wee Gillis ate oatmeal in both the Highlands and the Lowlands. Everyone loves oatmeal.

Lastly, we watched a couple of videos.  The first one showed the actual train from the Harry Potter movies!  Yes, they were filmed in Scotland.  JK Rowling, the author of the series, is Scottish.  

Next, we watched an awesome bagpiper!  We were so inspired, we made bagpipes of our own.  I bet you heard them during lunch.  We hope you enjoyed our impromptu concert.  You are very welcome!!

Next week, we are headed to the air with our book, Mirette on the High Wire.                                                                                 

Wee Gillis- What's in a name?

It is so great to be back in our class.  I missed my weekly story hour with your kiddos.

We kicked off the semester with a fantastic book about finding your own passion.

Wee Gillis by Munro Leaf is a book set in Scotland.  Wee Gillis is a young boy with family in the highlands and in the lowlands.  They want him to choose where he wants to live.  In the highlands, he must spend his time tracking stags.  In the lowlands, he must spend his time tending the long haired cattle.  Instead of choosing, he splits his time between both places, developing skills and a strong set of lungs.

When it comes time to choose where he wants to stay FOREVER, he finally discovers his talent for bagpiping.  Now he can live both in the highlands and the lowlands and play music.

We took a quick elements of literature quiz, which your kids were amazing with, by identifying the setting, theme, characters, problems, and solutions in the story.  Their answers were thoughtful and right on the money!!  They are very smart when it comes to discussing literature.

We then talked about our names.  Wee Gillis's real name was actually seven names!!  They then practiced writing their names and then making some name art.  They decorated their names with their hobbies, interests, and passions.  They then took turns presenting them to the class and telling each of us a little bit about themselves.  It was amazing!!  We found out some interesting things about everyone.  I hope they brought them home and showed them off.

We then ATE OUR NAMES!!  The table was scattered with alphabet cookies and they found every letter of their name.  JJ had the easiest time  : ). Then we ATE OUR NAMES!!  They were delicious and the perfect lead in to lunch.

Next week, we are going to learn about Scotland and even make some bagpipes.  Now might be a good time to invest in some earplugs!