While I won't deliver the entire Social Studies curriculum this way, it's been fun to pick up where we leave off from one day to the next and then continue the conversation. It's also a great way for children to demonstrate both their listening and oral expression skills.
On Monday, we focused on Trading Posts. Then on Tuesday, we continued that conversation and the question was raised, "Why DID people come to Canada in the first place?" In addition to a desire to explore new lands, we talked about those individuals that came to Canada for their own safety.
Today we began a conversation about the Irish Potato Famine of 1845. The boys and girls were really engaged throughout this conversation and I loved how disappointed they were when I told them that it was time to move on to the next part of Morning Message!
Tomorrow, the kids will learn some of the theories around how the Potato Famine started (that was the big question today).
I know we'll have to complete our Learning Journal at some point, but right now, I am finding great value in the discussions we're having. It's exciting to let the children's questions drive the direction of the lessons. Plus, at just 10 or so minutes a day, it allows for greater continuity, which I think benefits children in understanding what can be complicated information.
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