Week 3: Bird Migration, Reading Maps, the Mexican Cultural Institute, Malcolm X/Meridian Hill Park,

During zoo class our kids continued their unit on migration; this week, they learned about how and why birds migrate. They also took a walk to visit some of the birds they learned about in their class. One of the birds we visited came charging at the kids, flapping its wings; we learned that this is how birds claim their territory and warn off other animals (or hordes of giggling children).

For geography day, we concentrated on maps; one of our parents started us off with geography yoga: stretching up for North, down for South (you get the idea). "Yogeo" is bound to become a staple on geography days! Our kids also collectively drew on a world map: some kids labled countries, others colored in biomes, and others drew fantasy my little pony lands. The kids also drew their maps of choice; we had treasure maps, maps of countries, and maps of their bedrooms. Follwing their own map making, the kids were given maps to the Mexican Cultural Institute a few blocks away. We all decided to just go. Why not? We walked over, rang the bell, and they let us in. THAT is homeschooling in D.C.! We had a great time exploring the institute, and we all left with parting gifts of books about Mexican art. Thanks Mexican Cultural Institute!

The next day, we met at beautiful Malcom X Park. One of our parents came up with a list of things to find in the park that included statues and various things in nature. We never did find any catepillars, but we did find Joan of Arc, unsually shaped leaves, and lots of other wonders of nature. As a bonus, we ran into a staple of Malcom X Park, a local who often brings his turtles, Ugl, Gita, and Moses, to the park to exercise and play in the grass. The kids collaborated to build the turtles a nest--one actually went inside. Well done, City Kids!

At the close of the week, City Kids went to the theatre at Imagination Stage to see "When She Had Wings," a play about a young girl who is inspired to fly like Amelia Earhart. Before the show, to get the kids excited about the play (and because things were running a bit late), one of our parents read Violet the Pilot to the kids. After the show, the actors, staff, and author came up on stage to answer questions, which was a special treat for the kids. We also coordinated to meet up with another local homeschool group there--it's always nice when we can get together with the larger homeschooling community!