Our MLK and Peace Lessons

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday, we did a mini unit on Peace and self-love. 

Every year, I contemplate how to approach MLK day as well as Black History Month. I want our children to be well educated on our Nation's history (the good, the bad and the ugly), and also hopeful for their futures here in the wonderful country!

 We had a lot of fun decorating doves as symbols of peace. 

 We talked about how true peace can only come from Jesus. 

Our Bible Memory Verse for the week.

Some of our book selections for the week.
And, what says "peace" more than tie-dyed shirts?? LOL.

We had so, so much fun making these shirts!!! The girls want to wear them all.the.time!

 We watched the Youtube video of Dr. King's "I have a dream" speech and talked about having our own dreams. Dreams for ourselves, our family, our community and our world. 

You've gotta dream BIG was our theme!

The girls filled out this wonderful printable I found with "I Have a Dream" at the top. It has writing prompts for the girls to document their dreams.

Em LOVES animals and wants to be a Vet when she grows up.

Em with one of our dogs, Rocky. He is almost 13 but still acts like a puppy:)

We had the girls draw pictures of their dreams for their futures.

Here is Elle's picture. It is a picture of her in her Doctor's office. Below her are some of the instruments/supplies she will need-gloves, rubber mallet, stethoscope, otoscope, etc. Elle said she wants Em's Vet's office to be right next door to her so they can see each other every day. (smile:). They also came up with the perfect plan that pet owners can bring their pets to see Dr. Em and then they can see Dr. Elle all on the same day! How efficient and loving of them to want to be together--awwwww!
I loved it!!
{We'd better up the college tuition savings account}.

Lastly, we talked about ways to cultivate more peace in our home and also in our community. How to resolve disputes you have with friends and family. We brainstormed ideas and came up with funny ways to make up and forgive each other when we make mistakes.

I was soooo happy that we had talked about this. Elle lost her second tooth while we were at the library and I accidentally threw it away! I KNEW she was going to be heartbroken and very upset, but she quickly and easily forgave me and we restored the peace. Whew, I sure was worried the tears would start falling, but she melted my heart instead.

Here's to a more peaceful world!

Blessings,
Aria:)

Our Peace Bell--Conflict Resolution

I am a firm believer in trying to keep our home a peaceful environment. This is something my husband and I have always believed is our mutual goal in our marriage and we want to instill this in our children. We do not believe it means not ever having conflict, but instead, requires the teaching of proper conflict resolution. One of the new methods we are implementing is the "Peace Bell." I originally read about this while researching the Montessori method of teaching. The concept is to allow the students/children to attempt to come up with their own solution to a conflict and simply be there to guide them in the process. After the children have resolved their conflict, they are to ring the peace bell as a celebratory sign that the conflict has been resolved in a happy manner. I cannot believe this, but I found the PERFECT peace bell for our homeschool {and home--I might even want to ring this one:-)}. Check it out!

Isn't it perfect?!

This week, we are studying doves and our action word of the week is Forgive, so we will get some chances to put this to good use I am sure! Stay tuned for more of our homeschool fun!