Artifacts

Wow, did we have a great Saturday! I love the end of a unit study that we are working on. I am totally into the "GRAND FINALE" of unit studies. We work so hard and learn so much that we all deserve a good fun ending to a job well done. We have been talking about Native Americans for some time now. We have been through all of the Native American studies in the Core Knowledge books, explored some good web sites and recently learned about the Native Americans in relation to the history of our country. It has been a fun study and perfect timing heading into Thanksgiving time. I hope that at school as they study about Thanksgiving and how it originated that the things they learn will be familiar and their knowledge will be added upon. So here it is our "Grand Finale" to our Native American studies.

Montezuma's Castle

Home to the Sinagua Indians

The kids had the opportunity to become Junior Rangers and learn additional information about the trees, plants, animals and structures that we were visiting.

They were very tentative and enjoyed looking at the artifacts and reading about Native American life. Most of the time they had looks of unbelief on their faces, "They wore that for a shoe?" "What did they play with?" "How did they make that?" It was a day of learning, fun and a lot of walking.

My favorite part was this diorama above of the inside of Montezuma's Castle. There was a recording that went along with the diorama and it really helped all of us to open our minds and really put ourselves there with the Sinagua people and better understand their lives. The kids picked a room, a job and thought about what the children may have done all day.

For those of you that know me you know that I WAS LOVING THIS! Not only did we get a great view of Native American life but we saw something else we don't get to see where we live FALL. The kids were in awe at the sight of these beautifully colored trees that are only talked about in school. It made me so happy!!

Montezuma's Well

This is the water source that kept the Sinagua Indians in this area. They built amazing irrigation canals to provide water for their crops.

It was a beautiful hike in and out to get to the well site.

Tuzigoot
More homes of the Sinagua Indians

This museum had many more interesting artifacts and the kids again were all eyes. Look at this, come here, you have to see this. Who knew they would be so excited.

This was another good uphill climb but absolutely worth it. We were able to go inside of the structures and climb to the top where we got a good look at the land all around. The Ranger explained to us where neighboring Sinagua communities were located,where they planted crops and where they traded goods.

The entire day was awesome! The best part, we were all together as a family participating in "good wholesome recreational activities". I love Afterschooling!!