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Erin
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I love how homeschooling enables us as a family to become interested in an area of knowledge, and have the freedom to follow down winding 'rabbit trails.'
Sometimes I become more interested in an area the dc are learning and may dig deeper (sharing information whether they are interested or not   ) Sometimes though I become interested in an area purely for my own interest from my own readings. I'm on a couple of 'rabbit trails' at the moment.
I've been reading all about the Acadian expulsion from Novia Scotia. So interesting, first I had to check exactly where NS was. I had heard of Acadians, knew they were in Louisiana, now I'm learning the Acadians didn't originate there and moved to other areas from Novia Scotia. Fascinating.
And then there was a mention of the Catholic Church in Ethiopia in the Mater et Magistra that has set me off on a learning trail, Ethiopia become Catholic way back in the 4th Century, and then become isolated for many centuries so have rather a unique liturgy. Reminding me rather of Japan and China. So have lots more to learn there.
What trails are you (mum) meandering down at present? A trail inspired by your dc's learning or your own readings.
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Erin
Faith Filled Days
Seven Little Australians
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guitarnan
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I'm on a Canadian history trail, thanks to our travels in eastern Canada (NB, NL, NS). My husband's ancestors are from Nova Scotia and, sadly, were some of the settlers who replaced the Acadians after the 1755 eviction.
Related to that, I am also trying to read more Canadian literature. Our interlibrary loan people must hate me!
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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drmommy
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I had JUST read about the Acadian expulsion YESTERDAY with my daughter!! I was saddened, but I also read that the poem "Evangeline" by Longfellow was about lovers who were separated due to this. I hope I read it right. But, WOW! So, it looks like I will be researching that a little more.
I love learning history with my children, because it is filling in all the gaps I had. We are using the Land of Our Lady Series, and there are so many subjects and battles I am unfamiliar with...
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MaryM
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drmommy wrote:
| I had JUST read about the Acadian expulsion YESTERDAY with my daughter!! I was saddened, but I also read that the poem "Evangeline" by Longfellow was about lovers who were separated due to this. I hope I read it right. But, WOW! So, it looks like I will be researching that a little more. |
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Evangeline for Children is a book I read recently after the French & Indian War thread. I ended up requesting it on library loan and even though it's abridged, think it would be a great resource for this time period (F & I War and expulsion of Acadians) with younger ones. I'll admit to not being familiar with the original Longfellow poem, so read it as well. It's way too long for a picture book so I think the abridgment is good and the language is more accessible for young children. It tells the basic story and is true to it. This would be a case where I think an abridged version is okay and useful.
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Mary M. in Denver
Our Domestic Church
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guitarnan
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I visited several Acadian museums in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and find the history and culture of francophone Canada to be endlessly fascinating. The music of Acadian NB and NS strongly resembles Cajun music (as you might guess it would). I asked some of the museum employees at the Université de Moncton to recommend modern Acadian music to me and their top choice was the group 1755. (They sing in French, but chose a group name that anglophones and francophones could read in their native languages, one that pertains to the history of the Acadians.)
If you're looking for some hands-on activities to go with a study of the Acadians, hooked rugs are an Acadian tradition (they use dyed wool yarn hooked through burlap). Braiding rugs, knitting and weaving are also traditional - they were practical, for the home - and faith-based, for the altar. Music and storytelling are essential elements of Acadian culture.
Food-wise, potatoes, chicken and meat pies (with potatoes, of course) are typically Acadian - after they lost their lands near the sea, the pften-impoverished Acadians had to turn to the simplest of crops and farm animals.
In the old days, Acadian homes reflected the Catholic faith of their owners - you could find crucifixes, home altars, etc. We visited a church in Chéticamp on Cape Breton Island that is just huge and very welcoming - built by fishermen of modest means, under difficult circumstances which included dealing with harsh winters and hauling all the stone from an island across to the building site.
It's really amazing to see how the Acadians have held on to their culture in spite of many obstacles. They are fiercely proud people, determined to preserve their language and traditions.
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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JennGM
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MaryM wrote:
drmommy wrote:
| I had JUST read about the Acadian expulsion YESTERDAY with my daughter!! I was saddened, but I also read that the poem "Evangeline" by Longfellow was about lovers who were separated due to this. I hope I read it right. But, WOW! So, it looks like I will be researching that a little more. |
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Evangeline for Children is a book I read recently after the French & Indian War thread. I ended up requesting it on library loan and even though it's abridged, think it would be a great resource for this time period (F & I War and expulsion of Acadians) with younger ones. I'll admit to not being familiar with the original Longfellow poem, so read it as well. It's way too long for a picture book so I think the abridgment is good and the language is more accessible for young children. It tells the basic story and is true to it. This would be a case where I think an abridged version is okay and useful. |
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Yes, I agree. This was a lovely rendition for a picture book, but not a massacre of the original. This should definitely be on the list. Even if you do go to the original poem, this is a great introduction to the story.
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to  & ds1  '03 & ds2  '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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JennGM
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My mother being from South Louisiana and tracing some Acadian history, I learned Acadian history a bit backward, starting at Evangeline Oak in St. Martinsville and working my way back up to Canada.  So it's interesting hearing it done a different way.
We had a week long vacation at the beach Columbus Day week, so our rabbit trail was all things related to the sea and seashore.
Now after reading "Dem Bones", we are on a Skull and Bones trail.
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: What Rabbit Trails Are You Following?
