Our Neil Armstrong small bunny trail

[Jodi B]

We're slowly making our way through Neil Armstrong (but ds1 is liking it more and is now *asking* to read more of it! and we are moving along more steadily), but anyway, as we are working through chapter 4, we were discussing the Ellis Island part, and I was able to share the immigration information from my great-grandpa (ds1's great-great grandpa), who went through Ellis Island almost 100 years ago, and who was of Polish (one of the former Prussian regions) and Russian background (one of my mom's cousins is into genealogy and found this info). We also discussed Prussia.

So how cool is that, to tie something like that in?

[Jennifer in VA]

Cool!

We're a few chapters ahead of you in Neil Armstrong. Simon asks for it every day, even before breakfast.

[Jodi B]

Josh has been asking to read ahead, and I'm letting him, because it's been a challenge to get him interested in stuff, so I don't want to discourage him (plus it is a good test to see how much he is retaining ).

[Jane Claire]

Josh can definitely read ahead...just make sure that when you do a lesson, you return to the portion of the story from which it came...read it again briefly and lead into the lesson from there. Each lesson is tied to the story for greater understanding.

Also, I noticed that you had mentioned Prussia. I love the story The King of Prussia and the Peanut Butter Sandwich:
http://www.amazon.com/King-Prussia-P...6165646&sr=8-2

It isn't a go along for your lessons, but perhaps for your family history.

[Jodi B]

Thanks, Jane ... I do have him review the chapter so he doesn't forget (but I'm impressed with how much he does retain! ).

Thank you for the book recommendation -- I'll look for it!

[Jill in Monrovia]

If you're ever traveling, his museum off I-75 in Ohio is quite good. You can see it right from the highway. I can't get my computer to open a new window so I can spell the name right but it's in "Wap" as the start of the city.

Jill in Monrovia

[Susie in MS]

Oh I love when family history can be brought into our school experience!!!

While rowing Follow the Drinking Gourd my dh and I were able to tell of the cotton fields here that our grandparents grew (no slaves though, just poor farmers).

I think it is extra cool that you have an Ellis Island story to share! I'm sure there is at least one in our families somewhere, but it is long lost. Happy rowing!