2d Grade Literary Selections

Here are the future 2d grade literary selections:

Read Alouds Completed:
*Entire Chronicles of Narnia Series
*A Boy at War by Harry Mazer

Audiobooks Completed:
*City of Orphans by Avi
* A History of US by Joy Hakim, Books 1-2

Future Books to Read:
Mr. Revere and I by Robert Lawson
Chronicles of Narnia
Anne of Green Gables
Carry on Mr. Bowditch
D'Aulaires Greek Myths and Tales From Shakespeare
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
Half Magic
Cheaper by the Dozen - get 1938 reprint
Treasure Island
Tom Sawyer
Huckleberry Finn
Raggedy Ann & Andy
The Secret Garden
Wind in the Willows
The Red Keep
Pippi Longstocking
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
The Bears on Hemlock Mountain
Ginger Pye
Owls in the Family

Historical Figures

I thought when we left DC, we left behind the wonderful DC history.  But we've been lucky that Bryce has gotten to see two of his favorite people, even in Vegas!  First, we had Ben Franklin visit who talked about his life and involved the kids in his presentations.  I was amazed at how many things Ben Franklin accomplished in his life. 

Then Bryce's hero, George Washington, came to speak.  George was definitely impressed by how much Bryce knew about him.  However, George still had more to teach us that day.  For example, we never realized what a quiet and non-talkative man George had been.  The speaker also emphasized his virtues like being humble and being courteous and polite.  Great talks!

Violin Junior Festival

In March, Bryce participated in Suzuki's Junior Festival.  He had two pieces to play for a judge that scored his performance and gave him a rating.  We are proud of Bryce that his hard work received him the highest rating of Superior! The rating was defined by "complete, outstanding performance, attention to all details, rapid recovery from minor slips." 

 

Bryce had a special friend, John, attend his concert.  Quite a friend to sit through an hour recital at 8 AM on a Saturday! 

 

 

Getting on Live TV

At the Spring Preserves, there is a special exhibit of Leonardo di Vinci's inventions.  We've studied and read about di Vinci so this was a super fun exhibit for Bryce and some of the other homeschool kids.  One day that we were visiting, Channel 3 news was there to promote the exhibit.  After Bryce watched his friend, Emmaline, be interviewed by the newscaster, Bryce wanted in as well.  He soon positioned himself by the newscaster and hang out until he could make his live debut on TV!  (Unfortunately, I let Bryce wear whatever he wanted that day and he was out in public (on TV no less!), in sweats!)   Here is the amateur video I took of the interview.

 

 

 

Bryce's 7th Birthday

For Bryce's birthday, we spent the weekend in San Diego.  We went to the Zoo and his favorite, Legoland.  Plus we hung out on the fabulous beaches:) Here are some pics from the trip. 

San Diego Zoo! 

Mini Legoland USA - Vegas:)   

 

The family after a long Legoland day!

 

This birthday was all about Star Wars!  He got a book from his friend Nate and watched the movie for the first time.  Now it's Star Wars ALL the TIME at home and with friends. 

Pinewood Derby

Bryce got to participate in his first Pinewood Derby with the Cub Scouts!  This was quite an event for Andy and Bryce.  Even though the boys are supposed to be involved in the building of the cars, this is definitely a project where you need parental support.  In fact, I think the goal of the project is for father/son  (ideally) to work on a project together. Luckily, Andy had most of the equipment needed to cut the car and help put it together.  Bryce contributed by doing what he does best, consulting a book about how to make a Pinewood Derby car.  Here are some pics from their journey.  This was a multi-week event that was definitely a challenge to make time for on the weekends and evenings.  But well worth it! 

Working on the car in the garage.  Andy hadn't even changed out of his uniform.  

Decorating the car!

  Bryce volunteered to say the Pledge of Alliance at the start of the derby. 

 

The Tiger Cubs watching the race!  (BTW, Bryce did not win:) 

A proud daddy and Bryce!

CC Presentation - Wreck of Edmund Fitzgerald

Bryce's second report at Classical Conversation was on the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.  About a year ago, Bryce got all into the Titanic.  Since then he has been fascinated with shipwrecks.  My godmother, Laura, introduced Bryce to this story and played the song, "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Golden Lightfoot.  Another family friend, Joe Brooks, also recommended the song!!

I once again didn't catch the very start of the video where Bryce introduces himself.  I'm always busy making sure he is set up and ready to go!  As you can tell in the video, Bryce doesn't know the facts as well as he did from the American Revolution.  This is his first time using notecards and as you can tell, he struggles to look at his audience just like many other speakers.  But I'm still proud of him for choosing such a factual subject.  I think this next week, he is ready to bring in Legos!