Denver's Civil War Curriculum

Denver creates battle scenes from the Civil War
while I struggle to keep the puppy away
from the pieces! 

Much to my surprise and pleasure, the boys are forever coming up with new ideas and interests.  This past week, Denver decided to learn all there is to know about the Civil War.

This is funny because four years ago, that interest belonged to Spencer.  We spent two years satisfying that interest-- reading, going to reenactments, having Civil War parties with friends in our yard, wearing costumes, watching movies, going to all the civil war museums.  During all of that time, Denver was vocal about how boring it was.  Now, he has changed his mind.

Like all children, Denver has windows of intense interest in different subjects.  When the window opens, I try to make sure he gets all he wants.  When the window closes, any further information will be refused.

I am so grateful I don't have to tell him to hold his interest until we get to the Civil War period in our history studies.  We temporarily stopped studying colonial America to pursue his new interest with vigor.  His daddy talks to him about weaponry and shows him YouTube videos on the ipad.  We discuss the various reasons for the war and the strengths and weaknesses of Union and Confederate armies.  He dresses up in soldier's clothes.  I make civil war era meals, and he marches around in the yard.  Because embracing our interests is how our family learns best.

So glad to be homeschooling.