Our Study of Egypt

For our first three weeks we have been studying about Egypt. WOW! There is so much I did not know about this fascinating culture. I have watched a few things on the History Channel over the years. That has pretty much been it. The boys have been studying from a mix of the Bible and other books. We have even done something that some families choose not to do. We have studied about the ancient Egyptian Religion. *GASP* The ancient Egyptians had no clear cut lines between the secular and the sacred. Everything was {in their minds} of the gods, from the gods or for the gods. Studying about their pantheism has caused something to be more clear to me. When Moses was called by God from the burning bush Moses asked God "Who should I say is sending me?" I always thought that sounded strange. Why wouldn't they know when he said "God" he meant "GOD"? But learning just how many gods they had in Egypt, where these Hebrews had lived all their lives, it clicked. All these false gods had names. Yahweh had to have a name among His people. We watched the movie Prince of Egypt tonight to wrap up our studies. There are several things in it that are not exactly the way the Bible says. Overall, we enjoyed it. After studying the Exodus so in depth, I cried like a baby watching the movie. Samuel curled up in my lap. He's a sweetie. We talked about some of the things that are different. I got tickled when it came on. Benjamin said, "Eww, I bet the part about the plagues is going to be gross." Samuel piped up with "Yeah, I can't wait for the plagues!"

We have been introduced to Usborne internet linked books in the past three weeks. Oh, my goodness! I LOVE these things! I had never heard of them before. They are wonderful!!! Some of the internet links are not exactly our cup of tea (such as making a virtual offering to the gods) but for the most part they are ad-free and kid friendly. Samuel enjoyed making a mummy (because he adores all things gross). Nathaniel and Benjamin found a link to a game called Pyramid Challenge that they like.

In other areas of study, the two little guys are studying Botany. It is harder than Astronomy by a long shot. Or maybe we just know more about space to begin with. Benjamin has teetered between whining "This is hard!" and asking "Is it time to do Science yet?!?!?"

Benjamin checking out the moss growing on the side of the building


Samuel going in for a closer look at the lichen in his favorite climbing tree


The tree I am hoping to identify this year. The seed pods turn black and fall off all over the yard every year. They look like broken bike tires when you look out window.

Nathaniel has jr. high science this year. He is doing General Science. There are not enough nice words to say about Apologia. The first chapter goes through a brief history of scientists. He is really thriving. This is not an easy course. I was worried that he would be upset when he did not make 100 on his first test, but he took it alright. I think he was relieved that he made an A. That was a tough test! He has done several experiments so far.

Professor Gilliland consulting his text.


All smiles when his first experiment of the year worked like it was supposed to.

Latin is kind of slow-going. Learning a language is hard, and the boys are working hard at it. Benjamin is a bit jealous that Samuel has a Latin book that has a monkey in it. (go figure) He also thinks his Latin book is "too hard". Yet, until it is time for Latin all I hear out of him is "Is it time to do Latin?!?!?"

Benajmin and Samuel playing Latin Monkey Match.

Overall, the first three weeks have gone smoothly. Sure, there has been some whining. There is whining sometimes in the summer and on the weekends. We deal with it and move on. On the first day of school, just a few minutes before 6:00 am I hear a vehicle outside. It was the roofers. Did I mention that Mark was working night shift that week? UGH! On the ONE DAY I forgot to put my "school in session" sign on the door a Jehovah's witness came to visit. ARG!!! And we really have to keep a close eye on Benjamin because if we don't he likes to sneak off and do this
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What can I say? He's not a morning person. :)

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I tried to put this directly on the page to show off the stuff that the boys have made, but alas, either I am just dumb or photobucket is too full of errors.