It is time for another Around the World lesson, with a stop this month in Russia. If you are interested in learning more about the language, culture and how to teach your children about it, you have found the right place. We even have a guest post about Russian food over at Mama Smiles, stop on by to learn more!
For this lesson, I wanted to incorporate art, math, geography, and FUN. Inspired by a local sidewalk chalk art festival, the kids and I did a little research on the famous Russian buildings. The colorful domes of Saint Basil (more info here on the Kremilin and Red Square area) inspired the children!
It was time to grab our brand new box of sidewalk chalk and head outdoors!
Start adding colors. Chalk is messy, so wear some play clothes and rub it in when you have the color you want in the place you want it. (otherwise, the chalk just blows away) You can blow on a little section to see what I mean!
Older kids can help fill in the colors. Teach them how to look back at the grid and figure out which square in the big grid corresponds with which square on the little grid. (Now we are getting into some really advanced mathematical terms that I can’t even remember – help!) Little ones will still be little ones! They want to help too. Although this activity is geared for kids ages 4 to adult, littles can help fill in big areas (like the tree or sky) They can also just add whatever they want to add and you can work it into the drawing! As I said before, I like participation and not perfection!
And this is a project even I couldn’t resist helping to color in!
The more chalk and colors that are added, the more the building begins to take shape. Although Saint Basil Cathedral is an iconic symbol of Russia, has historical significance, and beautiful colors, there are many other buildings to choose from for this activity. If you have 2 older children, they may want to try draw 2 different buildings. Maybe even invite some friends over for a playdate and have different groups work on different buildings! I would love to see kids at school try this too! How neat would it be to see a bunch of buildings from Russia scattered on the sidewalks and driveways!
MaryAnne K says
May 24, 2012 at 1:57 pmThis would make a fabulous homeschool coop activity!
Amanda says
May 24, 2012 at 2:37 pmOhhh, it would!!!
Enchanted Homeschooling Mom says
May 24, 2012 at 6:15 pmWhat a fabulous activity! The wonderful part is that everyone can tailor their current country or even state to create this fun hands on learning activity. Thank you for sharing this idea!
Yelena says
May 24, 2012 at 6:38 pmThis is a fantastic post! I am getting ready to present at a homeschooling expo and the subject of my presentation is "Young math: Grids". Your story is a great example and I'd love to reference and if possible, feature it on my math blog – MoebiusNoodles. Could you please e-mail me at yelena@moebiusnoodles.com about this?
Ticia says
May 24, 2012 at 10:50 pmI remember doing this in junior high, and having a hard time with it.
The Educators Spin On It says
May 25, 2012 at 7:48 amI remember doing the grid too in Jr High, but it was with faces. Buildings are SO much easier to tackle!
The Educators Spin On It says
May 25, 2012 at 7:48 amYou are so sweet! Of course you may use and share it! The more kids learning outside with math and art, the better (in my opinion!) I sent you an e-mail too!
The Educators Spin On It says
May 25, 2012 at 7:50 amYou are very welcome. I am sure you could even tackle state or country symbols too! Buildings just seem easier to draw! If you do one, please share with us. I love to see what others have created!!!
Emma @mummymummymum says
June 1, 2012 at 7:36 amWhat a great idea! My little boy would love that!
Rebekah says
June 10, 2012 at 9:32 pmWhat a great way to bring learning outdoors! It turned out so well! Thank you for sharing at The Outdoor Play Party, and I hope you come by to share tomorrow.
Jennifer Hughes says
June 16, 2013 at 9:37 pmThis post is perfect for the Monday Kid Corner Weekly Linky Party. The next party goes live Sunday morning and this week’s theme is SIDEWALK CHALK. Be sure to brush off those archives as well and link them up at http://thejennyevolution.com/category/linky-parties/monday-kid-corner/ See you there! Jennifer
Lucinda @ NavigatingByJoy.com says
November 5, 2013 at 11:33 amThat is a very cool way of drawing buildings! Thanks for sharing the link 🙂 I may have to wait until spring to try something similar here in England but that'll give us plenty of time to plan what we want to draw!
Boy Mama Teacher Mama says
February 17, 2014 at 7:24 amWow! What a cool idea! Thanks for sharing at After School!
Laura Flaute says
June 7, 2014 at 7:39 amThe brightest driveway ever! I love this project and how it brings everybody together!