Italy

I'm teaching a 1st/2nd grade geography class for our co-op so I do an expanded lesson on the same country with Bug each week. We recently did Italy. We made an Italian meal, listened to some Italian music, and read a number of children's books set in or about Italy. We researched the Leaning Tower of Pisa (I'm learning SO much along with Bug and my students!) We spent some time on Venice, which was even more fun since my in-laws took a trip there this past fall. We did a couple of crafts (Bug's favorite part) and learned a few Italian words. For days every time she saw me she would say "Ciao Mama!"

Bug's gondola

Her Leaning Tower of Pisa (she thought the gray and white was uninspiring so she Bugified it)

Bug and the other kids have passports I made for them to use during the class. I note the country (or region) we visit and let them choose a stamp (sticker) for each place.

We do things that are more "schooly" too--different types of maps, globe work, even videos when they are available from the library. I particularly enjoyed using Google Earth to find and view the Leaning Tower. SOOO cool!