I received an email from a high schooler a couple of weeks ago asking about how she could fulfill her PA history requirements.  In the PA homeschooling law it states that a high schoolers social studies curriculum must include PA history (obviously, that's a very paraphrased version of the law!).  I suggested some ideas, but was wondering how all of you homeschooling moms and dads teach the information to your children.   What method or methods work best for you?

Here are some of the ideas I suggested:

* Make a photo collage of PA's history, symbols and facts

* Write a diary from 4 or 5 different time periods in PA history from a teenagers perspective

* Research the state's history and prepare an "archeological dig" featuring important aspects of PA history and "teach" a group/class of 4th graders who are required to have PA history.   I actually did this when student teaching and the class loved it!  I filled a big tub up with corn (chief grain) and put in "artifacts" from PA history/state symbols/etc. 

Share your ideas with us! 

Homeschool laws differ from state to state, so if you're new to Pennsylvania (or new to homeschooling!), the best place to start is the state's Department of Education and the actual homeschooling law.  The link for Pennsylvania's information is HERE.  You'll find information about when you need to file with your school district and what is expected of you during the year.  It's always a good idea to read the law thoroughly. 

Another great resource that I strongly suggest you take a look at is a website created by a homeschooling mom in PA called "Ask Pauline." 

As always, if you have a question I'm happy to help and/or direct you to a resource that will provide you with an answer! 

Brandi

There's something about driving into Gettysburg that makes you feel like you just might see a soldier standing somewhere nearby!

Chock full of history, Gettysburg is the site of one of the most famous battles in Civil War History.  If you visit in the summer during the early part of July, you'll get a glimpse of one of the largest military reenactments in the country.  It's also the busiest time of the year for this small, south central PA town.

Be sure to make the Visitor's Center your first stop.  You'll be able to purchase an audio recording that will guide you around the battlefields while explaining who was where and when.  The Cyclorama is being restored, but is due to re-open in September 2008.  It's a definite must-see! 

The park's website recommends at least 4 hours for touring the park, but if you're going with young students you may want to devote two half-days for history!  There is a lot of information and a lot of history in this one town!

Parents can download curriculum materials in preparation for their visit by visiting the Teacher's Page.   Brochures are also available to download on the park's website.

Enjoy your visit and be sure to stop for homemade fudge at the little fudge shop on the main drag!  Yum!=)

What a rich wealth of information and FUN can be found at Valley Forge National Park in SE PA!  Although a battle was never fought at Valley Forge, it was one of the major encampment sites by the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

Visitors can stop at the Welcome Center and view artifacts that have been found during digs at the park.  My children, both active boys, love seeing the weaponry and remnants of games!  There's a movie to take in about the encampment too.

If you're traveling with a homeschool group you may want to consider arranging a field trip presentation entitled A Soldier's Life.  The students gets to try on period clothing replicas and learn a lot about field medicine and life at Valley Forge.  The best part?  It's FREE!

With plenty of picnic spots, monuments, and log cabin replicas to explore you can spend an entire day in the park and not get bored!  Stop by George Washington's Headquarters, drive over the wooden covered bridge, walk the miles of paths and trails, stop by the Scouting Museum located behind the Valley Forge Chapel's gift shop...there's so much to do! 

Make sure you bring plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen and have a blast!

Do you have a great, local attraction/museum/resource that you'd like to share with other PA families?  Please let me know and I'll include it in my upcoming "PA Homeschool Road Trip Series" of great places that every PA family should visit.  

We'll be starting in my neck of the woods with Valley Forge National Park.  Check back on Monday!