History Club With Grandpa

This past fall we had the BEST ever history course with the "homies" of the neighborhood.  I don't know why our neighborhood has so often been a homeschool mecca, but it's pretty great.  Anyway,  my dad came seven times, dressed as different character from history.  He talked with them for about an hour each time, teaching them and answering questions.    

General George Washington

Our first visitor from the past was General George Washington. 

My dad is a phenomenal teacher!  I felt quite spoiled having the history lesson come to us.

The kids were RIVETED!  Especially the boys when he told stories about the military and battles and such.  And I'll tell you what-- it is nearly impossible to get boys this age to sit still and listen.  But Grandpa did it with ease.

General Washington showing them maps of battles.
Then they went outside and played "George Washington, May I?"

Of course, our George got to be George.

John Hancock

Next up, we had John Hancock.  He taught us about the Declaration of Independence.

The kids got a chance to try to copy his famous signature.

The kids had so many questions and our guest patiently answered each one.

William Tyndale

Our third visitor was William Tyndale.  He was the first to translate the Bible into English.  He taught the kids history about how we got the Bible as we have it today.

He showed how Bibles were smuggled.

Henry Knox

He showed the kids his real sword.

Patrick Henry

James Madison

We learned about the three branches of government and had a tug-of-war demonstrating how they all keep each other from getting too much power.

He gave each of the kids their own little copy of the Constitution. They each tried to memorize the first part of the Preamble and recite it to him.

Lt. Colonel Cannon

And then our , and by far my favorite visitor, was Grandpa as... HIMSELF!  Colonel Cannon came in his dress uniform and brought all sorts of memorabilia from his career in the U.S. Army AND his father's (my grandpa) military career.  

Look how the kids are on the edge of their seats.  

Showing the kids a piece of his father's uniform.  The wide photo by his feet is the Brandenburg Gate.

He's letting them handle actual pieces of the Berlin Wall.  

And then the cutest thing ever was when the Colonel took them outside for Basic Training.  

They LOVED IT!

Even if they did have to do some push-ups.  You can watch Basic Training with Grandpa HERE

I did video his whole presentation-- family history at its FINEST!

And lucky you! You can watch it HERE

I wonder if we can get him to come do a science club??