ATCs

By L

The kids have joined me in swapping ATCs (artists' trading cards) with other people all around the world. Here is their first one.

By R

Castles and Catapults

This week the children built their own castle. You can get all the plans you need from Owl and Mouse. Once the castle was built the Lego men soon moved in!

The enemies needed to build a catapult to get into the castle. Watch this video to find out how to make a catapult from lolly sticks and elastic bands.

Here are our versions

Blacktown Medieval Fayre

Today we went to Blacktown Medeival Fayre. This event runs every year and is free. We think it is better than the others you need to pay for! The children saw, and participated in, plenty of fights along with a joust and firearms display.

We saw how the cannon and trebuchet worked

L finished off her opponent with a whack to the bits!

The joust was particularly entertaining as one knight managed to lance his opponent in the groin causing him to almost black out and fall from his horse! Luckily he was OK and went on to take the championship.

There were lots of other medieval displays and hands on activities.

 

There was also a small display of World War vehicles and equipment.

Alfred Cakes

The children baked these medieval cakes from the time of King Alfred.

The Pancake Queen

Today L cooked up these mini pancakes.

Batter ingredients:
1 cup of gluten free plain flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 cup of milk
1 egg

She just fried up about a tablespoon of the mixture at a time - we could fit 6 in our pan.

Just add toppings - blackberries and icing sugar.

A Bird

Just wanted to share with you this lovely bird picture that L did all by herself..

Japanese Carp Kites

By L

We have been studying ancient Japan. We made these traditional Japanese carp kites which are similar to a windsock.

First we marked a double sided fish shape onto fabric with a marker pen. We reinforced the mouth with a strip of thick interfacing.

And then pained it with acrylics.

Once the sides were sewn up we could attach a string to the open mouth.

By R

We'll find a place to hang them where they'll get lots of wind.

Bushcare

The children and I do voluntary work once a month at a nearby piece of bushland. Jobs include weeding out non-native plants, Chopping down non-native trees, planting and caring for tree saplings.

Chinese Printmaking

This week we have been learning about ancient China and the first books printed with wood cuts. We made our own prints with soft cut lino and Chinese characters.

By L

By R

By Mum

Tea-Time Ceramics

Last school holidays we attended a ceramics workshop at our local arts centre. The theme was tea-time. The children made a mug each whilst Mum made a cookie jar.

Cup and saucer by R

Mug by L

Cookie jar by Mum with butterfly decoration by L

L also made this clay lion.

Lion by L