Homeschooling With Felicity Merriman: Changes For Felicity Discussion Questions

Below you will find a list of discussion questions that we used while reading Changes For Felicity during our Felicity Unit. If you can think of any other questions to add to the list please leave a comment.

Changes For Felicity Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think Loyalists were being arrested in Virginia? Do you feel it was right? Why or why not?

2. What do you think about how Mr. Nye ended up? Do you think there was a reason for his earlier behavior? Do you think people can change? Why did Jiggy Nye change? (If you think that he did.)

3. A great deal happened to Felicity between her first book and her last. How do you feel she changed? What do you feel caused these changes?

4. Write a few paragraphs about how you feel Felicity's life will be in 10 years. In 20? How do you think the war would have directed her life? Where do you think she'll be living? What do you think her family life will be like?  

Remember, the above lesson is just a suggestion. You do not have to do it in the exact same way that I did. Take the things you love about it and mold it to fit your educational needs! And, as always, if you use any of our lessons in your classroom, or have an idea that I might like, please share with me! I'd love to see what you do. You can leave your message directly in the comments or send an email to Dollywollydoodlebug@gmail.com. Your story could be shared on the blog! 

I do ask that you link back to the blog if you share this lesson plan anywhere else, or provide a link if you share any other blog/person's ideas here. I love sharing ideas and brainstorming, but please give credit where credit is due. 

~Mrs. D

Homeschooling With American Girl: Changes For Felicity Vocabulary Words

We have a list of vocabulary words that we've come up with for each book. Sometimes they are words that the children have never heard before, some are words that they know in a different context, but they are all words that end up being discussed as we read through the books. Feel free to use these, add to these, take some out, or whatever works for your classroom. If you think of any more words that should be added to the list please comment.

Vocabulary Words For Changes For Felicity

Look up and define these words as they are used in the story. (Some of these words have more than one, or more modern, meanings. Define them within the context of the story, please.)

1. foal
2. pattens
3. curry combs
4. stocks
5. pillory
6. riding habit
7. haste

Remember, the above lesson is just a suggestion. You do not have to do it in the exact same way that I did. Take the things you love about it and mold it to fit your educational needs! And, as always, if you use any of our lessons in your classroom, or have an idea that I might like, please share with me! I'd love to see what you do. You can leave your message directly in the comments or send an email to Dollywollydoodlebug@gmail.com. Your story could be shared on the blog! 

I do ask that you link back to the blog if you share this lesson plan anywhere else, or provide a link if you share any other blog/person's ideas here. I love sharing ideas and brainstorming, but please give credit where credit is due. 

~Mrs. D

Happy Birthday, Cecile!

Cecile Rey was born on this day in 1843, 173 years ago. It's possible that Cecile's Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandchildren, or even Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandchildren, are alive and thriving today in a world that would have been entirely unimaginable to Cecile in her time, but there were some amazing things going on in history in Cecile's day too.

Cecile was alive for the Lincoln-Douglass Debates in 1858, and saw Lincoln elected president in 1860. She would have witnessed South Carolina be the first state to secede from the Union, followed by 10 others, including her own state of Louisiana. Jefferson Davis was then elected president of the Confederacy, and the Civil War began when Cecile was 17. Though growing up in the same time period, the Civil War would have been very different for Cecile as a girl in Louisiana than it was for Addy as a slave in the Carolinas.

She would have heard news of the Emancipation Proclamation, would have witnessed the end of the Civil War, and would have read about the assassination of President Lincoln. Cecile would have known of the National Women's Suffrage Association, and would have heard news of the Great Chicago Fire. She may have visited Yellowstone National Park in her lifetime, which was created when she was about 29 years old in 1872. Cecile might have witnessed Aristides win the first Kentucky Derby in 1875, and would have been alive for the founding of National League baseball. She might have made one of the first telephone calls or seen one of the first light bulbs. Cecile might have even been among the first to use the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City or visit the Washington Monument in Washington DC.

Times would not have always been easy for Cecile and her family when she was living in the United States. The Reconstruction period after the Civil War would have been very different for her than her childhood in New Orleans, particularly if she followed her dreams of traveling. I think she would have met any and all obstacles head on though with the love and support of her family and friends. I feel like Cecile would have done a lot of good in her lifetime, and that the things she did would still be bettering the lives of people in today's world.

Happy birthday, Cecile!

Don't forget to check out my post about The Birthday Project. It's a very fun way to learn about American history that happened during Cecile's lifetime, and how she might have reacted to it. 

Homeschooling With Felicity Merriman: Felicity Saves The Day Discussion Questions

Below you will find a list of discussion questions that we used while reading Felicity Saves The Day during our Felicity Unit. If you can think of any other questions to add to the list please leave a comment.

Felicity Saves The Day Discussion Questions

1. Do you think that Ben was right to run away? Why or why not? What would you have done in Ben's place?

2. Do you think Felicity was right to help Ben? Why or why not? What would you have done in Felicity's place?

3. How do you think Felicity felt when she found Penny again?

Remember, the above lesson is just a suggestion. You do not have to do it in the exact same way that I did. Take the things you love about it and mold it to fit your educational needs! And, as always, if you use any of our lessons in your classroom, or have an idea that I might like, please share with me! I'd love to see what you do. You can leave your message directly in the comments or send an email to Dollywollydoodlebug@gmail.com. Your story could be shared on the blog! 

I do ask that you link back to the blog if you share this lesson plan anywhere else, or provide a link if you share any other blog/person's ideas here. I love sharing ideas and brainstorming, but please give credit where credit is due. 

~Mrs. D

Homeschooling With American Girl: Felicity Saves the Day Vocabulary Words

We have a list of vocabulary words that we've come up with for each book. Sometimes they are words that the children have never heard before, some are words that they know in a different context, but they are all words that end up being discussed as we read through the books. Feel free to use these, add to these, take some out, or whatever works for your classroom. If you think of any more words that should be added to the list please comment.

Vocabulary Words For Felicity Saves the Day

Look up and define these words as they are used in the story. (Some of these words have more than one, or more modern, meanings. Define them within the context of the story, please.)

1. battledore
2. shuttlecock
3. stallion
4. pocketbook
5. honorable
6. scoundrel
7. harboun
8. plantation
9. parasol
10. thicket

Remember, the above lesson is just a suggestion. You do not have to do it in the exact same way that I did. Take the things you love about it and mold it to fit your educational needs! And, as always, if you use any of our lessons in your classroom, or have an idea that I might like, please share with me! I'd love to see what you do. You can leave your message directly in the comments or send an email to Dollywollydoodlebug@gmail.com. Your story could be shared on the blog! 

I do ask that you link back to the blog if you share this lesson plan anywhere else, or provide a link if you share any other blog/person's ideas here. I love sharing ideas and brainstorming, but please give credit where credit is due. 

~Mrs. D

Melody Fever

We read Melody's book in our house right after it came out. Ever since then we've had an excited countdown going to her release date, though that has of course been made difficult by the fact that we don't actually know her release date. Still, we're excited to know that it will be in the next month or two...or three...(Oh please don't let them push it all the way back to August!) 

I'd really been holding out for the end of June to coincide with her next book releases, but the fact that the Wellie Wishers are being released end of June put an end to that hope. I can't see American Girl releasing the Wellie Wishers and their newest BeForever doll at the same time, and if they did I don't think it would speak well for their commitment to either brand. My new hope is that it will at least be no later than the end of July. This will be our first official release event (we went to see Lea the day she was released, but GotY will never hold the place in my heart that the Historical girls do!), and I am the kids are over the moon about it. 

Our Melody Fever isn't helped when stuff like this pops up on my eBay either! 

eBay Image

I am positive that my mother had this exact outfit growing up in the 60s. Even if it isn't a possible Melody leak (I've mentioned before that I'm not as familiar with the JLY line, so this could have been released 5 years ago for all I know.) I so want to see her in it!

The print could also lend its self to Julie's 70s time period, but I have Melody on the brain, and the bold patterns really work for either decade. (And I so want it to be for Melody!)

I'm not as thrilled with the tights and shoes (mostly the shoes) they have posted with it, but no one said that she had to wear those too. 

eBay Image

Until they announce her release date (any day now AG) I'll just be over here daydreaming!


UPDATED: Here is the link to the original eBay listing. A part of me is still kicking myself for not snatching this up when I had the chance. 

Happy Birthday, Samantha!

121 years ago Samantha Parkington was born on this day in 1895. It is not realistic to assume that Samantha would still be alive today, but there are still so many exciting things that she would have been able to witness in her lifetime!

Samantha was often excited about the changes that the turn of the century was bringing to America, and she was there to see many events that earlier generations would have only dreamed of. The United States went from 44 to 50 states in her lifetime. The Boy Scouts began in 1910, and I think it very likely that her Uncle Gardner would have been involved with his son, William. Samantha would have read about the tragedy of the Titanic sinking in 1912 along with the rest of the world, though it is likely that she would have personally known some people on board as a young lady growing up in New York society. The same year also brought about the beginning of the Girl Scouts, something I have a feeling might have been spearheaded by her Aunt Cornelia after the start of the Boy Scouts two years before. 

Samantha would have been alive for the very first Mother's Day in 1914, though she likely wouldn't have been a mother yet at almost 19 years old. She also would have witnessed the start of the first World War that year though the United States would not be involved for another 3 years. 

In 1920, at the age of 25, Samantha would have celebrated with her aunt as the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote in the United States. She, no doubt, would have been among the first in line to exercise that right in the next elections. She was witness to the first trans-Atlantic flight by Charles Lindbergh in 1927, and possibly took her children to see Disney's first Animated feature, Steamboat Willie, in 1928. She might have attended the opening of The Museum of Modern Art in New York City, watched as the skyline of that city changed drastically in the course of her life, and would have cheered on Amelia Earhart as she flew across the Atlantic solo. 

Samantha would have lived through the Depression, and read about the Hindenburg Disaster. She likely would have witness World War II and the beginning of the Civil Rights movement. So much history would have happened in her lifetime, that it really is something to be celebrated! 

Happy birthday, Samantha!

Don't forget to check out my post about The Birthday Project. It's a very fun way to learn about American history that happened during Samantha's lifetime, and how she might have reacted to it. 

Outfit Search

You know when you really shouldn't like something, but you do? That's how I feel about these shoes that I found on eBay this morning...

eBay Image

They are just a bit too much, which makes them adorable! Seriously, if they had these in 32 year old women's sizes I'd be all over them. But they could be adorable on a doll!

They come with this outfit:

eBay Image

I have mentioned before how, until very recently, I have always been more into the older Historical Dolls. Knowing that this didn't belong to any of them, I assumed that this outfit belongs to a GotY or that it's from the JLY line, and began my search. Have I mentioned before how much I love the American Girl Wiki page, because I do! They have a list of JLY outfits, with images, and I found this with very little searching required.

Image found on American Girl Wiki

They even showed it on my adored #61, which just solidified my need to get it, since I could so see this outfit being rocked by Amy Pond some New Year's Eve! (Have I mentioned my Amy Pond doll? No? Oh, well, just you wait!) 

Happy Sunday!

~Mrs. D

Homeschooling With Felicity Merriman: Happy Birthday, Felicity! Discussion Questions

Below you will find a list of discussion questions that we used while reading Happy Birthday, Felicity! during our Felicity Unit. If you can think of any other questions to add to the list please leave a comment.

Happy Birthday, Felicity! Discussion Questions

1. Felicity's lessons are very different than school today. What are 5 differences that you can list? What are 5 similarities?

2. What is the importance of a drummer int he militia?

3. Was Felicity right to take her guitar to Miss. Manderly's? What would you have done in her situation?

4. Was Felicity right to tell her father what she overheard at Elizabeth's house? Why do you think her family didn't believe her?

5. Isaac says that it would be dangerous for him to be seen out on the streets at night? Why do you think that is? Given the time period what do you think could happen?

6. Felicity's family is on two different sides in the revolution. (Her grandfather is a Loyalist, while her household are Patriots) Do you think that would be difficult for Felicity? Why? Has it ever happened in your family or with your friends? What was it about? How did you deal with it? Do you think it is possible for family to believe different things but still love one another? 

Remember, the above lesson is just a suggestion. You do not have to do it in the exact same way that I did. Take the things you love about it and mold it to fit your educational needs! And, as always, if you use any of our lessons in your classroom, or have an idea that I might like, please share with me! I'd love to see what you do. You can leave your message directly in the comments or send an email to Dollywollydoodlebug@gmail.com. Your story could be shared on the blog! 

I do ask that you link back to the blog if you share this lesson plan anywhere else, or provide a link if you share any other blog/person's ideas here. I love sharing ideas and brainstorming, but please give credit where credit is due. 

~Mrs. D

Homeschooling With American Girl: Happy Birthday, Felicity! Vocabulary Words

We have a list of vocabulary words that we've come up with for each book. Sometimes they are words that the children have never heard before, some are words that they know in a different context, but they are all words that end up being discussed as we read through the books. Feel free to use these, add to these, take some out, or whatever works for your classroom. If you think of any more words that should be added to the list please comment.

Vocabulary Words For Happy Birthday, Felicity!

Look up and define these words as they are used in the story. (Some of these words have more than one, or more modern, meanings. Define them within the context of the story, please.)

1. mare
2. colt
3. militia
4. Patriots
5. Magazine
6. minuet
7. queue
8. muster/mustering
9. spinet
10. arbor
11. falsehood
12. fife
13. arbor

Remember, the above lesson is just a suggestion. You do not have to do it in the exact same way that I did. Take the things you love about it and mold it to fit your educational needs! And, as always, if you use any of our lessons in your classroom, or have an idea that I might like, please share with me! I'd love to see what you do. You can leave your message directly in the comments or send an email to Dollywollydoodlebug@gmail.com. Your story could be shared on the blog! 

I do ask that you link back to the blog if you share this lesson plan anywhere else, or provide a link if you share any other blog/person's ideas here. I love sharing ideas and brainstorming, but please give credit where credit is due. 

~Mrs. D

Happy Birthday, Kit!

On this day in 1923 Margaret Mildred Kittredge was born! (Though we all know that she goes by Kit.) If Kit were alive today she would be turning 93 years old, and I so want to believe that spunky Kit would be alive and hopping in 2016, telling her great-grandchildren stories about living through the Depression, Cincinnati Reds games that she attended, and international stories that she wrote about on as a world famous reporter. 

What a life 93 year old Kit would have had too! Kit not only would have lived through the depression as a young girl in Ohio, but through World War II in her late teens and early 20s. I feel like Kit would have been the perfect model for the iconic "We Can Do It" poster. 

She would have seen the first full length animated movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, premier in 1939. Kit would have been cheering in front of the radio, or perhaps right at the stadium, as Jackie Robinson broke the color line in Major League Baseball in April of 1947. She might have owned one of the first Polaroid cameras. 

Kit could have reported on the Cold War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam Wars, bringing stories of the horrors that happened overseas back to America through her written words and photography. It's possible that she would have been there to witness huge historical events in the Civil Rights movement such as the march in Salem and Dr. King's "I have a Dream" speech. She would have watched as man first walked on the moon, and the tragedy of the Challenger's explosion. 

She would have experienced the British Invasion as The Beatles came to the US, and might have danced around with her children instead of shaking her head in wonder like many of her generation were doing. She would have seen the founding of Apple, and might be better at navigating her iPad than many who are decades younger than she is. Yes, Kit's life would have been an amazing one! And if anyone was going to enjoy it to the fullest it would have been Kit. 

Happy birthday, Kit! 

Don't forget to check out my post about The Birthday Project. It's a very fun way to learn about American history that happened during Kit's lifetime, and how she might have reacted to it. 

Hot Off The Presses!

This info isn't really hot off of any presses. In fact, it leaked in through the back door, but I still think it's pretty exciting. Exciting enough that I wasn't going to wait until tomorrow to share it anyways. 

For anyone who hasn't heard, American Girl is releasing a new line of dolls called Wellie Wishers. (The rumor is that they will replace the Bitty Twins when they are released sometime around June 24th.) Photos of the Wellie Wishers were released several months back.

Wellie Wishers are meant to be aimed at a 4-7 year old audience, and I do think they are cute, but they honestly seem like something I could pick up for my girls at Target for half of the rumored $60 price tag that AG plans to slap onto them. I absolutely adore their little Wellies, and am even intrigued by the fact that they will have both books and a (rumored) web series, but I just don't see us having any of these in our home. They don't say "American Girl" to me, and a 16 inch vinyl doll had better be screaming "American Girl" at me for it to have a $60 price tag. Sorry AG.

However, that doesn't mean that I'm not all ears for any leaks or rumors, and the latest scuttle is that a very "reliable source" says that these 5 girls now have names. Say hello to Camille, Ashlyn, Emmerson, Kendall, and Willa! (If you've been scoping out the recent American Girl trademarks you might notice that all those names were put forth by AG in September of last year.) 

While we probably won't be getting one, there is still a very good chance that we'll be attending a release event at an American Girl store on June 24th. Many stores have already posted about their Wellie Wishers events, (which leads me to believe that Melody will not have an end of June release like we had originally hoped for based off the book release dates...darn) so check the events at your local store if you want to be there for these girl's debut. 

No, I didn't jump out of bed and onto my computer just to tell you the names of the Wellie Wishers, even if they are adorable names. The more exciting news, for me anyways, is that it is also rumored that certain stores will be doing a "test" run of having their Truly Me line sell at a price of $98 a doll instead of $115. Some people have even managed to get this discount online, though it hasn't worked for me, and say that there will be a price adjustment that shows up after adding the dolls to your shopping bag. The fine print on the deal says that it will last through 11:59pm Central Time on 7/31/2016, or while supplies last. Selections can vary by location, not valid everywhere, not valid on previous purchases, and that there is supposed to be a limit of 3 dolls. (You know. The usual fine print stuff.) I think this is brilliant, and that it makes sense for there to be more of a price difference between the Historical/BeForever dolls and the JLY/Truly Me dolls. 

Of course, this price change might mean that I have to get one or two that I have been looking at for characters for awhile. I'm not sure how happy Mr. D is going to be about that...

I now return you to your regularly scheduled Wednesday night. 

~Mrs. D

Let's Play The Guessing Game...

Lets talk rumors.

Here we are, less than half way through the year, Lea is still staring at us off the shelves every time we walk in the store, Melody hasn't even been released yet, and people are already frothing at the mouth to find out anything they can about The 2017 Girl of the Year.

I'll admit that I am right there with them. Part of it is that I'm just not a huge Lea fan. Well, let me rephrase. I'm not a huge GOTY fan. At least, I haven't been. I am very, very old school though, and love the pre-Mattel Historical line. Love it. I didn't even know what Girl of the Year was until a couple of years ago, and I was among those rolling my eyes at the "issues" these girls were facing in their stories. I lived through the beginning of the Revolutionary War with Felicity, wept over Marta with Kirsten, and held my breath as Addy searched rushing waters for her mother during their harrowing escape. How in the world was I supposed to care about the school's art program, a dance audition, or the garden out back?

I'm coming around though. Part of it is my little Kewpie doll's absolute adoration of her loose legged, dry and chopped hair, cheap Craigslist Lanie that we bought just as a way to get her to stop trying to steal Rag's well taken care of and deeply loved JLY. (She needed an 18 inch doll that she could do whatever she wanted to without worry, so I found the cheapest one I could find quickly and locally. It just happened to be Lanie, whose story reminds me very much of my little Earth Lover, Husk.) Part of it is the fact that Isabelle is put up for our own tiny dancer's birth year doll, and Saige is on the list of must haves now because she shares a birthday with one of our small ones. Part of it is that I can see the appeal of dolls that modern girls can relate to in both story lines and fashion...Even if I am a Historical Loyalist. (Besides, I feel almost no guilt at the thought of customizing a GotY, but get cold and sweaty at the thought of ripping the wig off of a Historical. I just can't do it.)

And, if I'm being honest, part of it is the excitement of the new release! Finding out facts, sniffing out leads, watching for leaks...There's a rush to it, and I'm hooked. If I told you the amount of hours I've spent scouring eBay, blogs, documentation, etc. just hoping to find out anything about the 2017 GotY...I'm not going to tell you. It's embarrassing, but be assured that it is a lot of hours.

There are some glaring issues with the GotY line, not in the least being the lack of representation of Girls of Color. (I plan on addressing this in more detail in a later blog, but you can head on over to the American Girl Outsider blog for her insight. She's been blogging about Americna Girl and the fandom for a lot longer than I have! Just FYI: I adore her blog, and agree with many of the points she makes. Her blog is not hugely child friendly though, so read at your own risk.) I am hopeful for 2017. I feel like AG will be shooting themselves in the foot not to address this issue, but I've also seen the argument that they won't release a doll of color as GotY in 2017 because of Melody's release in 2016. For me and mine, the only way to assure that we'll purchase the GotY would be to finally release a girl of color, but I doubt that AG cares about what one family will do. We'll see though. I'm hoping that AG sees the demand for representation and addressed the glaring inequity in their most popular line. I can think of 10 good stories right off the top of my head, but again, I doubt AG cares what I think or can write. I'm also fairly certain that AG has planned out at least the next 3 years for their GotY line, so if I girl of color wasn't already on the lineup (in which case, shame on them) fans might have to wait several years.

Which brings us to American Girl's recent trademarks. In years past these trademarks have been a huge hint to the identity of the next Girl of the Year, and this year people are speculating the same. AG has applied for Trademarks for both Tenney Grant and Logan Everett in the last 6 months. While AG has been knows to put some fake names out there for trademark (likely to throw off the leak sniffers), I can't find a time recently when that has happened in the instance where there is both a first and last name. It seems that the odds are fairly good that either Tenney or Logan could be the name of the 2017 GotY. They could even be the next two GotYs, or perhaps a 2017 GotY and a new BeForever character. I certainly don't know, but will be sure to post here as soon as I find out anything else. What do you think?

(There was also a trademark filed just last month for something called A*G Rewards with the description "RETAIL SERVICES, ONLINE RETAIL SERVICES, LOYALTY PROGRAMS, INCENTIVE AWARD PROGRAMS, BUSINESS SERVICES". A customer loyalty program, you say? Husbands and fathers around the world are terrified.)

I also recently found this outfit on eBay.

I didn't recognize this outfit, so did a quick image search where I found no matches. It is very likely that this is just an older outfit that I've missed, but it was posted by an eBay user that has posted other outfit leaks for sale in the past, so it seemed worth it to post it here. Do you know what outfit this is? If not, who do you think it's for?

Have you heard any rumors? Have any theories? Leave a comment!

~Mrs. D

Homeschooling With Felicity Merriman: Felicity's Surprise Discussion Questions

Below you will find a list of discussion questions that we used while reading Felicity's Surprise during our Felicity Unit. If you can think of any other questions to add to the list please leave a comment.

Felicity's Surprise Discussion Questions

1. Felicity is so excited about being invited to the dance lesson at the Governor's Palace, but Ben is adamant about not wanting her to go. Why do you think Ben feels so strongly about Felicity not going? What do you think about what Felicity's father says at the store when Felicity and Ben ask about her going?

2. Why do you think that it was so important to Felicity to have a new dress for the dance lesson?

3. After her mother gets ill even thinking about the dance lessons makes Felicity very sad. Why do you think that is? Why do you think she no longer enjoys looking at the beautiful doll?

4. Even though Felicity's dress is finished in time, she would not be able to attend the dance lessons without an escort. Why do you think that is? Why was that so important in Felicity's time?

5. Ben was so against Felicity going to the Palace for the dance lessons. Why then do you think he agreed to escort her? Why do you think he helped Elizabeth and her family finish Felicity's dress?

Remember, the above lesson is just a suggestion. You do not have to do it in the exact same way that I did. Take the things you love about it and mold it to fit your educational needs! And, as always, if you use any of our lessons in your classroom, or have an idea that I might like, please share with me! I'd love to see what you do. You can leave your message directly in the comments or send an email to Dollywollydoodlebug@gmail.com. Your story could be shared on the blog! 

I do ask that you link back to the blog if you share this lesson plan anywhere else, or provide a link if you share any other blog/person's ideas here. I love sharing ideas and brainstorming, but please give credit where credit is due. 

~Mrs. D

Homeschooling With American Girl: Felicity's Surprise Vocabulary Words

We have a list of vocabulary words that we've come up with for each book. Sometimes they are words that the children have never heard before, some are words that they know in a different context, but they are all words that end up being discussed as we read through the books. Feel free to use these, add to these, take some out, or whatever works for your classroom. If you think of any more words that should be added to the list please comment.

Vocabulary Words For Felicity's Surprise

Look up and define these words as they are used in the story. (Some of these words have more than one, or more modern, meanings. Define them within the context of the story, please.)

1. curlicues
2. apothecary
3. counterpane
4. chamberstick
5. throng

Remember, the above lesson is just a suggestion. You do not have to do it in the exact same way that I did. Take the things you love about it and mold it to fit your educational needs! And, as always, if you use any of our lessons in your classroom, or have an idea that I might like, please share with me! I'd love to see what you do. You can leave your message directly in the comments or send an email to Dollywollydoodlebug@gmail.com. Your story could be shared on the blog! 

I do ask that you link back to the blog if you share this lesson plan anywhere else, or provide a link if you share any other blog/person's ideas here. I love sharing ideas and brainstorming, but please give credit where credit is due. 

~Mrs. D

Homeschooling With American Girl: Felicity Learns A Lesson Vocabulary Words

We have a list of vocabulary words that we've come up with for each book. Sometimes they are words that the children have never heard before, some are words that they know in a different context, but they are all words that end up being discussed as we read through the books. Feel free to use these, add to these, take some out, or whatever works for your classroom. If you think of any more words that should be added to the list please comment.

Vocabulary Words For Felicity Learns A Lesson

Look up and define these words as they are used in the story. (Some of these words have more than one, or more modern, meanings. Define them within the context of the story, please.)

1. shingles
2. scorch
3. notable
4. wrong-headed
5. unseemly
6. pint
7. gawky
8. hornbook
9. handkerchief
10. gentlewoman
11. quill
12. inkwell
13. colonists
14. King's tax
15. disloyal
16. pence
17. calling
18. Loyalist
19. traitor
20. exceedingly
21. misunderstanding

Remember, the above lesson is just a suggestion. You do not have to do it in the exact same way that I did. Take the things you love about it and mold it to fit your educational needs! And, as always, if you use any of our lessons in your classroom, or have an idea that I might like, please share with me! I'd love to see what you do. You can leave your message directly in the comments or send an email to Dollywollydoodlebug@gmail.com. Your story could be shared on the blog! 

I do ask that you link back to the blog if you share this lesson plan anywhere else, or provide a link if you share any other blog/person's ideas here. I love sharing ideas and brainstorming, but please give credit where credit is due. 

~Mrs. D

Homeschooling With Felicity Merriman: Felicity Learns A Lesson Discussion Questions

Below you will find a list of discussion questions that we used while reading Felicity Learns A Lesson during our Felicity Unit. If you can think of any other questions to add to the list please leave a comment.

Felicity Learns A Lesson Discussion Questions

1. Mrs. Merriman speaks about doing things for others that no one ever sees. Why do you think that is important to her? What is an example of doing that in your family? What is an example of doing that in today's society?

2. Girls did not attend college in Felicity's time. Why do you think that was? Felicity was, instead, educated as a "gentlewoman". What does that mean?

3. Public Times was happening in Williamsburg during Felicity Learns A Lesson. What were Public Times? Why were they so important?

4. The Merriman's servant, Rose, and Miss. Manderly's maidservant are both mentioned several times. Do you think they were paid servants? If not, what do you think they were, given the time period? How does it make you feel?

5. "Think ere you speak, for words, once flown, once uttered, are no more your own." What do you think this saying means? Why is it important, particularly for Felicity?

6. Why do you think Felicity's father decided to stop selling tea at his shop? What would you have done in that situation, and why?

7. What do you think about how Felicity handled tea at Miss. Manderly's? What would you have done in that situation? Why?  

Remember, the above lesson is just a suggestion. You do not have to do it in the exact same way that I did. Take the things you love about it and mold it to fit your educational needs! And, as always, if you use any of our lessons in your classroom, or have an idea that I might like, please share with me! I'd love to see what you do. You can leave your message directly in the comments or send an email to Dollywollydoodlebug@gmail.com. Your story could be shared on the blog! 

I do ask that you link back to the blog if you share this lesson plan anywhere else, or provide a link if you share any other blog/person's ideas here. I love sharing ideas and brainstorming, but please give credit where credit is due. 

~Mrs. D

Homeschooling With Felicity Merriman: Meet Felicity Discussion Questions

I absolutely love the dialog that American Girl can open up about the differences between different time periods in history and our own. Whenever we come up with questions that result in particularly interesting discussions I write them down as discussion questions. At the end of each book I place all those together in our lesson plans. I've decided to share these here with all of you. Please, if you have more discussion questions to add to these lists, share them in the comments. I love adding to my resources!

Meet Felicity Discussion Questions

1. You may have noticed that the people in Felicity's time speak differently than we do today. Why do you think that is? What are some of the words they use that are different, and what do they mean? What are some phrases they use that are different, and what do they mean?

2. Felicity's mother says to her "Haste makes waste". What do you think that means?

3. Was Felicity right in what she did with Penny? Why or why not? What would you have done in Felicity's place?

Remember, the above lesson is just a suggestion. You do not have to do it in the exact same way that I did. Take the things you love about it and mold it to fit your educational needs! And, as always, if you use any of our lessons in your classroom, or have an idea that I might like, please share with me! I'd love to see what you do. You can leave your message directly in the comments or send an email to Dollywollydoodlebug@gmail.com. Your story could be shared on the blog! 

I do ask that you link back to the blog if you share this lesson plan anywhere else, or provide a link if you share any other blog/person's ideas here. I love sharing ideas and brainstorming, but please give credit where credit is due. 

~Mrs. D

Homeschooling With American Girl: Meet Felicity Vocabulary Words

As we have begun using the American Girl stories in our classroom I have written out lesson plans for our use. One of the things that we have quite a few of are vocabulary word lists. All of these stories happen in very different times in our country's history. There are many words used that are no longer in use, or that children of today might not have come across before. (Like scoundrel.) Whenever we come across a word that the children question it's meaning we write it down and look it up. Through this act I have made vocabulary lists for each book. I want to share those here for your use, starting with our Meet Felicity vocabulary list. I will also have a post at a later date with a list of all of our Felicity Vocabulary Words in one place.

Vocabulary Words For Meet Felicity

Look up and define these words as they are used in the story. (Some of these words have more than one, or more modern, meanings. Define them within the context of the story, please.) 

1. aye
2. impatient
3. maid 
4. lads
5. courting
6. sampler
7. bit
8. bridle
9. harness
10. hides 
11. mistreat
12. farewell
13. script 
14. stays
15. silversmith
16. petticoats
17. breeches
18. apprentice
19. milliner
20. tannery
21. pastures
22. chit
23. independent
24. nag
25. shift
26. stockings
27. garters
28. trot
29. canter
30. gallop
31. weary

Remember, the above lesson is just a suggestion. You do not have to do it in the exact same way that I did. Take the things you love about it and mold it to fit your educational needs! And, as always, if you use any of our lessons in your classroom, or have an idea that I might like, please share with me! I'd love to see what you do. You can leave your message directly in the comments or send an email to Dollywollydoodlebug@gmail.com. Your story could be shared on the blog! 

I do ask that you link back to the blog if you share this lesson plan anywhere else, or provide a link if you share any other blog/person's ideas here. I love sharing ideas and brainstorming, but please give credit where credit is due. 

~Mrs. D

Homeschooling With American Girl: The Birthday Project

After writing Saturday's post about Maryellen's birthday, and all the amazing things she would have seen in her life, I started thinking of what an amazing opportunity something like that could be for a classroom lesson and project. 

This is a very fun, diverse project that you can adapt to fit in with your personal educational goals. We will certainly be trying it here in out home, but I wanted to share it with you too, especially with another three American Girl birthdays coming up this month alone! 

Please, if you use any of our lessons in your classroom, feel free to share them with me! You can leave your a message directly in the comments section or send an email to Dollywollydoodlebug@gmail.com. Your story could be shared on the blog. I love seeing what others are doing in their classrooms and sharing ideas!

In Saturday's post I discussed some of the exciting things that Maryellen, who would have turned 71, had been able to witness first hand in her life. Every Historical/BeForever doll in the line has their own special part of history that they live in, however they all would have seen so much more in their lives than could be covered in the books, In this Birthday Project I thought it would be fun to explore other historical events that the girls would have been able to see/participate in as they grew up.


American Girl Birthday Project

Today would be ______________'s birthday if she were a real girl. Below you will find some questions about ____________ and historical events that happened both in her books and during her life.

1. What year was ______________ born? On what day?

2. How old would she be today? Could she realistically still be alive? If not, what would her life expectancy have been in her period of history?

3. What were some major historical events happening when _______________ was your age?

4. What is something special that _______________ did to celebrate her birthday in her books? (If _____________ did not celebrate her birthday in the course of her books, what is a common way that children would celebrate their birthdays during that historical period?)

5. Make a timeline of _____________'s life. On the timeline write at least 10 historical events that would have taken place in their lifetime.

6. Choose one event that you placed on ___________'s timeline. Write a story about ____________ during that event. How old was she when it took place? Where did she live? Where was she when the event happened? How did she react to it? Be creative. The story can be as long as you want, but must be at least 5 paragraphs long.


  
Remember, the above lesson is just a suggestion. You do not have to do it in the exact same way that I did. Take the things you love about it and mold it to fit your educational needs! (For example, my younger children aren't writing an entire story about the chosen event in history. Instead we are talking about what might have happened.) And, as always, please share with me! I'd love to see what you do. I do ask that you link back to the blog if you share this lesson plan anywhere else, or provide a link if you share any other blog/person's ideas here. I love sharing ideas and brainstorming, but please give credit where credit is due. 

~Mrs. D

Happy Birthday, Maryellen!

On this date in 1945 Maryellen Larkin was born. That would make her 71 years old today. 

Maryellen has seen some amazing things in her lifetime. She was there to witness the rise of Elvis Presley as the King of Rock and Roll. She witnessed, and possibly participated in, freedom marches as the Civil Rights Movement took hold in the United States. She was 22 during the Summer of Love and the rise of the "hippie movement". At the age of 24 she watched as man took his first steps on the moon. I am certain that the television loving Maryellen watched the premier of MASH, the most popular television show in US history, in 1971. She was there for the end of the Cold War, something she had learned about as a young child in elementary school, and probably watched the fall of the Berlin Wall on TV. She watched as televisions got larger, phones got smaller (and became mobile), every household got a personal computer and the Internet. The world in 2016 is very different than the world she was born into, but I am positive that adventure loving Maryellen would have taken it all in stride.  

What an exciting time to live in!

Happy birthday, Maryellen! 

Latest News: Melody Books, Mini Doll, and Doll Release and Lea Movie Release and Premier Events

I wrote yesterday about the adorable Melody Mini Doll that is rumored to be released sometime in June 2016. If you missed the picture, I'll post it again, just because she is too darn cute!

The June release date for this doll seems to line up with the release of the newest Melody book, Never Stop Singing: A Melody Classic 2, and Melody's 3 Book Set release, both of which are listed as June, 23, 2016 on Amazon. 

The same rumor mill is also whispering that we can expect the release of the 18 inch Melody Ellison doll to be around the same time since the release of recent dolls, such as Maryellen Larkin, have coincided with the release of their second books. Of course, there is no official release date yet, and there are also rumors of Melody's release being as late in the summer as August, so it's all speculation at this point. I have personally heard different things from different employees at American Girl, so am taking all of it with a grain of salt until the release date is announced. (I'm hoping for the end of June though. *fingers crossed*) 

The release date for Girl of the Year, Lea Clark's, movie has also been released. Lea to the Rescue is available for pre-order now, and will ship on June, 14, 2016. 

If you are looking for a great night out with the special American Girl fan in your life many stores are also offering a Premier Event at their locations. From the American Girl website:

"Dive in and join us for a viewing of American Girl’s newest movie—starring Lea Clark, our 2016 Girl of the Year! Come celebrate the store premiere of American Girl: Lea to the Rescue, with a Lea inspired craft, a “red carpet” photo op, concessions, an exclusive movie goody bag, and of course, a screening of the all-new movie."

Click here to see all the latest events at your local store, and sign up for the Lea Clark Movie Premier! (If you go please drop me a message at Dollywollydoodlebug@gmail.com and let me know how it was! The more pictures the better. Your story could be shared on the blog!) 

Melody Mini Doll!

This might be old news, but it's the first I'm seeing of it. This amazing beauty was posted to Tumbler 4 days ago by Dolls Of Colour. (Though it could have been posted before that, and has been posted several times since. This is where I first saw it.)

Given my Kewpie Doll's love of the mini dolls (they are the perfect size for her little hands), and my love of this mini doll, we might have to get two! Melody is already cute as a button, but that cuteness is taken completely over the top with her mini doll!

Who else plans on adding this beauty to their collection? Presumably she'll be available sometime in June 2016. (Which is when her next books are set to be released and many people assume that her BeForever doll will be released as well.) 

Homeschooling With American Girl

The entire idea behind Pleasant Company was to get girls excited about history using historical dolls with a book series to go with them. 30 years ago the first 3 dolls were released, and the rest is, pardon the pun, history. It only makes sense that homeschooling families (and public and private schools) would use these dolls and their books as a way to enrich our curriculum. 

As a licensed teacher, and now homeschooling mother, I have used the American Girl stories in so much more than just our history curriculum. I have detailed, and not so detailed, lesson plans that I plan to share as this blog grows, so please check back to see what is new. You can click on the Homeschooling tab above to find lesson plans pertaining to a specific character, subject, or homeschooling in general. You can also use the search function on this blog. 

Any of the lesson plans I post here are suggestions. You do not have to do things exactly as I have. In fact, I encourage you to tweak anything you see here to fit the specific educational needs of the children you are educating. Also, if you do end up doing any of the projects/lessons here, please share! I would love to see what you do in your classroom! I do as that you link back to the blog if you share any of these lesson plans anywhere else. I love providing resources, but please give credit where credit is due. 

If you happen to be on Facebook, and who isn't these days, there is also a Homeschooling With American Girl group that you might be interested in. You can check it out here. 

The Battle of Hogwarts: My Search for a OOAK Custom Harry Potter Doll

I do have interests beyond dolls. Outside of my family one of my biggest passions is Harry Potter. I'm not sure that I can even begin to touch on how obsessed much I adore the world that J.K. Rowling created. I certainly can't do it in one blog post. 

Why bring up Harry Potter in a blog about dolls you ask? Well, I haven't had much of a chance to talk about it yet, but the world of custom dolls that is out there blows my mind! Today, on the 18th anniversary of The Battle of Hogwarts, I thought I'd look around and see what I could find in the way of Harry Potter custom dolls. 

I will be the first to admit that I am rather picky about anything Harry Potter related, but even I was surprised at the lack of good Harry Potter customs out there. There are some amazing costumes and accessories that have been made for 18 inch dolls, but very few dolls that I would consider good representations of the characters in the books. (You can't just slap some Gryffindor robes on Felicity and call her Ginny! You just can't!) However, I did find a Luna that I thought I would share, because I was extremely impressed with the detail she put into sewing her costume. (And because Luna is one of my favorites, so I was happy to find a customized Luna, even if she needed her radish earrings and butter beer necklace.) 

You can find the original post here. (Complete with more pictures!) It now seems to me like I might need to try my own hand at some Harry Potter custom dolls in the future. How adorable would a set of Weasleys (complete with sweaters) be?