Rope Beds & Helping Each Other

We made rope beds to go with our straw ticks. The kids were surprised to learn how beds were made in Colonial times. Of course ours were models using materials we had around the house. =0) The kids understood the difference between what materials were really used & what we were using for our models.

Cutting out the cardboard for the frame.

We used cereal boxes.

Measuring it to size.

Here he is measuring to see how long to cut the "rope".

We experimented a little on how to "tie" the rope to the frame. Since we were using cardboard & yarn we couldn't use nails, pegs or tie it on like they would with the real beds. We tried using tacks but the cardboard wasn't thick enough. I thought of tape but I didn't like that idea. We decided to use the stapler. Kind of like nails right?

After measuring & cutting both the frame & yarn we stapled the first round. Then it was time to do the cross rope. The kids learned that weaving it helped to make it stronger.

Weaving

They also learned that if the yarn/rope was pulled tight it would hold the straw tick better.

Finished!

Elvis' looks a little different than Bugsy's because his was the first we worked on. Therefore his was kind of the "experiment" one. Lol! But it all came out well & everyone was happy.

Boo with her rope bed.

I adore this photo.

This was a precious moment as well.

It warms my heart when they freely help each other.

Math & Silly Bands

Toddlers crack me up. She had fun for quite a time in this box.

Even though some days are rough I wouldn't trade homeschooling for anything. I love capturing all these different moments of learning, teaching, sharing & playing.

Straw Ticks

We have been working on projects as we have time for our history co-op. This is the same group we went on the dig with. We are studying Colonial Life. Sewing was on our list this time!

We read about how they made straw ticks to sleep on. We cut out material to make our own models of them.

Bugs had to get in one more snuggle with Molly first.

Sweet Pea is helping as a Teacher's Helper. This is to give her credit in her AWANA work.

Threading the needle.........

Sweet Pea sews one too.

Boo helped teach Bugsy.

Princess wanted to help too.

His first sewing lesson.

All that sewing inspired Sweet Pea to get out her cross-stitch.

I treasure moments like this.

We know our material is fancier than what they used in colonial days but I didn't want to spend money on muslin. We talked about the difference together & then used scraps we already had. We plan to stuff them with newspaper rather than grass in order to keep them from getting musty.