DAWGPOUNDAJ said:
Secondly if you don't mind me asking what resort are you staying at? Some resorts actually have educational experiences right there for you. A big one is the AKL with it's animal guide that you can pick up at the front desk. Also, talk to as many CM's around the World Showcase and at resorts like the AKL and Poly as you can! The CM's are almost always friendly and are more than happy to explain things about the countries they are from, and how they differe from the US. At the Poly sometimes you'll find CM's from Hawaii who can tell children differences between the islands and cultural differences, right down to the pronunciation of traditional "Hawaiian" words like Aloha. An example I learned was my name, Kim. It's spelled Kimo in Hawaiian and pronounced Chemo. I learned that on our last Poly stay from one of the nice CM's there. The AKL's CM's though are supposed to be fantastic at the story time there! !
I haven't made any final decisions, as you all know it's very difficult to narrow down resorts. But I'd like to spend a few days at the AKL to start of the trip, concentrating on the Animal Kindgom, hoping to score the Sunrise Safari. My thinking thus far is to have my 3rd grader prepare some interview questions of a CM at the resort ahead of time, conduct the interview, and learn more about that country in AFrica. I know the resort has African art and of course the animals. I thought a presentation on Africa in general, and this county in particular, would be cool. Maybe a discussion of some foods, too. Get some recipes if that's allowed. And we could compare this country (would love to have this pre-arranged ahead of time to do some research) to Morocco as showcased in Epcot. He could take his own camera and work on his dad's computer.
The other project would be much shorter, a biography on Walt Disney. If my plans work out right, we will also begin the trip in
Disneyland and I understand there will be a big presentation there. He could discuss the origins of the modern theme park or some other angle.
I also like the idea of getting the kids to think about all the elements that make up the marvellous theming at WDW... the music, the small details... sythenized to create a mood. Even on certain attractions like the Haunted Mansion... what makes it feel creepy and why?
My first grader will be much easier, with journaling and maybe a scrapbook. He's currently interested in what animalas eat others and the flags, so the little Epcot passport will be perfect. He loves maps, so even some basic map questions (e.g. reading from the key) would be useful.
I'd really like to get some outstanding indepenedent study projects going to justify such a long trip away from school, so the more ideas I can gather together, the better prepared we can be. It's also a vacation so it's not going to be all work, so I'm just trying to maximize my time.
I also have a kindegartener, but I'm not to worried about her missing school. She can do a journal as well, draw pictures, whatever.
So please, any ideas you come up with, I"d love to hear from you!!
and loved skipping school for Disney! Your about to become the coolest parent of the year to them! (Of course your their mom/dad so they will already think that but hopefully you get my meaning. 
)
Maybe I'm wrong though. I never did make Harvard so maybe I should have spent more time working on "indepenedent study projects" while at parks. Oh, by the way, I have no children so flame away!
There you go!!
