learning about London

With the kids stuck at home for most of the week following our record snowfall, we spent some time learning about the city we will be spending our spring break touring: London! I really want the kids to have as full an experience they can, know as much as possible about the city, and be thrilled to finally get to see and do the activities and attractions we're learning about now.

Yesterday morning, after reading Katie in London, flipping through London with Kids, and watching Travel with Kids - London, the kids each wrote a journal entry pretending it was the end of our first day in London.

Elizabeth's journal entry:

I did lots of stuff on my first day in London. First, I went to the London Eye, a giant ferris wheel. It's so big I can see Big Ben by the river. It felt like I was in a escalator and I got that jumpy feeling in my stomach. Next, we went to Big Ben itself! I made clay with the dirt and built Small Ben. When the clock rang, it was super loud! I walked around the ground of Big Ben to admire the beauty. After that we had a picnic with grilled cheese and strawberries. When we had eaten the last strawberry, we headed home. That night I dream of the science museum we would visit tomorrow.

Next, I'd like to find some books more about the history of London, specifically around the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament, to help the kids have some knowledge of the magnificent structures and understanding of the rich historical significance of everything they will see. I guess I'll be heading to the library on a quest. If anyone knows of any books along this theme, I'm open to suggestion.

**top photo from Google Maps, other photos from Wikipedia