November 20, 2009
Week of Costumes: Event #3
Do I really have to dress up? D was sure that no one in his class would be, but according to the parents at the parent meeting the whole class was. We were able to pull together a somewhat pilgrimish looking outfit from the dress up box and M dressed as an Indian for the school's annual tradition of a Thanksgiving celebration at CCS.
November 13, 2009
One of the requirements of M’s first grade class is that the parents teach the Friday Enrichment Days. Finally it was my turn and the topic was "Indians." With lesson plans written to the finest detail, we had a fun filled four hours learning about the Plains Indians, Iroquois Nation, Pueblos and the Creeks.
The tipi delighted this band and...
....made a perfect stop for reading about the Plains Indians.
The character trait for the morning was one in which the Native Americans excelled.
M eagerly hosted his classmates for a morning of crafts, stories, snacks and more. He enjoyed all the activities but favored the skill building games. Pictured is one game to develop the senses - observation of a chosen rock and then trying to find it blindfolded.
September 14, 2009
*** What a spread!
For weeks the class prepared. They pressed flowers, made invitations and discussed manners all to honor grandparents and other family members. When the time came they did an excellent job serving their loved ones. M had an honorary grandmother that day (his teacher's mother) and his mother and brother also in attendance.
*N's invitation with a pressed flower embellishment
After eating we made our way into the classroom for a presentation and a tour of their classroom. M was most excited to show us the blue ribbon board - a place for only the best pieces of work.
***M enjoyed his chocolate covered strawberry
August 12, 2009
On this day these two boys boarded the Jeff bus and headed to a little Christian school in our area for a day of learning Charlotte Mason style. There has been no (o.k, few) complaints as they have adjusted to early mornings, phonics and grammar, boxed lunches, afternoon homework and fun (in their words) teachers.
What did Mom think? After crying during the process of realizing the boys needed a different schooling situation and seeking help, and crying as they left the house that day because of lost dreams about family life, she began to enjoy the more sane schedule. The demands of the day didn't seem to be as bombarding. Schooling those still at home became more focused and enjoyable. After a few days she could relate better to those friends who on their 5th, 6th or 8th delivery opted for an epidural and marveled at the ease of child birth.
