Silent Sunday

Shakespeare

One of the things that really impressed me about the Charlotte Mason approach to homeschooling was her introduction to Shakespeare in First Grade. I remember Shakespeare in British Literature class in high school. Oh my, what a drag. I didn't understand the plays to save my life. To be honest, didn't much care. I remember my teacher, not her name at the moment, but how she looked.

O.K., I digress. So, when CM talked about Shakespeare at an early age, I suppose I was a little skeptical. But, CM's philosophy in a nutshell is, kids are really capable of understanding things that we, as adults, think are to difficult for them. Shakespeare is a great example of that.

Granted I don't read the kids the original plays. But, real quality retellings of the originals. We have started out with Beautiful Stories from Shakespeare for Children, by E. Nesbitt. And now we are reading Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb. I bought cut out dolls for the stories so the girls dress the dolls with the appropriate character attire and it helps them to visualize the story.

When Nature Girl and I started reading the little bit harder Shakespeare book Tales, The Merchant of Venice, was one of her favorite stories. Once, after reading A Midsummer Night's Dream, we rented the movie with Mickey Rooney, and the kids watched it over and over.

Right now, Nature Girl and I are reading a children's biography about Shakespeare and she really loves it. And hates when I put it down.

I think in Fourth Grade, the CM curriculum I use, actually encourages the reading of the real plays. (We are still finishing up Third Grade books.) I will be interested to see how that goes. (I am having flashbacks to Brit Lit.)

Do I expect them to carry on a long winded discussion of Shakespeare's characters? No. But, they have been exposed to a great man who had great thoughts. My hope is to encourage them to have great ideas, as well. And heck, when they get into high school, they will be a head of the game, because at least they will be familiar with characters and plots and story lines. That can't be all bad . . .

Boop, the Boy

Today Boop got to go to soccer camp. Except for tumbling, which he does because I am already there with the girls, this is his first foray into extracurricular activities.

The camp was only for two hours, ages 5-8 and all homeschoolers. The coach let him participate because he will be 5 in September. We bought tennis shoes, but found Nature Girl's old cleats. We borrowed shin guards, which I think were a little too big. The only thing we didn't have was a soccer ball. Well, we have one, but it has been outside for months and am pretty sure it is moldy.

Anyway, he was excited and a little nervous. He was concerned he would get hurt and all the kids would be taller than him. He was right on one account. He didn't get hurt but he was the shortest, youngest kid out there.

He is a complainer by nature. Adorable, but a complainer. I was worried he would come running up to me every two minutes saying things like "it is hot", "a kid stole my ball," "it's hard" or "can we go home?" But, he was a champ!! Not once did he say anything negative. I was so proud of him, I even mentioned it on the way home. (In fact, I complimented the girls also, because they had to sit there waiting on him for two hours. They are not use to being the ones waiting.)

Every time I saw him, he was working hard at it. Following directions. Trying. He didn't seem to get discouraged, even though he had no clue what he was doing. He didn't get upset when a bigger boy passed him while they were dribbling down field. (I think that is what it is called.)

They had quite a few water breaks and he would come up all hot and sweaty. I was really proud to hand him a Gatorade. I really was excited to see him participating in an organized sport. He is in a house full of girls all day, so it was great to see him exert himself, in boy fashion!

Every Thursday, during the school year, they have homeschool soccer. Boop enjoyed it so much today, he asked if he could go back. I think we will definitely look into it . . .

Computer Problems

Finally, finally fixed. But, I have been staring at this computer for so long now that I just don't have it in me to write anything of substance.

I will say this, the girls met their sewing teacher this morning and she is a dream. She does what she does as a ministry. And I am glad we will benefit from her willingness to share and teach!

Boop has soccer camp first thing in the AM. That is going to be fun to watch!

More tomorrow . . .

Big Fun

It was hotter than you know what. The guy that was suppose to meet hubby and Boop at the beach with his boat couldn't bring it. And had to go back Friday night. I fully expected hubby to call Saturday morning and say they were on their way back.

108 at the beach. Two guys with no other entertainment (because they thought they would have a boat). No shade. A bunch of fishing poles. Lots of junk food. And a really nice camper. When I talked with hubby on Saturday, though, they were in for the long haul.

Boop caught a bunch of crabs. AND his very first fish! (No pictures because they didn't have a camera.) They also went to the lighthouse and went swimming when it cooled down. Hubby said they had sand EVERYWHERE.

They had tons of food, but it was way too hot to cook. Poptarts for breakfast. Ice cream and PB and Js for dinner. I am sure chips and dip for lunch. And lots and lots of fluids.

When they got home, I asked hubby if an end of July fishing trip will be an annual event for the boys. He very emphatically said no. But, he would consider it in May or September.

I know they had big fun, despite the weather. And I am just glad that hubby and Boop had some togehter . . .

School Starts

This is how we started school. The big girls spent last night at their cousin's house. I picked them up at 9:30, along with the cousin. Went on a field trip to the federal courthouse, our capitol, sissy's office (which is in the capitol) and lunch with friends.

This is going to be a GREAT school year . . .

Silent Sunday