We were really proud of the kids yesterday. We embarked on a lesson about Christopher Columbus. We told his story and most of them were able to re-tell the story. Hadley knew the names of the three ships. Addie knew one and kept saying Pinta, Triston knew one and Daymon knew one. MJ knew half of the Santa Maria.
Over the years you read about people like Columbus and the kind of lives they led. The children liked hearing about the way people lived on board ship. It was hard for them to imagine. It would have been nice to take them out to the ship docked in EVV, but ... Did you know that our bus driver is quite ill and is having surgery on Monday. Please pray for her.
One of the things that's really important to convey to children at this age is the tremendous differences, time, and distance which can only be taught in story. A long time to children is 10 minutes. A big distance is farther than they can see at any time. A historical perspective is one of the big gifts parents and teachers can give to a child. For most people it's an impossibility; that's why you keep badgering the mind of a child until he finally understands that not all people thought the same way over the years, did things the same way, wore the same clothes, believed the same things. Understanding that is one thing accepting it is another. Being interested is the charm.
Yesterday I tried to get the kids to name things they would take with them if they were gone a long time. Most of them said toys. Two, Hadley and Daymon said food and water. Abby said her parents and I couldn't help but to smile because she's exactly right. Take that which is nearest and dearest but also that which will provide for you. Columbus set off with the blessings of Isabella and Ferdinand, but the well wishes of others can't always provide for you. Abby is sure her parents will provide for her - so they come along. I thought it was precious.
Today we will go to the Stay Alive House out at the 4-H Center. We will be having cheese, egg, tuna and peanut butter sandwiches, pretzels, apples, cookies and milk. Fire safety is one of the most important lessons children can learn early.
It's interesting to think back historically and remember how close people used to be to open flames and how we are so removed from that now. Does our distance provide us with a barrier or an ignorance. On Wednesday I wanted to do some things with matches, but decided against it because the as I watched the children play all morning, I realized they would watch me light matches and want to do it too. Too many of these children don't listen and don't mind, and I was afraid they would seek out household matches and burn themselves. So we did an ice to water to steam experiment.
Our next week will be spent studying American Ethnic people. Am I too modern? I think American Indians are fascinating. My oldest friend (of 51 years) mother was a Sioux; she was one of 12 children. Parky became a WWII trench nurse. She was one of the kindest most loving women I knew growing up, and I loved her with all my heart. She married a Pennsylvania Dutchman and all her children were blonds. In her memory next week, we will have a pancake and egg breakfast.
Tonight I am telling ghost stories at the Newburgh Town Hall to the Ghost Story Tellers. It should be fun. My house is probably the only actively haunted house in Newburgh. Everyone in my family has seen something here over the last 30 years, and I've written the stories down and will give them to the town tonight. Should be fun.
This weekend is the big Early Childhood Workshop. All our teachers are going.
No comments:
Post a Comment