Friday Letter - 10.12.2012

10/12/12

Dear RiverRun Families,

Tuesday was a lot of fun. Once everyone was settled in, the children had writing time and were read to. While writing, we started the food prep which went smoothly. The children are becoming great sous chefs. While waiting for everything to simmer or bake we took a walk to the Schenectady Public Library. All who wanted were able to take a book out. The librarians are very nice and welcoming, so the children felt comfortable enough to ask questions of them. When we returned, the feast started. The dishes were obviously tasty as we had very little leftover. We are so grateful for the use of the Lindenfelser’s church. They have been very kind to us.

For the next three days the children have been hard at work. We read another story in our Trophy readers and worked on math equations. The elders are able to add and subtract abstractly (without materials) large numbers and are working on the two times tables. The middles are becoming familiar with the Bead Frame and moving away from using the Stamp Game to add numbers.

During Writers’ Workshop I gave an assignment, which is not usual, having to do with Christopher Columbus. The stories are coming along nicely.

Today I began the History of Writing lesson, another of the Great Lessons. This lesson ties right in with the History of Math; therefore, I am presenting them one after the other.

Today we finished Gay-Neck. This story had a strong theme of the cycle of life and death and of overcoming fear. The book had a wonderful ending which lent itself to a good discussion. It ended as follows:  

Instead of spinning out a sermon at the end of this story, 
let me say this:

“whatever we think and feel will colour what we say or do. He who fears, even unconsciously, or has his least little dream tainted with hate, will inevitable, sooner or later, translate these two qualities into his action. Therefore, my brothers, live courage, breathe courage and give courage. Think and feel love so that you will be able to pour out of yourselves peace and serenity as naturally as a flower gives forth fragrance.

“Peace be unto all!”

Namaste,
Amy