Learning Together

BLESSINGS

RELAXED LEARNING

GOD'S WORD

Today was a quiet, happy day. We started our reading by 9:30. By lunch we had done Bible, spelling, writing, and math. After lunch we finished the book we've been reading about the Great Depression. Last week I asked the kids each to choose a country to do a report on, and yesterday we visited the library to find some books on each. Ash is doing Croatia and Andrew, Italy. So the rest of our afternoon today was spent pouring over books and just having fun learning interesting things. These will be fun countries to learn about since Andre's dad, Libero, is Italian/Croatian.

Libero was born in Italy but lived most of his formative years in Croatia. When he was eighteen he left his family behind and came to the U.S. He speaks five languages and has many Croatian friends. The kids are used to hearing him speak in foreign languages and have heard many stories of his childhood, so these countries seem very familiar to them. They both dream of visiting them one day and meeting many relatives.

The kids did state reports a couple months ago. I really pushed them to get specific information and write formal reports. While I don't think that is a bad thing, this time I am going to let them just read and investigate their countries for a while. I want them to really get immersed in the cultures. They've already decided they'd like to cook some authentic Italian and Croatian meals. (We'll have to invite Grandpa over for those!) My goal is for them to really enjoy the learning process and be excited about their countries.

Those of you who know me fairly well know that I don't lean toward "relaxed learning." I think it sounds great but I usually tend to gravitate toward more structure and formality. It just comes naturally to me. So this is a pretty big step. Hey, maybe instead of writing reports we'll do lapbooks along the way. Sounds like fun!

Hey, Pinkchicky, I have to tell you that ever since I visited your blog and saw the very familiar verse from Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God," the Holy Spirit has been bringing it to my mind. He is ministering to me through that Word in such a sweet way. Isn't God just precious? He knows just what we need, when we need it. And he used you to speak it to me. Thanks, sweetie!!

Before I sign off I have to post this picture of Andrew. He has been saving his money for a Star Wars Lego set, the "Trade Federation MTT." Tonight he was able, with our help :), to finally purchase it. It is a really big set. Here is the "before" picture. He just finished sorting everything. Once he finishes it we'll post the "after" picture. What do you think, Grandma Mary?

Grace and peace!