Week 11 in Review: Who Likes Shakespeare?

This week was a delightful surprise.  I discovered that my son and daughter really like Shakespeare.  I read them both his life story and we listened to the rendering of Macbeth that is in Story of the World (which we've heard before, but this was more interesting because we had more background this time).  Matty is looking forward to memorizing some lines, making a lapbook, and listening to more of the stories of Shakespeare next week (or the week that follows, depending on what happens with the holiday week.) Matty has requested that we actually go see a Shakespeare production at the theater in town.  Well...YES!  Why don't we?  We may have to wait to go until the summer, at which time they will be putting on The Merchant of Venice, but nevertheless...

He is also zipping along in Math.  I have heard so many mothers bemoan the woes of teaching long division, but thankfully, he GETS IT, and LIKES IT.  Go figure.  He is not my son in this regard. On the other hand I am all puffed up with pride that he is deeply embedded in the Hobbit.  After the first long and rather laborious chapter, he got into the story, loves it, and now he can't wait to finish so he can get to the Lord of the Rings. We'll see.  I may have him wait a bit on that.  He's only 9.

Molly learned  how to add on the number line this week.  She still really seems to be enjoying math, so we'll go with that for now.  I also had her helping me count out ribbons for ornaments to be included in a craft project that we're heading up at church.  We needed 25 ribbons in each ziplock bag.  Let's just say it's a good thing I double-checked her bags, not to mention that the job took quite a while...but she got a lot of counting practice!  Her reading is coming along so nicely, as well.  In order to entice her into a new reader I promised her she would need to read only one page a day...that lasted for about a week, and now she zips through an entire story at a time.  Thankfully, that gamble paid off. 

December 3 is our last Classical Conversations meeting before the holidays.  I am so eager for this break.  I always appreciate a chunk of time to reflect on what has gone well and where I need to make adjustments for the next term.  We kind of operate on a semester basis, and usually we take a break from Thanksgiving to Christmas.  Already I'm beginning to process what I need to change.  The first is that I need to remember what is REALLY working.  Starting the day by reading about the topics we are covering in our CC memory work is the highlight of the day.  Geography is going great, as well.  No fancy curriculum, just tracing the maps that correspond to our memory work and review, review, review.  Lap books work, but we need to not bite off such huge chunks of information, and I need to set the parameters better for what gets included. 

Most of all I'm still learning how to rest and not strive, but more than anything to listen, first to the Lord and then to the children, as they express their needs in various ways.  It is so easy to try to push through my agenda, but pushing only results in push-back, and little progress.  I want very much to be in the flow of the plan that God has for their lives and enable his working in them, rather than be a hindrance.  It's not always easy, but the more I stay in this place, the less I want to take up my old plan!

Psalm 32:8-10
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;  I will counsel you with my eye upon you.  Be not like a horse or mule which must be controlled by bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.  Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. (ESV)