girls and books - 2010

It is days like this that make "it" all worth it. "It" being hour after hour of lesson planning, long nights of curriculum research, and the locking horns with my children who think I am a slave driver when I am asking them to simply do their math. "It" would be homeschooling. Often I wonder if "it" will be profitable. Profitability is difficult to measure.... good thing there are days when I can sit back at the end and be amazed and thankful. The older the kids get, the more I realize the less I am in control.....this is often a relief. I am beginning to comprehend that regardless of my mistakes and failures, God does in fact have a plan for these precious vessels - and he is cultivating character in them. I take pleasure in watching this process.

This is Madison's third year participating in a literature club - and her second with the current group of girls. What a blessing they are! Each year Madison has taken more responsibility when we host - we really work as a team on it - makes for a lighter load thanks to her creative abilities and other skills! Our book for discussion was Caddie Woodlawn.....I was stumped on what to do for an activity or theme....but Madison came through with wonderful thoughts and began research on things to do. I love how she has an eye to put things together (something I often lack) - and how she has the confidence and perseverance to keep working at her task until she is pleased with it. Since the Woodlawn children get tired of eating turkey everyday in the book - she chose a "turkey" theme - and we decided to emphasize hosting Thanksgiving . We wanted to share our love of hosting others in our home and how to make guests feel welcome.

During her internet research, Madison saw an idea for using a pear for a place card.....she especially loves making place cards when we have guests so loved this unique idea.

We were both up late the night before......Not because we had to be but because we sleep better AFTER the work is done! I was doing dishes and starting the bread dough while Madison was mixing up the beginning of cookies and setting the table. She designed and completed the table decorations herself.

Here are the lovely young ladies waiting for their turkey soup, fruit salad, and bread! Don't they look eager?

Madison wanted to play some games....so she looked into Thanksgiving activities online and shared them with her friends after lunch while I cleared the table and put the food away. Then it was on to our book discussion. I must say - this was my favorite part of the afternoon! The girls are learning the socratic method of analyzing literature and it is remarkable to hear from them. This month we were talking in more depth on the history of the author and setting of the story. Each club they also share what they saw as the main conflict of the book, the rising action, climax, denouement, and conclusion - not to mention the setting, theme, and characters. We enjoyed an almost one hour dialogue. It was full of thoughtfulness, exuberance, deliberation, listening, and excitement. What a joy. I was so proud of them all!

Amanda carefully reviews her chart.....

Rachel contemplates her notes.....

Rebekah shares her thoughts as Grace and Audrey look on.....and yes - I was leading the discussion while shooting pictures at the same time! Just couldn't help it - they were so purposeful and intent. After our lively conversation we moved on to making turkeys from pumpkins. One of our favorite Thanksgiving decorations is wooden turkey parts we put in a pumpkin so we thought of a way to simplify the idea.....Madison and I made a model and we went from there. Even Allie even made her own all by herself!

Nine adorable and unique turkeys!

Several of the goals of literature club for our girls is to magnify the glory of God as we cultivate character, enrich their friendships with one another, train them how to discern what they read, and develop their interests and talents. Worth the time spent in commitment and preparation - every minute.