Springtime
Springtime is such a lovely time when all the flowers are blooming, the trees are budding, and the birds are singing. Spring has finally come to the Midwest, and I am enjoying the yellow daffodils all around me. When I see daffodils in the spring, I always think of William Wordsworth’s poem “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” which begins,
“I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.”
The beauty of God’s world should make us joyful and want to express our joy in some way. We can do that through nature journaling, spending more time outside, or even writing poetry. I was reminded about this last activity as my daughter and I were watching John Muir Law’s Nature Journal Connection Videos. He talked about how writing a simple poem about a natural object can help us build relationships with nature. He suggested writing a Haiku or even a Me-ku (you will have to watch the video to know what that means). I encourage you to try this out with your students this spring. It will encourage them to observe things more closely to find the right words to describe what they see. What does spring look like where you live? We would love to know what flowers, birds, or trees are bringing you joy.
Notes
1. CORE. Join a summer cohort for an 8-week intensive on Charlotte Mason’s methods. Registration is open, and spots go fast!
2. Yesterday’s Classics: Yesterday's Classics is having their E-book Extravaganza! Their entire library of e-books (450+) is on sale for $59.95.
3. Renewal: If you have not yet renewed your Alveary membership for 2023-24, simply click the “Renew” button on your dashboard to update your information and submit payment.
4. Office Hours: Join Dr. Shannon Whiteside on April 26 at 3:30 p.m. (EDT) as she answers Mason/Alveary questions. Submit your questions here by April 25.
5. Science (HS): Today is the last day of the 20% off sale on Novare Science texts used for Physics, Biology, and Chemistry in Grades 9-11. Shop sale here.
6. Alveary Hive Circles: Join a Hive Circle this spring to share Recipes, Mother Culture, Nature Walks, and more!
Queries
1. Our Work: In past years you have made the Our Work files available in editable versions. Will you do that for 2023-24?
Yes. Here are links to editable versions of the Our Work booklets:
2. Spanish: I’m needing some more info on this beta Spanish program. Do we still need to purchase all of the books and prepare for the program exactly like we would without the videos? Or do we not need the supplies now?
Yes, you will still need the books that are required. The beta programs are the same lesson plans, but we are offering videos to go with the lessons. The videos will guide students through the picture and literature lessons by teaching the vocabulary using TPR and guiding them through the stories and storyboards. You will not have to learn the words yourself or come up with TPR gestures. You will not have to prepare anything ahead of time. Just play the lesson and make sure your child is participating and learning the words. We will also suggest that the videos are played more than once during that lesson and throughout the week so they can practice the words and learn them well.
