Last Friday we met for music, handicraft and Plutarch study. We were happy to have several new kids join us! We will be meeting again this week on February 20 at Veterans Park in Hoover for music and Handicraft. Join us at the "new" pavilion at 11:30. Be sure to dress warmly and bring a packed lunch.
I have been surprised how much my own kids have enjoyed the folk music we began in music class. On my phone I have created a folk music playlist for all our Ambleside Online folk songs this year. I try to choose a couple of different versions of each folk song if they are available so that my children can hear variations on the same tune. Many of the songs have also been arranged in choral and orchestral compositions and so I want to give them exposure to those arrangements as well as the more traditional ones. I set aside a few minutes each week to sing our folk song together. Then I simply play the playlist in the car, at dinner or while the kids are playing. My daughter in particular has requested our folk song playlist for hours this week. I have also caught both my daughter and son singing the songs to themselves as they go about their day. Our current folk song is The Keeper.
Try to set aside a few minutes to sing and listen this week before we meet again for music class. We will also be singing our hymn, Jesus Paid it All. I love the older hymns like this one. The words are so rich in language and imagery. The part writing for the older hymns is very well done and so it gives the children exposure to four part harmony at its highest. These hymns have stood the test of time.
So many times as I go throughout my day a hymn comes to my mind and I cannot help but sing. I want my children to have as many hymns in their hearts as well. As you have opportunity, sing this hymn with your children this week so they will be familiar with it when we meet again for music on Friday.
Music has such a power over our memory. I have such fond memories of the music I have shared over the past years with my children. Music has the power to create a bond and cement your family memories together. Even if you do not feel you have a great voice, be sure to sing with your children. Let them hear you sing. Let the learning of these songs be a shared experience with the kids.
Our Handicraft for next week will be a new Sloyd project. If you have a ruler and single hole punch to bring and share that would be very helpful. Everyone did such a good job on their envelopes last time. I look forward to seeing new creations this week.
Plutarch will take place again after lunch for the kid fourth grade and older. We had several new students jump right into our ongoing Plutarch study. The returning and new kids (and moms too) did a great job of narrating and discussing Solon. They will start with review next so don't be afraid to come if your child is new. They will only read a small section and narrate it back followed by a lively discussion. I really enjoyed attending the Plutarch class with my child as well as the discussion I had with my child about the reading later on. It is really helpful for parents to sit in with their children if possible so that you have an idea of what is being discussed. Some children are very talkative during the narration and discussion portions of the class. I actually find that my child does not narrate much during the class. Often I ask her for a narration on the way home and she will verbalize a lot more of what she learned. If I have attended the class with her I am much more able to participate in a meaningful conversation with her after class than if I had not attended. I have been really impressed with the ideas the children are forming from this class!
Feel free to email me if you have any questions. I am looking forward to next Friday!
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