Today I finally pulled it together enough to start Moonshine's first grade story. I say finally because she has been waiting and waiting patiently for it to begin. This is what first grade is about, she says. The story. The long, involved story that she witnessed Sunburst enjoying for her entire first grade year. Moonshine remembers Sunburst's story-- the key players, parts of the plot, and some of the adventures... for although she was but a three-year-old playing in the adjacent room, her ears and heart were finely tuned to the cadence of my voice.
From the start, it was apparent to me that I couldn't tell her the same story I told Sunburst. For so many reasons it is the wrong story for her-- the characters, while captivating, don't bring her the growth and empowerment that she needs. And most important of all, it would be like serving left-overs. Middle children have the feeling of getting enough leftovers as it is. And we just can't have that, can we?
It didn't feel easy this time. But with Einstein's help, I came up with a fairly captivating storyline last night. It mirrors the basic image of Sunburst's story-- there are three travelers setting out on a journey to save their kingdom, but it's a much more involved story. There are visions and wizards and bad dragons, red as blood. And that's just the beginning.
It's still a work in progress. The hard part is done though-- the characters, the plot... and now the adventure begins. I'm hoping for continued inspiration as we travel along with Eliza, the girl with the vision, her father Samuel, and little Gus, the wizard's (mostly) annoying nephew.
Moonshine can't wait to hear what happens next. And to be honest, neither can I.
Monday, September 15, 2008
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I know I've said it before, but you make your homeschooling such a magical undertaking! I feel like I'm under-serving my kids. :}
ReplyDeleteYou are so amazing. I wish I had been educated like this, or that I'd read it when my dd was little, because I can't think of anything more beautiful - for teacher or student.
ReplyDeletethank you for inspiring our family to make learning at home a joy.
ReplyDeletei linked to your blog from my new one. thanks for sharing with us.
www.larksongknits.com
Aw, you all are too sweet. Thanks for the kind words.
ReplyDeleteWe have just started first grade and I found your 'container' story for your eldest very inspiring - I do hope you blog your new one.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime what story did you tell for the letter V (told you we'd just started!!!)? Did you use a grimms one?
Am concerned The Vagabonds will outrage my son and am stuck for another, other than Snow White which we've told/read many times before and I'd prefer something new to him - any ideas/pointers?
We just used the scene of a valley for the letter V. Some of the letters are hard to work in as main parts of the story, so I did some of them as scenes V=valley, Z=zigzag of lightning, Y=yew tree... I used those to move the container story along. Good luck! I would love to hear what you come up with. :)
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