Hi, Folks,
It was bizarre, I tell you. Really, really freaky. Wednesday morning, each student came into the class, hung up their backpacks (without reminders), turned in their take-home folders (without reminders), and within 5 minutes, were working quietly on contract assignments (without...well, with very few reminders). Some kids were getting down to business in their journals, one was in the final stages of solving a “Mystery Picture”, and a couple were waiting to begin a reading lesson with their books out in front of them. When I commented about how quiet and focused everyone was, one child piped up, “It’s like a spell has been cast on us from Mount Olympus.”
Which got me thinking: Maybe, just maybe, all of our animal deaths from earlier in the year could actually be seen as ritual sacrifices to the Gods? And then I thought, wow, if a few fish and a couple of hermit crabs please Zeus that much, just think what the gift of an adorable student would mean to him!!!
But then I though that maybe they were so focused because they are fantastic, confident students who have all come so far this year and developed good work habits. I’m hoping this is the case, because Leslie has had to remind me on several occasions that child sacrifice is not permitted at The Hirsch Academy.
Thankfully, following the interests of your children is permitted, and encouraged. And right now, Greek Myths are still all the rage! This week we boldly traveled to the Underworld with Hades, went to battle with Ares and took flight Hermes and his winged kicks. Apollo threatened to outshine all of them, until we met the true sun god; Helios. Helios C5 B.C.Athenian Red Figure Krater
We also read the story of shy Selene, the moon goddess who fell in love with the mortal, Endymion. To keep Endymion from growing old and dying, Zeus cast him into eternal sleep for Selene.
These stories continue to inspire us throughout the day. Gabriel’s journal this week was his version of the war between the Gods and Titans. Aidan H. wrote about a dinner planned by the Gods and Goddesses on Mt. Olympus (cooked by Ares, Athena and Zeus. You know that kitchen is top of the line). Aidan R. treated us to another version of “Aidalese”, his version of the mighty Hercules.
At choice, several children built a Lego Underworld, presided over by a scary looking Hades.
On Thursday we watched another version of the Medusa story, and made some snaky headpieces. Maxdusa?
Read aloud discussions are still so rich and meaningful. The students love to debate weather a character is good, evil, or both. We are learning some great vocabulary (English and Greek), and examining the elements of a story; action, conflict, resolution. One of my favorite comments this week was from Max, who upon hearing the story of Selene said, “That is such a bittersweet ending”. Though Endymion would always remain young and handsome for Selene, he would remain asleep for all eternity. Bittersweet, indeed.
We’ve also been learning a bit about ancient and modern Greece. Next week we will look the lives of the Ancient Greeks who believed in the Gods of Mount Olympus. What did they look like? What did they wear? What did they eat? How did they live?
We read that ancient Greek athletes and gymnasts trained and performed naked (Zeus, please keep me from making an inappropriate “javelin” joke in front of minors). Luckily, children wore tunics in day to day life. Next week we will make some Greek tunics. Please send in a large, white pillowcase for your child. If you can find a cheap pack with more than one, we’d love extras! These will be cut, so don’t send in your finest linens.
Have a great weekend!
Amanda, the Goddess of the Friday Note
and
Erin, the Goddess of Freeze Tag
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