School today consisted of reading most of Diane Stanley's Joan of Arc,a little math, a little handwriting, and discussions about chocolate, the Aztecs, and Columbus/Cartier/Magellan. And at the playground, Connor figured out how periscopes work. Then we came home and the older boys made up some kind of game about Aztec gold, while Anakin (Griffin) fought droids.
Now they're listening to Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, while I roam the internet looking for more and more book bargains.
I have once again tied myself in knots over science; I need all of you to lovingly tell me to get over it, and keep taking them to museums. The problem is this: Connor asks for chemistry. What he means is that he wants to do experiments. So, I look for books of experiments; they are invariably either dumbed down, too complex or badly arranged. There are many, many books with pages of experiments that follow in no logical order, and do not explain the scientific principles behind them. This would probably keep Connor quite happy. It would drive me nuts.
So I look at chemistry program after chemistry program. And I go in circles.
So we go to the aquarium and look at fish. I like fish.
I'm mildly depressed as I remember all the things I didn't like about apartment living: mainly, the fact that I can't just send the kids out to play. I miss that. I miss being home more than I thought I would, although I am glad I am in this wonderful city, too. But in this city, we cannot do anything unless we all do that thing, and that quickly becomes stressful. It's especially hard on Connor. I hope to find him some kind of class or activity to be involved with over the summer; I think that will help a great deal.
Sometime over the last two weeks my baby stopped being a baby. Sniff. He's big. And he talks. He talks a lot. He talks in sentences. I got his hair cut for the first time.
And, apropos for the fourth child, I carefully placed the clippings of his baby hair in an envelope and left them on the hairdresser's counter. Poor kid.
I'm still reading the Aubrey/Maturin novels, and enjoying them. I got bogged down and didn't read much while in Texas, so Jeff is books ahead of me now. Instead of reading I pulled carpet off of floors, decluttered, and did many useful things like that. Who mentioned George Eliot on their blog? I have managed to never read Eliot; I think she needs to be next on the list. Scary, isn't it, how one can have a degree in literature and yet not have read a danged thing.
Posted by Steph at April 19, 2004 09:15 PMGo to the museums!
Have you decided against LLB for chemistry? I cannot remember if it has many experiments or not. Sarah thinks the any chemistry involves making stuff that blows up. LOL So maybe vinegar and baking soda in a test tube?
Glad you are back. We miss you and the boys. Anna wanted to know when Connor Aidan were coming over today and yesterday and probably tomorrow too.
Posted by: Susie on April 19, 2004 10:37 PMAre there any science museums in Chicago? What about a chemistry out-of-home class? Co-Op?
Posted by: Elizabeth McKeeman on April 19, 2004 11:11 PMI like this blog... the Chicago connection. If my comments prove helpful, great. If not, let me know so that I don't butt in unwanted, -needed.
So... give the Museum of Science and Industry a call. They offer terrific seminars and classes for kids all summer, but they fill up faster than Bilbo can say, "So... good-bye!" You may be able to satisfy your son's need for chemistry there.
Another option: The city's colleges offer family programs fall, spring, and summer. For example, $33 gets kids five one-hour sessions of "Experiments Galore" over at Wright College this summer. There's a grade 1-3 group and a grade 4-6 group. (FYI: They're also running "Biology and Kids" and "Model Flyers.") Identify the city college most convenient to you and yours and see if they have something similar. Cheap, convenient... the city colleges are just one reason of too many to count that we love this city.
Another suggestion: Like MSI (only on a much smaller scale), the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum also runs classes, seminars, etc. Now, the "kitchen science" approach to chemistry and biology can run to the "mile wide and a half-inch deep" variety. That said, Peggy N. is still worth a look-see; it's a treasure.
Yet another suggestion: The Park District, which has a couple of downtown centers, runs offbeat programs like science, drama, lit. It's not all sports in every location. Perhaps there's something in their summer schedule that will interest your budding chemist?
Other tips:
Fish are great. (*grin*) Keep current on the available classes, seminars, and programs for members. You'd be surprised how much they offer that never makes it into WaterShed.
Don't wander the internet in search of book bargains. Board the bus and/or el for the Powell's on Lincoln (North) or the BIG Powell's down by MSI and the University of Chicago. Brace yourself: They're not particularly fond of little folks (kids, that is), but once you swallow that, the selection and price are unparalleled.
Regarding apartment/condo living: It's not worth becoming mildly depressed. No, you can't do anything unless you all do it. Deal with it. (And I mean that kindly.) That is, consider the "restriction" a blessing in disguise. Play at the park. Explore spring in the city (and trust me, honey, it doesn't last long). Walk the lakefront. Return to the museums... until you've memorized the floor plans. (*smile*) And then return again. Do all of this without feeling guilty that you aren't, say, wiping down the kitchen while the boys are whooping like cowboys and indians in the backyard. Why? Because you deserve a chance to play (learn, grow, discover, revisit things and feelings child-like), too.
Kolbi just read Adam Bede. (Believe it or not, her blog links to mine. Who knew?) There's your George Eliot reference. That said, I usually steer folks to Middlemarch, among the wisest books ever written. Your pick.
Finally, I rather liked your poem. If you were in one of my classes or workshops, though, I'd say, "Bag the "There is, there are" constructions. Then either let the rest of the line stand or rework to adjust for the absence of 'There is.' Otherwise, cool imagery. Anyone else with something helpful and/or supportive to add." They paid me between $75 and $250 for that, depending on the venue. Must be my good looks. (*wry grin*)
Best regards.
Posted by: The Mysterious Ms. M on April 20, 2004 10:26 AMhttp://www.geocities.com/Athens/2962/colourbook/
found this and thought of you!
Posted by: Sarah on April 20, 2004 09:12 PM