This week was our first official day of school, and it’s tradition that we start outdoors and together! We piled everyone into cars and trucks and headed up the canyon. The chill in the air reminded us that Fall is just around the corner as did the orange leaves nestled between the pine trees.
In this lovely setting we had prayer and announced our new motto: “If there is anything virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”
We wanted to introduce the students to some of the greatest minds of the Renaissance whom we will be learning from this year. My older students were the instructors of each group which worked out beautifully. They shared a little bit of information about Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth, DaVinci and Brunelleschi – then they turned the kids loose on some fun activities.
The activities included engineering and construction, poetry, a nature walk and “listening” games to help us understand how we can be better friends and leaders.
As I looked at all of the children and moms, it was apparent that everyone was engaged in something wonderful. There were beautiful conversations, giggles and smiles, and discoveries all around us. If I had to say, it was surely the caterpillars that stole the show! It’s a good thing someone invited them! What a lovely way to start the new year!
