This morning we went on a fantastic field trip where we pretended to be runaway slaves on the Underground Railroad. Actors dressed in period clothing and we were conducted between freedom stations, where we learned about slavery and the Underground Railroad. At one point, Charlotte was so scared she cried a little. Eleanor started acting silly after the first hour. I was really proud of them for participating in question and answers and for remaining so quiet. Charlotte really empathized with the slaves. She and I began planning a lapbook on the topic.
Our other big activity today was listening/watching inauguration footage. They got a little tired of it, but when I tried to get Eleanor to do the UGRR for our first lapbook, she insisted on doing presidents. We are all excited about the Obamas in the White House. So we ventured out once more to get brightly colored file folders and cardstock. By bedtime we had made 43 tiny, red matchbook folders with a different presidential portrait glued to each one, all glued to a big folder. Eleanor really enjoyed the activity and all three girls did gluing and cutting and arranging by number. There were marvelous math opportunities in multiplying how many sheets we'd need to use and sorting presidents by number. Tomorrow everybody will get labeled. Eleanor also cut out a giant Obama and is determined to include his family heavily in her book. It's cool that they can relate to his daughters.
As someone who has always been drawn strongly to subcultures, I felt a new tug toward the mainstream as I watched inaugural footage with the kids. I'm afraid to admit it (because I hate being made fun of by right wing relatives for being so naive) but I really believe in this guy and it feels good to believe. I'm tired of cynicism. I believe in his integrity and it makes me want to participate instead of sidestepping. For Obama, I would wear a suit, curl my hair, and use my best manners. ...He makes playing the game seem worth it, which is new for me.
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