Tools Not Toys

Hard to believe we are half way through The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe . As we read chapter ten, we sat facing the wonderful scene in our room of Father Christmas and his sleigh. He makes a surprise visit to Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, Lucy, Susan, and Peter as they are trudging through the snow on the way to find Edmund. They sleep in a dirt cave for the night only to be awakened by the sound of a sleigh and bells. Fear grips their hearts as they imagine the White Witch to be driving the sleigh. To their complete surprise, Father Christmas arrives bearing tools, not toys for each of them. He advises them that the time is near to use the tools and gives them a charge to "Bear them well". For Peter it is a sword and shield. Susan is handed a bow, quiver full of arrows, and a little ivory horn. Lucy is given a glass container filled with a cordial made of the juice of the fire-flowers as well as a dagger to defend herself. Even Mr. and Mrs. Beaver are blessed with gifts. For Mrs. Beaver it is a new sewing machine. Mr. Beaver is elated to receive promise of a completed and repaired dam. It is indeed a solemn occasion until Father Christmas produces a tray with a piping hot pot of tea and all the trimmings. Hurriedly they drink the tea and prepare to be off on their journey again.
Kelsey, Hannah, and Mason enjoy taking on the roles of Lucy,Susan, and Peter as they receive their tools and charge to use them wisely!

A Visit By A Witch and A Shield Of Our Own

On Wednesday, we had a visit from the White Witch herself!!! True to the text, she had a gilded grown and wand, red lips, skin that was incredibly white, and a look that was cold and stern. Her commanding voice demanded that we bow in submission to her, Queen of Narnia! She took Hannah into her spell with promises of warmth, sweets. Her majesty also informed us that we were welcomed to visit her ice castle. Her prophecy of doom for poor Mr. Tumnus left us shuddering. Before she departed, a magical dusting of glittery snow fell across our room.




What talent parents we have! Jeff and Sema Brazell created a beautiful shield EXACTLY like the one Peter carries into battle in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Jessica proudly displays her parents' handiwork

Narnia is here!

Cair Paraval

The Wardrobe

Beaver's Den

Armor for the future battle

Aslan

January is always Narnia time in fourth grade at OCS. It is definitely fun to observe the faces on the students as they return the first day after Christmas break. The sparkle in their eyes and the smiles on their faces tell me they are ready to "step into the Narnia journey. We begin our unit by learning about WWII since this is the initial setting for the opening of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Next we focus C.S. Lewis and God's call on his life to write masterful novels for adults and children. Finally, on the third day, we begin with chapter one. Bailey is seeing inside the wardrobe for the first time.

Christian and Mason can feel the cold of the frozen waterfall

Sacks of Love for Linwood Elementary

Sweet treats for our party

Playing hilarious games, right Riley?

Faster Jordan, faster!

Hannah's decorated sack is going to make a second grader smile!

Peyton and Maddie are planning

Mason has a novel idea for decorating his sack.

What creative ideas will they come up with?






Surprise, surprise, surprise!

Christmas parties are always fun, but even more so when the focus is on giving to others. We had the privilege of preparing sacks of toys, books, and candy for the second graders at Linwood Elementary in Oklahoma City during our party. This school is where Mrs. Leadford's daughter teaches second grade. Our fourth graders thought it would be nice to reach out to this school and show Christ's love in a very tangible way. Our creative ideas abounded as we decorated the outside of the sacks and made certain that just the right items filled our sacks.

We also enjoyed a meaningful Christmas story told by Mr. Steven Fite along with Bailey who read from Luke 2. Mr. Fite also played his guitar while we sang some favorite Christmas songs. Yummy cupcakes along with hot chocolate made for a tasty treat and we roared with laughter, cheered, and jumped with glee as we played games.

The final few minutes of party even included a surprise for me! They had secretly organized a joint birthday and Christmas gift, including some VERY stylin' boots and gift certificates to myfavorite restaurants. How special is that!!!! I appreciate their thoughtful so very much.

And now we have two weeks off to enjoy Christmas with family and friends. How blessed weare to celebrate Jesus as baby and King!

Christmas Cheer in Room 207

While it may be only December 1st, our class is already getting into the holiday spirit. Our walls are decked, the tree is decorated, and we are busy making nativity mobiles for our rooms. Each day we read a favorite Christmas story and enjoy pondering the mystery and wonder of the birth of Jesus and his choice of Mary and Joseph to be His earthly parents. Our journals will be overflowing with thoughts, dreams, and desires as we contemplate all this month holds for us as believers in Jesus.

Featuring our Feast and Minuet

These photos featuring our feast and minuet were sent by Nancy Deprang, Kelsey's mom. Thanks so much!

Colonial Days 2009

What fun we have had this week with our thirteen activities related to colonial life. Monday included a formal tea, tin smithing, and calligraphy in the morning and by afternoon we were making hats and wigs, cooking, and playing games. Then on Tuesday we created pomanders, practiced our weaving, and learned to quilt during the first part of the day, while the afternoon included designing a whirligig toy, making candles and learning papyrotamia. We prepared for our feast Wednesday morning by decorating our tables symmetrically with fruit, nuts and ribbon. This art form is called dellarobia and the colonial homes often featured these types of centerpieces on mantels and tables. Dancing the minuet for our parents was another memorable experience and then we enjoyed a scrumptuous meal of turkey with all the trimmings. Our principal, Mrs. Leadford, joined us for our feast as did many of our parents, enrichment teachers, Mr. Caldwell, Mrs. Catania, Big Bob, and Mr. Les. I don't believe any of us will forget these last few days for a VERY LONG time!