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Focus on Current Events
It's always interesting to find that children have a general understanding of what's going on in their world, particularly
if they have an opinion of the happenings. I was listening to my kids having a conversation with friends recently over a new
headline. Not only did they have a good basic understanding of the event, they had an opinion of what might have prevented
it, what to do about the situation now that we were (as a nation) in the middle of it, and some great suggestions about future
issues that might come up.
With the abundance of historical study, we often miss the opportunity to teach through "current events" and
loose important knowledge and suggestions that children might have. What an insight! To have the children of our nation speak
out with fresh minds about the horrors that we face and offer insights into the options we might use to find solutions.
Along with reading about current events, I encourage my children to study the historical factors that might be influencing
actions of different nations, and find possible solutions. Anyone can write a letter to the President of the United States,
or our Congress. I believe it is important to involve children as early as possible in the political process.
The children of today are the next generation of Government Leaders!
Areas of Concentration:
Because wind generated power is such an intense topic this year, we are focusing our interest on the process of developing
a wind generated power source and the value of renewable energy sources. This study provides ample opportunity to include
history, math, literature, and various other resources into our educational program.
Specific interests:
* Photography and topography
* Recreational areas
* Business Development of the region
* Creative expression
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Teaching about new and interesting information is as easy as walking to a new part of town, crossing a river, or visiting
friends. Every experience is bright and new! Every day presents new learning opportunities!
Even in a moment of crisis a lesson may be learned. The beautifully created birdbath, simplistic though it may have been,
provided much needed water for the birds in the area.
The concern of a child for animals of the wild may be encouraged in many ways, but one of the best is simply to have the
child provide for some basic needs of wild animals that come into their habitat.
Watching the construction of Wind Towers focused on harnessing the winds that blow eternally across the prairie was an important
part of promoting our interest in renewable energy resources in Southeastern Colorado. Our community built four wind towers
east of Lamar near Shady Camp, and there are many more on Hwy 287 south of Lamar.
We enjoy taking field trips to watch the towers or visit the engineers who are working on them. Another interesting trip
is to Emick's ranch where old fashioned windmills are displayed.
On the hottest days, the ground burns hard and dry. Lack of rain means there is little vegetation and the soil become a solid
crust, protecting what little moisture is left down deep. Grasses grow less, leaving less for the roots to provide for, and
they turn brown early in the season, parched by the hot summer sun.
 
Clifford's First Autumn
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