The theme for the summer reading program is 'Outer Space' and this week it was focusing on the Sun. The books read to the children by the librarian were from the Sun's point of view. I had crafts this time and set out tables w/ everything needed to make a 'picnic sundial'. Just outside the front door a local astronomer had his telescope fitted w/ filters so the children could look at the sun. Also outside the library furnished sundaes as a treat for the kids. I've had limited contact w/ small children so tonight was a 'trial by fire' w/ some 50 kids plus their parents. It didn't take long to realize many children couldn't tell time and the ones that could didn't care if they did. I told them that sundials came from the ancient Egyptians who also built pyramids and made mummies. Nope, they'd never heard of them. I explained that the sundial should face north and showed them an easy way to figure out cardinal directions. Their parents seemed more fascinated in that than their children. Even so, each child listened in rapt, if uncomprehending, attention to what I told them. They diligently decorated their paper plates, picked out a plastic utensil, and talked w/ me as I hot glued their chosen fork (or spoon) as the gnomon on their paper plate. An attentive audience while I expounded on a favored subject - how could I not be enchanted?
The theme for the summer reading program is 'Outer Space' and this week it was focusing on the Sun. The books read to the children by the librarian were from the Sun's point of view. I had crafts this time and set out tables w/ everything needed to make a 'picnic sundial'. Just outside the front door a local astronomer had his telescope fitted w/ filters so the children could look at the sun. Also outside the library furnished sundaes as a treat for the kids. I've had limited contact w/ small children so tonight was a 'trial by fire' w/ some 50 kids plus their parents. It didn't take long to realize many children couldn't tell time and the ones that could didn't care if they did. I told them that sundials came from the ancient Egyptians who also built pyramids and made mummies. Nope, they'd never heard of them. I explained that the sundial should face north and showed them an easy way to figure out cardinal directions. Their parents seemed more fascinated in that than their children. Even so, each child listened in rapt, if uncomprehending, attention to what I told them. They diligently decorated their paper plates, picked out a plastic utensil, and talked w/ me as I hot glued their chosen fork (or spoon) as the gnomon on their paper plate. An attentive audience while I expounded on a favored subject - how could I not be enchanted?
2 comments:
Sounds like you had fun with the munchkins. The building is looking good.
I always thought you were a 'fun' aunt with your nieces when we were little.
Rebecca
Post a Comment