What an experience.† Each play that Kei does is special for different reasons.† This one had some hiccups from the beginning.† Kei and I were both much more stressed than we usually are.† ButÖit was an amazing play.† I know it sounds like ëoh yeah youíre her Motherí but she shined.† I had so many people come up to me and tell me how great she did and she had even more.† Kei worked very hard on her role as Scout.† Memorizing comes a little easy for her.† But ëactingí takes work.† She worked long hours on perfecting this role, understanding Scout, understanding 1935 Alabama and the things that were going on at the time.† A couple of people told me I should get her a talent agent!† I just said thank you and laughed.† I want Kei to be everything she wants to be, but I want her most of all to have a childhood.

We didnít do a lot of ëschool workí last week.† But let me tell you what she got out of this play.† First of all, she read the book; a requirement in Alabama for 9^th graders.† Second of all we discussed every aspect of the story.† I doubt there are many 11 year olds with as much knowledge of ìTo Kill a Mockingbirdî.† We learned about Harper Lee, who is from Alabama for all you non ëBama readers. :)† She was a childhood friend of Truman Capote and ìTo Kill a Mockingbirdî was the only book she ever wrote.† Many aspects of the novel were autobiographical.

We also discussed protagonists and antagonists and who we thought each was in this story.† We discussed Atticusís parenting style.† We talked about how different the outcome would have been if it took place now, the role of Calpurnia and so much more.† She has such an amazing understanding of the novel now.† I am hoping to soon visit Monroeville, Alabama and the Heritage Museum.†

Usually there are mainly children in the plays Kei does.† This play had 3 children roles; Scout, Jem and Dill.† She worked with some super talented adults.† The oldest was 71 and Kei loved her, as well as all the adults she worked with.† The woman who played Miss Maudie gave her a Mockingbird necklace.† It was so beautiful and will always mean so much to Kei.

At the Friday night show there were about 25 people there to see just her.† Our family and friends.† I felt like I was just going to burst right open with pride and happiness.†† Saturday my Motherís best friend, her neighbor for 40 years and her sister all came.† I felt like a little piece of my Mother was there.† My daddy told me he was blown away by the job Kei did and that Mother would be so proud of her.† My Mother never got to see Kei in a play.† When she did her first play, Mother was not walking so she never saw it live.† I always showed her the DVDís.

Kei also had her first class at Space and Rocket Center.† Now these classes sounded unbelievable but the 1^st one was the one I thought she would like the least.† It was on Aviation and she has never shown an interest in planes.† She LOVED it.† I mean, it is about a 40 minute drive home and she did not stop talking about it.† All the different kinds of planes they actually saw; T-38 Falon, Tomcat, Phantom and several more.† They got to get in the cockpit and have hands on contact with the gear and equipment used.† They learned about lift, thrust, weight and drag.† I am so thankful that I signed her up for this.† Next weekís class is about Strategic Communication and Teamwork.† They will conduct a ìSearch and Rescue Missionî to retrieve a downed pilot and secure Top Secret documents!† How cool is that.† I wish homeschool MOMS could take the class.

So now I am a bit exhausted.† Kei is actually sick and I am afraid it may be strep throat.† Her throat is hurting so badly and she has a fever.† The doctor may be in our plans for tomorrow.

I am looking forward to a quieter week, less hectic but involving lots of learning!† I know I mention this every time but I just love homeschooling.† Feeling very blessed right now.

Homeschooling Rocks!
Karen

ìI didnít have to stand in Boo Radleyís shoes to know him. Just standing on his porch was enoughî. ~ Scout from ìTo Kill a Mockingbirdî.

ìYou never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view–until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in itî. ~Atticus to Scout ëTo Kill A Mockingbirdí