Friday, September 28, 2007

Our "Family" Week


This week was all about FAMILY for us. The girls and I read about the creation of the first family in Genesis and studied some other references to marriage and family in the Bible. We also read the book Grandfather's Journey by Alan Say. It was a lot of fun helping the girls learn about their own family and the people from which they come, so-to-speak. A week ago, I solicited mine and Nathan's parents to send letters to the girls telling them about their Great-Grandfathers and/or Great Grandmothers that they will meet in Heaven one day. Truly, this was the highlight of our week.


This afternoon, when my littlest ones were sleeping. I cuddled up on the couch with my older girls. I pulled out each letter and read it to them. They recv'd one from each of Nathan's parents, one from my Mother, and one from MY Grandmother (about their GREAT-GREAT Grandfather!). Most of them had old B&W photos to go along. It was truly an experience that I will never forget.


After reading the letters, we set out to create our own family tree on the kitchen wall. It ended up being OVER 6 ft tall, but it is beautiful. My 6 & 5 yr old daughters did all of the cutting and writing. It was a long afternoon, but I think it was worth it. Don't you? After taking the picture, I went and found several pictures of my side of the family to add including one of MY Great Grandparents. I would encourage you to do this with your children. It wasn't just a project for them. I can see, so much, a sense of belonging in them after this week. They are proud of their work, but they are even MORE proud of their family.

1 comment:

Faye Creech said...

What a great project! When I get to those "boring" sections of geneology in the Bible I have to remind myself they're not just weird names, they are sons and brothers and fathers and uncles just like mine. Did you have a unit study you did or just did your own? I'd love to hear your ideas! Unfortunately my children only have one grandparent left living but there are a few aunts/uncles we could get to do the letters... A few years ago I took my children on a "tour" of 4 churches within 20 miles of where we live to find the gravesites of several ancestors on my hubby's side. They did "rubbings" of them with crayons and large paper and that was fun for them to have as a momento. What other ideas do you have??
-F
-F