Going Maasai
Ellie "goes Maasai" for homeschooling. (With the help of Mom's red pillowcases, a couple of painted paper plates and a piece of cardboard for a shield.)
Here we see the Maasai girl defending her family's herd of goat-horses from a cute little thief. Watch that spear there, missy missy!
Our co-op learned that as a right of passage, Maasai boys go on a lion hunt. As a trophy from their hunt, they are presented with the lion's mane. (Remember the White Witch from 2005's The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe?)
Before the men go on their lion hunt, they participate in a Lion Dance.
Each child took a turn coreographing part of the Lion Dance.
We also built a model of a Maasai village. Thorn bushes are placed around the perimeter of the village to keep the livestock IN and the prowling beasts of the savannah OUT.
The cast of characters from my own little village.
paper lantern of the day Saturday, February 10, 2007
16 Comments:
Are you accepting new students? I'd like to apply!
You are an AWESOME mom and teacher.
Impressive...I wonder who learns more when you're homeschooling (I really wonder about this). "Living the lessons" brings a richness that cannot be duplicated from rote lecture.
You amaze me, Erin, thanks for sharing a tiny part of their lesson :).
Oh, I'm 98% sure I'm the one learning the most. And re-learning the stuff I was supposed to have tackled back in 5th grade. And 8th grade. And 12th grade.
I'm probably the most enthusiastic learner in the bunch too. But I remember a handful of great teachers and how they'd rise up on their toes and their voices would crack with excitement when they taught something they were over the moon for. I always paid more attention in those classes because I just HAD to find out what was making my prof so goofy and thrilled. I'm hoping some of that excitement will trickle down to the kiddos.
I'm ALSO hoping that the Africa fun will help to counterbalance the "bad mom" characteristics I display. Like the fact that I'm a royal grump for most of the A.M. hours, and that I don't often enjoy cooking with my kids. (Yes, true confessions of a homeschooling mother!)
After we're done with Africa in a couple of weeks...well, I got nuthin'. Nada. Zip.
So goes the feast and famine of homeschool.
Gorgeous! Where'd you get those great fabrics?
Do you use a curriculum? I just read their history from The Story of the World (four book series, in story form). My eldest likes it so much she just told me she wants to reread the books on her own.
I hated history when I was in school. When I got to Jr. High, everyone had to take Tennessee History with Coach Brigss who was considered cool and escentric. He loved the attention.
He spoke from a metal podium. During dull moments, when he thought he was losing us, he would pound his fist into the side of that hollow metal case and yell, "Knowledge!" Everyone jumped a mile.
I loved that class.
Great learning experience...is that your home? I am a wee bit envious of the large schooling area, and I noticed a love spoon on the wall. I have one I bought in Wales about 15 years ago, is there a story behind yours...if it's yours?
Does Konos follow a lesson plan routine or do you pick at random?
I love Ellie's earrings.
Just saw some Massai on tv and I always enjoy watching the way the interact and communicate with one another.
Cool.
Very good and so creative!
Wow, awesome, Erin. I hope I'll be as creative as you. I do love history, so I think enthusiasm will be there - and of course, African costumes readily available as well. That will be convenient. By the way, I don't like cooking with my kids either.
Missing you out here on the outskirts of the forest! :) (I guess Mocha is taking a lot of time?)
Erin,
Thanks for visiting my blog. It's really cool to meet other interesting (creative, homeschooling, artsy) people this way. I have actually made friends through this medium and I suppose I have a few I haven't met yet. ;) I love what you did with this Maasai unit, what fun! Your "warthogs" are precious.
Peace,
Joyella
Hi, Erin, I followed a link on an e-mail from my daughter, Joyella, and thought I'd just say Hi. Were you able to locate a copy of my book? Had a great time reading some of your entries and seeing your darling children. What fun!
Joyce Sackett
Hi Joyce!
Thanks for darkening the door of my blog. :)
I did find your book, and it was such a lovely read. I was really blessed to see the journey of faith you travelled (and are surely still travelling). After I was done, I sent the book to another friend of mine who has been grappling with the concepts of decay and loss for several years. I am sad for the circumstances that prompted you to write the book, but so glad you did since it's a real call to the wisdom of being in the house of mourning.
Come back anytime! :)
I want to come to YOUR homeschool. ;) Looks fun!
the costumes are awesome and love the village. You know more about Africa than I go!
Erin,
Henry Rogers just returned from a trip to Kenya, where he observed a Maasai village. He brought back a spear, a knife, some other wooden instruments I can't identify (but they were fascinating), and a book about the Maasai's customs and history. The first thing he mentioned when I asked him about the trip was how degraded he thought the women must feel. They do the all the house & family work, to keep daily life going, while the men hunt and manage the cattle. If a visitor comes, he may ask the men "how are your kids, how are your cattle?" but he would never ask about the man's wife. Women are apparently not too high on the ole' totem pole out there. Interesting perspective for Henry to come home with. Did you find any similar information in your studies?
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