The virtual classroom went well this week as we explored the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia. The Sumerians and Babylonians made significant discoveries that improved agriculture, created the first city-states, and led the world forward in the quest to understand the stars by creating astronomy. I read the story of Gilgamesh to them - an abridged version - which, like all ancient civilizations we have studied, has a flood story. We also noted the similarity of Gilgamesh’s search for the gift of immortality to the quest of the monkey king.

I’m looking forward to playing SUMER with them on Monday with the Bingo-type games they created with facts about Mesopotamia. The next two weeks will be devoted to Ancient Egypt. This block will include more historical data than the first two. Nefertiti, Cleopatra, the quest for territory and the capture of other peoples for slave labor brought forth some astounding architecture, the creation of paper, hieroglyphics, and more.

The temperatures this week are slated to dip into the twenties at night and in the early morning hours. I would like to stay outside as much as possible, so the children should definitely have layer upon layer of clothing, hats and gloves for outside, and appropriate inside clothing for when it is just too cold to be outside.

We will continue our observance of Advent using the poem written by Rudolph Steiner. I am always fascinated by the reverence our children have for light in the midst of darkness. Today is the anniversary of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. Sunday was the second Sunday of Advent in the Christian calendar, and the word for the week is PEACE. As we move through this time of year and observe times of darkness and times of Love, Peace, Hope, and Joy, may we all be grateful for the wonder of childhood and the promise of a future that will be better, more just, and brighter than this particular time of uncertainty.

Blessings to you all,

Kathee