Poetry Recital and Valentines Day

 One of my favorite activities that our homeschool group does is the Poetry Recital and Valentine Exchange in February. This year, I was in charge of this activity. Now, to be honest, I can take or leave the Valentine bit. The kids love it, so we do it, and that it a-okay with me. But what I really, really, REALLY love is our poetry recital. I love it more than there are words or emojis you could use to describe how much I love it. And because I love it so, we have made it into a rather "big deal" at my house. I have an agreement with my kids that if they memorize and recite their poems at the Homeschool Poetry Recital, they will earn a giant chocolate heart from me on actual Valentines Day. We started this tradition several years ago, because Lincoln (and Ivan and Adelia ended up memorizing it too) was learning My Mother's Chocolate Valentine by Jack Prelutsky that year and I bribed him with a chocolate heart because that's what the poem is about. And the tradition has stuck, so they earn a chocolate heart every year, no matter what they recite. :)

Since we've been working on memorizing Shakespeare this year, both Adelia and Ivan chose to recite pieces from A Midsummer Night's Dream. Ollie picked a very short, funny one-liner from Shakespeare that I'm not sure where it came from. "I go, I go, look how I go! Faster than an arrow from a Tartar's bow!" Lincoln asked if he could learn a nursery rhyme or poem in German and recite that. So I helped him find a reasonably short one about a cat walking through the snow, and by the time it got into the house it looked like it had white socks on it's feet. Linc was able to memorize it, which I thought was awesome because he hadn't learned the majority of the words yet in his German studies. He was pretty pleased with himself.

All the kids did an excellent job reciting. I love the variety, and the personality that comes through, and I love that my kids get to see that other kids memorize poetry too.

In order for me to get a reservation at the church, I had to so the recital during the daytime on Friday, which meant no dads. :( It also meant I was trying to keep Ruby and Cal quiet so I didn't get a chance to record my kids reciting. I did snap a couple of quick pictures. But I wish I would have been able to record them.

Ivan reciting "Captain of our Fairy Band" from A Midsummer Night's Dream

Adelia reciting "I know a bank where the wild thyme grows..." from A Midsummer Night's Dream

Ollie reciting, "I go, I go..." from Shakespeare.

Lincoln reciting, "ABC Die Katze lief im schnee..." a German poem about a cat.

 This year, as part of our celebration of words, I asked all the kids to bring samples of their writing to display for everyone to read and see. I don't know if this was a hit for anyone else or not, but I loved it! I think having people read and praise your work is really exciting and gives meaning to writing. Especially if it's your peers reading your work. So my good friend Wynter helped me set up and decorate tables, and we displayed the kids' writing projects and it was awesome. We have some really imaginative and talented kids in our group. I loved seeing and reading the different things they brought to show.

At home, I tried my very hardest to make Valentines Day a day where we express our love and appreciation for each other, and not just another holiday where we go berserk on candy and gifts. Easier said than done. But I did encourage the kids to write notes to each other. I helped Ollie sew around hearts with yarn, and then I wrote on them while he dictated to me what he wanted each one to say. Lincoln and Ivan both made cards for everyone too. Adelia forgot, but that's ok. Aaron opted to make everyone a nice breakfast on Vday morning, instead of cards, and that was awesome too. (He did make a card for me though.) I make everyone cards every year, and then I have them sitting by their plate at breakfast along with the chocolate heart they earned from the poetry recital. The kids really don't care much about the cards, but maybe some day they will. And they seemed to like it this year that they each got cards from almost everyone in the family.

For the record:

Linc,
You are getting so grown up, and are such a good helper. I love being your mom and watching you learn new things. You are a good kid. And I am so proud of the example you set for your siblings. I hope you never forget how much your old mom loves you, because it is A LOT! Happy Valentines Day.
Love,
Mom

Ivan,
What's black and white and red all over? Your Valentine! :) I just want to tell you how much I love you. I can't believe you're turning 8 soon. You are growing up so fast. You are a good kid and a big helper. I appreciate how you often step in to help without being asked.  I love to watch all the things you are learning and doing. Don't ever forget that your old mom loves you LOTS and LOTS. Happy Valentines Day!
Love,
Mom

Delly Bean,
Happy Valentines Day! I just wanted to tell you thanks for bringing so much light and happiness into our house and family. I love watching you make friends and brighten people's day. Life is so much more fun because you are here. I'm so proud of all the things you are learning and doing. Never forget how much your old mom loves you. It's A LOT!
Love,
Mom

Oliver Michael Swan,
Happy Valentines Day to you my little snuggle bug. I sure do love you A LOT!! I love that we get to hang out all day and that you are my field trip buddy. It's fun to go on adventures with you. I love to watch you learn, and to answer all your questions. Thanks for always being my sunshine.
Love,
Mom

Ruester Magoo!
I love you so! And all your spice and personality too. You make me laugh every day. I love that you are my determined little helper. I love that you want to do everything the big kids do. Happy Vday Chicka! Love you LOTS!
Love,
Mom

Cal Buddy,
You are such a personable and contented little fella. I love your twinkly smiling eyes and your round baldy-head. Thanks for being mellow and easy going. I love you more than all the stars and all the cars.
Love,
Mom