My daughter and I went to the grocery store together today. On the way, I played an audiobook version of stories I loved as a kid, the adventures of Encyclopedia Brown. My dad read me these stories when I was my daughter’s age. As we listened to a mystery about a mysterious tramp’s attack onContinue reading “Detective Work”
Author Archives: Jonathan Sircy
Trash Detail
Today at school, I picked up trash on campus as part of our Annual Service Day. When I got home, my daughter wanted us to clean up our street. So, for ten minutes, we walked out to our country road, and she picked up trash with socks on her hands instead of gloves. We foundContinue reading “Trash Detail”
Star Cards
My daughter has gotten a bevy of star cards the past week. The cards have complimented her for being KNOWLEDGEABLE (2), a THINKER (2), and BALANCED. The comments on the back of the cards said this: “Great sentences on your morning work!!” “Meeting expectations all morning!” “First one at Readers’ Workshop!” “You make a greatContinue reading “Star Cards”
Lion Lessons
On Thursdays, my wife takes our daughter out for the evening. They either visit my wife’s aunt or go to a monthly 4-H meeting. I get the evening alone. Then, when my wife and daughter return, I get my daughter ready for bed and get to read her a night-time book. Tonight, we read herContinue reading “Lion Lessons”
“I’ve got to think…”
It was a beautiful Wednesday afternoon, so my daughter spent time outside. She was making cakes out of dirt, but her dish would stand up to slicing or dicing. Instead of throwing a fit, she walked around the yard saying, “I’ve got to think of an answer.” I can’t claim responsibility for this small bitContinue reading ““I’ve got to think…””
100
Today was the 100th day of the school year. My daughter and her classmates were supposed to dress up as though they were 100 years old and bring 100 of a particular item. My daughter looked less like a centenarian than a stereotypical elderly librarian. I got her to say, “Where’s the beef?” in aContinue reading “100”
Star Cards
Today, my daughter received a “star card” at school for obeying directions. This led to my wife and me making the same joke: “What if you obeyed directions at home?” I realized that my daughter’s teachers are positively reinforcing good behavior. It might not be a bad idea for me to do the same. WhileContinue reading “Star Cards”
Peace
Today, my daughter and I listened to a podcast filled with Bible verses to listen to when you can’t sleep or feel afraid at night. My daughter just woke up with a bad dream. I walked in and prayed with her and recited Psalm 23. I nearly cried when saying the chapter’s final verse: “SurelyContinue reading “Peace”
Chapel
My daughter had another snow day. I did not. She came to campus with me and hung out in my office while I taught and attended chapel with me too. While she’s usually peripatetic, she stayed still for fifty minutes during a worship service and sermon. She was good the entire day, and it wasContinue reading “Chapel”
Learning at Home
My daughter had a snow day today that was officially designated an e-learning session. Most of the learning happened via my wife and me. My daughter’s tasks included: Catch (P.E.) Finishing a chapter book (Language Arts) Getting the chicken’s eggs (Biology) Making a volcano with baking soda, citric acid, and water (Science) Creating a gameContinue reading “Learning at Home”
Learning Together 