Schultüten and grubby little feet

Yesterday was our first official school day in our family’s home school. We celebrated at our friends’ house with a traditional German first day of school party called a “Schulanfangfeier.” Our hosts presented each child with a “Schultüte,” also known as “Zuckertute.” It’s basically a cone full of school goodies! They were filled with zipper pencil cases, pencils, notepads, erasers, candies, small toys for the boys, and hair clips and lip gloss for the girls. As you can see in the picture of the boys, they were so grubby from playing outside all afternoon! Guess which two of our friends in the picture are of German descent and hosted this festive event?

Our friends made spaghetti bolognese and garlic bread for everyone. We brought the cupcakes.

William decorates the cupcakes

Elizabeth and her Schultüte

My daughter suggested that we use an official school name like Adair Academy. I’m going to think about it. It would be fun to get t-shirts with our school name and a crazy mascot to foster some school spirit around here. I’ll keep you posted on school colors and mascot selection and naming!

I’m so excited about our curriculum this year! Here are some of the items we’re using for spelling, creative writing, and history:

• Spelling Power by Beverly L Adams-Gordon
• Spelling Power Activity Cards
• Wordsmith Apprentice by Janie B. Cheaney
• All American History, Volume I, Student Reader by Celeste Rakes
• All American History, Volume I, Student Activity Book
  
• All American History, Volume I, Teacher Guide

I will be adding more titles in math, science, art, and music, as we get underway this month. I will also be reviewing and commenting on all of these titles as the year progresses. I’m hoping for more raves than rants!