A solar eclipse was predicted that spring (www.exploratium.edu/eclipse/index.html ). The assignment was to build a sundial. This sounded like a simple project for a class of thirty. Together, we would take a single sundial to the playground to watch the solar eclipse. It was a moment in time that happens once every two years in the life of planet earth.
While planning this assignment the classroom teacher realized that this project could be broken into small groups. The students would be able to decide what groups they wanted to work within. I had made friends with another girl withing the class. Frequent days of "medical excuses" took a seemingly healthy girl from the classroom.
The project was completed at her home. With her mother's instruction we successfully completed this project. We gazed at our sundial with a sense of accomplishment. A Guide To Monitoring The Progress Of Solar Storms is at http://sunearthday.nasa.gov/swac .
Bright and early the next morning we arrived at school. There, we were met by representatives of the court in the county where we lived. She was not able to attend school that day or for weeks to come. I would have to make the presentation without her.
My Mary Janes led the way when my name was called. I walked across the black pavement of the playground. Alone, I made the presentation of my sundial to the entire class as they looked on in amazement. Looking at the blue sleeves of my navy blue sailor dress I felt an unwavered sense of independence. It was towards the end of my first grade year of school. This spirit of independence was felt thoroughly within and could be seen through my conduct in classrooms early in my educational years. It was often met with intolerance.
The tolerance for homeschooling has progressed ot the point that medial excuses no longer need to be fabricated by parents and other caretakers. Code 22 of the homeschooling regulations for the state of Virginia discusses contagious diseases and immunizations.
Early this month I reflected bak to this moment in my life. It was another solar eclipse. Another memory for independent learning, teaching and all of the magical moments that come with it.
Shannon Bridget Murphy
Tags:
fairfax county virginia, first grade, homeschooling, immunizations, medical excuse, nasa, solar eclipse
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