Ye Olde Skool homeschool

We've been revisiting some of the classics around here this summer--dyeing batches of Queen Anne's Lace, listening to Peter Pan and reading about George Washington and Ben Franklin.

We've kept up with a light school agenda, since our school is pretty light year-round. This summer Dan has been taking over a lot of the "school time" with Emma, and I've really enjoyed it! :) I may even venture to say I'm becoming quite spoiled.

Call us old-fashioned but Dan has been having Emma practice her penmanship. He came home from work one day with this list he called, "Rules of Civility" and he has her write one or two rules each day.

Some of them are revisions from George Washington's rules of civility, and the others are his own creation. Some are things we are trying to address at home (Do not slouch at the table.) or when we are out (Do not run and play in Church.) And while in this isolated setting, they may sound uptight and strict, I can attest to the fact, that in just a few short weeks of this, they have really made an impression on the girls. And in turn, cut back on the amount of nagging and reminding I have to do.

It is like having a mantra. It is something that the girls can call to mind to help them remember how to handle a situation where they might be floundering. And I hear them reminding each other of the words and lessons they are beginning to memorize (all while improving their penmanship).

RULES of CIVILITY

Show interest when others are talking.
When talking about God be serious and respectful.
Wait for others before eating your dessert.
Do not talk with your mouth full.
Do not slouch at the table.
Do not speak badly about others.
Listen more than you talk.
Be careful to keep your promises.
Do not listen to secrets about other people.
Do not be too interested in other people's business.
Do not point.
Think before you speak.
Speak clearly. Do not mumble or whisper.
Make eye contact when talking with others.
Do not correct your parents in public.
Do not run and play in Church.
Do not complain.
Associate with good people.
Do not brag. Compliment others instead.
Do not talk with dirty language.
Do not dress sloppy or overly fancy.
Do not be angry when corrected but thankful.
Do not look down on other people.
Always give guests the best.
Include others in your conversation.

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Also, thank you so much to Brandy for including me on The Lovely List. It's a pleasure to be in the company of so many wonderful ladies and beautiful blogs. If you would, take a moment and pop over to say hello. You might even want to poke around a bit. There are lots of great artists, blogs, photographers to discover.