From (name supplied on request) Sat May 23 13:54:52 1998
Date: Sat, 23 May 1998 00:08:59 -0500
Subject: Final maps
Hi David,
Well, what a night! Why should I have been so concerned about grading their final maps! They were awesome! It brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes to see such great artwork! You'll be proud to see the result. They all get A's for the map!
Two kids were not able to complete maps...one is a perfectionist the other broke both wrists, so they will bring them to me in June and I'll then give them their grades for the year. It has been a momentous year for us all. They were sure they would not be able to do this final work...but like you said...slow methodical, bit by bit.....they did it and did it well. You are lucky...you get to see this metamorphosis year after year. What a thrill! This is probably my only year to do it. My elder son was in the class and he graduated that night... My other son isn't in home school... But I'm hoping I can do this with him somehow, somewhere in his education. It is a most worthwhile project and the kids now "own" the world. Every time they hear a place or read of a place in the news, they know where it is and it "belongs" to them. Thanks David, for creating such a fabulous program. I've always loved geography and done lots of foreign travel and its nice to pass this love on to others and for them to realize a knowledge of world geography will take them a long way in life! I told my class that they are in the top 1% of students not only in America, but probably in the whole world who know as much as they do on this topic. I hope they don't forget and review from time to time to keep updated.
I ordered a map from Rand McNally, a modern up to date version with an old world look, about mid year. They sent me a case of 12 for the price of one. Their mistake, and they said to keep them. I said I'd give one to each of my 12 students at the end of the year as a gift. It was a neat way to honor the kids that night.
I want to sign off now with a Bible verse that just adds icing to all that we have done this year. Thanks for being so available to us all, we really appreciate you.
"The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell therein.
For He has founded it upon the seas,
And established it upon the waters."
Psalm 24:1
Sincerely,
(name omitted) and students: Amanda, Rachel, Lacy, Lara, Ashley, Kendra, Mike, Kristen, Joel, Mark, and Timothy
P.S. I will send map pictures when they are developed.
Teacher eagle and student eagles
