Let's Get Real - Chess, Frogs and Fun

Let's Get Real

Sep. 28, 2006

Chess, Frogs and Fun

Oh how I wish I had learned to play chess when I was younger! Maybe I would have been better at logic and math.

I am an abstract thinker, and I think in pictures. Logic and math have always been my more difficult subjects. But I don't think it was because I couldn't do them --- I think it was because I just didn't have good instruction or good curriculum.

I attended public school and they were going through a lot of experimental stuff at that time. I even remember doing so-called relaxation techniques in school. How wierd is that?

So, I get beat in chess by my students more often than not.

And if you think I'm feeling confused? What do you think this little guy is feeling?

Can you see the little toad on the board? Well, I have a funny story about him. He is the toad that got away. Somewhere here in the church where I home school my children and seven others, there is a little toad. He is either dead or thriving. I am holding my breath about it because I can just see him hopping out during a church service!

The boys (I have eight boys and two girls I'm teaching) are absolutely mad about frogs and toads right now. Everyday we have a collection of them to observe, love, and play with. We are having such fun looking up the different kinds of frogs on the Internet. So far we have collected the common toad, green frogs and wood frogs. I never realized there were so many different kinds of frogs!

Oh! I mustn't forget to mention the little silky pocket mouse we caught and observed for an entire day. When we let him go outside he was gone quicker than a flash!

But back to chess. Matt, one of my students, brought in his very cool chess board made of revolutionary war period pieces:

His brother made the board in a shop class. Cool, eh?

If you read this, could you please say a prayer for my middle son? He is going through some emotional growing pains, and his father and I need wisdom right now! Please pray for his spirit, soul and body. Please pray he will guard his heart, mind and body in Christ Jesus. Please pray that we all have the mind of Christ!

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2

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Comments

Oct. 2, 2006 - I will pray for your son

Posted by ktneis

It is hard to get through the challenging years of teenhood. God is going to be there giving you the guidance you need. You are awesome parents and will do good with your son. We have captured many frogs lately and on is on my desk, it has a black eye and a striped eye, yep pretty neat. I have been discovering the logic and concentration concepts in a book I am reading, I never would have thought that chess had so many good things for us. I am seeing the light in this game, I am not good with the game but I will be learning soon. Isn't it funny how one persons ideas become another persons treasures to teach their kids with. Great pictures, your classroom looks very inviting and stimulating.

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Oct. 2, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by hugs4Him

Praying Karla. Thank you for that incredible email encouragement recently, but I am definitely not worthy!

I can relate to thinking in pics; I wonder if I could handle chess. The program you blogged on is still on my list!

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Oct. 3, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Majormom