College 4 Kids

J has been going to a summer program called College 4 Kids. She has three classes. Project Runway, Step-up and Dance, and Forensic Science. The science class was actually one that I had talked her into taking. She keeps saying that she wants to be a vet or a doctor, this was the only science class that they were offering. It was not one of her top picks, in fact it was the last on her list. The other classes that she wanted filled up rather quickly.

Every day I take her to school. She hops out of my car all excited about another day of fun and learning. "Have a good day. I love you." I tell her as I watch her get out of the car.

"I love you too." She always says then takes off running for the school doors. Her flip flops just about making her trip, as she does a little dance spin midway to the entrance. I shake my head, that girl is all about music; dancing, singing, humming, playing instruments.

When I pick her up from C4K she usually has something to show off to her brothers. I get to peek at it after the boys try to get her to give whatever it is to them (W only wants the things because Q wants them). She has made a few bracelets, a ring (she gave that to me), a wallet, a necklace, and an apron for a barbie doll.  She shows off some dance moves. She learned the jazz box step ( I didn't even know there was such a thing).

Yet, she talks the most about science. "Guess what we did today, Mom. We learned how to tell things by looking at a person's handwriting. Did you know that Mark Twain use to underline his name? If you underline your signature that means that you think you are important. Oprah writes her name on top of each other and underlines them both."
"What does it mean if you sign your name big?" I often sprawl out my signature when picking up medicine for the kids when they are sick. I am thinking to myself that it means I am holding a sick crying two year old while I have two other kids begging for toys or candy, and trying to sign for my payment; AHH!
"That means you want attention. Small writing means that you don't." I just about laughed; When I do sign in a big sprawl it is after I have waited in line for at least forty-five minutes on a medicine that I was told would be ready in about fifteen. I suppose at those times I was wanting the attention of the pharmacist!

Now she is all excited because they are doing a mock crime scene. She thinks she has the crime all figured out already. She'll discover the truth tomorrow.

I am so glad that she is enjoying this learning experience. Her classes during the regular school year do not offer science like this. She is learning that this is something that she enjoys; looking at things then piecing it all together.

J "reading" with Mark Twain at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Are your kids in any special summer academic courses? Was is their idea or yours? J about begged to get to go to this, I was more than happy to sign her up.