Spring Break Migrations

So I have two challenges I’m trying to combine today.   For Amanda’s book club we have the challenge Migration, and for the homeschool review crew, the prompt is spring break.   Maybe I’ll just call this Spring Break Migrations. 

A number of thoughts are going through my mind as I ponder this combination.   Last month I started reading Trinity and we are now just learning about the problems with the potatoes in Ireland.  The potato blight led to the Irish migrating out of Ireland for their very survival depended upon.  I also think about the snow geese that migrate through the area this time of year on their way up north.   My consideration also falls on how spring break has been put off this year for the local schools due to Covid and students having a hard time with learning.  As I ponder all these things I wonder, how do I talk about these things for highschool students?

Snow Geese

We’ve gone more than once to see the snow geese, and I’ve tried to take pics without success.  The pics always came up looking like snow in a distant field.  So I’ve kinda given up on that idea.  🙂   But snow geese are a beautiful bird. White with black highlights, flying in large flocks….it’s pretty to see them come in.   If you’d like to know more about their migratory paths All About Birds has a good map.   

There are a number of books to read about snow geese.  I’ll provide my affiliate link to Amazon for your ease!  Helps you, helps my blog.   I’m not going to say that all these books would be great for highschool students, but sometimes, a good picture book is a great introduction to a topic.  🙂 

The Migration of Irish Folks

So the great potato famine, caused by a potato blight, caused the loss of many Irish people. Ireland’s population fell from almost 8.4 million in 1844 to 6.6 million by 1851. About 1 million people died and it’s thought that 2 million more eventually emigrated from the country.  Potatoes were such a huge staple of their diet that losing that food source caused so much suffering.  Seems amazing to me now, but back in the 1800’s it was a significant problem. 

I know a little about the Irish potato famine since I run across it before with learning about the Irish were treated in North America.  But my interest has been peaked so our local library is sussing out some books for me to read. Did you know a song was written about this time in Irish history, called Skibbereen?

Some books I found on Amazon intrigue me as well.  

Spring Break

As some of you know, my son is in Army Cadets.  He normally LOVES this group, but the online lessons are starting to wear on him.  He loves the time he gets to spend with his friends, but the training is all book work at this point with no practical application.  It just makes it harder for him right now.  BUT the corps he is part of is working hard to put together a fun virtual spring break for the kids. 

I have to admit, it looks quite interesting and I’m hoping the lad will avail himself of the opportunity.   Each day has a theme and is filled with video, hands-on tasks, and a variety of challenges to complete.   They are working to engage the minds and bodies of their cadets. 

Normally spring break is a time for long walks, lots of time with friends, sleeping in, chores around the house, and short field trips.  We’ll be able to manage the walks, sleeping in and chores.  But with the current lockdown we are part of the rest (the really fun stuff) has again been put on hold.   We are planning an outdoor get-together with friends in the next couple of weeks.