We did not get any FIAR done yesterday because we met friends at the State Fair.  We had a great time.   to those of our friends we joined yesterday that are reading here. 

Today we did read The Raft.  We enjoyed it and it provoked much conversation.  In fact, it provoked so much conversation that I'm not sure how we will ever get done in one week. 

The children all noticed the sour look on Nicky's face on the first page.  This brought up great conversation.  The children all talked about how Nicky should have received the instruction his dad had given him without sulking about it.  They also noted that he did have self control in not crying as it said "I felt tears starting again, but I blink hard and looked out the window". 

They also wondered where the mother was, which was a great lesson in the wonder of writing that an author can leave.  The author doesn't tell us where mother is so the children all decided that she was either dead or away taking care of sick family and couldn't be with her son. 

There were many character issues to discuss in this book.  Nicky told his grandmother that he didn't like what she was serving for dinner.  The children all immediately knew that he was not honoring his grandmother and her hard work for preparing this meal for him. 

We discussed many things in this book.  I really enjoyed hearing the children 'pick apart' the character issues of this book but I more greatly enjoyed them sharing the same struggles they have had (do have) and how they are working on it or areas they have conquered (with the help of Jesus).  They all talked about how God blessed Nicky's time at his grandma's home even though Nicky had such a bad attitude about it.  We talked about showing love and honor at all times, even when we don't *feel* like it. 

The illustrations in this book are great. 

Another thing the children noted was that the Grandma just kept on showing love to Nicky even though he wasn't showing the same love to her.  One of the children said "that's just like a Grandma" 

We did get our folders made but that is about it.  We didn't get any of the other work done I had planned for today (with FIAR) but I think what we did accomplish was far better.  I'm always so thankful for little windows into the hearts of our children!