Ornithopter...I'd never heard of one of these until I started looking for plans for making our own flying machines, beyond the paper airplane variety. As I searched, I stumbled across ornithopters... flying machines that are powered by rubber bands and designed so that the wings flap to keep them airborne. I found kits for making them here.
We worked together slowly, and got about half-way through their construction in thirty to forty minutes. Then it was time to open the doors and let them get outside. The boys' circumstances have changed since the spring...now, none of them attend the same school. Two are at schools far enough away that they can't just walk over and meet us at the playground or on the way to our house. They needed to have the space and time to be together and catch up. This I was able to see with clarity.
So, once we're finished building our ornithopters, they will be on their own. I won't be preparing any activities for them to do while they are here...they will have the freedom to create their own activities, role plays, skits, and whatever else. There will be some limits...which materials can be used, the types and sizes of structures they create, as well as limits to ensure everyone's safety. But for the most part, what they create and how will be theirs to own.
Today felt like a self-imposed weight was removed. I am thankful for seeing what was in front of me all along.
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