A new school year has delivered with it a fresh crop of sweet little girls who are now part of our local American Girl Book Club. So many signed up, we divided the group into two. Now forth graders meet one day and the third graders come the next.
As girls arive to the meeting, they're greeted and given a necklace to wear and to keep. Something the character that they have just read about might have worn.
Our meetings officially comes to order as we "sign" American Girl.
Next, it's Circle Time where Michele leads a discussion about the book the girls have just read.
This week we talked about Kaya, a brave and courageous Indian girl who lives in the Pacific Northwest during the 1700's.
Next, girls then move to tables and get to look in their goody bags, where they find the book they will read next, but discover other surprises relating to the chacter they just read about. The girls above are holding Dream Catchers.
The younger girls were given plastic horses like Steps High, (Kaya's beloved horse), among other trinkets.
The girls always partake in an artistic craft, something to keep.
Finally, a meal is served.
This photo above makes me tear up....I just adore it!
Many of these girls don't have much, so being part of the American Girls Book Club, means a lot to them. At the end of this year, each member will have eleven books to keep, ones they can start a personal book collection with. It is an expensive endeavour, run completely by donations and when I think of all the people who have donated their money and time, from all over the United States for the past three years, that makes me tear up too!
I think about how just ONE tiny action can make such a profound difference in another persons life and consider how a smile or word of encouragement can really change a persons destiny. I want this to be a safe and fun place where these little girls feel valued and loved, so they will grow into strong & successful women with good manners!
(Above: my friend Deborah with one of our newest American Girls)
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Happy week to all!!
xox
Constance
