It Came on the Boat

While Riley is going to teach people how to do the tinikling at the Fall Festival, Dylan wanted to be in charge of teaching people how to play sungka.

Sungka is the Filipino version of mancala. In Java it's Dakon, Chonka in Sri Lanka, and Naranj in the Maldives. Same idea: rocks or shells and holes. I guess its simplicity makes it something that people all around the world would have been able to easily create and play.

The great thing about this game is that it's actually a board from the Philippines. Nonna carried it with her when she came to this country on a boat.

Traditionally it's played with cowry shells. We decided to use glass beads.

Dylan's Responsibilities

Dylan's first project of the year involves discovering his learning style and exploring his responsibilities - to his family, to his school, to his community, and to his world.

And because he's the second child, he - for the most part - fends for himself. Sad, but true. Parents can say that they treat their kids the same. They're lying...or they are super-heroes that have my complete and utter admiration.

So, I didn't take a look at his planning sheet until he was all done. I have to admit, my heart swelled with pride, when I read what he had written. For his responsibilities to his community...

• CSA box
• beach clean up
• support local parks

I love that he sees these as his responsibility to his community! Hopefully that means that he'll walk the walk, even when he's away from our watchful eyes.