An Amazing Woman!

We have just finished up another 'topic' in our American History study. We have spent the last couple of weeks learning about Abigail Adams. I have come to really admire and appreciate this wonderful woman. I think she was a unique woman with experiences and talents that were crucial to her mission. I also loved the wonderful love story between her and John. They were so good for each other. She kept him down-to-earth and he helped her to reach her potential. We had the wonderful opportunity to have her come to 'visit' us. She came one morning to introduce herself to us and told us many of her experiences and life history. We learned a lot about her at the 'tea' we had and became very excited to learn more.

We learned that she was 'homeschooled' too, because her health was not good. She loved to listen, read and think and write.

After 'Abigail' left we also had a visit from the Yankee Peddler. He brought around his box of items for sale and the girls each got out the 'shillings' they had earned and carefully made their purchases. It was interesting to watch them try to buy everything in the box and spend all their money, then think about it a bit more and put most things back. Cambria only bought her wooden spoon and is saving her shillings to buy a marble set. Hannah bought only the big marble and is saving to buy the rest. Sadie wanted to spend all her money, but in the end bought a wooden spoon and a pair of folding scissors. I was happy to see them be more conscientious consumers. Soren bought himself a little wooden truck toy.

Some of the favorite 'inquiries' done by the girls were:

learning a colonial dance called "Gathering Peascods" peascods is another term for peapods.

designing and illustrating a dress for her to wear to John's inauguration in 1797

draw a portrait of Abigail from a real picture of her

Research and record what kinds of chores Abigail did and what kinds of activities filled her time. Play charades, using the list made of chores and activities

Research what pewter is made of and how it's made

Research and calculate how old she was when John signed the Declaration of Independence

Research foods eaten during that time and prepare one--Indian pudding, made of cornmeal, molasses, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, milk. (Note: the girls think molasses is awful smelling!)