May Flowers

III. May

Intro: April showers bring May flowers. Mother May I? What other sayings or phrases do you think of in May?

History: April showers bring May flowers.  In 1620 the Mayflower was an English sailing ship of approximately 400 “pilgrims.” Dissatisfied with the failure, excesses and abuses of the current government of England; the desire to travel was considered audacious and risky. However, compared to the increasingly difficult life of forced labor and menial jobs affecting individual health  and general civil unrest, the departure of the younger and stronger was inevitable. The trip from Northern England to Southhampton in 1620 took three days. After 10 weeks at sea, less than half survived the first winter. The Mayflower, the Plymouth Colony was an experiment. It was not organized by the government. In order to survive, it depended on the consent of the colonists themselves. Necessity bound a community together. Revolution by chance. 

Mystery: What happened to the original Mayflower; The ship?  According to Brittanica, “The true fate of the vessel is unknown.” 

Some historians argue that the Mayflower was scrapped for its timber, which was then used in the construction of barn.” 

Who were the Pilgrims? And why were they ready to face dire conditions in order to have more order. A Compact. Who were the others aboard the Mayflower?

"The others, were considered common folk and included merchants, craftsmen, indentured servants and orphaned children. They were referred to by the Pilgrims as ‘strangers’.”

Math, Reading:

The Three Little Pigs. (Paused for a latter day).

Basic: forming an essential foundation. A starting point; Fundamental.

Proficient: pure ability that comes with training and practice to make progress.

Advanced: Going beyond progress. From deficient to efficient.  

Being beyond the elementary; greatly developed beyond basic ideas. Far on in time or course. 

“Once up on a Time…”  there were three little pigs. 

Final Word: *Graduation* 

It’s my birthday, so I’m stealing-A Song For you. By Donny Hathaway.

I've been so many places in my life and time

I've sung a lot of songs

I've made some bad rhymes

I've acted out my life in stages

With ten thousand people watching

But we're alone now

And I'm singing this song to you

I love you in a place

Where there's no space or time

I love you for my life

You're a friends of mine

And when my life is over

Remember when we were together

We were alone

And I was singing this song to you.”

*May you build a house. Set sail. Flower.