Why on earth would someone take their kids out of school due to an eclipse?
This is a question I saw numerous times on social media the past few weeks leading up the eclipse. And I guess it’s a legit question. I mean, really – is the solar eclipse really that big of deal?
When I first started hearing everyone talk about the eclipse I didn’t even know what it was. Everywhere I turned people were mentioning this “eclipse” thing and something about some overpriced glasses. I was completely lost. I finally got curious enough and decided to do some research. That’s when I found out how cool an eclipse was and the fact that we were getting to experience it was pretty awesome.
For those of you who don’t know, according to NASA, there are two types of eclipses: lunar and solar. A lunar eclipse is when the earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, causing the earth’s shadow to obscure the moon or a portion of it. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the sun causing the light of the sun to be blocked from the earth. Eclipses are very rare and only visible in limited areas. August 21st, 2017 was the first total solar eclipse that was viewable in Georgia since March 1970! The next total solar eclipse wont be viewable in Georgia until August 12, 2045!!!!
Oddly enough, the day after I did all my research, Autumn came home with a paper model of the solar eclipse that they made in class. She explained to me what a solar eclipse was and how excited she was. That’s when I knew, I had to see this with her. This was something we were going to be able to experience together.
So, I made a decision a lot of people would think I’m crazy for – I decided to allow Autumn to play hooky from school so we could see the eclipse together.
The day of the eclipse (I guess I could just say yesterday but y’all know I’m extra), we were SO excited. We got some lunch, packed our beach towels, our handy dandy glasses that I purchased from an old high school friend (shout out to Kim) and drove down to the lake. The eclipse would be at it’s maximum coverage of 97% at exactly 2:35 PM and we were counting down the minutes together. We got to the lake around 1:00 pm and kept putting on our glasses every 10-15 minutes or so. It was such a sight to see. You could literally see the entire process of the moon moving closer and closer over the sun. The temperature started to drop and the sky got darker.
When the eclipse was finally at its maximum coverage, Autumn and I stood and watched it together. It was such an amazing experience – I’m actually having a hard time putting it into words. It was something I know she and I will never forget. It’s a memory that I will cherish forever, and one I know she will carry with her when I’m gone.
As a parent, I believe it is so important to create these kinds of memories with your kids. It’s more than a trip to get some ice cream or to Toys R’ Us to pick out a new toy. It was better than our trips to Disney World and all of her birthday parties I have the tendency to go overboard on. This experience, was by far, one of the best memories I’ve made with my daughter. Together, we got to witness God at work. And you can’t put a price on that.
August 21st, 2017 was a moment in history. I’m glad I was able to witness it with my daughter by side.
I’m with you. I believe children learn more experiencing life than they ever do in any classroom. I would have also let my kids stay home.
Yes, I am glad you agree. There’s nothing like experiencing history first hand rather than reading about it in a text book. Thanks for your comment Doreen! 🙂
My daughter was lucky she wasn’t in school yet, but if she was I might have kept her home to experience it.
What a wonderful experience to add to her summer break. So awesome! 🙂
There is so much beyond a classroom. Glad you got to experience it together 🙂
I agree! A classroom can only teach so much. Thanks so much for your comment 🙂