Soundy ~
I'm not really part of the ANA Book Club but I wanted to thank you for your update on your children's activities this weekend. Some of your post really jogged my memory, back to when I was about 10 years old.
My family owned a purebred brindle Boxer that won over 50 ribbons in his brief 'career' (he died of cancer at age 7). My dad used to hold free dog obedience classes on Saturdays at the local elementary school for kids and grownups. I used to help. One of the first lessons was showing the students that, as my dad used to put it: "dogs don't speak English" and that issuing commands in the 'right' tone of voice was far more important than what you said. I would do exactly what your daughter (Sarah) did and talk to our Boxer (a very intelligent, well-trained dog) in pleasant tones but saying mean things like "You're an ugly, flea-bitten mutt" and nice things in mean tones, i.e. "Nice dog, what a good dog". Predictably, our Boxer ('Luke') would cringe at the 'nice' words spoken in harsh tones and wag his tail at the mean things spoken in a pleasant tone of voice. The kids always got a big laugh out of it and the adults learned something - I think. Apparently, most people are not aware of the 'tone' issue in training a dog to voice commands, so Sarah did a service for her classmates.
Hannah's paper towel demonstration was creative and practical so your other daughter deserved her award. That she had some fun doing her project is a bonus. Children seeing that learning can be fun is always a blessing. Enjoy your new glasses!.
Jim
