The second Death Star under construction in Return of the Jedi (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
“May the fourth be with you,” stated my eight-year old son.
“And with you,” I replied.
Thus began our STAR WARS day, May 4th, 2013.
A month ago the invitations were mailed. The RSVPs had been given. At noon, my son’s fellow younglings would arrive for light saber duels, Jedi training, and good v. evil challenges. The Jedi were to depart at 3:15. Not 3:00 o’clock. Not 3:30. Three. fifteen.
This was my son’s third annual STAR WARS party. At the first party, someone thought it was a birthday party and brought him a gift. The mom couldn’t understand that our son would plan a party to celebrate STAR WARS! Really? I have seen Oscar parties, Kentucky Derby parties, and Super Bowl parties. Those parties do not even come close to my son’s STAR WARS parties for fun and excitement.
The best part is he does the planning. We ate Death Star grapes, StarWarsberries, and make your own pizzas. Every little Jedi would be happy.
My son informed me that I was not needed in organizing games or activities outside. In fact I was to do nothing except put the pizzas in the oven and take them out of the oven. Part of me was sad that he was growing up, and he didn’t need me. However, I quickly became happy when I realized I would not have to be hit with light sabers, or have those Ewoks jump all over me. I could relax.
Jar Jar Binks, a Gungan (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Of course, at every STAR WARS party we have a kid cry. Even if I remind them that no one ever cried in STAR WARS. This year, we had one accidental hit on the head with a light saber. A little Jar Jar Binks walked into a light saber being tossed in the air. And, we had a couple of boys try to sneak into the basement to play video games:
“It’s burning up outside,” they whined.
“It’s 73 degrees. There is a breeze. Get a glass of water and go play,” I ordered.
They drank some water, petted our little Chewbacas and ran outside to join the fun. There were no further problems or complaints.
The party was an excellent demonstration of skills my son learned in school and at home:
*Writing invitations
*Using time management
*Planning activities
*Leading small groups
*Creating a menu for kids with food allergies
*Compromising so everyone has fun
I can’t wait to see how the Department of Education will create a standardized test to assess these skills. I hope he does well, or he may not be college and career ready.
Related articles
- On Star Wars Day, a Look at Recent Force News (newsy.com)
thefreshmanexperience 