[Child of the 7th Age]

A cluster of adult hobbits crowded into Miz Bella's office, all of them kinfolk of the young ones who were planning on attending school. Miz Bella had extended a warm welcome to Mari and to Woody and Hanson's Uncle Gil. Then she explained about the school and how the families could pay their fees in kind: a chicken or basket of eggs, or perhaps the provision of some needed service. Willy's mother Miz Burrows had been the last to arrive. After talking about her son, Miz Bella had the definite feeling that, unlike several of the other lads and lasses, Willy Burrows had certain misgivings about attending school and learning to read.

Miz Bella couldn't help smiling. She had taught her fair share of little ones over the years. They had not been hobbits but sons and daughters of the big folk, both those in the New Lands and in every corner of Middle-earth where she had travelled. But children were children; she didn't expect to find things too different in a hobbit classroom than she had found them in the villages and households of the big folk. She would need to keep a firm but kindly eye on Willy to make sure that he did not act up and try to interest him in the material she was teaching. Perhaps Willy and Camille could be paired together since both seemed hesitent about their studies. Possibly, they could help and encourage each other. It all depended if Willy could mind his manners or had his heart set on being disruptive in class. She would proobably find that out very quickly.

After Miz Bella tied up all the practical details of who would pay what and when, she spoke a little about what they would be doing in the class. "I know you need the lads and lasses to help out at home as well, so we'll meet in the morning and finish off about two hours after lunch. That should give them plenty of time to get home and do their chores. I'll understand if you ever want them to stay home to help in the fields or gardens, especially during the harvest; just try to tell me in advance so I can send work home. Today, because it's the first day of school, we have a special treat. Cook has promised cornbread and soup at lunchtime, and some fine sugar cookies. Normally, though, you'll want to send a lunch pail or make your own arrangements with Cook to send up a meal from the kitchen, which I'll be doing for myself. We can also get water from the pump out back."

"As far as the work goes, we'll start with some basic things: numbers and letters and short words plus a few stories about dragons or Elves or perhaps some discussion of the places I've been over the years. That should whet their appetite." By starting off simply, I can get a good idea of what each child knows and can tailor things accordingly. The class will have recess every morning, and I hope to have each child choose a special project." Miz Bella actually had a few projects in mind, one involving the side garden, the other the horse barn, and the third making recipes in the kitchen. She wondered if she could persuade Cook to lend her kitchen space, perhaps one day near the end of school after the lunch guests had left when things had slackened off .

"One other thing," she added. "Each of your little ones will be given a slate and chalk to take home. Please try to keep these in good shape. The children are welcome to practice what they learned. And for those who can already read, Master Samwise has graciously sent over some books that the children can borrow. "

"Now, do you have questions about anything? How we'll arrange payment or what the children will be learning? Otherwise, you're welcome to go about your business, and come back and collect the young 'uns in the mid-afternoon."