Back to school

Today the kids start a pre-school class at our local nature preserve. They will be learning about a new science theme every week. This week they will be studying butterflies. The teacher emailed a list of supplies needed, which included a bug catcher and a net. Let me tell you, these are not easy items to find in the September. I remember seeing lots of bug collecting stuff in the summer, but apparently the stores have decreed that summer is officially over. I went to four different stores before I finally found a bug catcher. FOUR DIFFERENT STORES! I never did find the nets. So, I am just going to let them use the nets from our Elefun game. I am keeping my fingers crossed that they don't break them or lose them or drop them in the mud.

In related news, we have officially started "school" in my house. My husband really wants me to homeschool, so I am testing the waters this year with preschool. If we like it, we'll probably continue to homeschool. If we don't, then Porgie will head off to Kindergarten next year. I came up with some lesson ideas last week, and the kids really liked it! We learned about the sun and the moon. We did letter A activities. We learned about top, middle, and bottom. We did calendar time and sang some new songs. And to my surprise and delight, we all had a really good time. Porgie begs me to do "school" as soon as she wakes up in the morning. This week we are going to learn about the planet Earth. We will study the letter B. We are going to learn about over, under/above, below. We also have some lacing and cutting activities planned. I hope this week goes as smoothly as last week!

So, that is what we have been up to lately. Anything new with you?

Sick, but entertained

We are sick. Well, I am not really sick, but my kids are. Remember when I was whining about feeling depleted last week? Well, I guess that was my version of this particular cold, because I am feeling all better now. But my kids? They have runny noses, sore throats, and coughs. Izzy has even vomited a few times. Not good friends. Not good.

In other news, I have been busy being crafty again. This time I made some file folder games for the kids to play...

Since we are going to be confined to the house for the next few days, these little games will certainly come in handy. Here is a website with lots of file folder games. I printed the games in color, glued them to cardstock (I would have printed them on white cardstock, but I only have colored paper), and them cut them out. Easy, cheap, and fun activities for the kiddos.

Plans for the fall

Remember when I told you about the co-op we were going to be joining in the fall? Unfortunately, classes were canceled for the semester due to lack of enrollment. DARN! I was pretty disappointed. I really wanted to do more structured learning activities with Porgie this year.

After much complaining and whining, I decided to approach one of my friends about planning some educational activities together. To my delight, my friend was super excited about my idea! We are getting together this week to plan some September activities. Since Johnny Appleseed's birthday is on the 26th, we will be taking a "field trip" to the farm for apple picking! So, even though I am disappointed about the co-op, I am excited to have a friend who is willing to indulge me and play teacher too.

I also signed the kids up for a 10 week session of classes at a local nature center. The classes will be on Monday mornings, and we will be exploring all things biology. I am pretty excited about this new adventure too. The truly awesome part is that this class is designed for 2-4 year-olds, so Izzy will be able to participate too.

And finally, I am trying to get in the habit of attending story time again. We used to go every week, but I have been slacking off lately. Between all of these activities (and dance class too), I think Porgie will get more than enough social interaction, and I think she'll learn quite a bit too.

I am looking forward to the fall and starting a new "school" schedule with the kids.

School

I have talked about the idea of homeschooling several times in the past, but I just haven't been able to fully commit to the idea. With my husband's encouragement, I finally contacted a local homeschool co-op. Last Friday I went to visit the facility and meet the other parents. And holy crap, I LOVED it.

Basically, a group of homeschooling mothers have organized a k-5 school in the basement of a church. The parents do everything. They teach the classes, develop the lessons, decorate the rooms, and take care of the little babies. I was amazed by the level of involvement. Parents do not drop off their children and leave. They are active participants in the entire learning process. Everyone has a job and everyone works to teach and guide the children. I can't say enough good things about the co-op. I was smitten.

So, I signed my family up for the co-op in the fall. Porgie and Izzy will be in the preschool class, and I will work as an aide in that room. We will be together the entire time, working and learning side by side. And I couldn't be happier with my decision. Even if we decide not to homeschool next year, I think this will be a wonderful experience for me and my children.