Preschool

We are attempting to keep a stricter schedule.  Something that's been needing to happen for some time but I've simply been too undisciplined to enforce.  Now that we've survived the first week I alreayd see how much the kids are thriving on the new regiment.  One aspect is a regular structured learning time with Ivory.  She *LOVES* "school time."  She would do it three times a day every day if we could.  She loves to learn and catches on so quickly that I feel thoroughly spoiled.  I think what she likes most is Mom's undivided attention.  I'm not worried so much about the learning that takes place as I am her learning that Mommy is the teacher.  I want her to learn to listen and for us to enjoy some focused time together.  I want this love for learnign to last and to grow organically.  But, I don't want to be guilty of not feeding it when the appetite is there!  We keep it super simple with a little workbook fun, story writing, coloring, and reading time.

Preschool :: Week 2

This week's theme is BABIES--preparing the kids for baby Korban's arrival.  Lots of great library books about babies and a daily Bible story about a baby.


MONDAY
We learned about baby Isaac and how God promised to give Abraham as many babies as the stars in the sky and that one day the most special baby ever would be born--Jesus.   We talked about how God makes all babies special and read some books from the library about babies.  For snack we cut an apple in half to see the star in the middle.

We also made a trip to the Post Office (the kids find this exciting), the library (where Ivory spent a while on the computer for the first time operating it all by herself), and did a little visiting.  The kids love getting out of the house even if it's simple trips and it helps us maintain a higher level of sanity the rest of the day.

TUESDAY
We focused on baby Moses--one of their favorite and most familiar stories. Snack--we made baby moses in baskets...that didn't really turn out.  So, no pictures.  But, Micah loved the taste! =)


Thursday
Wednesday was crazy with a doctor's visit and a long morning of errand running, no naps for the kids (Micah has a habit of 10 minute power naps in the car and then no napping when he gets home...which means sister doesn't nap either, fun times!), exhausted momma and church made for no story today.  So, we did Wednesday's story Thursday...night.  Also another crazy day with a busy morning, park play date, and lots of chores/projects, so story time was postponed and only Ivory enjoyed craft + snack time as little man was crashing.  Ivory loved her little popsicle people and enjoyed when we re-enacted the story with them.


Friday
Today's plan: Baby Jesus...instead we caught up on yesterday and read the story of Zechariah & Elizabeth and the birth of John the Baptist.  We didn't make it past Bible reading time because of a morning appointment, chores, and Mom's exhaustion.  Oh well, at least the most important part took place!

Here's Ivory quoting this week's verse.  Had to show you the first part so you could capture a little picture of reality.

Late in the evening Ivory worked with daddy on her sign for her lemonade stand.  Anticipate a post on that soon...

Preschool Plans

We started something new this week.  It was a great first week--now we'll just see how long I can keep it up.  It's really added some much needed structure to our day and has provided great improvement in the general attitude of our home.

First Week Plans

Monday
In the morning, after blanket time, we focus on the story of Creation from Ivory's Bible.  Ivory sits on the toy chest looking at a picture Bible while I read straight from the Bible.  Micah practices sitting still on my lap...key word--practices.  It's not a very quite story time.

In the afternoon, after nap time, we read picture books.

Source: qed-publishing.co.uk via Lee Ann on Pinterest

Source: amazon.com via Lee Ann on Pinterest

Then we do a very simple activity on our theme.

And make/eat a snack around our theme.

Inspired by this, just easier and more on Ivory's ability level.

Source: craftymoods.com via Lee Ann on Pinterest

Tuesday
Today's theme was summer so we focused on the ocean and read the story of Jonah for Bible time.  We listened to Mary Margaret's telling (SO cute) and I then summarized the main points for Ivory & I to discuss.  In the afternoon we talked about summer and how we go to the beach in the summer because it's warm.

We made our own version of this simple project:

Source: tenkidsandadog.blogspot.com via Lee Ann on Pinterest

We added a little Jonah and some sea creatures made from a margarine lid--you know you're jealous of my artistic abilities.


Ivory explains our Jonah ocean bottle.

It makes a great shaker when singing Who Did Swallow Jonah.


Wednesday
We focused on Autumn today and so we read the story about the man who had such a great harvest that he tore down his barns and built bigger ones to store the harvest.  We talked about how this was selfish and we should share with other people.  Jason asked Ivory, "So if you have too many toys should you buy a bigger toy box to put them in?"  Ivory, "Why, yes!"  Jason, "Or, should you give some away to little boys and girls who don't have any?"  Ivory, somewhat reluctantly, "Oh, give them away to little boys and girls."  We asked her if she wanted to go through her toys right now and pick some out to give away and she said sure.  It took her a while at first, but then she really got into it and wanted to go through every box/drawer of toys we have.  She came up with a bag full of toys, random cards, ribbons, and other such "treasures." =)  She also told me the next day that we should go through our books to give some to boys and girls who don't have any books.  So proud of her!



In the afternoon we read about harvesting apples and ate apples to celebrate this current season of fall!  We also ate a fall gluten-free trail mix made from cinnamon & honey chex and marshmallows.

Then we went outside and preteneded to be squirrels collecting acorns for winter.  We hid them away for winter and then dug them up.  They *loved* it.  I love how easily excited children are at this age.


Thursday
Today's focus: winter.  We read about how God made us each uniquely in Psalm 139.  Then, later in the day we talked about how each snowflake that falls in winter is unique.  We also sang and danced to lots of songs about being wonderfully made & doing good things.  These kids *love* to dance.


On the first take of this movie Micah decided to turn the stereo off...

So far Micah has thoroughly enjoyed our activites and getting to be apart of making/doing them.  Well, today was somewhat of a fail.  You might notice that crocodile tear in the bottom picture.  He was VERY distressed that big sister got to use scissors and he did not.  Crayons did NOT cut it as long as she had scissors.  But, he was very excited when allowed to glue the snowflakes to his paper and then color.  I thought Ivory would love this craft as she adores making tiny cuts in paper, but her scissors wouldn't quite cut through four layers of paper so she too was frustrated.  Oh well, it wasn't a complete fail--she loved folding and watching Mommy cut.

Now the winter ice pops?  Complete success.

Friday
I had grand plans of summarzing the four seasons today, reviewing the books read this week and making a very cute tree craft.  With daddy's exciting return coupled with my complete exhuastion today, we only got through the Bible time of reading Psalm 1 (healthy tree).  Oh well, the most important part happened today and 4 out of 5 days isn't bad.

Source: servingpinklemonade.blogspot.com via Lee Ann on Pinterest

And Ivory has *almost* mastered her memory verse for the week.  Love how cute and dramatic she is when quoting it.



I think the key to success for me will be planning ahead and keeping it super simple.  It might lay by the wayside for a while when we welcome baby, but I'm hoping it might be something that resembles some structure and a certain level of normalcy for the kids once baby does come.  Of course, just when I was "priding" myself in doing a good job of being strong and orderly this week I had a physical/emotional breakdown this morning.  Love how God keeps me humble. =)  Ultimately, I'm reminded I am nothing without Christ and must rely completely on Him.