Last week I looked up the websites for the three closest public libraries to see when their children's programming occured. The one we belong to has its preschool storytime on Friday's at 11:00. That's doable although normally we're eating lunch at 11:00. Since I don't teach on Fridays, we can push lunch and nap time back a bit on Fridays and go to the park in the afternoon. I'm going to take the kids next Friday to give it another whirl although Nadia might still be too young as really the program is geared for ages 3-5. Another library has its program on Wednesdays at 1pm. That definitely will not work due to her nap time, and I am teaching on Wednesday nights this semester. The third one (farthest) is the biggest and had the most options. They even have a program for birth to age one! This morning we tried out their toddler program which is at 9:30 on Tuesday mornings. One of the preschool programs is at 10am on Tuesdays. Both of these time slots are good since Ian's morning nap is really early (due to getting up prior to 5am).
The toddler time was a chaotic time. The woman teaching the session was outstanding in terms of all the books, poems, songs, etc that she had prepared for the lesson on the theme of apples. She included some simple math, review of three colors, hand motions, etc. Believe it or not, the quietest part of the 30 minutes was when the kids were all playing various musical instruments! There is such a big difference between a 12 month and 35 month old child. Although the program was geared towards 2 year olds, they had toys in the middle of the room and the kids (particularly the one year olds) were playing the whole time. I am not planning to make a regular habit of going to this, but if we'll be in that town for another reason on a Tuesday morning (such as a doctor appt), we'll probably stop in again. I did sign up for a special program this Friday for toddlers and preschoolers on apples at 10am. I'm thinking this year we might just do the program at 11am on Fridays at our library, but next fall I do want to start going regularly (especially if I'm not teaching next fall) to this library's preschool hour ar 10am on Tuesdays. That teacher also seemed outstanding although the lesson seemed geared more towards 5 year olds than 3 year olds as the portion I observed she was working on having the children determine whether a word had one or two syllables.
Ian's morning nap was very long this morning (90 minutes just like it was on Saturday). That was perfect timing as I was already planning to try Jenn's suggestion (comment from yesterday's post) and eliminate the third nap and put him to bed earlier tonight. I'm hoping that two naps plus an earlier bedtime will help him sleep later tomorrow. It's worth a try that's for sure! Today was day #13 of him getting up prior to 5am. I'd really like to break this habit asap!
2 comments:
Ruth... I always hesitate to give advice because I know each person's situation is unique, but I am so glad that you are thinking of trying to stay home rather than working full time. My kids are not even home during the day, but I'm finding that our lives are much happier, stress-free, and generally simpler with me not working. I've had a little bit of a hard time justifying me being home since they are in school all day, but God has shown me that it is so worth it. As a mom who's inching very close to having a teenager, I can attest that the years go by so fast. I've never regretted being home. I pray that God continues to give you guidance and encouragement as you seek his will for your family! Take care!
I hope you get to stay home more in the near future, I can only imagine how hard that balancing act can be!! I miss working in the "adult world" but... am so glad I dont have to at this point! Nadia and Ian are getting so big and they are just too precious, I know how proud you must be!!!
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