Libraries & Tooth Fairies

My kids are playing library. They have to whisper and they've been playing happily for about the last half hour. They thought of this on their own but I'll definitely be reminding them of this fabulous activity in the future.

At times I get a glimpse of how my 5-year-old's thinking really is more advanced than my 3-year-old's. While playing library, he kept asking her when the book was due. And she kept repeating, "it doesn't DO anything unless you read it. It's just a book." He kept asking. She kept answering, each time emphasizing different words and so frustrated that he just didn't get it. They make me smile. They're playing happily and quietly; they're funny, and even the baby gets to play (sit in the room and get handed baby books to chew on).

Another noteworthy thing happened today, my son lost his first tooth! I wasn't expecting this yet. I hadn't thought through the whole tooth fairy thing. Trying to be purposeful, I'd at least like to think it through before automatically doing it. Input or variations on the whole tooth fairy thing are welcome.  :)

1 Month In

1 Month In: lessons learned, thankful for, frustrations, & observations in no particular order.

• Trader Joe's sells delicious pound+ chocolate bars; these make school@home days, school@school days, & even weekend days go much better!
• This was a good week: Kindergartener did well in at-home & at-school learning goals & was generally happy with a good attitude.
• Bad week = tears for both mom & kindergartener; fit & clinging to mom instead of going to class in the morning; bad attitude & no morale in learning goals. A classroom teacher who truly has a heart for my kid as an individual makes all the difference in the world.
• I thought I'd want more free play time at school in a kindergartener's day but I was wrong. There was already too much for my kinder . . . . although he's adjusting now . . . . He likes structure. He likes an adult he's bonded to nearby. Lots of kids in a seemingly chaotic mess with no organized activity was not his idea of a good time; overwhelming! Thankful for a classroom teacher who will give up her very limited time to herself to help him feel comfortable and adjust.
• Bible & prayer time with kiddos first thing in the morning.
• School activities that feel like work to kindergartener should be done in small chunks with fun activities as breaks and sweet rewards for hard work with a good attitude.
• I had heard other homeschool moms ponder what to do with a younger sibling during lessons with the older child. I had shrugged this off, knowing that my 3-year-old would be more than happy & capable to join right along with us. What I didn't foresee is that in oral activities, she can answer at least as quickly as her brother . . . . which is discouraging to brother . . . . so yes, often I do need to figure out separate activities.
• We are 1 month in & just starting to settle into routines. Routines make life easier.
• There is no way I can stay 'down the hill' for the 6 at-school hours. Maybe 'can' isn't the right word but most days to maintain sanity for myself & 2 little ones, coming home is key. Although I do love being 'down the hill' for shopping & errands.
• The opportunities to snap a photo of hands-on learning are more plentiful than my ability to always have the camera ready & too abundant to actually post all the incredible learning going on! Viewed through the right lens, life is full to the max with learning activities.