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Monday, June 9, 2014

Starting Tot School… and some thoughts on homeschooling in general

I taught public school for almost 5 years.  I taught mostly 3rd grade, a year of 2nd grade and a short time in 1st (maybe I should write a post on my teaching experience, but that is another post for another day).  And I loved teaching in public school (well, maybe not the ridiculous hours, but the teaching and collaborating part).
I also went to public school- K-12 and all of my college days.  And I can honestly say, overall I had a great experience.  For the record Andrew also attended public school for his entire educational experience through undergrad.

So *obviously* if Andrew and I had kids one day, they too would have a great experience.
But, over the past couple of years, my thoughts have changed a bit.  

By no means is this a public school bashing posts, because teachers, I have been there with you in the trenches and 99% of the teachers I have taught with I would be ecstatic to put Ms. BD in their classroom.  But by changed, I guess I feel like I am more open to other options.  
Like BD could go to public school, private school, or be homeschooled or any combination of the above over her years of schooling.  It just depends on…

her
me
Andrew
Schools
resources
jobs
and a whole bunch of other things.

But one thing that I have come to no matter what path/paths we choose, is that EVERYONE home schools.  If you are a parent you are the first and primary educator and disciple-maker of your child.
So that might just be a round about way of saying BD and I are starting "Tot School" this week.  The teacher, type A person in me wants to go ahead and do Dibels on her and test her for a power-standard… but I think my 14 month old isn't quite ready for that :).  Since we are doing summer camp starting today every MWF, I think we will start with just some simple activities on Tuesdays, Thursdays and maybe Saturday.  
This is what I was thinking for my week…

Tuesday

*Books and Puzzle time- We really already do this.  BD picks all the books and puzzles she wants to do, and I do them with her.
*Scented, Edible Finger Painting- Not my idea, taking it from this blog.
*Independent play- BD loves her time to just play… and she is 14 months old so she needs lots of it.

Thursday

*Books and Puzzle time
*Muffin Tin Play-  Thought this would be an easy one to try this week!
 
*Independent play

Saturday

*Books and Puzzle time
*Pom-Pom play
*Independent play

All plans are subject to change.  AND if you are a parent of a preschool age toddler that lives close to me… get in touch with me and you and your little can come play too!

Do you do tot school with your kiddos?  Please send your suggestions and thoughts my way… like I said I am new to this! :)
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10 comments:

  1. What a great idea! We will definitely be incorporating some of these activities into our Summer. Your daughter is so lucky to have such a great mom who loves to teach and help her learn!

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    1. Thanks! I am excited and hopes she likes it! :)

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  2. Abigail is 3.5 and we will be homeschooling. My tentative plan is laid back preschool in the fall and then kindergarten the following fall, when she turns 5. But, we'll see!

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    1. That sounds like a really good plan. I think keeping things laid back at these young ages is key… and that is hard for me!

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  3. We did our first year of tot school last year :) My kids are 9, 7 and 2 and the youngest wanted school too. It was actually quite fun! Your plan looks great!

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    1. Thanks! That is such an encouragement! Love that your youngest wanted to do school too…:)

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  4. Stasia -- I feel like I was meant to find your post! My daughter is just now 18 months old and we started tot school this week as well. I feel like my views on homeschool (or schooling in general) are very similar to yours. My husband and I both had fine public school experiences, but since having a child, I have more of an open mind to alternative types of schooling. I feel like we are at such a similar place and I hope we can help each other out through this tot school journey!! You've gained a new subscriber and I can't wait to see the progress & your tot school journey!

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    1. Brandi, it is so good to hear that we are in similar places! I can't wait to follow along so that we can encourage and support each other!

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  5. I love this! You are such a good Mommy : ) Thanks so much for being with us at Make A Difference Mondays!

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  6. Amen! Such good thoughts and so much truth! I have adored being my babies' first teacher! Thank you for linking up this week at Made to Mother!

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