Walter’s Art Gallery Visit

One Sunday afternoon, we decided it was time for D (age 4) to experience his first trip to the art gallery for an art activity.  We hopped in the car and headed to the BMA.

Unfortunately, after finding parking and getting all the kids into the museum, I realized that I had read the schedule wrong and we arrived on the day of the family tour.

I knew that was not going to be a good choice for my four year old and his first experience at the museum, so we headed back to the car.  I grabbed directions from the front desk on our way out so we headed to the OTHER art gallery downtown, The Walter’s Art Gallery.

Thankfully we made it with 45 minutes to spare in order to do the family fun activity of creating your own animal mask.

D joined right in, having a blast!

I love the variety of materials that the kids are given to use.

 

They also created matching tails.  T had a great time with her tail!

The Walter’s Art Gallery has a wonderful play area outside of the family art/craft room.  There were puppets, costumes, and books available.  We had a great time playing different characters.

It was a great day and all THREE of the “olders” had a great time.  It was such fun to see D join in on the “older” outings now!

My little learner

Dear D (age 3),

I did not plan to do “school” with you this year. I believe most learning comes through play in the early years and was quite confident you would gain the knowledge you needed for kindergarten through the books we read each day and our daily life.

YOU have thrown a curveball into my “laid back” plans. Clearly, you desire more formal teaching so you had to begin it yourself.

Each day, for weeks, you sat at your desk and wrote every letter on the ABC write-on flashcards. Very quickly, you learned the name of every letter and how to write it.

“I am doing my school,” you would tell me.

Your sisters, excited to have a pupil, have taught you all sorts of things in the preschool they run. They read to you, play games with you, and even make crafts for you to complete.

Of course, I have had to change my way of thinking and include you in all of our Galloping the Globe activities. If they girls are making a book about daily life in Egypt, then you want to hop right in there with them.

And it is a joy to watch.

Admittedly, it has been hard to adjust to stimulating your mind with learning opportunities because I am still struggling to balance your sisters educational needs. Yet, each day we work it out one way or another and you continue to learn, grow, and get excited about the world around you.

It is a joy to have another “pupil” in our school. I love watching the excitement on your face as you write your name or copy words. You are such an enthusiastic learner and you bring that enthusiasm to our little homeschool.

I love you buddy and I can’t wait to watch your world continue to expand.

Love,

Mommy

Wordless Wednesday: Reading Class

Thankful for Preschool

This is Mrs. Karyn. She is amazing.

She is the preschool teacher at our co-op this year and has done an unbelievable job. The students have a daily calendar time, stories, various crafts, games, and all sorts of activities. She even did some cooking with them last week and hopes to attempt it again this coming week.

Her fulfillment of this position is WAY above the typical "call of duty" for the co-op preschool, but she tackles it weekly with her amazing energy!

I am particularly grateful because there wasn't anything at our co-op for D (age 3) last year. He was at an "in-between" age and made to stay with me in the nursery.

This year I have watched him flourish and blossom under the love, creative energy, and enthusiasm of Mrs. Karyn. He comes home singing his letters. he has learned most of their sounds, and he always has a creative craft to show us.


Even his father, who had to deliver him to school a bit late one day, couldn't believe how excited he was to go to school. D just hopped out of the car and was ready to take off! He LOVES co-op, which is quite the opposite of his poor little brother.

Here he is being the "Letter A" with his friends at school.

At home, we have a "Thankful Tree". The kids add leaves to it each day with something they are thankful for. Want to know what D's first leaf said?

Mrs. Karyn.

He is thankful for Mrs. Karyn. And I truly couldn't agree more.

Baltimore National Aquarium '10

Dear D (age 3),

You came with us on our annual aquarium field trip this year.

I admit it. I was a bit hesitant about bringing you. I knew that you would tire more easily than the older kids. I also knew how much the older kids would learn at their ages and was worried you might distract mommy from them too much.

It’s not that we don’t love you dearly, but you are three years old. And that can be tough.

But here you are, part of the gang!

Of course, being part of a new co-op this year means that a lot more of our friends joined the fun as well! I am thankful there are little boys your age in our crew these days!

Everyone was having a great time together. And you were hanging in there with them!

It was great fun to watch everyone’s delight in finding particular fish or turtles.

But I admit it. I had the most fun watching you. And being with you. And talking to you.

You see, I was so concerned that you might throw a fit or get too tired that I forgot about the joy of a three year old. It was all new to you. And watching it through your eyes was something I am so glad I didn’t miss.

Everything was new to you. And everything was thrilling.

Oh my little boy. I am so so glad you came!

Of course, when we all sat down together at the dolphin show, your sisters leaned over to me…

Oh Mom. I think D is really going to like this!

Look at him. He is so excited mom!

Truly, it brought tears to my eyes. I am so incredibly thankful for the opportunity to experience moments like this with the three of you together. (and soon, little C will join in) I was instantly reminded me why I am so grateful that you all are home with me.

And yes, you did enjoy the dolphin show!

Then it was off to the jellyfish. They were mesmerizing. There are more pictures on mommy’s other blog.

Your oldest sister enjoyed the day. She loves to learn and to teach!

Your other sister enjoyed the day as well. She loves to look at things from a unique perspective. I am sure she will have lots to teach you as we move along in our studies.

And, of course, you were able to hang out with some other little guys who joined us. I have a feeling these friends will be in your life for quite a few years.

I am so thankful you were with us today D. You are a special part of our classroom and it is truly delightful to watch you grow in knowledge!

Love, Mommy