PSL Update

Looking at the calendar, I can hardly believe we're three-quarters of the way through our first year of pre-school (home-style). Our year has gone better than expected, though there have been a few frustrations along the way. [I can only do so much when Leah gets frustrated and doesn't want to try something (like cutting or writing/ tracing letters). During those moments I have to step back, BREATHE, and try a different approach or revisit the activity later. Time seems to be another frustration, but only when it comes to planning lessons. Sometimes a new week sneaks up on me and I haven't had a chance to plan our next unit.]

Still, those frustrations pale in comparison to the successes and joys of teaching my princess. I love watching her face light up as she grasps a new concept or skill. She, like most children this age, absorbs information, often without my help or my realizing it. For instance, we were working on sight words, and I had included a new one (or so I had thought) in the activity. Go figure that Little Miss already knew the word thanks to her love of books. Moments like that amaze me.

Not all lessons have been stellar, but then again, in the classroom they weren't either. And really, L's interest in some activities has really surprised me. We're in the midst of a Dr. Seuss unit (in honor of his birthday March 2), so last Friday we had a wacky day (read the book "Wacky Wednesday"), beginning with a shoe on the wall. My job throughout the day was to create wacky situations for Leah to find: an umbrella in a pot on the stove; dressing wacky (shirt on backward; shorts over pants; two mismatched earrings in one ear); turning furniture around; placing a viking hat over the centerpiece on the table; putting flowers in the valance in L's room; you get the idea. Leah LOVED it! Throughout the day, she'd ask, "Hmmm, I wonder what else is wacky," and then set off on a discovery mission. The next day when she came down to breakfast, she asked, "Is there anything wacky?" Later that night, she even told our sitter about the wacky day. That might not be something in the SOLS or a set curriculum, but it was fun, and it encouraged her to observe the world around her (and then offer solutions to right the wackiness). Plus, it made a book that she already enjoyed that much more entertaining. 

Another joy has been our monthly "classes" with a few other pre-schoolers. Planning and then implementing a few activities for our school day has been fun. Plus, it gives the kids an opportunity to play and learn from another adult (a friend and I take turns teaching). 

I'm already thinking about next year and the changes we'll make, though I don't think they'll be too many.
We'll probably stick with our thematic learning, but I hope to have school three days a week instead of two. (This in preparation for kindergarten in 2014.) I'll certainly need to be more diligent in planning field trip opportunities (hmmm, guess I should look into a GPS so that I feel better about leaving the 'burbs!), and I'll need to keep in mind the type of skills pre-schoolers need to know. Still, there's a certain amount of grace in this process. After all, L is learning, and our schedule allows for flexibility and change.

Words to the Wise

Two phrases/ pieces of wisdom/advice have been at the back of my mind in recent months, and since I've been at a loss lately for blog posts (due to time constraints and topics), I thought I'd share them. Please note: I did NOT originate these ideas, but I have adopted them for they have provided sound encouragement.

#1: This is the only hell we'll ever know. Consider that. As a believer, I will never know anything worse than the aches and pains of this life. This doesn't negate the human experience, for there is much heartache, loss, and tragedy (though some experience more/ worse than others), but it does provide perspective. Keeping this in mind, I know that the trials of this life are temporary; one day I will have my reward in Heaven. A life of joy, exaltation, peace, love, and adoration for my God and Savior. And knowing that gives me peace.

#2: Don't make it worse. When life seems down and out, often due to circumstances beyond my control, I have to choose not to make it worse. I can wallow in self-pity. I can be a victim of my depression. I can refuse to act (and justifiably so!) because someone else has offended or hurt me. Yet, none of those responses will help the situation. OR I can make a conscious decision to do the opposite. To rise above my self-pity. To seek help (through prayer or wise counsel) for my depression. To act kindly and extend peace when I don't want to do either. Huh. Funny how that one phrase makes a big difference in my perspective.