Structure
This morning, Elijah started his school known as Tuesday School. I can tell this is going to be a real blessing. It’s a free, once-a-week preschool. It’s not all play time, they do crafts, music, snacks, and real class. They will also take some field trips at points throughout the year. Today he made a cute little bumble bee in crafts (see photo) and a folder full of what I can only assume is homework. He was also given four large charts for learning ABC’s and sounds and stuff. Big charts. And for free. I’m just not sure where to hang them yet. I’m afraid if I put them in his room (which is just about the only wall space besides the living room) that he’ll rip them down eventually just like the Cars poster. Of course, he already knows his letters by sight (at least when a funky font doesn’t confuse him), but this will be great for helping him to learn to write.
Before his class, I had to fill out a bit of paperwork so we came early. His teacher greeted us and sat down with us on a bench. She introduced herself to him and asked him little questions like, “do you like to make crafts?” to get him to warm up. Then she said that she had something in common with him, “we’re both left-handed.” Inside my mind I went “YES!” As discussed here and there, I’m 99% sure he’s left-handed (if not ambidextrous) and I, of course, am right-handed so I have been really nervous about teaching him writing, for one. This lady also has homeschooled her own children which makes me feel even better, if that is possible.
While he was in his class (which is only two hours), my friend T and I went right up the road to another church that has a gym and a fitness room. Another free thing, and it was so nice - after five minutes of being there, we ended up being the only ones there. We got in a good workout (we did the elliptical, treadmill, stationary bike, weights, and walked a mile around the gym) and were back in time to pick the kids up. (She’s the one that told me about this Tuesday School, her boy is a bit younger than E.) I felt really good after that - even E’s whining about going to the grocery store (we were, he didn’t want to) couldn’t damper my mood. Then I had a very quick shower and a big, wonderful salad and a few minutes after that, my friend showed up with her three kids.
Those silly kids, they wanted to play with each other, but all they did was sit there and watch SpongeBob. It was okay with us moms, though, I could tell my friend was exhausted after the day she’d already had and I was starting to get tired. Plus it was the first television that any of them had watched in the day, so it wasn’t like they’d been sitting there all day.
Plus, this was too cute to pass up:
:-)
Oh, but I almost forgot the reason for the title. We are both getting more structure, I’m getting structure in workout and eating habits and he’s going to start building some sitting still and organized activities skills. At least stuff that I see. When I picked him up in the nursery last night after my meeting, the kids were all playing Simon Says! I was so surprised to see him actually participating in that since he’s usually such a loner. Before I started the video, the child care worker on the floor was giving the instructions, then she let the older girl take over. In case you aren’t sure, lol, my kid is in the yellow with the blue sleeves (his current favorite shirt, Curious George). The boy in the sleeveless gray is my friend’s boy, the one I mentioned earlier, he’s a doll.
But it was so refreshing seeing him participating in something like this! Even to the degree of taking that last instruction very literally, lol.
