It's Time to Start

>> Friday, July 24, 2009

Since turning two, the Little Lady seems to be even more energetic, loud, and active than before. Of course, it could just be that my pregnancy hormones (you know -- the ones that are short and frayed) cause me to notice the changes more acutely.


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(Introducing . . . The Little Lady)


Regardless, she is definitely at a point where she needs more structured, focused play and learning time. Whereas 4-6 months ago I couldn't get her to sit still and hold a crayon (let alone refrain from eating it), now she daily asks if she can color, "write" her name, read books, etc. She seems to thrive on intentional activities with Mommy, leaving her calmer, happier, and less prone to temperamental outbursts.

In my former days as a high school English teacher, I knew that my students needed daily, structured, and intentional activities to support their learning. If I gave them free reign or even free time during class, they would quickly become loud, out of hand, and, simply put, did not use their talents and skills for learning. But, if they were presented with literature and student-centered activities that forced them to use their brains and their academic vocabulary, they became model students.

Sheesh -- who knew the same is true at the toddler/pre-school level? I certainly didn't! I've had no training in Early Childhood Education, but the same skills and knowledge I used as a high school definitely applies to helping my daughter learn her colors, letters, how to write her name, and, well, the list goes on!

I loved lesson planning when I was teaching (I can't help it -- I really am an organinzing nerd at heart), and have decided to start this blog as a way to help me plan lessons for the skills and knowledge I want the Little Lady to learn. In addition, pictures of the activities and the results of each lesson will be documented here. . . .I know I'll need this if I want to repeat these lessons 2-3 years from now when the Little Lady's brother is ready for his own schooling!

Since I don't have a wealth of preschool activities and educational tools in storage (but, I do have fabulous lesson plans for To Kill a Mockingbird, Mythology, and Romeo and Juliet . . . if you're interested (lol)), I will be relying heavily on websites and blogs for inspiration. If you know of a site that I need to view, PLEASE pass it on! I promise I'll love you forever and like you for always if you do. :)

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