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We talked about our 5 senses today. We listed things we like and don't like to smell, taste, feel, hear, and see. We also talked about all of the great things that happen in the Fall.
This morning we went to the $.99 store to look for Fall things and came home with 4 fairies and 3 pairs of high heels.
We made it to the library in time for story time. Holly says she loves the Library but "it's just SOOO hard to be quiet". We got some books about Fall and our 5 senses.
When picking up Kali at school I dropped my keys down a drainage ditch and had to be rescued by the school custodian (who will soon receive a plate of cookies). Knowing the princiPAL comes in handy!

I have taken some time to think about all of the learning we are doing. Most of our learning everyday comes from the everyday activities that we do. I call it natural learning. When the girls get dropped off in the morning they head straight for dramatic play and play babies, Doctor, house... They are learning to play out the things they do and see at home and in their own lives. By doing this the other girls learn different ways of thinking and doing things. Of course they learn how to get along with each other and sometimes how to cause friction. During our driving time we listen to children's music with or without words and even sometimes in Spanish. We are memorizing words, rhyming, and learning beats all the time. They enjoy this time and are often quiet listening unless singing along. When Kali gets in the car we ask her what she did that day at school and her answer often gives us little topics of conversation. At lunch we rhyme and discuss manners, health and nutrition. Rest time starts with stories on tape. They lay quietly, listen, and imagine. They create their own pictures in their heads. The girls like art in the afternoon. Lately they have been wanting to just explore the art materials freely without me choosing what the activity will be for the day. I love to give them the tools and watch them create.
There is a lot to be said for school based environments but I am so pleased to be able to offer a home away from home. I enjoy thinking about how I can enhance their learning in these real moments that we get to have. They do not HAVE TO come to circle, HAVE TO battle 20 other children, HAVE TO battle for my attention... They can rest when they want, be comfortable, cuddle, and be heard. They are still so young and have so much time for school age activity.

Fine motor, hand-eye, creativity, volume, weight, balance, science exploration, sensory...

Water, paint, paper. We are learning sequencing while being creative.

OK so... I missed a few weeks again. We have been doing great and getting along well. We have been talking a lot about what it means to be a good friend and getting a lot of positive reinforcement when we do and say nice things to our friends. This has been working and I catch the girls being mindful of their language and how they say things. They are proud when I commend them for being good friends.
I grow to love the girls more everyday and them me, I hope. Their new game is to out-do each other with how much they love me. Maddie came in from her nap the other day and as I was about to tell her to go back to bed she said "Christian, I love you more than yellow." I thought that was so sweet.
Kali has been having great fun at kindergarten and says things like "I know you guys really miss me but I am bigger than you now and I have to go to Kindergarten, one day you will be as big as me." When I ask her what she has learned she tells me random stuff like "all about poop". Her teacher lets them out so late by the way. The other kids are up and gone by the time Mrs. Wong opens that door. I would have been so frustrated as a kid- good thing they are too young to know.
Holly is learning so much about friends, different families, and about being with other girls. All of the girls are so different. She is just so happy to have her friends around to play with. She is like a 16 year old when making conversation. She will always ask her friends questions about how they are feeling, what they did during the weekend, their families, and so fourth. It cracks me up to hear her asking such adult inquisitive questions and that she genuinely cares about the answer is sweet and beyond her years. She often misses her best friend Jackson.
We are learning about corn (when I can get them to want to hang out with me!) as they are always playing house and dress up. Lately Doctor has been the dramatic play game of choice. Maybe I will have to switch from corn to health and create a hospital in the dramatic play area. Follow the children's lead.
My big news is that I have found funding to start my Large family day care business. This means that I will try for a child care license to care for up to 12 children with and aide. I have run a small family day care before but need to learn the requirements for a large family. I will include a preschool program and take children 2-5. I am looking to start the soonest being January and the latest being next summer/Fall. I am very excited as this is the first step to maybe opening a school one day. I will keep you posted!
I have an orientation to learn about Ca. state licensing on Oct 21. It is a Wednesday. I was hoping to switch our schedule around that week if it works for you.
Another switch?? I have jury duty on October 8th. Karen I didn't know if you could take a Thursday and I would take Friday? Let me know.