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.