Sophie has started pre-school. I was unsure whether she should start at 2 and a half, like her brothers had done, because she would only be there for a few months before she moved to the pre-school linked to the first school. But we thought it would be better to treat her fairly, and so she has started.
I must say, I am very impressed with their approach. I sit in for the sesions with her (she is doing one session a week), and they actively encourage parents to do this until the child is ready, as they recognise the children have to create a relationship with the staff there. They do not make her "do" anything, she can join in with as much or as little as she likes. She will follow the crowd until she gets bored and decides to prance about the room at story time, and that is ok. So lovely and gentle.
I took some crocheting to do this week, and sat in the corner, trying to get on with it. Except I then had a hoard of children gather around me wanting to know what I was doing, could they have a go, why had I not finished it yet etc. So impromptu crochet lessons were given to those that were interested, and it was interesting seeing how they interpreted what they were seeing me doing, one lad trying to pile all the wool onto the hook! I had various children hanging on to the end of the hook whilst I tried to crochet, as this was the closest we could get to them actually crocheting. I can see me taking it along next week and they can see how much more has been done! Interestingly though, Sophie would just come along and tell me to put it down, and go to play with her, to her it is just a thing that mummy does, not something intriguing!
I can't believe that I have managed to raise 4 children, and never come across this particular activity for outdoor play. A bowl of water and paintbrushes! They were entertained for ages, and again, such a simple unstructured activity.
I am sure that Sophie will have a fantastic time there, well she does already, but once she is independent from me for a couple of hours. It's such a shame she moves on so quickly, being one of the youngest in the academic year
It's lovely to see how fascinated children are when exposed to something new, especially something taken for granted by others. So pleased Sophie appears to be taking nursery in her stride. Hoping you are taking it in yours?
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you all.
xx
Lovely that you have a nice child-led place, sounds like Sophie will have fun. Good that you can stay for a while too until you're happy she's happy for you to go. Imogen told me I could go after her first 10 minutes at pre-school so I never got to stay for long, mind you she was nearly 4 when she started.
ReplyDeleteI think it's lovely that you sat and did some crafting too, the children will love to see that, brilliant!
I love the sound of your pre school. It does sound very gentle and friendly. It must be nice for you to be able to sit with Sophie too. I have never heard of the paintbrushes and water thing either, but i can imagine that it would go down well. My little one likes to play with paintbrushes anyway so I think I will give this a try. My local craft shop is going to be starting some classes teaching knitting and crochet soon. I would really like to learn. I like to make things, but I am one of these boring people who needs it to be for something. I have enough clutter without making more if you see what I mean! I also meant to comment on your last post. I love your dirty hands. I know I should wear gloves, but somehow there is nothing quite like getting your bare hands into the soil. I am looking forward to seeing some pictures of your veges as they grow! Have a lovely weekend, Liz
ReplyDeleteLiz, that comment about having to have a reason to make things made me smile! I would love to be able to have the time to actually make stuff for us! Most of the things I make are as gifts, so I never actually get to keep them!
ReplyDeletesounds like a really lovely place for your little one to play it sounds a lot like my little girls pre-school. When I try to learn crochet I always get one particular little one joining me, she is fascinated a loves to play with the wool :-)
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