Beginnings of Tot School

Caeden is quickly approaching birthday #2 on May 23rd. In my other blog, A Melting Pot of Thoughts, I wrote about me trying to do more crafty/learning things with C since he was starting to act 'bored'. I have stumbled upon blog after blog, written by mom's just like me who stay at home with their children. Some of them have older kids whom they home school, and other have "tots" about the same age of C.

I have read so many blogs and thought, "I can totally do this!" With my years of daycare, and working with toddlers, I can easily come up with an activity, but have lacked the resources. C and I can only play with cars and trucks so much before the fun of that wears off.

He has been like a sponge lately when we read books, or go on walks. He is constantly pointing at things and wanting to stay on one page of a book (especially when there is a truck, ball, or other object he is familiar with.) On walks he points at trees, dogs, cars, etc. I was beginning (or finally) picking up on his hunger for learning and thought I needed to start incorporating more structured activities throughout his day, especially in the mornings.

I have been following this blog, 1+1+1equals1, and it has inspired me to incorporate "Tot School" into C's week. The basic idea behind Tot School is a time set aside for directed play between you and your tot. You are basically engaging with your tot in some sort of activity. The activities I have seen other moms do are things like art, blocks, puzzles, games (age appropriate), music and movement, sorting, lacing, beading, coloring, fine/gross motor skills, books, etc. Any thing that has you interacting with your tot.

The other blog she has:

I figured that I am already doing some things like this, but the mom's also blog about it with pictures, and it kind of turns into a "documentary" of some type that allows you to bounce ideas of one another (as long as you give credit, where credit is due!).

I'm excited, but a little anxious about keeping it going! I just keep in mind that it's for C and his hunger to learn and grow. We will incorporate our library time on Wednesdays, outside time, and any "errand" trip we make. I figure these all could relate to the "Tot school" theme.

On the right hand side of this blog, I have added the blogs and links that I refer to almost daily. You can subscribe through email so you can make sure you get updates. You can follow through Facebook, or become a fan on some of the links.

I kind of wish I had started a blog specifically for Caeden so I could have his first 2 years documented. Hopefully we can look back and see where he was at this time, next year as he embarks on age 3!

~~Jamie