The DeMaria Family: susan

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Homeschool Preschool

Earlier I posted an entry about us going to preschool. Well, that didn't end up working out. It was a co-op, which is a group of moms that takes turns teaching. The Co-op decided to let 2 more people in the group, making the group 11. They split the group, splitting my kids, and told me I had to teach 20 weeks (everyone else teaching 5). So, we opted out. I couldn't imagine trying to get my kids going in two different directions and trying to teach and having another baby to worry about.

At first I was upset because my kids really enjoyed going to preschool but as I talked to my mom she talked some sense into me. First of all, I am a certified teacher and I can make do teaching for a year or maybe two if need be. Secondly, I was really worried about the socialization skills that they would be missing but she assured me that my kids are plenty social. This much is true. We are very active and visit a lot of places and people. Almost 4-6 times a week we are out and about and the majority of the time it is child-centered activities. This is more than they would be doing in the preschool anyway.

Lastly, I have a wonderful connection with a preschool teacher. Our old ECI teacher, Susan, was also a preschool teacher and she so generously offered her resources to me. I took her up on her offer and we have now started the official DeMaria House of Learning Preschool. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are our official sit down do stuff days. Then we ad lib the rest of the days. The kids absolutely love it. They are always asking to do more, more, more!

Michael and Anthony finger painting apples

Jaileigh with her painting fingers.

Jake

Michael

Even Annie got to have fun. I guess she will get 4 years of preschool instead of the normal 2.

Anthony and Michael playing in the paint.

Look at Jake! Jaileigh is serious about her artwork.

It was Annie's naptime.

While I was putting Annie down the kids did play. Toe painting was discovered.

Look at that face! Oh my!! What am I going to do with this mischievous imp?!

Friday, August 5, 2011

Pockets, Trains, Doctor, and Play-Doh

I try to remember to empty Anthony's pockets before I wash his shorts but sometimes I forget and later I find all kinds of things in the washer. Last night I emptied his pockets and thought I would take a picture of the contents.

A red truck, an angel keychain, a Washington DC keychain with a key, gluestick, a bunny and a chicken.

Miss Susan gave us her wooden train set. The kids have had so much fun playing with it. Jake will spend hours putting it together. For a kid that can't sit still I am super impressed.

Michael, Anthony, Jaileigh and Jake

Michael, Anthony, and Jaileigh

It's hard playing with Annie because she thinks it's really fun to take it apart. We have to wait until she naps to really put it together.

Michael, Jake, Jaileigh

Jake had a follow up eye appointment from February. We were supposed to go back in May or June but somehow never made it in. Dr. Dunbar was watching him for Juvenile Glaucoma but has now ruled it out. He can now be seen once a year with the rest of the gang.

Annie going through my diaper bag. Her favorite items in there were the lotion and the lipstick.

Jakob getting checked out by the intern doctor.

Wearing the cool glasses. Look at Jaileigh scratching her belly.

Checking for colorblindness

The patch test. Annie providing support.

Michael so glad it isn't his day at the doctor.

Checking the chair out.

Anthony, Jakob, Jaileigh

Anthony- he refused to smile for me.

The dilated his eyes so we had to wait for awhile.

Jakob, Michael, and Anthony

Michael and Anthony

That was the longest single child appointment ever. We left at 2:30 and didn't get home until 7:15. We were at the doctor for 3 hours. I took the kids to eat dinner after and then we went home.

Play-doh Time!

Michael, Jake, and Anthony