I've Got Joy!

Allison started Joyschool this year. We bravely gathered a few moms together and started a little preschool group. It's not your average preschool though. Instead of a primary focus of academics, it focuses on specific "joys" and values. I actually went to Joyschool when I was 4 and the same curriculum has made it all this time for me to now teach Joyschool to a daughter of my own! I got chills when I was reading some of the first unit and new that this was the path for us. Information on Joyschool and many other really great resources can be found on valuesparenting.com/joyschool. I know a lot of moms get together to forms groups like this and each take a week to teach, but man was it easy to just download the lessons and have everything laid out for you and not have to create it all ourselves!
I took on the challenge of teaching the first week---which really was just an introduction. (Sadly because I was in charge that first day, I didn't even think to take a picture of Allison on her first day of preschool...so here are some candids my mother-in-law took of her-she was ready for book and craft time a little prematurely.) It was a bit challenging getting 5 kids--some barely even 3 years old---to sit on their mats and pay attention. It helped that we moved around from one activity to the next, and time just flew by! Of course my mind was completely consumed with preparing for my week and knowing what the heck I was doing but it really turned out well.
All the kids will have gone to each person's house once so I'm excited to take on the challenge once again to teach next week and see how far they've come since 5 weeks ago.
We also received the CD's of music that go with the lessons and they are the same recordings from the tapes--yes tapes-- I used to listen to (and still have) from when I was in Joyschool. They have also added a new rendition to each song with this terribly obnoxious girls singing...I usually skip when she sings.
It's been great to see and hear the new things Allison learns. She's really done well and it's been nice to have that extra time and to spend a little time individually with Cole. Check back later to see a video of Allison singing "I've Got Joy!"

Anyway, here's some of Allison's work this month! --The Joy of the Body...
This is the first ever little person she's ever drawn! And her sweet auntie happened to be teacher that week! Thanks Shannon!