No jumping on the couch

More often than not it's not going to go how I have it planned. Note to self: finish your coffee, eat breakfast and don't dive in head first. If you're not ready, your child isn't going to be ready. So we got off to a wonky start. We're going to have off days, expecting this will lessen the surprise. Oscar Wilde once said, "To expect the unexpected shows a thoroughly modern intellect." I'm going to be challenged, just like I am every single day as a mother. I spent the first half hour trying to teach a child that had no interest in learning, couldn't sit still and would rather be playing. I kept thinking to myself, how do teachers do it and with a classroom full of children?

Doing dots Creed style

Dots worked well today with the letter A, however he wanted to connect them instead of dot, which wasn't a big deal because it's learning to write the letter A. I found writing pattern worksheets at http://www.shirleys-preschool-activities.com/free-printable-preschool-worksheets.html. The worksheets contain patterns, emergent writing activities and large letters for beginner writers to trace. Again, Creed had a hard time on the flat surface but managed to do a couple. We moved to the easel and it wasn't much easier. Right now the biggest challenge is holding the pencil. I wrote the patterns on the chalkboard and he was able to trace them with his finger so the concept is getting across. Gradually we will get it together. When he got completely frustrated he said, "Will you hold me mama? Will you rock me?" That was my cue we needed a break.

We watched the Your Baby Can Read DVD and had a snack. Next we started the Usborne Sticker Book, which teaches the numbers 1-10. He really enjoyed this activity. After that we started our Apple Tree Book. He wanted to add some caterpillars and bugs so it looks pretty festive. My husband said, "Creed's just learning how to learn (structured) and you're just learning how to teach, there's going to be a learning curve." I agree. I teach him things daily a lot by example alone, but not in a structured set schedule. It's new. We're not just playing all day anymore. I'm trying to find a happy middle where it's more like learning play. It's only day two. It's only day two I repeat to myself, it's OK. For the most part I'm glad that I started pre-school now. He'll have the whole year to get used to the structure of school. When he wakes me up in the morning saying he's ready for school, he's ready. 

Day 2 Creation

He had fun with the creation activity gluing clouds in the sky and painting water for day two of creation. ABC Jesus Loves Me curriculum calls for "The  Beginners Bible for Toddlers" by ZonderKidz or the "Read and Share Toddler Bible" by Tommy Nelson, which Creed prefers. I ended up getting both of them because I wasn't sure which one would work the best. I actually picked up at great one, with absolute incredible attention to detail at the Dollar General called "Kids Favorite Bible Stories" created by Stephen Elkins, wonder kids share the wonder.

Kids Favorite Bible Stories by Stephen Elkins

I haven't used "Through the Bible in Felt," by Betty Lukens because we're waiting on the felt pieces being donated by our awesome Aunt Nancy. For what we don't have we'll make and that will be a fun activity. The lessons are really long and since Creed has a hard time sitting still for the smaller lessons I'll hold off for now reading those to him, but continue to use it every week with our felt pieces.

I recently finished the book, "Bringing Up Boys," by James C. Dobson, which was really insightful. Currently I've started, "Dare to Discipline," by the same author. As a part-time single parent, my authority is definitely challenged when daddy is away at work. I keep reminding myself that I've been waiting for this exact same moment all my life … that doesn't mean it's going to be easy. 

A much needed reminder to myself

Daddy's coming home today and it's amazing to see the switch of attitude and obedience when the head of the household is here. "No jumping on the couch." I say, "No jumping on the couch … No jumping on the couch." Creed looks at me innocent and when I turn my head he thump, thump, thumps from one end to the other. I walk back to the couch, sit him on the coffee table, eye level, and ask, "What happens when you jump on the couch?" "I get time out," he replies. "That's right," I say.

Time out baby llama

"Mama I'm gonna behave," I hear from the time out chair. Testing, testing, 1,2,3. Are you getting this? I think to myself. Rest assure we've arrived at terrible three. The terrible twos started at 23 months and we've sort of been rolling since then, with many bumps in the road. My little cave man is learning how to behave running around with his emotions on his sleeve all day long. This is part of the job, to train my child up the way he should go, even when he is old we will not depart from it. This is my duty as much as my calling. And again … tomorrow is another day. If we're lucky we get a magic reset button that happens right after night night time.