Ladera Learners First Field Trip: Mission Viejo Library

So I am really loving our preschool setting for Colin.  This week we had our first field trip!

We headed to the Mission Viejo library. We met in the grass out front for snacks and to get some energy out.

 The boys especially seemed to need to burn off some energy!

Colin made a new friend, too!

 Inside, the kids did fantastic!  We didn't realize it was story time day and there were A LOT of kids around, but our group did great.  They sat down and colored together for a while.  Then some of the kids read while others played in the kids part of the library. I really loved getting to interact with all of the kids in a new setting.  It was also awesome having the kids in matching shirts because it was super easy to tell which kids were in our group and keep an eye on everyone.  Many of the moms (myself included) were amazed to see our balls of energy sit down and focus on an activity.  I attribute this to the power of a group setting.

Yay for Pre-preschool!

Ladera Learners

A few months ago, a mom in my Ladera group suggested starting a homeschool preschool program.  This idea fit perfectly in one of my and Gaivn's concerns for Colin.  We love that we are home with the boys, but we realize that Colin's getting to an age where he needs to be learning to interact with his peers on a more regular basis.  We talked briefly about sending him to preschool or some type of day program, but we aren't ready.  The idea of a homeschool environment seemed like a great solution!

We started meeting and formed a group of 8.  The Lil Ladera Learners.  After meeting a few times, I realized there were several other huge benefits to the group.  One of the major ones is exposing to Colin to the types of activities that I wouldn't think of or wouldn't have interest in doing.  Another is the idea of a better division of labor.  Gavin and I often prepare activites for Colin, but it's pretty annoying to spend an hour getting an activity ready that he spends 3 minutes on.  With a group, it's about the same amount of work, but more opportunity for it to be enjoyed.  Also, I've noticed that in a group, Colin seems to spend more time because he sees the other kids participating.

During our first week, Colin did way better than I was anticipating.  It's not that I thought he would be horrible, I was just concerned that the entire thing might be a little bit over his head.  It wasn't.  All of the kids seemed a little cautious at first.  The younger group, which has been Colin and two little girls, more than the older group.  Colin also participated really well in all of the activities.  He sat at the table and ate his snack.  He listened to the stories, he stacked blocks, painted, did puzzles and sang.  He 'shared' all of his blocks with one of his tablemates.

First moments of 'school'

First Classrom

Next generation Ladera Learners?

Did I mention we got T shirts? Cute!!

School Friends

Circle Time Board

Trying to stay clean and dry!

I am really excited about this opportunity.  I think it will amazing to watch Colin grow and learn with a group of kids his age.  I am so grateful that Gavin and I have the opportunity to be a part of this group.