I found the solution in Levi’s preschool classroom. Every morning he is so excited to get into the room. His teacher always has activities on the table that instantly engage him set up ahead of time on trays.
So I wondered…. Would this work at home??
The past week or so, I have been setting up our “Learning Table” the night before with 3 activities/toys the kids can do when they wake up.
This has changed our mornings! Instead of waking up and crying, fussing for food right away, the kids are drawn to the toys and play while I make breakfast.
I choose 3 tubs or toys that are alike and then I put them away after we are finished with them for the day. When I say away, I mean up in the closet out of sight, that keeps them “new” for the next time I might choose them for an activity.
Last Saturday, the kids played with the 3 things on the table off and on all day long. Yes, they are allowed to bring out other toys during the day, but they have to clean those up one at a time before getting something new out.
If you are reading my blog, there is a good chance, that I read your blog too……so please post something that is working for your family too!
Like I said in my last post…we mama’s have to work together…love each other…and encourage one another.
Here’s a glance at what I have picked out for tomorrow! I do try to find a book that goes along with the “tray theme” just to help promote their interest in reading! Oh, another thing that works really well…is if you have a DVD or movie that goes with the tub. At some point in the day, play the DVD…it has been fun watching my kids imitate with their toys what they are seeing on the screen.
2 comments:
I LOVE this idea! I do a similar but less structured toy rotation. I bring out 4-5 different toys at a time and 5 days to a week later put them all away and bring out 4-5 new ones. Sometimes I'll have requests for specific things that I of course will get back out, but mostly they are thrilled with their "new" toys. I'm trying the three "new" things every day on the trays and see what happens! Love putting the books and videos with it also.
I too choose my babies over my baseboards. It really encouraged me to see the "real" pictures of your house. Mine looks like that and worse and I wouldn't trade my kids or the time I spend with them for a model home. I feel guilty that I can't do it all but I'm happy to see that I'm not alone!
I have one drawer in my kitchen that is for Wyatt and Lucie. It is sort of a catch-all that also makes clean-up easier. It's not organized, but does provide happy play for them while I'm cooking and they're underfoot. Since the other kids have school, Wyatt also wants a "school cabinet". He has play-doh and coloring books in his "school cabinet." It's also in the kitchen and when he's not working on a project, it's kept put away. And finally, Wyatt has another cabinet designated for him in the living room. It's filled with puzzles and learning activities in ziploc bags. He's allowed to get one toy out at a time to work on during our 1.5 hr read-aloud time. During that time he can quietly trade out toys. I also let Lucie have a toy or game from there during longer family worship times. She sits on her blanket and can have one activity. Wyatt is old enough now to participate during family worship, so he doesn't get one then. Just a few ideas. This time of year, though, they're outside from morning til night! And I love it!
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