Coop

coop begins again

Co-op has become a regular part of our routine. It is something the kids look forward to and enjoy. They have gotten the chance a know the same children and adults in a group environment, week after week. While this co-op is not without it's trials and hurdles, it is this growth in problem solving that has been one of its merits for us. My kids are so pleased that it has finally started. We have tried something different this session; the kids put forth the topic ideas instead of the mums. This session four topics out of the ten or so were chosen from the main list; Communication, Paper Crafts, Knights and Ancient Eygpt. The children under five are doing a combination of crafts, songs, outdoor and indoor play.
This was our second week and very quickly everyone has gotten into the routine. Ben is enjoying his paper crafts class, one which I sit in on and lend a hand. While Ben has an abundance of energy, a need to move his body and a very physical component to his personality, he equally loves to focus all that energy on a project such as a craft. He has been so pleased with his final products, and is so proud to show them off to dad at home.
Elias is also enjoying his session on communication, sharing at dinner time the sign language, flag codes or cunniform writing he has been doing.
I have been leading a group of 6 boys (gulp) in a session on knights. Despite the fact they fidget, move around, lie down, touch each other, etc, (all of which I find distracting), I am aware that much of this is their learning style. This week we focused on the stages leading to knighthood, with a physical component (limited to a small basement room) to channel the energy. This is similar to my own kids, the challenge has just been the numbers.
Aria is so wanting to join in with the big kids. While she is enjoying the younger group, it is hard for her to be apart from not just me but also her brothers.
I am not sure our family will participate in a session in the new year when the baby has arrived...I don't envision our babymoon with lots of driving around, but we are enjoying it at the moment.