My first chance to coordinate went over well. The preschool group was great: small groups, active participation and a hay ride. This group of preschoolers were fun and really interested at all of the stations. We did not do laundry or granary, due to the shortened time they were at Merry Lea. Carli and I were the only two on duty that day. We did substitute in the toys and games station, since we had 3 year olds. We thought it would be a station they would really enjoy. They did! Having these little tikes in the cinder press was a challenge. They were so small it was hard for them to turn the press. They did well with my help on the other side turning the wheel. I was surprised at how well they were involved in the summer kitchen. It was obvious many of them had spent some time in the kitchen with mom at home. They did like the muffins I made as coordinator. We were getting low on a few of the baking supplies. I informed Carol, but since Farmcraft is winding down, I think we’ll make it through with the last bit of baking powder. The hay ride was enjoyable for the kids. Every time I looked back they were all wide-eyed. The hay ride got off to a bumpy start. The tractor was cold, since it had not been used in a few days and since it was a chilly morning.
Autumn Adventures went very well too. Individually the groups were small, like 2 or 3 students each. We had to keep the stations indoors at the Learning Center since it was raining out that morning. With three small groups and six stations, we stayed out of each others hair pretty well. Some of the homeschoolers were full of questions, active and involved. Others in the group were quiet, shy and hard to get involved. The hike in the light rain was fun. Since the total number of students was small, we all joined forces for the hike. It was great for Ken, Jason and I to hike with all the students together. They had fun playing the games and talking about many of the things we discussed at the stations. The parents were involved in helping by being the boundaries for the games. They really liked this program. If my children got to come for this program, I would definitely like to tag along.
Autumn Adventures went very well too. Individually the groups were small, like 2 or 3 students each. We had to keep the stations indoors at the Learning Center since it was raining out that morning. With three small groups and six stations, we stayed out of each others hair pretty well. Some of the homeschoolers were full of questions, active and involved. Others in the group were quiet, shy and hard to get involved. The hike in the light rain was fun. Since the total number of students was small, we all joined forces for the hike. It was great for Ken, Jason and I to hike with all the students together. They had fun playing the games and talking about many of the things we discussed at the stations. The parents were involved in helping by being the boundaries for the games. They really liked this program. If my children got to come for this program, I would definitely like to tag along.
I am glad you enjoyed your day of coordination. I could tell you really enjoyed it by your responses in the practicum meeting. Why is it that when I am around little kids I want to pinch their cute little cheeks? Is this a learned behavior?
ReplyDeleteMatt, I usually don't comment on misspellings but do you realize you said putting little tykes through the CINDER PRESS was a challenge. Sounds like a medieval torture device and it just cracked me up. Did you then use them as an ingredient in the muffins?
ReplyDeleteSeriously it sounded like lots of fun. I would like to be involved with the itty bitties. I wanted to comment on Autumn Adventures and my internet keeps going out on me so hopefully this will post. Just wanted to say that there seems to be a common theme in that the kids really open up and have a good time on the hikes compared to the stations. Also, that it is a challenge to impose structure where you need it in a less structured environment. I know I have lots of great ideas of things when I am sitting at home "thinking up stuff" and then they can go right out of my head when I have an audience. In reference to what Tom said, I agree that the more we know the curriculum the smoother it will go and it will be easier to stay on track. That said, I have restudied my autumn adventures stuff and we will see how it goes tomorrow. I might be eating my words.
Cinders and ashes, no cider and presses... MidEVIL torture, you know like drawing and quartering!
ReplyDelete