Sean-Paul is one of my most interesting children. Not that the others aren't interesting, they are, immensely, all in their different ways. But this little guy (yes he's still little in my book) finds ways to amaze and perplex me in ways that my other children never have. He is my fourth (and likely final) Kindergartner. Yes, it's a sad realization, but also a liberating one in terms of the nitty gritty. As in, I do not have to worry much anymore about a little one putting the pre-schooler's work into his mouth, and the like. But this particular Kindergarten year with this particular little person has been very different than any other Kindergarten year that I have experienced. Not in a bad way, not in the least. A challenging way however, as he is not as easily pleased with the materials I used with the other children. I am having to become more creative in how I present learning activities, which on good days is fun and things work out fine, on days that I am unprepared however, I fall short miserably. Alas, the learning curve that God has set pour moi, is ever changing and high, as it should be :)
Our Kindergarten year has been ripe with many new endeavors and some familiar and repetitive ones; the secret weapons that I used time and again with my past three Kindergarten graduates. So yes, there is a light at the end of the Kindergarten tunnel, and yes I know my child will be happy and ready to move on to 1st grade no matter his learning style.
Kindergarten doesn't come in a box, it comes with the love and attention you spend with your little person learning about a few special things. Charlotte Mason tends to be the backbone of our preferred learning style, but our Montessori materials also hold a very special place in the Kindergarten learning room. That being said, sometimes, just a really good read aloud and some letter recognition games may be all we accomplish in a day, or a week, depending on stuff...LIFE.
Truly, the best of our days are when I let go of the impulse to drive my K-er forward too fast. When we slow down and do things deliberately with a relaxed atmosphere, it's much more of a win-win. Thus our equation is Happy Kindergartner = Happy Mama!
Sean-Paul is a one-of-a-kind boy surely destined for great things in his life. I am just happy to be along for the ride wherever it may take us :)
A few of the things we are enjoying right now ~
ABC Zoo Animal Bingo Board Game
UNO (we have the Cars version)
Skip Counting
Chess & Checkers
Outdoor playtime ~ basketball, playing catch, tag, hide & seek, rollerblading, scootering, bike riding....
Allrighty, I'm off to play another round of Uno, how has your Kindergarten year been going?? Love to hear what 'good things' are working for your little people :)
Many blessings in your day, thanks for visiting.
It's been a while since I have commented here, but what a sweet post. I enjoyed reading this.
Posted by: divina | Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 11:01 AM
Such sweet pictures!
I love that age. It's so fun to do activities with them and watch them grow and explore the world more and more.
Posted by: suzy | Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 03:31 PM
I have to tell you again...I LOVE this child's hair!!! I NEVER had one with curls and S-P's delights me so!!!
I'm also happy to have some kinder ideas to pass on to my daughter who is working with her almost 5 year old. Thanks for the posting!
Enjoy the ride Sweet Mama!
Posted by: Betty | Friday, February 11, 2011 at 11:28 AM
I really enjoyed this post and have to agree with Betty--what awesome curls!
Do you think the ABC Bingo is worth $44?
It sounds great and I am sure my son would love it.
Posted by: Teresa | Friday, February 11, 2011 at 08:03 PM
LOL!! UNO - oh my goodness, Meredith, I'm so tired of playing UNO with my 5-year-old!! It's seriously driving me nuts..because he asks me about 50 times a day to play. We do usually play once a day. I play while nursing, and Luke helps out by putting my cards on the deck. =) I have been not really 'teaching' kindergarten..we have just been trying to do creative things and learn throughout the day. I'm just keeping away from the workbooks because I try to remind myself that he is only 5 and I was outside playing until I was 7. He already counts to 100, knows all his letters and sounds...and a bunch of other things..so I figure he is learning. =)
Posted by: Elisa | Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 05:46 AM
He is so cute. I am glad you are able to adapt to his learning style. As you said every kid is a little different. He is just mixing up the bag to keep you on your toes. I am glad you posted this! :)
Posted by: Adobe Montessori | Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 10:07 AM
Thanks for stopping by and yes, I am always on my toes with this one ;-)
Blessings,
Meredith
Posted by: meredith | Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 01:00 PM