This & That

So, today I went and volunteered in Dakota's classroom. It was fun...they made Stone Soup. I must say though that volunteering in Dakota's class has gotten me thinking....

Would Lil D be better off if he was Homeschooled?

What has gotten me thinking is that he seems to really have a lot of play time at his school. He also watches a lot of videos. Now, I am not against having a recess or an educational video here and there...but his seem excessive. Last week when I was there, they watched 2 videos back to back! One was a Leap Frog Letter Factory...which is educational (we actually have it at home) & the other was some Fox & the Hound social learning video. I'm thinking that these are things that they can watch at home....and they do!! The other day that I volunteered last week, they had play time for like an hour! Again, I am not against a short recess...but an hour? He is only there for 3 hours every day! In my opinion, these kids should be learning the whole time! If he were going full day, then I can see having recess & a lunch. But, he has play time, sometimes videos, and a snack time...all in 3 hours time. That doesn't leave very much time for learning, in my opinion.

His teacher is new to teaching Kindergarten. She was a Middle School teacher prior to this. She is a cool person, but can be picky & short with the kids too. She doesn't seem to be a very organized person either. For instance, when the kids have the video hour...her and the other Kindergarten class teacher are planning. Shouldn't they be doing that before or after school?? Maybe if they did, they wouldn't have to throw the video on. It makes me think that maybe they are throwing videos in or having play time so that they can get stuff done. Today, they did a short activity where they were supposed to take letters that they cut out & paste them onto a rectangler piece of construction paper. Easy enough, right? Well, not planned well. The letters didn't fit onto the construction paper...they were too large. So, the kids ended up just writing (in pencil) "Happy Thanksgiving" instead.

Maybe I am being picky...I don't know. But, it's definitely gotten Brian and I thinking. I am going to look into the whole Homeschooling thing & also Virtual School (just heard of that one today!).

I started a new Yahoo Group this week for Christian Adoptive Mom's or Mom's to be! I really wanted some place to be able to share with others that believe the same as I do & also have adoption in common! So far we have 13 ladies...not too shabby, eh? I truly hope that it will be a place to share our adoption experiences, encourage others who are just starting out on the adoption road, pray for one another, talk about our lives & families! If you have or are adopting and are interested in joining, just let me know & I'll be happy to send you an invite! :)

I am looking forward to having a couple of days off with my family. It will be nice to have Brian home for a few days & just enjoy some relaxation. We are having Thanksgiving dinner here at our place. My parents & brother & niece are coming over. Should be a good time. I haven't made a full Thanksgiving dinner in a few years...it will be challenging! LOL On Friday we are putting up the Christmas tree & decorations....CAN'T WAIT! I love seeing the Holiday's through my son's eyes...it really is magical!