Kidschool and the Closet

My kids are all in what is called core phase. This is a phase between 0 and around 8 years of age where children are naturally curious and where building a strong foundation in harmony, love, knowing right from wrong, family and values, a love of work, play, and learning are all so very important. Almost every morning we are beginning to implement a time called Kidschool. This is a time where we all spend our time together playing, reading a lot, exploring, and just enjoying each other's company. We focus on a very natural type of learning where we all learn and discover together. If I need to cook, they cook with me. If I need to organize a closet, they are involved. This time is so important for all of us to build bonds and learn the importance of working as a family and enjoying it! To me, it's so very important to involve all my kids. They all need my attention, and this is just what our family needs. 

Recently it's been a bit difficult to have harmony in our home with the adjustment of a fourth new baby that has hit us all pretty hard. We are trying to implement a sense of structure and predictability in our home now that the baby is napping just a little bit more regularly. Maybe it's because it's spring or something, but I have been feeling the desire to simplify, simplify, simplify! For us that meant beginning to implement one of the ingredients of Thomas Jefferson Education, the closet. In the closet there are many things for the kids to explore and play with. They range from puzzles, manipulatives, building toys, coloring pages, nature magazines, games, workbooks and some art and writing supplies. The closet is set up so it can be left open during kidschool and the kids can play with the activities and put them back for as long as they'd like. While they play we either listen to books or music while I sit and play with them, or I read to them from our chapter book at the time. This week we are reading The Tale of Desperaux. 

I have had many tender moments this week after months of having days of feeling frustration over not having a very positive spirit in our home. We have felt more peace. We have had less fights and yelling, we have felt the Spirit of the Lord in out home more strongly, and we have truly been feeling the joy of learning. That is my goal! I love it!! Life changes are difficult, and these two ingredients from Thomas Jefferson Education have truly been an answer to prayer this week!