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I consider downtime a very important part of early childhood, and one of my top priorities with kids in school is making sure they still get plenty of time to explore, imagine, and create. My kids have free access to (washable – very important detail!) markers, paper, tape, and scissors. One of my goals for January is to keep kid-focused time a priority every day. I think It’s good for the kids, and I’ve noticed that when I make time to live in their world I enjoy my own life a lot more.
We loved having Mike home over the school break, and he spent a lot of time with the kids – teaching them about light (if you’re interested in repeating our experiment, laser pointers are surprisingly affordable on Amazon. This is the laser pointer we have) and building them a paper spaceship, as well as playing with our new snap circuits set. Mike also introduced us to a fun drawing game from his own childhood.
All of my hard work at getting the kids to enjoy baths paid off a little TOO well with Lily, who now things she should live in the tub. We’re still working on getting her to wear a coat, and I would love her for to stop rolling the sleeves up on the rare occasions she gives in:
When I talk to her about it, she rolls her pant legs up above her knees in protest.
Emma becomes craftier by the day. she made a lovely doll bag, and we are working on more doll accessories. All three kids are working on decorating the unfinished pine wooden castle Johnny and Lily got for Christmas.
Johnny missed his friends, and he is very happy to be back in school. His class is mostly boys, and it’s a great break for him from our estrogen-powered household. Emma is also enjoying school, and she wrote this cute story about her new doll:
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Lily uses her time alone with me to read TONS of books (current favorite toddler books here). She also has me work on decorating the castle, although I’m not given much freedom for artistic expression – she even tells me which color to use!
How was your week? Join the Afterschool Blog hop, hosted by What Do We Do All Day?, Just Playin’ Around, Little Wonders’ Days, Mama Smiles (I’m the host this week!), Mouse Grows, Mouse Learns, and The Educators’ Spin On It. Add your link below!
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You know….I should probably start doing this. After picking up my oldest from school, it’s like a race to bedtime — homework, dinner prep, baths and bed. I need to allow more downtime in there!! Thanks for the reminder!
(And great fun by the way! Heading over to check out the drawing game!)
Visit Jennifer … Back to (Tot) School – Part II
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I love all the great activities you do with your kids! That’s hilarious that Emma tells you which color to use! I guess she knows what she wants it to look like. :)
Visit Jen … muffin tin lasagna
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This post is a good reminder of making the most out of after school time! Thanks and LOVE the blog hops!!!
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maryanne Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:36 pm
Thanks for linking up!
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Oops! My link title (number 15) should be “Better than a Good Idea” how do I fix it?!!! Thanks & Sorry!!!
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maryanne Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:35 pm
Fixed it for you =)
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My Sassyfras doesn’t like to wear a coat either. She usually carries it with her. However, she got a poncho with a hood for Christmas and loves it! Maybe that would work for Lily…
Thanks for hosting AfterSchool!
Visit Kelly … AfterSchool Linky Party!
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maryanne Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 7:18 am
Thanks for the suggestion, Kelly! Maybe I can make her one and get her to wear that =)
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Oh, I love Emma’s story and the drawing! She is so very creative. It was good to have the whole family home here too!
Visit Natalie … What My Child Is Reading–January 7, 2012
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The picture of Johnny and Lily drawing is beautiful. Emma’s writing is so good, too. But I’m just shaking my head over Lily rolling her pants legs up when you speak to her about her sleeves… I’m sure you have to either laugh or cry! :)
Visit Elisa | blissfulE … “going the road”
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maryanne Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 7:17 am
Exactly…
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Abby loves get out the markers and start writing and drawing. Usually, the scissors and tape are out as well. In fact, I thought of having Santa bring her tape for Christmas. LOL!
Emma’s handwriting is great!
Visit Jenny … Project 52: Resolution
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maryanne Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 7:17 am
That would be an awesome Santa gift! My kids LOVE tape!!!
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You’re such a great mom! I love her little doll bag. My six-year-old would enjoy making a bag like that. And we’ve been having fun with snap circuits. :) Though my daughter isn’t so patient with the instructions. She just likes creating her own.
Visit Grumpy Grateful Mom … Easily Entertained
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maryanne Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 6:32 am
My daughter loves creating her own circuits, too =)
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Washable is SO important. I agree. Though it’s fun now to be able to occasionally let my kids use Sharpies. They really enjoy that.
Visit Ticia … Bible Alive: Frogs, where do all these frogs come from
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I’m with you: I like after-school time to have some down-time built in. Which is exactly why I don’t push Christian into dance and gymnastics and riding lessons and softball and… and… and!!! We like spending time with her and seeing her face after school, once the homework is all done.
Love your activities! You’re so creative!
Visit Tracye … Ruler Growth Chart
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I agree that downtime is important. My son usually plays with his friends for an hour right after school as I finish working (I work at home). Then he eats, does homework, practices piano, etc. That downtime makes all the rest easier! I love Emma’s story about her doll!
Visit Julie @ Just Playin Around … Review: Guayaki Yerba Mate
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