So for some years now, I've been consistently doing things with Zion and now with Zion and Zephy weekly. On Tuesdays, we go to our local library for the Parent Child Program which is from 10:15 till about 11:15 or so. For the first 30 minutes, the children play and interact with each other. Then they clean up and it's time for some stories, puppet play, etc. I love the program because it is well run and it is close to home. At one point, I stopped going because it was overrun with daycare kids (as in the daycare would haul all their kids to the program). But recently, they have been more stringent and while some caregivers still bring thier 6 or 7 kids, it still feels small and homey. It's still enjoyable.
On Thursdays we usually go to Parent's Place in White Plains. The program runs from 10:00-12:00. I really have to focus to get there on time but it's always well worth it. From 10:00 till 11, the children are free to play in either of the two rooms. One room is full of toys: a kitchen set, train table, blocks, push toys, rocking boats, etc. The other room has a water table, puzzles, finger painting/arts and crafts as well as easel painting. There's a rug where smaller babies can play and a bookcase with children's books that are displayed and changed regularly. At 11, everyone cleans up, we sing and play instruments then it's time for a snack. Once snack is over, the children are free to play again (sand table and play dough are brought out) and the parents, if they'd like, can have a group where they can talk about any issues they may be having in raising their babies. I enjoy this program tremendously although these days Zion seems to be outgrowing it. It is still very appropriate for Zephy who is so cute when the songs are being sung. Recently I learned that the program may not continue because of a serious lack of funds (hundreds of thousands of dollars). I'm hoping that some benefactor will contribute the money to keep it running but in this economy, it may not happen.
A mom at Parent's Place hipped me to an inexpensive Kindermusik program in New Rochelle. Zion is the only one taking the class right now. It is on Friday's from 3:30-4:15. He enjoys it and I think we'll sign Zephy up next. The program runs just like the public schools do so we won't be doing it this summer. I'm looking forward, in a way, to having Fridays freed up.
A few weeks ago, we signed Zion up for swimming at the New Rochelle YMCA. It's on Saturdays at 11:15. The first class went surprisingly well. Zion got in the pool and participated. The last two classes . . . not so much. The teacher is kind of cold and doesn't really give off a vibe of protection--in other words, Zion doesn't trust or like her. But I received some wonderful advice from another homeschooling Mama on what to do and so while I'm anxious to make sure our money is not wasted, I think I can figure out ways to maximize the experience even if Zion never gets in the pool.
So these are our weekly activities. Sprinkled in there are playdates and other interesting things we might find to do. Now that summer is upon us, we'll be doing a lot more fun things (especially **free** or low cost fun things like the pool and the beach.
Look, I love summer and just the prospect of summer fun gets me excited. I can't wait!
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