Joy School!



Scotland started Joy School this week. He was SO excited to begin, and asked me “how many days…” several times a day for a week. There are four kids in his class: Ava Kirkwood, Noah Hulet, and Cole Watkins. It looks like it is going to be a great group, though I’d love to add one more girl- just to balance things out a bit. (Ava is definitely fought over- “I want to sit by Ava” “No, I want to sit by Ava!”)  Scotter is so ready for a bit more enrichment, and definitely needs more social time. He’s done great so far. I’ve helped both times this week, and I teach next week. So it will be interested to hear how he does when I’m not there. Will he be better, or worse? Hopefully, just the same.

Our little school boy!

Scotland tends to fixate on things. There is always one thing that is in his constant care. For a while it was his teddy, then his “special book”- a moleskine type notebook, now it is this backpack. When asked what his favorite toy was in Joy School, he thought about it for a bit, and then said “My backpack.” He takes it with him everywhere, shows everyone. The other night when I went to check on him in the middle of the night- it lay next to him in bed.

The class: Scotland, Cole, Ava and Noah

The first class was pretty rowdy, but today went much better. We’re trying to decide how much wrestling and running around is acceptable. With three boys, we’re definitely going to have to increase the activity level!

I’m reading the book the accompanies the curriculum- Teaching your Children Joy. The philosophy behind the program is that in these early years we should focus on teaching children how to find joy in life. It’s been a good reminder that while yes, it would be great to teach Scotland to read, do math, etc, what is more important is that he learns to love life, to love others, and to find joy in learning and creating. So much of happiness is determined by one’s chosen outlook and life choices, what better concept to establish in a child’s mind at this impressionable age. In order to teach it however, we as teachers must exemplify it. The manual suggests you say often “Wow isn’t it wonderful to. ..” “Doesn’t it make you happy when. . .” “I’m so happy that. . .” Maintaining such a buoyant spirit can be challenging when four toddlers are running around your house screaming! I think this program is going to be as good for me, as it is for Scotland!

P.S. I am a Joy School graduate. When I listened to the songs for the first time, I got this elated feeling when I heard “Oh Boy! I Got Joy!” it was the strangest thing. It was like I was having a “feeling” memory.

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3 responses to “Joy School!”

  1. I have started homeschooling Ian this year and after walking away from a meeting with other moms doing the same thing my takeaway was similar to yours – right now we are encouraging a love of learning, the ability to work with others, and taking responsibility for oneself. In other words, just a continuation of parenting but in a slightly different context! Even in kindergarten I am not going to worry ab

    • Elisabeth,
      I’ve been meaning to stop by, because I want to BEG you to let Imogen join us. Pretty Please! I want more opportunities to see you guys, to let our kids get to know each other, and she’d be a great addition to our group! Please, consider!!

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