15 October 2010

Joy School

Last year, Bella went to a Children's Day Out Program in Texas while Chad was in training.  By October, she didn't want to go, and by the time we moved, she had completely shut down at school.  It turned out to be a bad experience (not necessarily because of the program or teachers, she just had a lot going on with moving and Chad leaving and everything else in our lives changing).  When we moved, I didn't dare try to put her into a preschool, I knew she just needed to stay home with me.

I wasn't really sure what we were going to do this year.  I knew she needed something, she was getting so bored and she was ready to learn.  Chad and I were both in Joy School when we were younger and I liked that idea better than her going to preschool.  Luckily, someone from church wanted to start a group, and we found two other moms, and started up just in time!  Bella loves it!  She already knew the moms and was friends with the kids in the group, so she isn't afraid or intimidated about going.  And when we have the school at our house, she gets so excited and loves to help out.  Some of the lessons are pretty cheesy, but overall, it has been a great experience.  And the nice thing is, the lessons center more on being a good person, appreciating the world around you, serving others, and being joyful and not just teaching numbers and alphabet.  Bella already knows her abc's and numbers, and has started writing her name and anyone else's that we will spell for her.  I still can't decide if I am going to try to get her into the charter school kindergarten next year since their deadline is Oct. 30, or let her wait another year like she is supposed to, or even home school her if we can find a good co-op.  Luckily, I don't have to decide yet!

Anyway, here are a few pics from her first day going to Joy School, she was so excited!!!

Ready for school, with a sassy pose!

Waving Bye (even though I am driving her to school) 

Bella ran ahead to ring the doorbell to Aaron's house,
and her friend, Aden, is pulling his backpack. 

Waiting for Aaron to open the screen door. 

Aaron is showing Aden and Bella where to put their shoes 

Bella putting her backpack away 

2 comments:

Nik McOmber said...

Thanks for sharing! The pictures and commentary are outstanding... they brought joy to my soul. I love and miss you all! -Nik

heisskalt said...

She is getting so big and her hair is so long! Glad she loves joy school! Miss her!