Friday, October 19, 2007

Joy School

I have wanted to start a Joy School (Mom-run preschool) with some of the ladies in my ward. However, before I could get up the guts to ask people, someone beat me to it. Now I can particpate without the responsibility! :) She's asking for ideas for how to run it though. I know a few of you have done this before. What has worked, what hasn't? The ages range from my 21 month old to 3 1/2 year olds. We're planning on two hours with a lesson (possible snack) and then play time. I thought I'd see what you've learned in your preschool experiences.

7 comments:

Linz said...

Wow. I didn't know they could start that young!

I'm pretty sure Chantel can comment on this!

Liz said...

Linz, I'm still a bit nervous about M being that young but that's why it's a just a bunch of Mom's basically doing a structured play group.

kristi said...

I do a mom preschool with my 3 year old. We have all 3 year olds. We have play time, snack, lesson, activity (projects).

Jen L said...

I love this idea!!! I have the Eyre's books and want to start a joy school when Margaret is old enough.

www.valuesparenting.com is the official joy school site. You can actually purchase material for $70 a semester (a lot cheaper than preschools around here!!!) if you want structured lesson plans. Plus the book "Teaching Children Joy" has great ideas (the book the idea is founded on). The Eyre's also wrote a bunch of other "Teaching Children...." books and they include activities and ideas on how to teach your children values, or responsibility. Let me know how it goes!!!

Tiffany said...

I don't know anything about teaching joy school...but I went to it as a kid and loved it. I still remember the tapes we used to sing along to. :)

I worked at a day care in high school and I worked with the three year olds and basically what you've suggested was a pretty good structure for them. As everyone comes they can play while they wait for everyone to get there...and then have a structured activity (singing welcome, lesson, etc.), snack time and play time! :) I think it will be fun to do that with my little one when she gets bigger! :)

Anonymous said...

Hi! I googled "Joy School" because I am looking for one for my son and your blog came up. I hope you dont mind me asking - how did you find yours and how do you like it? I would appreciate any advice you can give. Thanks, from one mom to another!

Lauren Horsley

Kiasa said...

How funny! I just googled joy school and got your blog as well (like the previous commenter). I'm LDS as well, in NYC and considering doing a mom led structured playgroup with friends.

Did you get one going? How was it?

My daughter is only 18 months (and so are friends), so I'm thinking the whole thing would be a bit like nursery at church.