Camp Discover

So I had this little idea creep into my head on Sunday as I watched our toddlers class teach. The are awesome in there and I love seeing them in action! We do VBS type programs that really target elementary age children. At Dutch Fork we’re doing Summer Slam which is going to be an insane alternative to VBS which still targets elementary and junior/senior high ages. So we’re going to do Camp Discover for ages 2-4 in August. It is going to be a 5 day camp – in the mornings and each day will be themed with something different – animals, plants, water, sun/moon/stars, wonderful colors. They will learn God’s role in creating each of these. The kids will have large group programming with worship and puppets and fun and then they will go to age divided classes and do hands-on activities regarding the theme. What do you think?

I know that as a mom of a 3 year old, I would love something like this for my child. An opportunity for hands-on learning and Bible learning at the same time. So now, it’s off to work for me and the preschool team!

If only I could decide on preschool curriculum or the Fall!

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preschool curriculum part II

I am still on the fence about which one to use in the Fall. I am between First Look and Lil’K still.

First Look – I love the options offered in the materials. I could use them for both church hours and not run out of material. I am thinking the 1 and 2 year old material may be a little advanced and have pretty high expectations for that age. I like the range of what it covers — God made me, God loves me, Jesus wants to be my friend forever. I love that! I also like tha downloadable format. BTW – love their new website!

Lil’ K – The media for this is out of this world – engaging and done well. My biggest qualm with this material is just the fact of subjecting preschoolers to their main format of teaching on a television. I am a parent of a preschooler and a toddler and I know how I limit their tv watching – for elementary I think KIDMO – done partly on screen is great, with the the little ones I think it is almost unneeded. I am a huge proponent of learning through play. Lil’K does offer hands-on activities to go along with the video portion, I am just questioning whether the video portion is even needed. They also do not offer material for 1 and 2′s.

Ah. choices to make. We had a program in place for a year called Wiggle Worship. It was awesome – incorporated drama, music, puppets, and dance into the show. The kids loved it, talked about it, and looked forward to it. Unfortunately it was a program that was a volunteers vision and when they stepped down there was no one to fill that void. Unless it is done with excellence and passion then it isn’t worth doing here, so we’re re-evaluating. I know our preschool program is weak and I want awesome things for it. I am just praying that God raises up the right leaders for the job!

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my soon to be 3 year old

Posted a picture of the little one earlier this week. Needed to post a pic of the curly haired one in the family. He has had a trimming since this picture was taken!

Cade is such a joy and keeps me on my toes! Had to put him in bed at least 20 times tonight. Ahh.. love the budding preschool independence. NOT!

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preschool curriculum

I am making a BIG change in the fall with our preschool program and I am struggling over which curriculum choice to make. My contenders are:

*Lil’ K

*First Look – 252 basics

*PromiseLand – Willow Creek

I need to check into each of them tomorrow and start comparing them and the additional resources needed as well as structure — if you have any thoughts, please post them!

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