The majority of our school work is usually completed by early afternoon. After lunch, I let the crew go out and run off some energy by whatever means necessary (within civil limits, of course) and then we are on to room time. We began doing this when our babies were just babies. When they were small, it was also an opportunity for them to learn to play alone and to pick up behind themselves. You can see from the picture above that they have mastered that quite well, no??
They have always had room time and we all need it!! By that point in our day, I need a breather and they do, too. Now that 3 out of the 4 are reading, it has turned into reading time. But for nonreaders, it is playtime and/or reading time but they know it is quiet time for all to regroup. I take care of drink/bathroom/toy/book needs before this time commences so that it truly is peaceful. We all benefit from a peacful moment after the morning hours of productivity. We have no intention of dropping this time just because they are older..this is kind of a forever thing here!
Leave me a comment and let me know some of the "forever" things in your home.
What a great idea! I see that your girls share a room. Was that ever a problem during room time? My girls are still young, 4 and 2, and both my boys, 3 and 1 still nap. The 2 year old needs a nap but my 4 year old keeps her up :) so I let her have her own quiet time in the basement. Any suggestions for when they get older and naps are no longer needed in 'keeping the peace' during these times? We will always do a quiet time for our kids, in the afternoon. I think everyone needs it! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Gail... my girls are 5 and 11 so there's not much napping going on. On the rare occasion that I know my 5 yr old needs one, I will move the older daughter to another area if she's going to be doing something noisy. However, she loves to read and usually does so during room time and the 5 yr old can sleep right on through if need be. I agree--we all need a little peace time!
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