I don’t know if this is something that happens all over the country, or is particular to where we’re at now, but in the last few months, it seems to me that a large majority of conversations among mothers of young children revolve around preschool. Before I had even contemplated the idea of preschool, I was being asked if I would be putting Emma in one, or if I knew of a good school to suggest. She turned three in February. In my mind, the concept of school is one that I had no intention of debating too thoroughly until she was at least five. Then I’d have to finally make the choice among homeschooling, public school, or private school.
Well, I was blindsided a bit earlier. Apparently, everyone’s doing it. Sending their little half-pints off to be educated at the ripe old age of three. Well, I may not be too resolute on the whole homeschooling/public school debate just yet, but I know I am NOT ready to send my little girl off to a learning institute just yet. I get just as caught up as the next mom (maybe more) in the competitive nature of childrearing. Sure, I’m jealous that little Sally can write her letters better than my little girl, but at the same time, I’m also aware that by the time Emma is my age, it will not have mattered if she learned to write her letters at three or five. After all, I never went to preschool, and I think I turned out just fine.
All that being said, I also recognize the importance of social interaction for Emma. And the ability to follow directions from someone other than her parents. And let’s not overlook the break it would provide me. So I also contemplated a Mother’s Day Out program. It would provide all those things, but on a very limited basis. But, of course, they are all morning programs, and I’m just not ready for that (we got up at ten today; it was perfect!).
Well, long story short, we are now a part of a Joy School program. Our new neighbor invited us half an hour after we met, and I am very pleased with the concept. It is a school comprised of a group of mothers and their young children that are living in the same neighborhood (or very close by). I had to pay an initial $45 to become a member of the hosting website, and then $70 for a semester of education. School meets two mornings a week for 2 1/2 hours, and it is taught by one of the mothers. We rotate homes and (of course) the teaching mother every 2 weeks.
Now, part of what induced me to join this was the curriculum itself (and, let’s be honest, the fact that it was the cheapest option besides doing nothing). The website provides detailed lesson plans for each day and printable materials, as well as CDs full of songs, including the hit favorite, “Oh, Boy! I’ve Got Joy!” (Emma’s been singing that one this week.) The whole focus of Joy School is–you guessed it–Joy! There is not an overwhelming pressure to learn the alphabet and reading and writing. There is a simple lesson of teaching the children joy–joy in the world around them, and joy in learning.
A typical lesson plan includes free play time, where the kids learn to interact and share with one another, singing, story time, snack time, crafts, and a little quiet time as well. They talk about what day of the week it is, and what the weather is like, and some days will focus on a letter, but mostly it’s about exploring their world.
This was our first week of school, and Emma loves it. Our only adjustment has been that it begins at 9, which puts Emma pretty out of sorts by the afternoon because she’s so tired. (I’m out of sorts as soon as my alarm goes off!) So far, I think it’s a very good thing, and I’m a little impatient for my turn to teach (not until October). So if you’re feeling the preschool pressure, take a look into Joy School (and you, too, can be singing a whole new array of obnoxious kiddy songs). 
Tags: education, Emma, Joy School
The Daring Kitchen
Glad to hear you weren’t so excited about the pressure of preschool either. It’s too much for me. Let them be kids and enjoy themselves. Sounds like a great program Emma is doing! So fun!
I remember Joy School. I am 23 years old, and 20 years later I still occasionally sing “Oh Boy! I got joy!” I’m very glad my mom put me through it, and I’m sure your little Emma will thank you in 20 years.
Remember, you’ve got joy!
Oh Boy!