We took a little break from consistent classroom time in November and December, instead leaning into quality family time while Mark had a rare break. We took it slow, enjoyed lots of cuddles, lazy pajama days, staycation type exploring, and had plenty of time to be creative. Now that the holidays are mostly over, and we’re getting ready to go back to the normal schedule, I’ve been slowly reintroducing the kids to time in the classroom and making tweaks and adjustments as needed.
A big change since we took our hiatus is that Charlotte is fully mobile. She can crawl, pull herself up, cruise around tables, and is even trying hard to take those first steps. Most of the time, we try to be in the classroom while Charlotte naps, but just like all other things homeschooling, flexibility is key, so I know to expect plenty of days when she’ll join us downstairs. This does mean that I have to look at our classroom with new eyes and a new perspective. Here are a couple of changes we’ve made to adjust for Charlotte’s new developmental milestones.
The practical life works have moved. These are the works with the tiniest pieces in the classroom. They are our scooping and pouring and tonging works, so it means lots of tempting things for little hands and little mouths. They used to be on the long, low oak table where they were easy for William to notice. Now that he is used to finding them and knows that he enjoys working with them, I have moved them to a taller bookcase that is slightly out of the way- it is much less likely that Charlotte will get into them there.
The long, low table now holds works that are designed to catch her eye. The table is the perfect height for her to stand at, which is her favorite posture currently, and are positioned such that she can easily explore them while she stands at the table.
Aside from moving some of the works with tiny pieces onto higher shelves, our classroom has not been rearranged in any big way. There is no separate section for Charlotte or playpen meant to contain her. She will be free to move about the classroom just as William and Gianna are, which is where the biggest change to our classsroom routine will come in- the change in our mindsets and understandings. I will need to get back into the habit of paying very close attention to what is engaging her, and being aware of what she needs in the space.
With a baby, this means a lot of redirection towards age-appropriate works and showing her works that she is capable of independently. William and Gianna will have to learn to be patient, kind, and loving as Charlotte interrupts their lessons and tries to touch their works. It will be challenging and frustrating for everyone I’m sure, and having a baby in the classroom isn’t easy, but it is absolutely worthwhile.
