Another Story

Today after nap Sydney came up to me and said, "I want a story." I told her to go pick out a book and I would read it to her. "No" she says. Ok, do you want me to pick it out?? "No" she says. Ok kid... what is it you want?? "I want a story." Hmmmm, my brain starts working trying to figure out exactly what she is talking about... then it hits me... she wants to TELL me a story. Oh, I love my kids!! She sought me out... so I said ok lets go!!!

She gets the paper, a pencil (she wants me to have the one with an eraser), and brings me to the reading corner (where we have some pillows and where I did this yesterday) and she sits down to watch me write. I tell her I am ready... she stares at me. Ok... "Sydney did you want to tell me a story?" She smiles and giggles... now you have to understand she is not yet 3 (almost though) and loves to giggle. She is a doll.

Sydney: I got a bite by me cat. It bite me two times. I don't want it to bite me.

She then proceeds to show me a mark on her leg (which looks very similar to a marker smudge) and smiles and walks away. That was it... after the kids picked up their nap mats we had a quick circle where I read her story. She was very excited to come to the front of the circle. She kept raising her hand while I read the story. Not sure why, but she kept doing it.

** I found out later by her Mom that the cat wasn't in the home anymore. I think that maybe she is working this out and needed an outlet for what she was feeling. Cool... Thanks Teacher Tom... my kids needed this and I don't think I would have thought of it on my own!!

I know now that this is an activity I will have available whenever they want it.

Story Time...

ARGHH!! I am having withdrawals without my pictures!!

We have been experiencing some frigid temperatures here in NC this week and with that have been inside more than usual. We love to go outside and be free in the yard. This week we have lasted no more than 5 or 6 minutes before the kids start to ask to go in. Runny noses, red cheeks, chapped hands and 5 pleading faces... I usually relent and in we go. I will be happy when we can be out longer. It helps with energy, sleeping, and mostly our moods. Mine included. Basically we have been having a longer Free Play time in the morning before we have circle time. I have tried to start the story telling exercise I read about on the blog by Teacher Tom. You can read about them here and here. I thought it could be a great thing for the kids. It has started out great. We are at the very beginning stages and the kids will need some time to get the hang of it, but I like it.

Ryan: My story is about stories. I like stories. Why do we have to do stories?

When I read it to the kids they all giggled and he thought it was a grand story, even though he wasn't so sure in the beginning.

Sydney (almost 3): I like my Mom. My Mom did my hair.

She came up to the front when I read it and yes, she laughed and said her Mom made cupcakes. I love these kids.

I will keep giving the kids the chance to dictate to me more stories when we have time, I think they really liked it.