Most Friday afternoons the kids and I go to a local homeschool co-op (called "Scoop"). There are probably about 20-25 kids who attend, but they're split between the big kids and the little kids. Aubree and Bryce are both in the little kid (3-6 year olds) group. Scoop is a perfect fit for Bryce and Aubree also has fun.
The moms have responsibility for different portions of the program, including: opening circle, story time, music, plan & play, centers, art, and science. I'm in charge of Plan & Play (which is based on research that suggests that sustained role playing has significant long-term cognitive and academic benefits) and Art (which, since I lack artistic ability, is more "crafts").
Last week our Scoop theme was "Farms." For Plan & Play time I brought animal noses out of egg cartons, let the kids choose which animal they wanted to "be," and sat back thoroughly entertained as the kids got into character. Bryce started out as a little pig, but spent most of his time with a cow nose. He found himself a cozy pen and practiced rolling around in the mud.
Aubree tried on a couple noses, but ultimately decided she'd rather be the farmer. Soon, she and another mom got the idea to open a Farmer's Market where they sold milk, cheese, and eggs. When the animals inevitably became customers, she also sold animal food.
Thane crawled around alternately fascinated and terrified by the protuberances. He wanted nothing to do with wearing one himself.
The other kids were equally hilarious. One boy, Ryan, chose to wear the sheep nose. Only he decided it was a mouse nose and he snuck around the room squeaking and trying to steal cheese.
Overall, it was a lot of fun.
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