Adjusting our Sails

Yesterday , I ended the day frustrated. I HATE when I do that. Nap time was horrendous. HORRENDOUS I tell ya ! 🙂 It is such a small part of our day but can cause the most frustration for teachers. This has been going on for a while . We have several non-nappers this year. I do not want my good days to revolve around ” did he or she nap today ?”

Since I am a proactive teacher and I like to take responsibility for what happens in our home I had to stop and think last night. They are needing something from me. What are we missing ? My first thought was ” well.. maybe they just aren’t tired enough. ” Today we pitched much of the lesson plan to the wind and took back to the outdoor classroom to see if expending more energy would help. Obviously we can’t spend every day for the complete time we are here outside. ( Though.. I could give you some very strong arguments why that wouldn’t be terrible -maybe even better – and how we could teach everything on our playground we teach inside our four walls.)

Since I have preached to you over and again the value of outside play I am not even going to go there right now to explain the skills that were strengthened outside as the kids ran , jumped and played from breakfast until 1200 . We won’t do this every day but today is proof that perhaps we aren’t getting enough active play before lunch so we will adjust our sails to include more outside time before the weather robs us of that possibility.

As I finish out this blog 30 minutes into our nap time every little stinker but one is asleep and he is almost there.

Thankfully with each day we get to start over. Be assured when I have what I consider a bad day I do a lot of reflecting about what I can do the next day to make it better.

Although today I opened with my shirt under my apron inside out ( I was wide awake when I got dressed ) today was a better day .

. Why a nap ?

From KidsHealth.com

” Nap. It’s a small word, but for most parents a hugely important one. Why? Sleep is a major requirement for good health, and for young kids to get enough of it, some daytime sleep is usually needed. Crucial physical and mental development occurs in early childhood, and naps provide much-needed downtime for growth and rejuvenation.

Naps also help keep kids from becoming overtired, which not only takes a toll on their moods but may also make it harder for them to fall asleep at night. And naptime gives parents a brief oasis during the day and time to tackle household chores or just unwind.

Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): Preschoolers average about 11 to 12 hours at night, plus an afternoon nap. Most give up this nap by 5 years of age. ”

Also it is a minimum standard for licensure. 🙂

Adjusting our Sails