Oh my goodness, how blessed are we?! I just can’t even believe how beautifully this has turned out. I am so, so, so very thankful!!!
I was chatting with a few moms in town and kept hearing great things about a teacher named Ashley from Canada. She has started a little group in town for kids whose parents were looking for something a little different than what is offered here. She teaches through doing rather than just showing. She gets the children involved in activities working together, puts a strong focus on art and allowing the kids to learn in a way that is interesting to them individually. Ugh, just everything about her and this concept is exactly what we were looking for!
Anyway, after hearing all about it, I contacted her when we got back from NY and we set up a time to all meet. Sophie was super stoked!
I went to Ashely’s FB page to see if I could find out more about her, and her old students from Canada had left a bunch of messages on her wall saying how they miss her and she was their favorite teacher, etc. Parents wrote this on her wall as well. Always a good sign!
Ashley came about 2 weeks ago to meet us and little Pooks and we all clicked straight away. That nervous feeling I thought I would have when Pooks started school was non existent. That nervous feeling Pooks thought she would have when starting school was no where to be found as well. It all felt right!
Since our first meeting, Ashely has come and taught Pookie twice, and we have taken Pooks up to her school to hang once too. This week Pooks is going to try her first full day up at the school and meet all the kiddos for the first time. She is excited, we are thankful!
The group is small and intimate, which is exactly where she functions best. Ashley starts each day off with the kids listing out 5 things they are thankful for…we try do this at night with our kiddos too, which just further illustrates how much we are all on the same page.
She is private tutoring Pooks twice a week. We started off once, and Pookie loved it so much the first week that we have already upped it to twice a week. By the second time Ashley came, Pookie was already putting on lip gloss for her big learning date and running downstairs all on her own to greet “her” teacher. It is truly magnificent! What a lucky girl, and what lucky parents.
There are so many times as a mom, and a parent in general that we doubt ourselves. We are our toughest critics, (never mind all the other outside sources that try to instill doubt, whether intentional or not). Pooks and sweet Sabs, if you read this as a mom please take away this…always, always trust yourself. Every child is different and no one will know your child as well as you. You both are the most well rounded, mindful, loving, happy, kind, intelligent girls i know. Other parents are always commenting how adorable, sweet and friendly you are not only to other children but also to each other. We have followed your guide and it has worked brilliantly for us. Never be afraid to pave your own path in life. Even if it is different from most that you know, it is yours.
The family unit we have created is so strong and magnificent. I really am so thankful each day for the life we get to live and for the adventure we are able to provide for you two. You have a kick ass dada who works magic to be able to provide the way he does while living in paradise. Continue to let your curiosity run wild, your mind run free, and your heart love fully.
I am so excited for this learning journey for my lil Pooks. The confidence she has at only 5 years of age is incredible. I will update as the journey continues. Friday is her first day to go and meet the whole crew. She is excited to bring a little backpack and lunch. She told me she is going to bring a toy to show everyone. I asked her what she was most excited about for her first day of school and she said “art and friendship”. Bless her sweet little genuine heart.
Here are some pics from her tutoring time. When we got home the other day we heard her belting out a song about the days of the week with Ashley. xoxoxo
