A little background on my family:
We already know that we will homeschool, even though oldest child is not yet 3. I feel like we already homeschool, so I see what will come later as an extension of what we already do.
We live in a small community that is not very progressive, in virtually every way. Overall, though, we feel good about our decision to move back here (dh's hometown) because dh can make a good living and be self-employed, the cost of living is really low, the pace of life is nice and relaxed, and our kids really know the people with whom they interact on a daily basis (local shopowners, library staff, etc.).
We attend storytime at the public library every week, and it is a good program. Typically, it consists of songs, a story, then a craft project related to the story. Storytime goes on hiatus for the summer, and in the same time slot is the "summer reading program." I'm hesitant to participate for two reasons: 1) Instead of the usual 12-15 kids, I've been told there will be 50+ each week; 2) We signed up today, and apparently the program includes not only a weekly story and some special events (magician performance, etc.) but prizes given each week based on the number of books read. The folder we were given today includes little forms that we're supposed to fill out for each book ds reads. DS has LOVED books from an early age (would sit on our lap reading for an hour at 10 months) and I hate to introduce some stupid school-like reward system for what he naturally loves to do.
The only reason I took him to register is that he is really upset that we've had a few weeks without storytime. Taking him to the library 1-2 times a week provides lots of fun/learning, but not an opportunity for deep interaction with the library staff and the songs/craft projects he loves to do there. DD (14 months) also really enjoys the structured program.
I'm thinking about taking him every week but not tracking his reading. I wonder if hearing the weekly announcement of prizes will be something he'll tune into, though. Probably I just need to talk with the staff and see if there is a way we can pick and choose the parts we are comfortable with (maybe staying for part of each session?). I'm sure the staff will look at me like I am from outer space for seeing any negatives in this.
I would love any thoughts on my situation. Thanks!
We already know that we will homeschool, even though oldest child is not yet 3. I feel like we already homeschool, so I see what will come later as an extension of what we already do.
We live in a small community that is not very progressive, in virtually every way. Overall, though, we feel good about our decision to move back here (dh's hometown) because dh can make a good living and be self-employed, the cost of living is really low, the pace of life is nice and relaxed, and our kids really know the people with whom they interact on a daily basis (local shopowners, library staff, etc.).
We attend storytime at the public library every week, and it is a good program. Typically, it consists of songs, a story, then a craft project related to the story. Storytime goes on hiatus for the summer, and in the same time slot is the "summer reading program." I'm hesitant to participate for two reasons: 1) Instead of the usual 12-15 kids, I've been told there will be 50+ each week; 2) We signed up today, and apparently the program includes not only a weekly story and some special events (magician performance, etc.) but prizes given each week based on the number of books read. The folder we were given today includes little forms that we're supposed to fill out for each book ds reads. DS has LOVED books from an early age (would sit on our lap reading for an hour at 10 months) and I hate to introduce some stupid school-like reward system for what he naturally loves to do.
The only reason I took him to register is that he is really upset that we've had a few weeks without storytime. Taking him to the library 1-2 times a week provides lots of fun/learning, but not an opportunity for deep interaction with the library staff and the songs/craft projects he loves to do there. DD (14 months) also really enjoys the structured program.
I'm thinking about taking him every week but not tracking his reading. I wonder if hearing the weekly announcement of prizes will be something he'll tune into, though. Probably I just need to talk with the staff and see if there is a way we can pick and choose the parts we are comfortable with (maybe staying for part of each session?). I'm sure the staff will look at me like I am from outer space for seeing any negatives in this.
I would love any thoughts on my situation. Thanks!
: The prize was a free book so she really wanted to get it!
: Luckily DS didn't care but I was pissed!
