Joy School Graduation

Ah, Joy School.

The very thought of it, to be honest, just makes me feel very very tired. It's kind of wearing on a mom to plan and carry out 3+ hours of "joy" for six 5-year-olds, three days in a row. I really am feeling slightly lethargic sitting here recalling the late nights of cutting out pictures, making shapes on the floor with masking tape, cutting drinking straws and toothpicks into 1/2-inch segments, and practicing the actions for silly little songs. And then after the late nights, the long days of one joyful activity after another with six little ones each trying to talk louder than the others. And then, when they all go home and you're ready for your nap, you still have to be a mom for the rest of the day (and plan for tomorrow!).

Was it worth it?

To see how much Henry (and Ellis) thoroughly LOVED Joy School, I would have to answer with a resounding "definitely."

Henry never once complained about going to Joy School, and he never asked to stay home (which is saying something because he complains about going ANYWHERE else). I think he loved his friends and his teachers; he loved being in nurturing homes and learning fun and meaningful things.

Ellis loved being an honorary Joy School student every time it was at our house. He loved sitting on his special circle mat and singing the songs with all of the other kids. They all treated Ellis like he belonged at Joy School, which made him feel special.

The picture above is of Henry and Ellis singing their favorite Joy School song (Willie Winkie Went a Walkin') at the graduation ceremony.

Here is Henry with his diploma and report card! Never again will he be able to get good grades for learning about sharing, honesty, and trying new things!

Here is the joyful bunch!

And the silly pirate version . . .

Family photo time!

I will say that (despite my grumpiness at the top of this post) I really loved Joy School too and feel like it was the perfect thing for us. Once everything was prepared and the teaching was actually in motion, it was so much fun to see the kids in learning mode, be part of the action, and sort of act the part of the Super Mom who actually plans fun activities to do with her kids. I will miss lots of things about Joy School as my little boy enters Kindergarten next year. More on that later . . . (trying not to think about it just yet!).