Holiday Plans

April has begun. The holiday season is about to begin. Mercifully, there is still one more week of half-day school before the tsunami hits. So, I can gear up!

Project : Keeping my sons (Sanju 8years & Aaru 3 years) usefully and happily occupied

Duration: 2 months :(

Challenges: TV, Tab, Computer

Biggest Challenge: My maid and cook are taking a one month break as soon as the holidays start.

Brief Respite: Trip to Grandparent's house (though they need to be kept occupied there too!)

Activities planned till now:

All these activities are what the kids have planned for themselves. I gave them this mind map (Sanju's school has taught them mind maps as 'spider diagrams' and he loves them.) He ticked a few of the activities on them, cancelled a few and added few more of his own. Aaru is ready to jump into whatever his brother does and then, he thinks over whether he wants to continue or not. Yes, he attended some three classes of chess before deciding to give it up.

1. Casio classes through home tutor (for both)
2. Drawing classes by yours truly (for both)
3. Tennis coaching (for Sanju)
4. Creative Writing sessions by yours truly (with Sanju)
5. Chess Classes to continue (for Sanju)
6. Cuddly Reading sessions thrice a day (with both)
7. Hindi classes through home tutor (reading, grammar & vocabulary - nothing rote/boring) (Sanju)
8. Dance classes (for Aaru) (He has been yearning for it!)
9. Decoupage workshop by yours truly (with both)

The Hindi classes are something that he wouldn't vote for but he has learnt to take it in his stride. Given a choice, he would like to remove Hindi from his syllabus. Now, these are some things I am pushing towards him. He may or may not take it up. Let's see...

1. Handwriting classes/ sessions with me
2. Speech & Drama workshop (for 10 days)
3. A two week comprehensive summer camp for Aaru (It has art, craft and dancing!)

One thing that Sanju was really looking forward to this summer was to attend a Lego Robotics Workshop. Sadly, the dates for it were finalised after I booked my tickets and it falls in that period. I cheered him up by getting him a Robotic Kit, though it is definitely a poor consolation to his disappointment.

Things already procured:
1. Crayons & drawing books (both)
2. Shell craft kit (Sanju)
3. Decorative Candle making kit (Sanju)
4. Library membership for both
5. Robotic kit (Sanju)
6. Decoupage materials (both)
7. Mould and Paint (Aaru)
8. Mapology (a jigsaw puzzle of Indian states) (Aaru)


Things needed:
1. Part time help for housework
2. Patience when you hear "I'm bored!"
3. Tolerance for mess
4. Smiles
5. Energy (I must not forget to take my Eltroxin and Iron tablets everyday!)
6. Strong-will not to use the TV as my baby sitter

Things we might do
1. A make it yourself costume party for their friends with snacks and a movie
2. Some cooking sessions with them both
3. A trip to Kidzania
4. all the movies they want to watch

As I write down this list, I am filled with a little hope. Things may not be so bad after all! Maybe, I wouldn't even notice the two months whizzing past.
.