I always plan for September with good intentions but then weather dictates we don't waste it and of course as soon as school goes back in the illnesses start for the first round. We usually do some things for Halloween with the idea we read a book, do a craft and then play with what we made so more likely to be a spider on a string or a witch on a stick as a puppet. Often it is what I used to go with the story and the kids make their own.

Mostly I find I do my biggest "academic" unit from January to March while we are stuck inside and since my turnover time is Sept then the babies I started are now 16 months and better able to join us, out of morning naps, etc. so we are a much more unified group. As well it is kindergarten registration time so for the oldest ones we can use that as our reason to get into playing school starting with a review of shapes, colours, etc to see what they know. It makes a great alternative to snowmen and mittens.

Just finished crocheting a small pumpkin for the kids and they were fascinated helping to put some stuffing in it and then watch me sew it closed. Have promised to make a few more - well at least one more for this year so less fighting with more to come in future years. That is the kind of crafting I do, lol. I make teaching resources and finish them in front of the kids to encourage interest.