U-Build Monopoly, Snap Circuits, Playmobil and Magnetic Tiles have been taking over the floor of the living room. In all of these, the kids are involved in creative problem solving, negotiation, cooperation, and navigating social situations. I’m constantly amazed at how much the kids learn and stretch themselves in the context of play. To read more about how we play and what we prioritize, check out my post over at My Little Poppies.
Tag: hands on learning
The Lazy Mom’s Guide to an Indoor Snow Day
Instead of feeling guilty, I’ve learned some simple tricks to bring the outdoors in, which inspire lots of creativity and exploration.
Best Gifts to Encourage Creativity
This list is going to be the anti-list to those “hot toys” out there. Nothing. I repeat. Nothing on those lists is being marketed to inspire creativity and open-ended exploration. Instead, these toys are specifically designed for a cheap thrill that your kids will soon tire of and then move on to the next craze. So… turn off the commercials, hide the catalogs, and think about ways to inspire your little ones to think and grow in creative ways.
Get Out of Those Desks! Learning Can Happen Anywhere!
Homeschool, although still called school, should NOT seek to emulate a classroom designed for challenges that home environments simply do not share.
Chemistry Resources for Curious Kids
For a year now, my seven-year-old has been in love with chemistry. He has other interests and will participate in other activities, but on an average day, he probably spends 2-3 hours in chemistry-related activities, just because he loves it. He tells people he’s going to grow up to be a chemist. I don’t know…
Spaghetti, Playdoh, & Buttons – fine motor engineering
We had a nor’easter in town this Thursday, plus a full moon, and being stuck inside, by late afternoon, we needed a creative activity. I’d seen a cool activity using Playdoh, spaghetti, and pasta and decided to modify it for my older kids as well. I started out using Playdoh to stabilize vertical pieces of…
Wonderschooling 