As a child I preferred to read, yes, even over watching t.v. I could read for hours, staying up way to late so that I could finish my book. I remember listening to books on tape, I believe F.P. did a series of books on tape, and enjoying hearing someone elses voice read the story to me. As an adult, I didn’t continue with books on tape, in truth the longer ones are hard for me to follow. (Background noise issue?) I prefer the feel of a good book as it lays in my lap or cradles in my hands as I read, it is comforting and relaxing to me. My husband, Hi Chris!, especially enjoys listening to books on tape/c.d. while traveling. Recently Isabella discovered books on tape after a trip to a fast food place. Yes, the girls occassionally eat fast food, not really a secret by something we just won’t talk about.
The Magic TreeHouse series has captured Bella and what is most interesting is that she can totally focus on the c.d. taking in details and plot. I mean, I was talking with Chris and she just seemed to block out all noise, it was like we weren’t there. Now that was an interesting discovery for me but it wasn’t nearly as interesting as what I heard her say. Isabella has taken the concept of story-voice-storyteller and created her own book series. Much of what she is playing is directly based on the series (hey, don’t sue us for copy right infringement, she’s just playing), she has characters -Jack and Annie- who explore new places and new things. Bella is narrating her own version of Jack and Annie.
Gillian’s version of Jack and Annie is what you might typicallly expect of a four year old. She takes a few concepts/ideas from the book and acts these parts out in her play. She renamed two dolls Annie/Jack and packed her own backpack (like Annie and Jack) but that is where her story differs. Gillian has moved away from the book and created her own play.
Great books should spark imagination and thought. I adore books, and so do the girls. To see them become lost in reading/listening to a great book makes me smile.
I am beginning to move towards the slower, calmer days of Autumn. I am ready for the days of baking and staying home by the fire. There is something about summer that keeps me going and moving from event to event and place to place.
As I took a break today, my mind drifted to Halloween costumes and parties. I think Erin will be a woodland Fairy.
I will make her costume using a long sleeve onesie and funky leggings. I love doing these small projects. If I ever get the batteries replaced, I will take some pictures.
WHile this post isn’t directly related to the original purpose, it makes me smile, so it’s all good.
One of the most important aspects of our curriculum is our connection to our community and family. Our local community of farmers offers organic produce for a song, so we picked up pickling cukes and now we (all of us) will learn how to can.
Pics to come…
In the mean time, this is the recipe we are following:
Dill Pickles
Pickling cukes (5-6)
4-6 heads of fresh dill (our dill didn’t come up this year, so dried it will have to be)
1 Tablespoon mustard seed
1 3/4 cups water
3/4 cup cider vinegar (we use the braggs brand)
1 tbs pickling salt
This is truly a labor of love, cause I hate pickles and the girls adore them.
While I prefer children to have concrete experiences with materials, I do believe that limited amounts of media to be beneficial. As I searched for resources for science activities for 5-8 yr olds, I came across a site that gave me pause. Teach with Movies, which i am having trouble linking, but can be googled. Sometimes, a child’s curiosity can be sparked by a good movie but when media is abused, it can become a stumbling block for children, derailing learning.
Bella viewed the Kit Kittridge Movie on Monday and enjoyed it thoroughly (we are also reading the book/series). We are embarking on a study of the depression and life as a child of the depression because of the book and movie. At times, especially, with young children, they can’t grasp history without a glimps of it from the view of a child and the Kit movie portrayed a view of the depression from a child of middle class standing.
Please watch and share with friends and read the comments on youtube. Not surprisingly there is a comment on youtube that is over reacting, since we know that the right toys are very benefitial to children, they help open ended play and encourage language and meta cognition. In fact, the simpler, more basic the toy, the more the toy becomes child powered, not battery powered.
A fabulous lady from MDC (Mothering.com) opened my eyes to the wonder of Barefoot Books . I ordered three books- The Gigantic Turnip, One Moose Twenty Mice and Winter King and the Summertime Queen.
If you are looking for multicultural books and beautifully illustrated books, please visit their site.
What a simple idea but one that is life changing. I will introduce this idea to friends and family and hope they are inspired, as I am, to rekindle the flame of friendship, empathy and community!
"The older I get, I swear, the less I truly believe, it seems more instinctual/spiritual. If anything, my beliefs encompass so many different aspects of spirituality."
Karen
