I wanted to share, for a very long time now, how we learn at home AFTER school time. Besides from weekends, holidays or vacations, we have just 3 hours and a half to motivate Pinky’s learning. As you can see, just a few hours can make a difference in your child’s life.
Everyday, after school, Pinky comes home eager to do activities about a new theme (mostly one that she studied at school) or to continue any work about an old theme. Because of the lack of time, I try to do short activities re-using old materials into hands-on-activities. Sometimes, I print out worksheets but they have to be in relation to the theme of interest and be able to be used in an interesting way.
Just following my child interests, as one of Maria Montessori believes (the one I LOVE the most!), I am helping myself to give my daughter:
1- An special mommy-daughter bonding time.
2- Confidence in herself- she is learning to identify her interests or doubts about any theme and to request further learning. She is learning about not staying with any doubt! She learns to speak for herself.
3- Research time. She is learning about where to look for anything and how to ask for help. She is very aware of the Internet, specially Google! Also, and most important, what are a Dictionary and an Encyclopedia and how to use them. Well, that was the way before the internet and I want Pinky to learn it, too!
4- Concentration. Because we study themes that she asked and I was not the one to impose, her concentration time into certain activities has been increasing. Sometimes, I have to stop her because is past bed time!
5- Joy. She has been finding joy into learning! Isn’t that the best reward?
6- Memories. We are creating beautiful memories, not only for Pinky but for mommy, too!
7- Simplicity. This one is for mommy! I don’t have to get crazy looking for themes, activities or crafts in a random way. I don’t have to get disappointed after expending time creating a masterpiece unit just to end with a “I am not interested kiddie face” (lol I had been there!!!).
8- Satisfaction. Both for mommy and daughter. Even if it was a one day only theme, Pinky is happy because I’d listened to her curiosity and took the time to look it up. As a result, mommy is happy, too!
Sorry for the long post! Just wanted to share in case there are more moms getting frustrated because they want to give more to their schooled kids but think it has to be all the way into homeschooling. Now you see there’s an easy and satisfactory way for both mom and kid. Just follow your kid: Listen to them!
Ok, continuing with out post tittle…..this is the time Pinky came back home wanting to learn more about the United States! Well, this was my easy and fast way to expend two afternoons:
Activity #1
Melissa & Doug USA puzzle
Montessori-Inspired activity: from the classic Montessori activity of matching objects to pictures. We built the puzzle and them matched some objects to the pictures on the puzzle for each state. For example, Orange picture over Florida state and she added Minnie Mouse because Disney World is located there, too!. Cactus for Arizona, Golden gate bridge for California, Pineapple for Hawaii, car for Ohio, Lobster and Lighthouse for Maine, Statue of liberty, yellow taxi and Empire State building for New York, etc. We found an object to match to most of the states. This is really an easy, fast and fun activity with lots of possibilities!
Activity #2
United States floor puzzle
This puzzle I found it at Goodwill for $1.99. Good deal!!!
We love that it is so big! She decided to use her USA placemat to make sure both were the same! lol
Maybe we could add some postcards from each state to do with this puzzle? souvenirs? flags? states birds, animals, flowers? Presidents??
Too many possibilities!!!
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