Sunday, July 13, 2008

My version of Montessori

Excerpt from Britannica Online Encyclopedia

Montessori -- Italian educator and originator of the educational system that bears her name. The Montessori system is based on belief in the child’s creative potential, his drive to learn, and his right to be treated as an individual.

I'm really attracted to the Montessori activities (not so much the philosophy behind the teaching) and have tried to figure out ways to make the "toys" without spending a fortune. The boys have so many toys that don't require much imagination and therefore they are left to collect dust in their toy room. With the activities below they are 1.) learning, 2.) using their imagination, 3.) and keeping busy all for a very minimal price. I'm almost tempted to never buy full price toys and limit myself to getting them from thrift stores and yard sales. I know, sounds extreme and not quite sure that will happen but with the money spent on toys that are hardly played with just makes ya think....

Ty is learning the effect of funnels, and practicing dry "pouring".
Logan is sorting the beans by size and color.
Tyler is learning shapes by using colored rubber bands on a nail board. I was going to make a few of these but found it at a store that's going out of business. I might make a few for gifts though.
Logan is making a sunburst out of paint chips by separating the colors from dark to light. I got some paint chips from the hardware store and glued them to foam board which I already had. I numbered each chip (1-5) so Logan can check his work afterwards.
Ryland, just looking cute as usual!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

WATER! WATER! EVERYWHERE!

Scene of the crime:

Kitchen floor and....my pants.
The Culprit:
Looking like he's in trouble when of course I was they one who gave him the water!
Evidence:
Cups, Squirt bottles, measuring spoons, etc.
Verdict:
Fun Fun Fun!

Look who's walking!


Yesterday he started taking a few steps when prompted. Looks like he'll be strolling along soon. The other two boys were 12 months...Ryland is not yet 10 months. What's he in such a rush for??


Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Thanks for the nomination Debbie!

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Our 4th of July

Our 4th started out with a burst of color...in the form of glitter. We made firework painting with glue and glitter. Note to self....don't do crafts with glitter on a windy day!
I bought two sand boxes for Logan and Tyler's school from a thrift shop and wanted to wash them out before we gave them away. This wasn't exactly what I had in mind but fun isn't always planned!
We went to the MWR sponsored concert and 4th festival where we saw Bad Company. They were great and you all know how much I love 70's rock!

Spent a little time in several bouncy houses.
Had a "bbq" at McDonald's!
Watched some fireworks.
The following day we spent a little time at good ol' Home Depot. I spent less than $20 on some plumbing fixtures and a small pvc pipe that I cut into a few pieces. The boys put together several different pipes and poured water into them.
Daddy reading a story.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

BEANS!

Bean, beans the magical fruit, the more you eat, the more you toot!

At least that happens in this house! The boys had a great time with the activity for the day. BEANS! We started out making mini bean bag balls then we learned all about weight and then moved onto sorting and THEN we "cooked" with them (pretend of course because I'm not a fan of eating them!) Who knew that you could have so much fun with beans? This activity kept them busy for TWO hours! That's a major feat in this house!

Projects for next week:

  • Start an herb garden
  • Build a nail art board
  • Beach Molds
Tyler showing off his Batman ball.
Learning all about ounces. We played store and I was the customer. They really enjoyed this until Logan figured out that I was trying to teach him stuff!
Sorting!
With a bag of 15 bean soup mix they had a lot of different beans to sort!
Who needs a walker when you've got a stool?
Yesterday we went with friends to the aquarium. Notice Tyler behind the stroller.He was the first to spot the big pink shark. Not one of his favorites...

TYLER TALK
Logan (while holding a bag of chips): I wonder how many are in this bag?

Tyler: All of them!

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

A Simple Day

Idea taken from http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/


FOR TODAY ...

Outside My Window...is a bright blue sky, big billowy white clouds and palm trees swaying in the breeze

I am thinking...of montessori homeschooling

I am thankful for...a wonderful, understanding husband & healthy, happy little boys

From the kitchen...a rotisserie chicken a la commissary!

I am wearing...a brown shirt w/ beige tank top and olive green bermuda shorts

I am creating...blog backgrounds and headers in my head along with the next Oakleaf newsletter

I am going...to bring the boys to get some ice cream to reward them for excellent behavior at the aquarium this morning...or that's my excuse for getting some ice cream!

I am reading...the Bible, the book of Acts

I am hoping...to know where our next duty station is soon

I am hearing...house of mickey mouse show

Around the house...hammie and codie snoring, baby eating

One of my favorite things...to hear children say they love me

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: to make plaster of paris molds at the beach along with salt clay hand prints of each boy. Enjoy a BBQ and fireworks on the 4th.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...