Saturday, February 2, 2008

Need A Little Insight

So I'm getting ready to order some things... figured I better be prepared to keep kids learning and busy while down at my Dad's when the fated call comes. As I was looking at stuff, though, I realized I don't know anything about where to really begin with young (and I mean barely school age and not even school age) kids with science, social studies and geography.

Now don't get me wrong, certainly we've done some things here and there as life has presented, but I've never really thought about this part of the structure. It's so easy at this point to just focus on the reading, writing, and math (the seemingly more obvious things) Any suggestions?

Friday, February 1, 2008

Another Resource

Hmmmm. I may say more when it's not 5:00 a.m. I have been up since 3:00 a.m. and I am quite convinced this is not conducive to learning...my brain needs sleep. Anyway, I wanted to let you know of another resource: http://www.discountschoolsupply.com
I learned of the site through my creative arts class and the company has top quality materials for a reasonable price and you can buy in bulk if you want...which is what I recommend.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Educational Toys!

Let me just say I love educational toys! I mean the ones that really get the kids to think and they have fun at the same time!

We just recieved a new one (these kinds of toys are big gifts around here) and thought we'd share a little. It's a matching game by kidz delight. It's called "Explore the Earth". It looks kind of like a toddler's CD player with disks. But, it has pictures of kids from different places around the world. Each disk has picture of something: ie...instruments, clothes, food, etc They press a buttton and the CD spins, stopping so that only one picture is seen through the window. They ask who (wears, plays, etc) the item (naming the item) and the kids get two chances to get it right. If they do, they press the button and continue play. If they get it wrong after two times, then it tells them who is was. It's great for my kids. They love it! And I love that it gives a little exposure to other counties!

While I'm here, I want to mention that we have a traditional memory game which is faces around the world. They love that more than any other memory game. We also use a floor puzzle map of the United States. Candy Land and Candy Castle are great for colors and shapes. Cranium games are great for interactive (acting, drawing, modeling and brain power). We also love Izzy (for brain twisting) and Quiddler (for spelling fun).