During the next 2 weeks, everyone who comments on any blog entry on this site will be entered for a chance to be one of 5 who will have custom activities named after their child (1st name) for the library.
I believe children benefit immensely from time spent with their parents, and some of these materials require adult direction, at least in the beginning. Something also tells me that homeschooling and involved parents are the most likely to invest in a service that connects them with activities for their children to do at home. These are some of the reasons I'll primarily be focusing on supporting the parents of children between the ages of 3 and 12 with the learning library project.
I found a useful website (http://www.wikisori.org/index.php/Main_Page), which gives the directions for Montessori activities. I'll be sending you directions and videos of how to use the work. I'll also select materials based on your preferences and the preferences of your children (very personalized).
I took an activity (Luke's Writing in Grain) to a friend who met me at the library. http://www.wikisori.org/index.php/Sand_Tray_Letter_Formation Several children tried out the work, and I plan to bring activities to the library again. That way moms and children can learn to use the activities, try things out, and ask questions. What better place to find people who love and understand libraries?
What is new for you since last time? A bunch of new learning games have been added to the collection (pictures coming soon), and the workshop (where activities are created) has been reorganized. I also presented to the Hayward School Board (with a great founders' group) to start a Montessori public charter high school. Whew!
During these weeks I've been learning how to play several games, checking pieces, and testing (playing) games with my own children. I've also been researching how to best meet your needs. Coming up, I'll be labeling the activities so you can find materials by age and learning area (like math or language).
These are some of the new games my kids have enjoyed lately:
Chimalong chime set with music books (hand eye coordination, reading music, auditory discrimination)
T-Rexcavator (fine motor skills, dinosaur facts)
They have really been into puzzles, like this Ravensurger, and one by F.X. Schmid (coordination, concentration, and patterns)
I found my early risers playing Memory the other day (instead of popping in a show) (memory :) and matching)
My future vet was also trying out Animal Habitats Game and Amazing Animal Trivia Game (science, zoology, biomes)
Although she wasn't having much luck figuring out Racko (numbers, strategy) on her own (she's been trying out a lot of 8 and up games even though she's turning 7 soon), Dad and I recently played Payday with her (financial planning), and we all had fun.
