Loads of Learning, Profusion of Play

I spent this week in a very loose routine. Daniel picked up "Story of the Orchestra" by Robert Levine and has really enjoyed listening to the CD and reading about composers. Interestingly, I had purchased this for us to do as a school subject early on when we started homeschooling. That didn't go well. Now here he is digesting it on his own!

Sarah wants to build a pallet playhouse outside, so I had her draw plans and make a prototype, which she is doing with matchboxes. She also is playing a game with herself which involves dressing up and doing her hair. Oh, and she was cleaning out a box of her stuff and found some Silly Putty and hence, the snake.

Dan's Valentine Lego Design

 

This is a scene from Daniel's most recent design on Lego Digital Designer for Valentine's Day...Daddy is giving Mommy pans! Cute!

Sarah's Kitty Pillows

Sarah enjoyed using my sewing machine to make the turquoise & pink cat pillow but stitched the beach kitties on her machine. She loves stuffing them when the sewing is completed!

Let's Play Plushies

Sarah would play plushies 24/7 if she didn't need to spend time eating and sleeping. The kids have recently started playing in earnest TOGETHER. LOVE their elaborate plots and cities!

Sarah's Comic Book Store

Sarah wrote and published three different sets of comics. She build a cash register out of cardboard and tape for her store. She wanted to "sell something" and this was the result! Fantastically creative!

Sarah's Handmade Brooms

Sarah has designed a broom made from tape, twigs and pine needles. She made one for each family at Tuesday Group.  Need a close up shot.

1 2 3 Legos For Me

LOVE Sarah's Lego numbers!

Dashing Daniel and His Interests

I've been thinking a lot about Daniel recently. I've been thinking about him turning 12 this coming March and thinking about his interests. I want to help him discover who God has made him to be. Sarah is very solid in her learning process and this is evident because of the numerous things she produces each week.  I've noticed that I have many pictures of Sarah doing all the hands-on things she likes to do, but not so many of Daniel. This is because many of Daniel's interests are "virtual"...they exist in his mind, there's no physical product to hold. How can I help him develop, explore and improve when much of what he's about is in his head?

Here are some things Daniel likes to do:
-play board games
-play card games
-read comics
-read books
-make movies with the camera
-play with Sarah
-play with Legos, especially a new set
-do puzzles
-draw
-use his imagination
-use Lego Builder online
-visit the LOLACHE Kids Forum
-type his Christmas wish list in Notepad
-use his powers of persuasion and negotiation

This last one made me think about getting him that Fallacy Detective book...I think he would REALLY like that...and it might spur him on to things he enjoys in that arena. Maybe he would enjoy debate? I've often thought he would be an excellent lawyer because of his persuasive negotiating and reasoning skills. I'm going to get the book and see what happens.

Sarah's Cardboard and Tape Bathroom

Sarah spent some time making a toilet (excellent design and the lid opens!) and a bathroom for Black Kitty (which was later designed smaller for Mrs. Nesbit), you can see the drain, shower and curtain but you probably can't see the darling little Irish Spring soap inside! She's so creative and loves to build! I think Daniel read 3 books over this Thanksgiving weekend.

Sarah's Eiffel Tower

As I was cleaning the living room, I found a few of these wood models I purchased at Michael's last year. Sarah snatched hers and got right to work. Right up her alley!