Learning Adventures

We're into our second week of Kindergarten with Aspen, and still working in our Ocean Unit. I find myself wondering how on Earth moms of multiple kids and varying ages/grades do this. I can barely stay on top of the planning, printing, laminating and organizing involved just for Aspen! One thing is for sure though, I am loving every minute of it! To see my little girl so eager to do and learn, and to spend such quality time with her, is such an amazing blessing! Hopefully I'll get better at the aforementioned parts as time goes on.

I think I may also be in danger of becoming addicted to some of the super cool ideas and resources that are out there! Just a few days ago I learned about something called File Folder Games. These are basically learning activities made into simple, fun games that are self-contained in a file folder. I first discovered the idea here. I was intrigued, since Aspen tends to be a hands-on learner and gets bored easily. These handy little games offer me a way to repeat the same lessons without always repeating the same activities.

I've made a few file folder games so far and she tried the first one today. I got the idea from this game Hiding Hermits which teaches even/odd numbers. Since that's a little advanced for Aspen just yet I used the free blank templates of those adorable hermits and shells and made a game of adding called "Crabby Addition". The crabs have simple +1 math problems on their shells and seashells with the answers on them are the playing pieces. Aspen does the addition, finds the right shell and places it on the crab. This helps reinforce counting and number identification. She loved it!

I've also just discovered Lapbooking, similar to file folder games but more in depth. I can see many of these in our future! I'm off to learn more, so I can teach more! Stay tuned...