Now We Are Four!

KW joined us on November 10, 2010. Thanks for following our journey as a family!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Newspaper Construction and Clothespin Snap

Little Man is learning about construction this month. The first week, we talked about blueprints. We talked about architects (and interior designers), and how you have to think through what you are going to build before you start. We looked at several different types of plans, and how everything that we make requires some thought. Then we built a fort.
We rolled newspapers*, two sheets at a time, and had about fifty rolls. When we tried to build our fort, however, the rolls wouldn't stand (especially with a toddler around). So we attached groups of seven with tape, then we were able to get to work.
I was impressed that after such a brief discussion, Little Man suggested we get chairs to make our fort stronger, and to hold the blankets more securely.

While Little Man worked, I had KW place clothespins on a box**. I had placed dots around the edge of a shoebox, and she was to slide the pin over the dot. I am always surprised how much she likes these activities, and how much I have to learn about learning.
The activity helps her with eye-hand coordination, one to one matching, and increased awareness of "on" and "off."

She was not able to clip the pins yet, but she has asked for the box at other times, and repeated the activity. I plan to add the clipping in when she gets bored with the current set up.
* Activity from Mudpies to Magnets, p.50.
** Activity from Slow and Steady, Get Me Ready, p. 97. Check out other tot school ideas on 1+1+1. You won't be disappointed!

1 comment:

Allison said...

Thank you so much for posting this -- I have BOTH these books and just need to remember to use them more often, especially since I need activities for the active toddler!