Friday 20 May 2011
It’s such a simple piece of equipment: two ropes, five bits of wood, and a ring at the top to hold it all together. But this unassuming rope ladder has provided the kids with wonderful physical and cognitive challenges, and loads of fun!
There is quite a lot of skill involved in climbing a rope ladder. Where do you put your hands? Where do you put your feet? Where do you look? How do you get to the next rung? Hands up first, or feet up first? Pull with your arms, or push with your legs? Reach. Stretch. Balance. Persevere. Keep your centre of gravity. Remember what worked. Do...
Tuesday 10 May 2011 -
5 Comments »
Patterns are fascinating. From simple to intricate, patterns are found in the world all around us. There are also patterns in literacy, science, technology, music, art, and of course numeracy. Being able to identify the repeating segment of a pattern, and predict what will come next is an important skill.
Monday 25 April 2011 -
11 Comments »
Where do you and your family go when you really need to get away from it all? For us it’s the rainforest. When I’m there my heart rate slows down, my brain stops buzzing quite so loudly, and feel like I can breathe. We have just returned from a wonderful week away at Springbrook. Here’s what a fun but refreshing family holiday looks like for us.
Bushwalking together (Miss 4 walked 4.6km on her...
Wednesday 20 April 2011 -
9 Comments »
Do your children like to dance? Mine do. This morning we twirled and whirled in tutus together – yes, I put one on too. My daughter asked for “dancing music” so I flicked through the CD collection until I settled on one.
I didn’t choose The Wiggles, even though Dorothy rather considers herself a dino-ballerina.
I didn’t choose Justine Clarke, even though she’s hands down my favourite...
Thursday 14 April 2011 -
8 Comments »
Blob.
Swirl.
Squelch.
Slide.
Blend.
Marvel.
Explore.
Create.
Delight!
Monday 11 April 2011 -
2 Comments »
I need to be upfront and tell you that Christie from Childhood101 and I aren’t just blogging colleagues – we’re friends.* And when I say I like her ebook – I mean I love it. So much so that I contributed a few photos, helped with editing and I am a proud affiliate. (That means if you purchase the ebook because I said it’s awesome, I get a percentage of the profits too.)
What is it?
ART...
Thursday 07 April 2011 -
6 Comments »
Spray bottles are a regular play item in our backyard during the warmer months, but with Autumn in the air it’s been a little too cool for this:
So instead I’ve been encouraging the kids to use the spray bottles differently. They’ve enjoyed using them to water in new plants, and lightly mist delicate fern leaves. They’ve had fun squirting them high into the air. Most of all, we’ve enjoyed...
Tuesday 05 April 2011 -
23 Comments »
My friends at Black Dog Books sent me a copy of One Stitch At A Time, a beginner’s guide to making soft toys. While I am not the world’s best sewer – I have to admit that it is gorgeous. Author, Gen West, has collaborated with Postman Pat puppet maker Laura Clempson. Needless to say, the softies in the book are impeccably stitched! The complete toy making kit contains everything you need to make...
Thursday 31 March 2011 -
19 Comments »
Many of my friends with little boys have amazing train tables, and I’ve often been just a little envious! We don’t have the space for one, so I’ve been on the lookout for a trundle train-tray which can be pushed under my son’s bed. The only ones I’ve seen have been just too expensive – so the search continues.
Tuesday 29 March 2011 -
34 Comments »
My daughter has only just embarked on her 13yr school journey – and already I am over chocolate drive fundraisers! I am always interested to hear about unique fundraising ideas, and this has to be one of the best I’ve seen. Educational? Check. Australian? Check. Profitable? Check. Ethical? Check.
