Bliss to Bean: learning

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Tot School: Colors

I am not sure that you'll ever be able to take the "teacher" out of me. Ever since I can remember, I have played school, loved pens, books, paper, and this back to school time of year. I used to make my little sisters play schools with me, which I think my mom loved for many reasons. Now that I have my own kids, I am super excited to instill the love of learning in them.

Brooke is a little over 2.5 years old and I was on the fence about whether or not to send her off to "pre-school" but after discussing with Joe, we decided to hold off another year. She will have to be 5 1/2 to even start Kindergarten, so she has plenty of time. I was searching around online, instagram etc. and I stumbled upon "Tot School" on insta. She has come up with 52 weeks of themes etc. for toddlers! Now, I am not sure I will do every week nor will I follow each and every theme, but it was a perfect place to start!

She begins 8/31 and there is plenty of time to get situated. Check out her blog here: Let's Tot School

I hit up the dollar section in Target and found a few silly songs on you tube. I also just grabbed a bin and went around the house collecting toys, books and anything to put into this category. She knows her colors fairly well, but I thought it'd be a good way to start "School". She even picked out an Olaf Frozen binder that she was really excited about. I figured we'll keep some paper in there and try to use it as we go.

Color Songs/videos:

The hardest part for me is that there is SO much out there and I was having trouble deciding where to start. I also have trouble simplifying "School" since I taught 7th grade and above, English. This is waaaay different and at 2, it's more about hands on playing and learning at the same time. I think it's kind of cool that Bradley will be exposed to everything as well. He loves colorful things and he's always with us, so win/win! I will try to modify some things so he can do some sensory things too, but as we know at 7 months, EVERYTHING goes in the mouth.

I also found this Minnie Domino game she loves and a floor puzzle.

Are you doing anything "school related" with your toddlers?

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Sensory Bin

It's quite obvious how quickly our little ones start learning and growing. I have really stepped back and taken a look at my priorities and decided to really focus on little Miss Brooke some more. Sure she's my main reason for getting up each day, but I started to put more effort into how we are spending our time and what to do together. In other words, I'll be really honest….I found myself using the TV more than I ever would have imagined. My husband and I barely watch TV, but somehow the darn thing crept right in and I am happy to report, we've put an end to it!

It was SO easy; turn on Micky Mouse Club or Sesame Street and there she stood/sat glued her eyes on TV. I could get so much done without having to worry what she was up to...But the icing on the cake was when Daddy came home one day, she didn't even acknowledge it; she looked over and then looked back at the TV.

We were both in shock.

Usually she screams Dada and there are hugs and kisses and laughs.

Notta.

Now, don't get me wrong; I see NOTHING wrong with the occasional show or down time. But I experienced first hand how quickly that could become a habit. I no longer put on a show while I make breakfast; she heads to her toys and plays at the fridge with letter magnets. She doesn't miss the TV at all. I've focused my energy on figuring out what we could do together; enter in sensory bins.

I've been wanting to make them for awhile, but didn't know what to put in one. Yes I was a teacher, but I taught middle and high school! So it's taken some time to look into what wee ones need to learn, and of course asking my sweet friend Alison, and Brooke and I played in this [small] bin the other morning.

I want to start doing themes, but I just opened my cupboards and started here. I did have to say "NO" when she tried to eat the spiral pasta; a few tears were shed but she got over it and really seemed to love playing with the different textures.

***I would NEVER leave her unattended with the bin and I keep it up high. I know that she still explores with her mouth (or tries to) so I am very aware of that. I want to get a larger bin to have more room to put stuff inside as well.

Ideally we would have gone outside but it rained and so we made use of the kitchen floor. Holly and Sadie were of course right there to pick up any missed crumbs of rice.

I'm still working my way through these two reads and they've been quite helpful as well. I just can't get over how fast kids grow and no matter how much you try to prepare, you always feel a little behind. Or at least I do.