Monday, April 13, 2009

Ten Minutes for Kids - Gum Drop Structures

One thing that has helped me produce more in the same amount of time is taking time to do something educational with my kids each day. That little bit of time seems to help them enjoy their free play time a whole lot better (and even ask for it). I spend about an hour in the afternoons with Ben reading, playing games, and doing educational things. But in the morning I do an activity with each of them (or both when possible).

I should probably add that I hate hate hate crafts. I will not touch felt boards, and when I find an activity (or curriculum) that has a million songs, stories, and crafts that accompany every little thing I collapse in an exhausted heap on the floor.

These are easy quick things I do. I will share one from time to time and would love your ideas.

So today Ben made: Gum Drop Structures

You need toothpicks and gum drops (or mini-marshmallows)

I put him at the kids' table and told him to make something. He was off, and now has an elaborate structure. Kyri sat nearby eating gum drops but Ben ate none. He was too involved in making them. We'll do this again when he's older and focus on spherical shapes.

4 comments:

Queen of Carrots said...

I'm also all about not doing elaborate crafts. I'm not good at giving directions and they're not good at following them. I found dying Easter eggs was perfect--I just gave them the stuff and let them go to town. This week I'm trying to help them build construction sites in the basement with boxes and foam trays and all that kind of stuff. Have you ever looked at the Camp Creek blog? (http://www.whiteoakschool.com/) I've found their project-based approach really helpful in supporting and furthering the kids' interests without jumping too far ahead into formal school activities.

Rachelle said...

Thanks for the site info! I'll visit often.

Anonymous said...

Nice job, Ben!

love you, Grammy

Anna said...

I used to like doing crafts until I started doing them with 3 toddlers. My problem is finding the same activity that is appropriate for all three.