I have been searching for ways to find one activity that meets the learning needs of all my kids. I know motherhood comes with a multitasking requirement but my mind sort of starts spinning when someone is saying “how do you spell happy?” while someone else is asking me to draw a circle and someone else needs scissors and someone else is reciting the quadratic equation formula.
So this week when I found ONE activity that worked for everyone, just in different ways, I sort of felt like I hit the motherhood-multitasking lottery.
Here’s what we to do:
1. Write the letters of the alphabet scattered all over the driveway:
- the kids who can write, write
- the kids who can’t helped me “remember” what letter comes next
- the kids who are working on writing were helped by the teenager
2. Choose an activity for each learning level:
- the kids learning the alphabet have to travel from A to B to C, etc.
- the kids learning letter sounds hopped to the letter that started with the word I called out
- the kids learning to spell traveled from letter to letter until they spelled the word I called out
3. Try not to get too excited when even your teenager joins in and you can work on spelling with her and she helps the little ones figure out what to do next.
4. Repeat all the time because they love this game and pretty soon snow will be covering your driveway. (also, do NOT take a photo of said teen playing game, she will run)
—————-
Also? I was lucky enough to write at quite a few different places this week.
You can find me at Childswork discussing autism and marriage
or at SheKnows honoring bloggers with breast cancer and giving you a few ways to support the cause
and lastly at glow in the woods (I can’t believe I’m there!) sharing my thoughts on grief over the years.
You might also like...
Comments
Powered by Facebook Comments
I'm Jessica, 30-something mom to five, four in my arms and one in my heart.
I love this! Even with just my two littles, it’s sometimes tough to find something that challenges both of them without being too complicated.
angela recently posted..Love Comes Later – In Her Words
you’re such a good mom…
Not a Perfect Mom recently posted..It’s a MegaBloks Princess Party!
Twitter: notaperfectmama
Brilliant game! We will try it – thanks for sharing the great idea. Will also go over to the other sites to check out your posts. Sending hugs and hope your way. xoxo
Since I’m at home now pretty soon my daughter won’t be in daycare anymore and I’m terrified of coming up with learning activities to do at home. She just turned two so nothing too advanced, but I know they’re learning the alphabet and counting a little at daycare and I’m not sure I have the patience for all that! I don’t know how you do it!
Marta recently posted..To My Daughter on Her Second Birthday
Twitter: marta28
A born teacher you are!!! I am sure you’d have the time to fit it in as well!! lol
You are one busy lady…….with an energy that is inspirational. Thanks.
Jim recently posted..Eclectic Tastes
This is such a great learning activity. I bet that since it’s fun they don’t even realize that they are learning. Love it!
Barbara recently posted..Week-end already?
Twitter: babspinfrance
great game! i’ll have to try it with my kids before it’s too cold to be outside here, too.
Anna recently posted..31 Days of Halloween: Day 14 – How to Make a Glitter Pumpkin
I just have one, so I don’t have to worry about finding things that work on separate levels. I think you found a great one, though.
Tracie recently posted..10 Things We Learned From 10 Years Of Marriage
Twitter: fromtracie
What a great idea! I almost go out of my mind multi-tasking English, music theory, piano, school homework (which is very parent-involved) and all three clamoring for my attention at once.
Lady Jennie recently posted..Farewells
I’ve just forwarded your post to my sister who is actually thinking about to homeschool her son at the age of 8. Your helpful advices could help her to make the decision…
Zsofi recently posted..Fogbeültetés Magyarországon és Budapesten
I love that the teen helped you out with this, and that she did not want her photo taken while doing it.
Jennifer recently posted..Shrimp Delight {Recipe}
I’m so glad you’re getting around (with your writing. Ha. It’s funnier if you leave that part off, though). And I love your tactics because it’s pressure-less. Kids don’t need pressure when learning. I’ve always thought it does the opposite. Teen help is even better.
Arnebya recently posted..The Bright Side of 39 (and a letter to myself)
Twitter: whatnowandwhy