We are going through a major slump in the homeschool area these days. November and December are jam packed with the three boys’ birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, travel, and more. It is hard for me to stay focused on what I am supposed to be doing, but it is even harder for the Captain. Understandably, he and D would rather be playing, making Christmas crafts, or talking about our plans for the holidays. It is times like these that I want them to enjoy learning and have fun without even realize they are practicing their math skills and learning.
1. Let them get involved and ask questions. If you’re shopping, let them create a list. Let them weigh some apples. Let them add the items with a calculator. If you’re baking, talk about what you are doing. Let them help, if possible. I KNOW it can be stressful to let littles help, but letting them dump in a cup of flour is not going to hurt anything, I promise. Talk about how four ¼ cups make a whole, just like four quarters make a dollar. Another good idea is to talk about how many miles to Grandma’s house, how long it will take, etc. Talk about math and other subjects and repetition will make it stick!
2. Have them create a book. Staple some printer paper together, lay out some markers, and let them draw and write to their heart’s content. Tell them to write a story and illustrate it. Make it a gift for Grandma or even you and your spouse for Christmas. They will put more effort into it if they are allowed full creativity and ownership and even MORE if it is a gift.
3. Quality learning apps and Osmo– they are fun and education and cannot be beat! Read my full post on Osmo products!