Running, Jumping and Singing

As we pulled into our parking spot at the library, M said "I want to go play on the grass!"  Great, I thought. We had been traveling to visit her grandparents and had been spending a lot of time in the car.

I was very pleasantly surprised by how much fun we had in this slightly hilly park, on a slightly chilly day!  We ran up and down the big hill again, and again and again.

We investigated the tree and gardens that were dormant for the winter.

M found some fallen branches that made great microphones for us.  We used them to sing Christmas carols, while we pranced in circles around the trees.  There were some low boulders scattered about as well, thanks to the glaciers, M was happy to point out.

The big rocks were fun jump launch pads, as well as a perfect spot for singing a tune.

The joy of rolling down a HUGE hill, on damp grass, in  your new coat is immeasurable!

Number Families, with a four year old

Well, it all started with what I thought would be a very straight forward number sequencing activity.

After M glued down all of her numbers in order, I handed her a marker and asked her to write her name.  She ended up drawing number families.  She drew mommy and baby numbers for each number 1-10.  Sometimes the daddy number was there, but often he was at work.  The numbers each had arms, legs and lots and lots of hair!

Whenever we sit down to do an academic activity, I'm always astounded by how much creativity M brings to the table.  It's a great reminder to make sure that we leave room and time for their creativity in all endeavors.   Even when we think that it's a cut and dry activity.

I'm learning that M always has a story to tell.