Bringing Some Life to 'Jack & The Beanstalk'

This quiet and restful Sunday morning started of with some much hankered for dryness (having rained much of yesterday evening), which was accompanied by some short lived sunshine and momentary warmth and with nothing much on my 'to do' list I decided that the girls and I would focus of some academic recapping on the school week just gone. My eldest daughter, (E), was all levels of enthusiasm, as usual and spent the entire day conjuring up an array of suffixes to best describe her daily encounters with her friends in the school lunch hall. And then there is L, my youngest daughter who really does takes things in her own mellow pace and only commits to learning as and when she is inspired to do so. So when the opportunity arose  to do a little seed planting in relation to the studied text of 'Jack and the Beanstalk', she jumped at the task of writing out some instructions and hoped dearly to see just one of Jack's beans sprout. We replicated what L remembered doing in class and here's how it turned out.

1. Firstly, we had to put four black turtle beans into a glass as we recounted the events that took place in the story of 'Jack and the Beanstalk', a book that L had studied in class.

2. Then we tore up two small buds of cotton wool and gently dropped the pieces into the glass and on top of the beans.

3. Next, I was told that we had to pour in some water and there was some dispute over the quantity but we settled on just an egg cup full and L promised to keep a very watchful eye and make sure that it didn't dry out.

4. Once the water matter was over with, we placed the glass on the window sill in direct sunlight (we're obviously hoping to get some more of that sun).

L loved this added activity as part of her homework and it really helps to reinforce learning in a home environment for younger children; it captures their imaginations and gets them recalling events and information they have acquired at school. It gives them something to think about and look forward to as they wait for the first signs of sprouting.

Kids' Arts & Crafts: Creative Card Making

Spring Break is upon us in all its full two-week force. So, what better excuse to pull out the arts and crafts box to keep your little ones busy over the holiday. I always have lots of different types of media for the kids to get creative with and they really enjoy the freedom of choosing/combining water paints, acrylics, pencils, felts, chalk, sequins, feathers, paper, etcetera. L's teacher had a birthday recently and so I ought to publish this post now, instead of letting it languish in my drafts folder.

Cards, whether it's a birthday card or seasonal greeting card, are just the best for kids to get their creative mitts into; it's messy and it's fun. Two very key ingredients right there, for some. So find a clear space at the table or even on the floor, lay down some protective covering if you plan on going a little wild, set the scene with all of the tools and media you'll be using, round up the clan and get sticking.

We're using paper, card, sequins, glitter glue, feathers and pencils.

The kids are likely to take off all on their own initiative once they see everything and you'll probably end up taking the back seat as an observant supervisor. L pulled together this card up from its paper foundations and built her own little googly eyed feathered friend. She didn't even want/need my help. I just sat and watched with encouraging "ooohhs" and "aaahhs" - secretly wanting to get involved. I restrained my urges.

Look around the house for reusable items (carrying on the recycling theme a bit from my last post, which you can read here), such as old cartons, egg boxes, toilet roll, plastic lids, old buttons, packaging, bubble wrap, cotton wool... The list is endless! And if you are still stretched thin for ideas, there is always Pinterest. Have a go and capture the imaginative hearts of your kids this holiday.

'Cool Mum' badge earned without lifting much of a finger.