Tot trays have been kind of slow lately. Bear is on a make-believe kick and I am following her desires. She has all the time in the world (well, at least a few years anyway) to learn her abc's and numbers. Pretending is such an important part of childhood. (I've been reading a bit on the Waldorf theory and something there just hits a chord; yet, I love so much about Montessori as well, so I would never switch over completely.)
Bear is also obsessed with reading and puzzles right now, so we do those activities multiple times each day.
As far as Tot School goes, we've mostly been reviewing things she already knows (colors, shapes, letter sounds, body parts) through trays you can see by looking at my Tot School categories. I've also added a couple of games to work on her counting and number recognition from 1 to 3. (Post to come, much later.)
And of course we do a lot of art and a lot of cutting.
You are so right, too quickly do we focus on the academic with little time for the imaginative and yet role play reinforces so many elements of their life learning and incorporates many elements of academic learning as well.
ReplyDeleteHow lucky your daughter is to have a Mum like you.
Christie
http://childhood101.blogspot.com/
I agree with you. Even though we do have quite a bit of "academic" here, it's almost never "sit down with a worksheet" type of learning. Usually we discuss colors, shapes, and even words in the play and everyday living context. I love watching Anna play pretend games as well - it's so much fun.
ReplyDeleteMy two are constantly pretending too, and when I think back to my childhood, the happiest memories are of playing make believe games. It's so important for them! Good for you for recognizing that!
ReplyDeleteI have noticed your blog listed on many of the blogs I enjoy reading. I am so happy to have found your blog as I love "meeting" other creative mums with toddlers.
ReplyDeleteI will visit again soon.