Creative Construction

Joey & Ezra designing a marble chute. senk 2013

Joey loves to construct. From Legos to blocks, recyclables to Lincoln logs, he follows diagram sheets to build or creatively designs his own constructions. Sometimes, his creations are circuit panels (using his set of snap circuits); other times, blankets and chairs and pillows become a Joey-sized tent or a rocket for blasting into outer space. Often, he invents a new contraption with Legos - such as a hover-craft lawn mower, complete with toilet; then again, he loves creating new wooden train track sets sprawled like a town across the floor. He has even sat in a box with a metal cookie sheet filled with movable gears - exclaiming, "Good bye, Mommy! I'm off in my boat to save a friend lost at sea." And outdoors, he often builds homes for caterpillars he finds.

Joey with one of his caterpillar homes. senk 2013

Some of my favorites, though, use recyclables from our pantry bins. He builds boats and submarines using straws, lids, and Joey-drawn paper flags. Then, either at bath time or using a large bowl of water in the shower, he tests their buoyancy or ability to go underwater. Gathering an assortment of quart jars, he's made his own water xylophone (similar to, but not quite as elaborate as the one created by the Tulga family). And, he's even written his first book - a copy of a handmade book his friend, Natalya, made for him - but using different recyclables to show opposites (such as hard vs. soft).

The boys' creative construction play spills over into ideas, too. We often play concept games at meal times or throughout the day. One of our favorites is brainstorming new ice cream flavors (yes, the boys inherited my love of ice cream). Some are interesting: cheese ice cream (I think of sweetened mascarpone cheese on chocolate chip scones, when they say this), gummy worm ice cream, chocolate pie ice cream, chocolate-bottom pumpkin pie ice cream; others are not palatable, but creative: electricity ice cream, lightbulb ice cream, train track ice cream, and then an assortment of really gross flavors which reminds me of Bertie Botts every-flavour jelly beans from Harry Potter.

Crayons from a diner. senk 2013

Providing time and access to an assortment of manipulatives and recyclables are key to creative construction and creative play. These are essential to any successful learning environment - whether in the home, at a school, in a community, or at special museums. It's important to realize that resources do not have to be expensive. A trip to a local children's museum at free admission times; cleaning and saving bottles, non-harmful scraps, and other recyclable by-products; visiting libraries, friends' homes, and gathering freebies wherever they're offered - these are all great ways to enhance the home (or any) learning environment.

What creative constructions do your kids come up with and where do you get the materials for those activities? Take a moment to share in the comments section.

Encouraging Acts of Kindness

Ezra gathering field daisies in The Shenandoah Valley, VA.  senk 2013

Joey and Ezra love to gather wildflowers and garden flowers, strawberries, sugar snap peas, and even eggs (from the chicken coop). But, they gather them for a purpose - usually to take to Grandmommy. 

Children have a natural propensity toward compassion. They love to create gifts for others and are quick to add hugs and kisses to the list, as well. Encouraging acts of kindness is an important part of not only homeschooling, but also life.

In our household, Joey and Ezra will find miscellaneous toys, wrap them in recycled newsprint, and then give them to one another. It's adorable to see them at such play. I keep bits of ribbon, wrappings, or bags that we got from previous gifts for them to use in their giving play. They use scraps of paper for notes; write "I love you" cards to friends and family; and make random phone calls to loved ones just to see how they are doing. I keep a mailable envelop for extended family that lives out-of-state and mail it when we've gathered a collection of their compassionate memorabilia. And, Joey is starting to type "I love you" e-mails to family with such addresses.

There are myriad other ways for children to demonstrate compassion. Perhaps you could make baked goods to take to neighbors or work at a food pantry together. Make a meal for someone in need of some tender, loving care and teach your child the power of prayer. Each morning and evening, our family has prayer time together and it's so powerful to hear them pray for friends by name. Another important skill that shows kindness is teaching children how to say a hearty "thank you" to those that bless their lives. 

How do your children show kindness? Are they gentle with animals and even bugs; do they show care for the environment? Do they offer a helping hand (such as a back scratch when it's needed) or want to make things for others? Share ways your family promotes compassion, too.