Creativity at it's Best

Creativity at it's best:

 

I've let this project go on for about 3 days so far.  This has been JV's idea from the beginning.  I've given no directions.  It's unstructured play at it's best.  Sure, it's a bit messy leaving this project on the kitchen floor, but I've noticed that he's been whining less and has taken more control and pride in his work.  He even cleaned up a spill that he had, without whining for me to do it.  From the role of a child having to do what everyone else wants and when they want to do it, I have to imagine that it's nice knowing that he can completely control something from start to finish. 

 

So yes, my floor is a mess, but my child it happy and that's what really matters. 

Como Zoo and Friends

Yesterday, we decided that we were going to go to the Como Zoo today.  The first thing JV said to me this morning was, "Mom, look!  The sun is up.  We can go to the zoo now!"  So off we went.  Fortunately, friends that we haven't seen in a some time were able to join us for the day!  The boys hit it off right away even after not seeing each other since the summer.  Having "E" there made JV's day.

 

As I said, it didn't take long to warm up.

 

"The bear is going to get us!  Ahhh!"

 Yes, we did see animals between all the playtime.

 

...and animal prints...

 

Time for a lunch break

 

"E" has twin baby sisters who needed to nap, but JV and I stayed a bit longer to enjoy the flower.

 

How does a child learn?  Through, touch of course.

 

JV's taking a moment to enjoy the wishing well.

 

He really wants to touch the water at the wishing well, but is using good 'listening ears' and refraining.

 

One last picture before we leave, "Cheese!"

 

Believe it or not he learned a lot today.    Next time you see him ask:

How does a polar bear stay warm? 

JV would say, "Blubber". 

What's the difference between a monkey and an ape? 

"A monkey has a tail.  An 'acorn' has no tail."

Kiddywampus

Today we went to Kiddywampus' Art Studio.  They have lots of craft ideas, but you can pretty much create anything you want.  JV started with dinosaur crafts, but spent the majority of the time painting on the wall. 

 

 

He's painting the ocean.

 

Working on his dinosaurs.

 

Below is JV's masterpiece, an ocean: sea turtles, fish, sharks, and of course, fish food included. 

 

Showing off his dino projects.

 

"Cheese!"

Lots of homework!

All week JV has been telling us that he is going to stay home with me on Friday because, "I have a lot of homework to do!"  So I stayed up Thursday night printing out work for him to do today.  We started out with near-point-copying and cutting work (no pictures, sorry!) Followed by Do-A-Dot worksheets.  JV worked for about 45 mins, but made sure to take breaks like dad did, who also got to work from home today.

FYI: these paints are "Do-A-Dot"



Making a "Daddy" snowman.  Notice the green eyes like dad.



"S is for Snowman."

 

JV's first maze.

  He tried to go over the line, so I had him use his finger to find the snowman's mittens before using the paints.  He really had to think about this one!

 

 



Now he's quizzing me!

 





Ok, now you're just showing off!

Valentine's Day Fun 2014

For Valentine's this year, JV's school invited all the parents to join them for their Valentine's Party.  BV couldn't get out of work, but since Valentine's fell on a Friday I was lucky enough to be able to join him for the morning. 

 

Above, JV and his friend are doing "telephone work".  The kids were very quick to teach me that we don't sit ON the mat!

 

Next, JV choose Playdoh work.  1st he has to place a mat on the table where he will work, followed by getting the tray with the Playdoh materials, placing the materials on the mat, and returning the tray to it's assigned spot.  Finally, he plays, or as the Montessori teacher would say, "works" with the Playdoh.  It was nice to see him work so independently!

But of Course it's more fun with friends!

 

Strawberries, ice creams, and juice for a party snack.

The last part of the party was giving and receiving Valentine's cards and goodies.  As you can see, JV was pretty silly/excited about this.

Being silly with friends!

 

 

When dad came home, JV was very excited to give everyone, including himself, a Valentine's balloon from the dollar tree.

JV opening up his bag of gifts.

 

 

Last, but not least, a Valentine's snack before bed.