After completing a year in CGS, Brian really thrived. So I thought it would be a good idea to recreate some of the "work" that he did at church school here at the house. My enthusiasm led to the following shelf...
I was so proud of how I put everything together so neatly. I even spent time showing both boys how to do their work.
So imagine my horror surprise when I came home from Mass on Sunday to find Brian and Sean "making" birthday cakes with all of the various beans and rice! Here's where my perfectly laid out work ended up...
And my personal favorite...
After discussing this with a very wise woman I know, I'm in a bit of a quandary...the boys didn't use the work the way it was supposed to be used, but darn if they weren't awfully creative. At what point do we draw the line of discipline versus creativity? If you have any thoughts, I'd love to hear them.
Nature Study at the Zoo
15 years ago
4 comments:
That's why I don't leave out pouring activities ;-) To be honest, little kids *love* to pour, and they love playing in beans. But if left out all the time... those beans are sooooo tempting. There must be an attraction between them and carpet. What I have done in the past is either to make up the trays and set them on the table when it's time for school, then immediately remove and dismantle them when we're done... or I have put together a big container of beans with cups, scoops, and spoons, and just let them play in the beans outside on the deck, patio, or yard. The latter isn't exactly Montessori, but it *is* fun... and very sensory, too.
This is how every bean or rice activity I have ever presented has wound up! And do you know what? I love it!!! I know it isn't in keeping with Montessori method, but I am happy they had fun and that you have such a good attitude toward it!
To me "creativity above all else" is what schooling at home is all about.
As far as discipline, remember, don't sweat the small stuff. There are bigger issues to focus on. I promise. :)
AH, life with little boys! They love to take our neat little plans and turn them upside down, don't they? I agree with everyone else...let them have fun. Maybe try the more sturctured activities when they're a little older.
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