This is just a FANTASTIC site! I can’t say enough about it. I wish we had something remotely similar in NOrth America. The site is just chocked with all kinds of free -quality- stuff for kids. Great books that you can download. Pays- also down loadable. The books change often so be sure to download when you can if they disappear. A handy tip- if you are missing an episode trying using cache button on Google toolbar for a cached version of the site - I have found missing episodes or a book I forgot to download there many times.
The books and stories are by well known authors. They are intelligent and well written- no Disney-esque drivel here! Read the rest of this entry »
Posted by Lisa - Unschooling Mom as Outstanding Sites and Resources at 11:59 AM EST
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There are a lot of reasons why this is a great game. It is fun. It’s challenging. A game can be played in under 1/2 hour. You do not need to read so younger children can play. It requires spacial skills as well as some planning and strategy. The game is played by placing pieces on board and trying to block your opponent from placing all their pieces on the same board. The game is fairly expensive- almost 40.00 Canadian. You can also buy at Amazon ( click on image below) for 29.99US.
It has one a ton of awards and appears in alot of homeschoolers game shelf. The Blokus site does has online Blokus version to play. My daughter and I have become addicted. My 2 year old can be involved buy sorting colours and pieces. It is a nice winding down game- not too aggressive. One of the great things about playing games is not just the game play but also the conversation. They provide a way to stay connected with your children- talking about their day and their thoughts and fears. I learn more about E. playing a quiet game than I do sitting her down and trying to have a ” talk” .
Check out this game- try it online or borrow from a friend- it is worth the investment and has excellent play value!
Posted by Lisa - Unschooling Mom as Board Games and Board Game Reviews and Recommendations at 9:57 PM EST
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I just add this recipe to “best” recipe section. Can find it here: Best Ginger Cookie Recipe. It is crisp on out side with bit of chewy-ness on the inside. It is one of my favourite cookies ever. The recipe is quite easy and kids have fun rolling into little balls and rolling them about in sugar. Let me know if you agree! This is terrific recipe for a cookie exchange. It makes tons of cookies. I also do up at Christmas time as hostess gift. This year bought plain white platter/plates at dollar store and decorated with a porcelaine paint. Loaded with cookies and wrapped in cello these looked like a million bucks.
Posted by Lisa - Unschooling Mom as Uncategorized at 12:32 PM EST
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As an unschooler it can sometimes be hard to overcome your fears that they will ever “get” it. Many times I have wondered if I was on the right track and filled with self doubts- only to have those fears assuaged a short time later. Once i was worrying about math and was I on right path would this actually work. I was watching weather on TV and my daughter, then 5 was beside me. The weather was going from +2 to -5 over night. She turned to me and said- hey mom- negative 5 is actually lower than +2 - it’s actually smaller!. Whew. Okay maybe this will work!
With her reading I was faced with more doubts and resorted to buying workbooks . I admit it- I had a moment of weakness and ran out and bought workbooks and worksheets. I have a whole bookshelf filled with Grade 1 Math, Grade 2 Math, Grade 1 English , Grade 2 English , etc. These are empty for the most part-except for first 2 or 3 pages that were filled when I first brought them home .. then later discarted. I can tell myself as unschooler that she has access to them and can use whenever she wants. She has actually picked them up and done them on her own a few times !
With the reading I was starting to worry. I knew in my heart she would read when she was ready. I continued to buy books I thought she might like and leave then around strategically placed. The breakthrough finally came.
We began going to local bookstore/coffee house together for some mother/daughter time. She would go through books and test ruin then over a hot chocolate. She became completely entranced with a book I never thought to pick up- ” Captain Underpants” by Dav Pilkey. The series is not for the prudish! The 2 boys in the series create a super hero , called Captain Underpants- who has super powers have to do with farting and belching. The series is HUGE hit with 8/9 year old boys. The books are are called graphical novels- which is fancy way of not calling them a comic book. There is bit more text then comics and they are pretty funny. E. was glued to them. Was the first time she carried any book around with her- to the supermarket, read in the car, waiting at Drs., etc. Took her 3 weeks to finish the multi-book series. To me this series represent her love affair with books and I have a special place in my heart for Dav Pilkey’s ” Captain Underpants” . I would love if you could also comment on the books that first “grabbed” your child’s attention and imagination.
Read more about the author and books or to purchase these books by clicking on image/link below.
Posted by Lisa - Unschooling Mom as Great Books For Kids at 11:03 AM EST
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I was compelled to write this because just last week I was lugging around my two year old, W. in his sling and I was wondering what the heck I would do without it. With my first child I was the parent who had to have and try everything. Only the latest and best Peg Perego stroller and latest fashion styles for 3 month olds for me. If it was on a “best of” list I had to have it. I was insane - I think it had more to do with looking to external “things” to prop up my self-esteem and overcome insecurities as a new mother., But that’s another post. Suffice to say I did a complete turn around and things are very different now! I mention this explain why in the world one mother would have or need so many baby carriers. I used a Baby Trekker- this was hot item in late 90’s, Baby Bjorn which I believe is still hot now , a fisher price snugli ( for a day) and a hip Carrier call Tote-A-Tot.
I know exclusively use a Heart2Heart Baby Sling and give this is “my” standard new baby gift. It is truly outstanding.
Baby Trekker Baby Carrier:
PROS: VERY comfortable. Great if you are prone to back aches. Also good for long periods. It can go in wash and fits most sizes and is dad friendly. Baby also very snug and cosy and can Read the rest of this entry »
Posted by Lisa - Unschooling Mom as Attachment Parenting, Baby Carriers and Slings at 7:05 PM EST
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