Gum paste as natural, edible playdough on our spring cake.

So after many episodes of Cake Boss my family has decided we need to upgrade our cakes. We’ve done some fun ones, but frosting eludes me and I once made fondant that was more like goop. I usually walk away, shake my head, and apologize to the guests for what I will be serving. However, their enthusiasm is making me try harder and here is what I have found. You can buy gum paste which is a corn syrup, sugar, mix and when mixed with water becomes basically an edible play dough. So, for an alternative to play dough we used gum paste  and made up a fun spring cake. You wouldn’t believe the lessons that go into in naturally, measuring, chemistry, art, and excellent fine motor skills. We’ve been baking with the boys since they were born, and it’s really paid off. They have learned why we measure, what ingredients cause what reactions (rising and such), what looks pleasing to the eye, how to be really helpful in the kitchen, and how fun it can be to make your own food. Gum paste, who knew?

 

Somos un arco iris, We Are a Rainbow by Nancy Maria Grande Tabor

Somos un arco iris, We Are A Rainbow by Nancy Maria Grande Tabor celebrates diversity. A child moves from an adobe home to a wooden home and mentions everything that is different. It has a nice context, pointing out that even though he seems different, everyone else is also different to him. It focuses on what should bring people together. Frankly, I know a few adults who need this lesson, it’s so essential for children.

 

Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine, Florida

The oldest city in our country, St. Augustine, FL, houses many old treasures, many of which charge treasures to enter. However, squashed between the ocean and city is a national monument that is well worth the $7 adult, free child price tag. Castillo de San Marcos is a fort built by the Spanish, surviving multiple owners by treaties, and made of tiny shells! The rangers are friendly, the facility interesting, and my boys loved the firing demonstrations. You can spend a couple hours here walking atop, inside, and around the fort, watching the movie, taking to soldiers, and listening to frequent ranger talks. Learn why the moat never had water in it! Visit the Castillo de San Marcos site.

 

Canaveral National Seashore, Florida

Ponce de Leon discovered a wild, lush new land that you can glimse at Canaveral National Seashore. No neon buildings obstruct your view here but you’ll be thankful for the boardwalks over the thick plants. We walked to the top of Turtle Mound, a huge pile of oyster shells which was made by Native Americans. We also made our own shell discovery on the beach, a shell from a horseshoe crab. We were so engrossed in our discovery that we ran out of time to see the whole shoreline. Be sure to arrive early because the rangers chase you out to close the park at 6 pm. We weren’t anxious to leave. This seashore could easily provide hikes and entertainment for the day. My youngest son could have spent an hour alone looking at the awesome shell and bone collection in the tiny, soon to be upgraded visitor’s center. For Midwesterners, just looking at the local landscape provides long entertainment.

 

The Three Questions by Jon J. Muth, based on a story by Leo Tolstoy.

The Three Questions by Jon J. Muth, based on a story by Leo Tolstoy

Have you ever wondered what is most important in life? Do you ever feel concerned your children may lose sight of what is truly important or simply want to convey how important living in the moment is? If so, this is the children’s book that will put into your child’s words how important life is right now. In fact, it will probably lower your stress level while you read it! I have read many excellent books about Buddhism this past summer, and found this book (and author) when I was trying to convey to my children how we need to live in the now. Of course, this isn’t something children really have trouble with, but I’d like to think the story will stick to adulthood. Enjoy the watercolor beauty and story of Nikolai in this Zen book.

 

Walking With Prehistoric Beasts helps with Montessori Great Lessons

We stumbled upon the BBC series Walking With Prehistoric Beasts at the library late this summer. We borrowed and watched it with interest and I was making mental notes for use with the Montessori Great Lesson’s Timeline. In August we went to a flea market and saw the game, Walking with Prehistoric Beasts. My son grabbed it up quickly and asked if we could get it. I was happy to try it.

This game is very well made, it has excellent cards with titles, and is clear and easy to understand. My three-year old even has said, “I like indricothere.” If you would like some visual aid for your Montessori Great Lessons Timeline, I would highly recommend both the DVD and game. Please prescreen the DVD and make sure it is appropriate for your child. I was pretty surprised with some of the graphic shots in the preshistoric world.

Here is a link to BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/prehistoric_life/tv_radio/wwbeasts/

Here is our game:

 

Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall.

Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall. Pictures by Barbara Cooney.

This award-winning book features a pioneer father loading up the wagon, taking it to market, and selling it all. Cleverly written, the book leaves you wondering why he would sell every last thing, but quickly answers your curiosity. The cycle of seasons, starting in Autumn, is shown beautifully through folk art type illustrations and the nicely written story. My boys asked me to read it back to back. This story illustrates ones ability to live, survive, and thrive in pioneer times.

 

Nature Detectives Website Features Leaf Identification

This website features leaf, twig, and seed identification games for your nature walks this Autumn. Beautiful photos are featured.

http://www.naturedetectives.org.uk/

 

 

The First Great Lesson- The Beginning

We have been a little delayed in starting as my husband took a job out-of-state. We were in the throes of packing and moving early September, but last week I presented the first Great Lesson. To complicate things we are currently living in an entertainer’s bus at a campground to make sure we like the area, my husband likes his job, etc. So, space is TIGHT! But, Montessori educating is my priority for the boys so we will figure it out. We are following the Great Lessons from the Miss Barbara site.

Here is a link to the first lesson: http://missbarbara.net/thebeginning.html

Here is a photo of all of my story props.

Gathering it up was easy. The boys LOVED the big bang from the balloon (which they did themselves multiple times afterwords, and also when Dad got home). They helped put paper bits into water to see the forces at work, they poured the honey, oil, and water in the jar for shaking and seemed to enjoy the story a lot. I intend to read some titles this week to reinforce the Big Bang and the formation of our earth. I’ll share those titles as we read. I did notice the story seemed long and by the time we got to the volcano they didn’t much care about it. We have done tons of volcanoes already so perhaps they are just not as impressed any longer.

 

 

Upcycled Wool Tying Practice

This is a better quality pattern than a post I made earlier this year. I made it for my son who will be six in a few weeks and still hasn’t mastered the art of tying shoelaces. Anyhow, I hope this pattern can be loved by some.

Upcycled Wool Tying Practice Pattern PDF