Remember when we were planning on moving* this summer? Well that hasn’t happened yet. And now it’s time for us to get back to “school”?! I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what worked and what didn’t work last year and what “school” will look like for us this year. I realized this summer that Caden is perfectly capable of learning on his own, with no teaching from me. This has led me to read about natural learning also known as child-led learning, life learning, interest-led learning or unschooling*. gasp! And I think this is the direction that we will be heading this year.
What this means is that I will not be trying to “teach” Caden, force him to do anything or use a curriculum. I will provide new experiences, hands-on activities and lots of time to learn through play. This is known as strewing* in the unschooling world. I hope to set up a room with play centers, much like you would see in a preschool (although I suppose centers are not necessary) and have a list of activities and games based on a monthly theme.
Some ideas for centers and what skills can be learned include:
- Dress Up Bin- imagination, problem solving
- Play Kitchen/Dramatic Play- imagination, problem solving, social skills
- Art Center- fine motor, creativity, colors, shapes
- Blocks & Building Center- motor skills, creativity, problem solving, shapes, counting, colors
- Sensory Station- explore textures & senses, fine motor
- Book Nook- literacy & language development
- Activity Wall (Calendar, Felt & Magnet Board)- any of the above
Other ideas for learning include:
- Literature Extension Activities- literacy & language development, comprehension
- Nature Walks- observation skills, science
- Field Trips- any of the above
- Library visits- literacy & language development, social & emotional development
- Baking & Cooking- science & math, following directions
- Alphabet Boxes*– literacy & language development, phonics, alphabet recognition
- Games & Puzzles- taking turns, problem solving, fine motor
- Busy Bags*– fine motor, numbers, colors, shapes, counting, literacy & language development
- Play Dough Kit*– fine motor skills, imagination, shapes, colors & counting
* indicates link
Over the next few weeks, I plan to share with you all a little bit of what our play centers look like, what our days look like, some of the learning toys, games & books on my wish list, and some of the themed plans that I have started putting together.
If you can’t wait to see what I’m up to check out my boards on Pinterest and follow
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Shecki says
August 6, 2013 at 2:12 pmGreat plan! I hope you and your little one have a wonderful year of explorations.
Amy @ Wildflower Ramblings says
August 7, 2013 at 12:51 pmThis sounds wonderful, Samantha, a bit like Montessori too, having many activities available and letting the child choose! Love it — sounds like what we did for the summer! And thanks for linking my Alphabet Boxes!!
Samantha says
August 8, 2013 at 7:53 amI love your alphabet boxes!
Rebekah @ The Golden Gleam says
August 10, 2013 at 9:37 pmThis sounds a lot like what I have set up for my prek and kinder age children. I didn’t even realize this fit in the realm of unschooling. Though, I am pretty structured with it and have to create clear parameters as my younger three struggle with impulsivity and attention challenges.
It sounds like the perfect environment for learning through play and I am a big believer that children need a lot of time for exploration and play.
Sharla says
August 10, 2013 at 11:23 pmWe’ve had a lot of success with child-led learning. Now that the kids are getting a bit older, we are adding in more actual curriculum but still using as much hands-on, interest-led learning as possible. I think your plan sounds like it will make for a great year for both of you!
Thanks for linking up with the Tender Moments with Toddlers & Preschoolers Blog Hop!
Nita says
August 13, 2013 at 6:42 amPlay centers sound like a great way to inspire learning. I’d love to see yours!
Samantha says
August 14, 2013 at 12:51 pmWorking on that post right now! 🙂