Learn Geography with Mail

Stephanie and Jax at Imagine our Life are currently doing a geography unit and it got me thinking about how to teach it more. Of course, I follow her blog and love that she shares her Montessori resources and ideas, but I figured I should look into the subject more if I plan on doing it also.  So I googled... and I found this page that talks about how to teach geography using the New York Times. I was drawn to #7 - "Geography isn’t just about places on a map; it’s about the people, culture, history and landscape of those places" Then I saw a review of a neat little kit called Little Passports. It is a suitcase for kids to start learning about the world through letters each month. The kids get to learn about the places and get excited about the mail they receive each month. There is a subscription and initial cost though, and it seems a bit pricey to me.

What ever happened to pen pals? It seems like such a better idea. Then you can also ask questions and continue to learn for longer than just one month (one letter) about that particular area. I know some schools do pen pals with other schools like this class that has a partner class in South Africa. Then there is also Flat Stanley. I think this is an awesome way to have kids learn about the world, seeing there own art in those places, especially when accompanied by the books. I also think it would be good to introduce the children to missionaries around the world. I already have connections to some and our church supports some missionaries. Finding a few to write to and perhaps get some photos back would be fun.
I'm sure I will find and think of more as I continue to search but I wanted to compile it so I have it all in one place to come back to later.

My first completed quiet book

I had to cheat and just get a quiet book done. I was overwhelmed with all the ideas I had in mind and not in the mood to do MORE cutting for the quiet book coop I am involved in. So I sat down during nap time and threw together a design and some cutting for a mini bug quiet book (inspired by buggy-for-you-quiet-book) My book is only 4 inches square and was put together with a bunch of hot glue (absolutely no sewing)
Here are the pages I used:
Ribbon wing drangonfly and ant crawling on leaf

 the bees and ribbon flowers are my favorite (and what I spent the most time on) this page was actually from Amber may be

 Ribbon tie web and catch butterflies (pocket in net and hill for butterflies)

Caterpillar color match stored in cocoon and pic of Rain babe at the end and Sharpie details/writing

 Pennys for size comparison - simple cover and binding

Can you believe the ribbon I used for this was actually clearanced Christmas ribbon? I bought it because I knew I would find a use! Now I feel like I have acomplished something and can get back to what I need to do for the Co-op :)

Lord, You establish peace for us;
all that we have accomplished You have done for us.

Isaiah 26:12 NIV

Christmas 2012 Wishlist

Since I have had the question asked a couple times I thought I would put together a list of things that I would like the boys to have, if you were looking :) None of these have to be exact just approximate idea. Mega Bloks is the only name brand I do want because then it will fit with the rest of our Mega Bloks.

Mega Bloks Build and Learn - I like both ABCs (pictured above) and 123s so whichever, I like that they are educational since they can learn letters/numbers while building. I am sticking with the largest size of building blocks since Ri still puts everything in his mouth. Eventually we will move down in size to duplos, but not yet. Also from Mega Bloks I like the Town Rescue Center (pictured below) since Ais has been really into firemen and police cars (loves the sirens that we hear)

I have also sarted looking into peg boards like this one: Jumbo Peg Board. Something that can be used for colors, numbers, fine motor, and patterns. And tanagram type activities also for patterns, colors, and shapes: Beginner-Pattern-Blocks (pictured)

I have yet to make more than Felt breakfast food so Soft play food is also on this list. Something like one of these: Lil-Shopper-Play-Set (pictured) , Picnic-Play-Set , or Fill-and-Spill-Picnic-Basket.

Some other items I might suggest would be some sort of learning to dress toy like: Learn-Dress-Activity-Farmer , Rhythm instruments (like Hape-Rhythm-Set pictured below),  and a Bead Maze that also can be used for colors, numbers, and fine motor.

Basically I am looking for items that are educational (or can be used that way), things that can be used with what we already have, little to no noise, and things intended for about age two - so both boys are able to play with them. Also things that are good for self directed play.

May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.

Psalm 20:4, 5 (NIV)