Yesterday, Elijah and I decided to play cars. We carefully lined them up — creating a perfect traffic jam — and then destroyed it only to start again.
Then Elijah decided we needed to park all the cars.
As we began to create our rows we also created patterns. Well, actually, I started the pattern theme, but quickly Elijah caught on — and loved it.
Red car, blue car, find another blue car, then a red.
Green car, silver car, find a green.
We laughed and explored and ended up parking all the cars.
And Elijah learned about patterns.
Sure, I could have pulled out a book and explained it to him. That would have worked, and honestly, some day we’ll do that. But, today, he learned through life — organically — and loved it. His little body would race around the room searching for the next color car he needed.
It was fun. For both of us.
Sometimes we think we need the next educational toy, or manipulative, or workbook when we have what we need in the toy box {yes, the cars were still sorted} upstairs. Play, play, play with them. Let them lead. And sometimes you can add a bit of learning to the fun.
When he went to bed the cars were still out in the perfect lines.
I think I might.
18 comments
what a GREAT idea! my 2 yr old LOVES LOVES to line up his cars, but we don’t have enough for the patterns. maybe this can be a great excuse for me to get him some more 🙂 he he.
So sweet!
You are so right. There is so much to learn just by doing.
I SO wish we had homeschooled from the beginning.
I love how you use pictures to capture every day moments. You’re children will treasure them in the future.
this is so sweet. precious time 🙂
What a fantastic way to learn – I bet he doesn’t even know he is learning something! He’s just playing! And you get to play with him, which is even better!
I used to love playing with my girls when they were little. And then my grandkids when they were small. They can learn so much while at play! And it is fun to spend that time with them.
Two of my daughters have homeschooled and they teach that way…making all of life an object lesson.
Thanks for this reminder. I am sure it will help many to see things in a new light.
Love, Linda
You are such an awesome MUM 🙂
I love real-life learning. Nothing better!
Sweet pics of your little man.
I love that unexpected moment when my kids are playing and end up learning something important. Look at that joy on Elijah’s face! Love it!
great idea! I am homeschooling my kindergartener this year as well as doing extra work with my autistic child at home. I’ll bet he would love this!
so sweet. :]
So sweet!
Love it when play becomes learning and learning becomes play. It’s the best!
That is awesome! I love the spontaneous teaching moments! Kids are so willing to learn, especially when it can be fun.
so simple, so fun. 🙂
ps: re: curls/sleep? i slept great. my headband is soft like a big scrunchie.
That’s great! I used to play with my brother’s cars and loved them. My daughter lines up her Little People and we do more patterns with legos (which are my new personal favorite). Cute post!
my brother and i spent hours upon hours playing with such cars on such a rug when we were kids. i think that’s where i found my love of story – i organized all the cars into families, and made the kids go to school, and wrote out their days in my head as my brother and i played. those are my very favorite childhood memories.
Can’t believe I’m an entire day late on this!!! That tells you how busy I’ve been – I never like to miss Rachel’s writings!!!
This is so true! Thanks for reminding me of hands on life learning. You’re right, they remember it much better this way. I love the pictures. All your beautiful kids look so much alike. You have one pretty family!!!
Hands on learning is the best kind…you’re an awesome teacher.