Hubby has been on holidays this week, and while he still hasn't uploaded some gorgeous photos of Little G that I wish to decorate this blog with he DID take Geekling on his first museum trip yesterday.
The Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane is running a 21st Century Kids exhibit until 26 April 2011 - it looks like so much fun! I desperately wanted to take Geekling myself, but had to sit back and let Hubby have this experience as I have well and truly had my share and it was high time they got to do something together, just the boys. Most the exhibits are interactive to some degree, but a little too 'old' for Geekling. He loved looking around at the museum, and enjoyed trying to get involved although some of the exhibits like the ribbon wall (with pins) and Lego city (small parts he kept trying to put in his mouth) weren't really appropriate.
They did enjoy an interactive exhibit where you put a camera device atop your child's head which records things from their point of view while they crawl or run about. Sadly, the software that allows you to then email that footage home to yourself (or to a jealous mummy at work) wasn't working.
There is also an exhibit that is basically a room full of balloons - Hubby was running short of time so they didn't make it to this part, which is a shame because Geekling would have LOVED it. But that's ok, it's a good excuse for Mumma to take him back again!
GoMA is generally free, including this exhibit. They also normally have a toddler/kiddies art section downstairs but I think it is still damaged from the January floods.
Hubby didn't capture any pictures but here are a couple of blogs and sites that have:
21st Century Kids Exhibit Photos at www.abc.net.au
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Saturday, 26 March 2011
Book Recommendation - "How to Raise an Amazing Child: the Montessori Way to Bring Up Caring, Confident Children" by Tim Seldin
I borrowed this book from our local library when trying to find out more about the Montessori daycare centre that I'd recently enrolled Geekling at part time. I'd done some light google research on Montessori but this book cemented my desire to introduce Montessori principles in our child rearing. I was delighted to recognise several activities from my own upbringing, though my parents weren't intentionally following Montessori!
The book is presented beautifully, and the writing bubbles with an exciting, infectious enthusiasm. I was actually rather sad the first time I read it that my newborn was still too young for the fun activities and science experiments. Now that Geekling is one, we'll really start to get more out of this book.
"How to Raise an Amazing Child" has a great introduction, acknowledging the challenges of parenting, a brief bio of Maria Montessori, the periods in which children are more sensitive and receptive to different learning and tips on making your home child friendly in a Montessori style - that is going beyond "baby-proofing" to setting up the home in a way that allows the child to explore and interact with much of the home that is within baby's reach.
A later chapter has some excellent ideas for avoiding tantrums - I will have to let you know at a later date how well these work! I found the chapter on discipline resonated with me - particularly making it a habit for children to clean up their messes (whether intentional or accidental messes) even from a young age.
I have read a few Montessori books and blogs now and for any friends curious as to the differences between Montessori style child rearing and traditional approaches, this is the first resource I will point them to.
The book is presented beautifully, and the writing bubbles with an exciting, infectious enthusiasm. I was actually rather sad the first time I read it that my newborn was still too young for the fun activities and science experiments. Now that Geekling is one, we'll really start to get more out of this book.
"How to Raise an Amazing Child" has a great introduction, acknowledging the challenges of parenting, a brief bio of Maria Montessori, the periods in which children are more sensitive and receptive to different learning and tips on making your home child friendly in a Montessori style - that is going beyond "baby-proofing" to setting up the home in a way that allows the child to explore and interact with much of the home that is within baby's reach.
A later chapter has some excellent ideas for avoiding tantrums - I will have to let you know at a later date how well these work! I found the chapter on discipline resonated with me - particularly making it a habit for children to clean up their messes (whether intentional or accidental messes) even from a young age.
I have read a few Montessori books and blogs now and for any friends curious as to the differences between Montessori style child rearing and traditional approaches, this is the first resource I will point them to.
Thursday, 24 March 2011
Welcome!
Welcome to my blog!
Why homemade? For lots of reasons:
I hope you'll enjoy reading about the our progress towards these goals, our homemade triumphs and a few of our less successful stories. I also hope to include weekly book reviews of books on home made topics, Montessori child raising, money saving and the odd kids book.
Cheers!
Why homemade? For lots of reasons:
- To save money;
- To lessen our impact on the environment;
- To set a good example and teach important lessons to our children.
- food (instead of using pre-made convenience items);
- textiles;
- cleaning products;
- children's toys.
- slowly but steadily morphing our home into a Montessori inspired work and play-haven for our son now that he is mobile and beginning to show greater understanding and desire for independence;
- weaning ourselves off convenience items to save money as hubby is weighing up moving to a part time job or making a career move that starts with a low-paying apprenticeship.
I hope you'll enjoy reading about the our progress towards these goals, our homemade triumphs and a few of our less successful stories. I also hope to include weekly book reviews of books on home made topics, Montessori child raising, money saving and the odd kids book.
Cheers!
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