Exploring Romero Britto

We loved the exploration on Romero Britto! The use of dark, thick lines and vibrant colors appealed to the children. But what was interesting in the activity was that it offered me a chance to use different thinking strategies with it. We used the thinking routine "Step inside: Perceived, Cared about, Know about" in looking at Romero Britto's artwork "The New Day" . It was interesting to hear about the children's replies and they were able to point out it was "sunshine". We also used the thinking routine to ask the children what Headline they will give for it. Milos remarked ""Flying Heart" whereas Katie said "Sunny Day."

We also used this in emphasizing on the Habits of the Mind Thinking Flexibly as a way to emphasize on looking at different perspectives.This went well also with the Exploring Viewpoints of the Artful thinking palette and the Different Perspectives of the Depth and Complexity Icons. It was surely interesting how these strategies blended together in one activity! We even had a follow through of Romero Britto using coloring dolls. I need to see if I got the photos done for those though :/

 I am definitely loving Romero Britto!

Wonderfully made...

Yesterday we had our first Parents-child conference. Yes you read it right, not a PTC (Parent-Teacher Conference) but a Parents-child Conference. I guess this has been something that is due in our family. We normally have conversations during dinner time but this one was more formal. Not intimidatingly formal since the kids had a blast waiting for their turn and looking forward to their "talk".

It was the right time and the right topic too. We have just received the children's school report and we decided to sit down with them regarding what the teacher told us. For Milos we were not so concerned since the remarks were favorably good. Katie, on the other hand, had some surprising feedback from her teacher which we felt needed to be talked about immediately. The process was simple, we sat, gave her information on what the teacher said, asked her what she thinks or could remember and then asked again what can be done about it. I was surprised how "fluid"the conversations were. In my mind the thought of doing parent-child conferences is a bit daunting but after doing one with Katie and Milos last night, I feel like we've struck gold. It was the feeling after the talks that got me thinking, " doing conferences is yes a truly an investment of time but it is well worth it."

Why do I say that? Talking to Katie about her struggles made me realize that we were remiss in reminding her some things. Hearing from her the lines "ik durf het niet" made my heart melt. Our precious little one is struggling at a level that some might say petty, but these are her struggles. These are her fears and anxieties that came to light because we took the time to sit down and ask her while making her feel that she can talk to us about it. Yes, she is just 5 turning 6 and that her concerns of things being difficult might, for an outsider, be something that is fleeting. But I see it as a wake up call that I need to still remind her that things, specially new ones, can seem daunting. I even told her too what one of my most daunting experiences. Katie was wide-eyed as she listened how scared and unsure I felt when I first met her father after chatting with him for more than 3 years! She listened and I narrated. Her father gave his version too and in the end, she realized that she can feel unsure and that is normal. What got through to me though, much like a stab in the face, was how our precious daughter's eyes showed different emotions. Seeing the uncertainty in her eyes, I saw how that is reflected in mine when I do things. How I wish she is not so much like me but she is. She doesn't just run straight to the water, she wades through it, testing, and asking for confirmation and affirmation.

Ohhh and how her eyes glowed when we told her she is wonderful. Wonderfully made from fine stuff from her mommy and daddy! She literally basked in the praises and it hit me, yes we probably keep on forgetting to tell you and your brother that. So now let me write it to you so that when you grow up and can read this blog you will know how we see you (and Milos)

18:47
07-02-2013

Dearest Katie,

Your eyes lit up when we told you "You are Wonderful!" and from that glow in your face I was reminded we have been remiss in telling you this fact. You are born from strong parents whose circumstances in lives are different yet have connected. You are made from loving hearts and wonderful intentions. The entire process from your conception to your birth was a wondrous experience not just for me but also for your father. Each day that we see you grow, we see the beauty and wonder that life with you brings. You made us want to be better persons because we wanted to be better parents. Having you (and you brother) have ignited that wonder in us.

But perhaps we also need to remind ourselves how wonderful we are. For you and your brother are beauty and wonder coming from the beauty and wonder of us, your parents. Thank you for reminding us this and thank you for each day that we get to learn from each other.Your beauty is our beauty and your wonder is our wonder. But it is far more! As you go through in life believing in yourself and the many wondrous things you can do then you enrich the beauty and wonder that is in you. You just have to start from what is within and what is within you is wonderful.

 Love,
 Mama

Our Trip to Teylers Museum

Quote for the day: Katie asked me "Mama waarom altijd jongens???" (Mama why always boys?) en waarom zo veel billen? (and why so many butts?) :D

Make your own digital scrapbooking design

Exploring Van Gogh

I found another gem online! I was already contemplating on introducing Vincent Van Gogh's The Starry Night for our art activity but I am so glad that I surfed some more to get inspiration on what to do. The post In the Style of Vincent Van Gogh by Julie Voigt gave me the essential information that I needed in introducing Van Gogh's creative style.

I know doing one 20-30 minute activity is not enough to really learn the techniques but giving them tidbits of ideas and seeing it in their work is inspiring. I can only hope that the children get inspired as well.

Exploring Mondrian

We're back to exploring the great artists! Here's what we did with the kids and new playmates :)

Cloud dough and measuring cups

Kids are easy to please, give them cloud dough and measuring cups and they're busy scooping, pouring and scooping and pouring and scooping and pouring. Yes, schemas are just sooo predictable patterns of behaviors that i knew by providing the kids with sensory exploration such as this will get them fully engaged (and give mommy more time to do other things). So what are schemas?

Here's a brief rundown on what schemas are, why it is important and what learning it promotes: Extending opportunities for schema development.

You might also be wondering what is cloud dough???

It's pretty simple, 8 parts flour to 1 part vegetable oil.  So if you want to make a big batch put together 8 cups of flour and then add 1 cup of vegetable oil. Baby oil can also be used and will smell nice but for younger children best to use vegetable oil for those exploring little hands.

To extend this activity try adding dry spices like cinnamon or  to get that hint of chocolate try adding cocoa powder. Just make sure that the table is covered (unlike mine) and the kids know to make sure it stays inside and not on the table or on the floor. But brace yourself, this can be fun and messy! :)

Some more recipes on cloud dough and activities done can be found at:

Cloud Dough by Learn with play at home.com

Cloud dough: Unique ideas for sensory play and art

Super cool cloud dough

And of course my favorite from Imagination Tree their Pinkalicious: Pink Cloud Dough Cup Cakes

So have fun letting the kids enjoy themselves and dear mommy/daddy taking a bit of a break ;)

If ever there was a doubt about multiple intelligences...

Just dropping by to share these wonderful videos. If there ever was a doubt about different intelligences and abilities in children, just view this one and you will agree this child has definitely both musical and bodily-kinesthetic intelligences!

and here he is doing the Paso Doble!