Elementary Overview

Lilly and Sunflower have explored the workings of a wheel and axle using our simple machines set and an umbrella - the umbrella is the wheel and the handle is the axle, neither can turn without the other and its a great way to explore how turning the wheel or turning the axle differ.

They finished their lines work by making a reference poster using matchsticks,

and making valentines gifts (I keep insisting this cupcake should be for me ).

 Used their animal research time to discover the species of snail living in our pond.

They have also used the snow as an excuse to run numerous ice experiments including - how to melt ice fastest, does coloured ice spread it colour, what supports the biggest icicle and how thick does pond ice get.

Edible School Wok

I always believe that if a lesson is edible, they will remember it forever (especially as we don't often have sweets here)

This week has been a real treat for the girls - not one but two edible lessons.

First Rose and Tulip had marshmallow shapes

I was very impressed when Rose made a hexagon - I think it was because I promised them they could eat their shapes when finished : )

Second. The girls have been exploring levers and they had to identify the type of lever in each piece of equipment.

they were flummoxed by the bottle opener until they got to try it on a bottle of J2O.

They finally worked out it was a 2nd class lever :)

KinderBach discount code

KinderBach have just contacted me with a discount code they have asked me to share with my readers

For 30% off use the Coupon Code:  TOScrew2012

Geography - Landform activities

The girls have been working on landforms today

Rose and Tulip started with the basic landforms - they made them out of clay and we discussed what each landforms was (3 part landform cards from Montessori Print Shop)

Lilly and Sunflower worked with the advanced landform cards (also from Montessori Print Shop) and made a clay diorama of the landforms.

My favourite has to be the cave :)

they also made a landform poster, wrote their definitions

and made some tactile cards of their own, using sandpaper for the land forms and shiny blue card for the water forms.

Overall they loved the day - who wouldn't enjoy a day filled with clay and water??


linked up to Montessori Monday

TOS Review Kinderbach

KinderBach is an Internet (or DVD) piano program that uses cartoon characters to teach children. Weekly lessons are divided into 4 short sessions per week combined with activities, colouring pages, games and worksheets to provide a multi sensory approach. It's designed so that even parents with no musical abilities can teach their children.

KinderBach uses its fun characters to teach notes, rhythm, singing, theory and composition.This is designed so children can either work alongside you or independently. 

Although it is recommended for ages 3 -7 Sunflower (7) didn't find it challenging enough (although I did catch her singing a few of the songs), Rose (3) and Tulip (5) loved it and wanted to do multiple lessons each day. I think for any children who haven't had an introduction to music this is a fun, interactive way to introduce musical concepts and skills, it would provide some good revision for experienced children. I loved the multi-sensory approach and found the lessons to be stimulating - the younger girls would often talk about it for days afterwards. I also like that I could use it for multiple children and not have to pay for multiple access.

Kinderbach is available for a yearly fee of $95.88 (payable in twelve monthly instalments of  $19.99) or you can buy day passes for $5.95. DVDs are available from $40.45. They offer a 2 week free trial here and they have a 30 day money back guarantee.

There is a discount code for 30% off -

Coupon Code:  TOScrew2012

You can look at some other reviews on the TOS Crew blog.

Disclaimer
I received free access to the online sessions so I could offer my honest opinion of the product.