Happy Monday!  I’m in Vermont with my parents and the kids, soaking up the incredible beauty and colors of Fall.  We are headed to the Von Trapp Family lodge and Ben & Jerry’s factory this week, and I’m so excited.  The hills are alive….with the taste of ice creammmmmmm.  

Okay.  I’m dumb.  I know.  

Back on track, Kacia.  I’m really excited to share with you all a new-to-me company: Lakeshore Learning.  When Lakeshore Learning contacted me about their new Gifts for Growing Minds collection, I could barely contain my excitement.  We decided to homeschool Harlow this year for preschool, and my goal has been to keep things fun, yet challenging for her as go through the year.  

I love being able to focus on current events, nature, holidays and learn throughout our day.  We try to take a designated 1-2 hours every morning while Jones is napping for “school,” but each day is always a bit different.

Some days we work on crafts and simply talk or practice spelling or simple math.  Other days we read and follow up with flashcards and a reading lesson.  In our small apartment, the Arts & Crafts Supply Center is full of amazing materials for creating. 

A new favorite around here is “store,” using the Real-Working Cash Register.  Harlow goes around the living room and finds items to stock her store shelves: a pet raccoon, some books, a puzzle.  She labels them with various prices, and then I shop.  It’s mostly just fun, but we practice the names of our coins, adding totals and figuring out what I (as her costumer) can afford with the money in hand.  And no, I’m not just allowed to charge it — early lessons on saving show up during this game, too. :)  

Lakeshore Learning’s Gifts for Growing Minds collection is an exclusive assortment of educational toys and games designed to aid and encourage the excitement of learning for children of all ages.  This collection features over 200 items for children from birth to age 11, giving parents a fun way to make education a part of children’s daily lives.  

Often times Jones boycotts his nap or doesn’t rest very long, so I always make sure to have a few of his puzzles (Big Knob First Puzzle Set) and toys (Classic Hardwood Learning Toys) in a small area for him.  In our tiny apartment, creating learning stations and rotating items has been a lifesaver for us.  I definitely want to continue rotating toys even when we have more space as I have found the kids play so much better when they aren’t overloaded with massive amounts of toys staring back at them.  It’s just what seems to work for us!

Be sure to check out Lakeshore Learning’s new collection: there are so many items that would make perfect birthday and holiday gifts! 

Have an awesome week!  I’ll be pretending I’m Julie Andrews tomorrow as we frolic in the mountains tomorrow before the rain hits on Tuesday.  Vermont: I’m loving you!

xo

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