Verna

I have introduced myself here before but just a recap- my kids are
ages 3 to 7.There are 4 of them.
In the past months I have felt very unsatisfied with some of the
environments we end up with for social activities. Seem like so
many of them center around some very preconscieved adult agenda.
Some things seem to work but others just dont. Having 4 kids I need
to find things that work for all my kids at least to some degree.
For ex. we were asked to participate in a Kindergarten group. I
felt the idea of it was kind of silly but it is really just a
playgroup with a few art or science activities on occasion so I
agreed. But I bring all my kids and spend alot of time trying to
find something for my 3 year old to do as he was deemed to young to
participate by the coordinator... it is a kindergarten group after
all. My 7 year old, who really doesnt care about ages at all, is
also treated with some suspicion. Anyway, That being all said I am
going to start fresh and start looking for and organizing some more
multiage activities. For example I saw a multiage art activity
listed, they are making one specific thing but the idea was for
everyone to come with materials and ideas and enjoy the
experience. I am trying to come up with more such ideas that a
range of kids could enjoy but not be so limiting. Some fresh ideas
for field trips and such. Any ideas for things you all have done?
Thanks

Sandra Dodd

-=-I am trying to come up with more such ideas that a
range of kids could enjoy but not be so limiting. Some fresh ideas
for field trips and such. -=-

How about just doing things with your own kids--hikes, picnics, trip
to the zoo or museum, or walking around a shopping area? Being out
in the world frequently, on your own terms, on your own schedule,
will bring lots of learning and relationship growth.

In the context of unschooling, "field trip" doesn't have much
validity. You're not living in classrooms, so the excitement of
getting out once or twice a year to see the real world isn't a clear
and worthy goal. Visiting workplaces or projects could be part of
regular real life.

Along the way, maybe you'll find another family or two to do things
with you.

-=-For example I saw a multiage art activity

listed, they are making one specific thing but the idea was for
everyone to come with materials and ideas and enjoy the
experience. I am trying to come up with more such ideas that a
range of kids could enjoy but not be so limiting.-=-

Like a park day or playgroup but with projects?

Rhythm music (shakers and percussion things to play along with
something recorded, or maybe one of the parents plays and instrument
or could sing songs that could use percussion)

Singing rounds

Running/chase/hiding games; circle games

playdough or clay sculpting day (something inexpensive and not too
messy)

Painting on something like an unfinished wall or wooden fence with
tempera and fat brushes

If you think of projects that aren't too prissy and exact, where kids
who are tired of it can wander off a bit and the others would stay,
there would be less to negotiate with other parents.



Sandra

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ronna proghovnick

Hi Verna

One of our local home school groups had an open art studio with children of all ages 2-14 mostly for the first time yesterday. Everyone brought some or a lot of supplies and let every one go to town. It was really fun, authentic, and invigorating. If or when the children want to delve deeper into art, art theory,or want help with expressing some of their ideas there are people there to assist. I saw amazing art taking place, drawing, painting, creating a home out of card board and other recycled materials. The plan is to meet once or twice a week with the option of putting on an art exhibit in a few months.
Ronna

Joanna Murphy

But I bring all my kids and spend alot of time trying to
> find something for my 3 year old to do as he was deemed to young to
> participate by the coordinator... it is a kindergarten group after
> all. My 7 year old, who really doesnt care about ages at all, is
> also treated with some suspicion.

That good ole' segregate them by age thing again. It's amazing how persistent this thinking
is amongst homeschoolers.

Both of my kids have enjoyed doing things and playing with toys that are deemed "too
young" for them. And we've found that sometimes same age playmates work, and
sometimes they don't. Sometimes multi age works, and sometimes not--it just all depends
of the chemistry, interests and activities going on. Right now, playing with boys seems to go
more smoothly than playing with girls for my 9 yo daughter when we are in groups.

Some things that have worked for us have been videogame days and just plain game days
where lots of games are available for playing.

Joanna

Verna

>
> Some things that have worked for us have been videogame days and just
plain game days
> where lots of games are available for playing.
>
I love the idea of video games days. one of the difficulties we have
is finding families that allow or even tolerate video games. My kids
have alot of interests and that is deffinately one of them and my two
older boys (just 5 and 7) miss having friends that share this interest
that can play during the day time.