tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86767012352122957812024-02-20T00:42:16.377-07:00Edventures in EdmontonA Hodge Podge of Home Education in EdmontonSerenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-8652813371094516052011-08-05T14:38:00.000-06:002011-08-05T14:38:14.520-06:00Jurassic Forest in Alberta!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2vjlrV8LYqkd7cAC27dnpVaml-oK740_hrSg5tIYI3U7dhPvmq3_EKl1U9hF_M586mogbs2oTw9cTaCwkhkJydrbY9tpUf2ajHbMNh5xBaCra_baZ4RpUhsu6VPIyto4gdsIoE-NIo4/s1600/IMG_4140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2vjlrV8LYqkd7cAC27dnpVaml-oK740_hrSg5tIYI3U7dhPvmq3_EKl1U9hF_M586mogbs2oTw9cTaCwkhkJydrbY9tpUf2ajHbMNh5xBaCra_baZ4RpUhsu6VPIyto4gdsIoE-NIo4/s320/IMG_4140.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one seemed to be a favourite as they had at least three</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Combine lovely nature trails meandering through Alberta boreal forests with motion-sensored animatronic dinosaurs and you have a hug hit with children and adults! This is <a href="http://jurassicforest.com/index.php">Jurassic Forest</a>! Wow. This is a new Alberta adventure which I hope becomes a fixture; it's not over the top fancy or Disney-fied, but a great day trip for the family in a wonderful natural setting (something for everyone).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWocR8sXUTx13JeKxqEXeflFiW4axUVuq7dZzYzxAyD-WLeY99GTI4CDZ9ksf5H2WBX2afKuJjXXZvG4eea_nQUhTHvdj8jlTWpYtDUR1Fx8WizzZkDQr7BRmCRVOU8bK4IZeFVJqRNQ/s1600/IMG_4141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWocR8sXUTx13JeKxqEXeflFiW4axUVuq7dZzYzxAyD-WLeY99GTI4CDZ9ksf5H2WBX2afKuJjXXZvG4eea_nQUhTHvdj8jlTWpYtDUR1Fx8WizzZkDQr7BRmCRVOU8bK4IZeFVJqRNQ/s320/IMG_4141.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one roared and nodded his head (I think)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>From their website, "The days of the dinosaurs roar to life again in Jurassic Forest, a 40-acre prehistoric preserve, just minutes from Edmonton and millions of years from the present! Gigantic, life-sized and startlingly realistic dinosaurs live and breathe in Jurassic Forest, and they're waiting for you. See what's happening in our <a href="http://jurassicforest.com/special_events.php">Special Events Section</a>."<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnKcCCSk7Z4pBozmLA6m4Zl8pVPWx0S_DS0hI7TkiFc04suc2eeLJ1MDXoYJHy9VDG8OlqtHbhjQM8v7tNpCDEffbPV_TWCSpC_35xHpDet4xiH2l8VRAymLaNfvk0EgkmTbhZSSpvPs/s1600/IMG_4144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnKcCCSk7Z4pBozmLA6m4Zl8pVPWx0S_DS0hI7TkiFc04suc2eeLJ1MDXoYJHy9VDG8OlqtHbhjQM8v7tNpCDEffbPV_TWCSpC_35xHpDet4xiH2l8VRAymLaNfvk0EgkmTbhZSSpvPs/s320/IMG_4144.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two put on a fighting display</td></tr>
</tbody></table>There are two walking loops, a north and a south loop, which people of all ages can enjoy. Interestingly the loops are one way traffic with designated entrances and exits; this really helps on busy days to prevent too much congestion and allows people to pace themselves with or away from clusters of other guests. Periodically the path widens for viewing sections and to accommodate benches to rest on. The boardwalk is wooden and wheelchair/stroller friendly and lined with informative signs everywhere. Of course you have your prehistoric info signs complete with size comparisons to humans, but there are also several signs explaining the local flora and fauna! Unfortunately, some of the larger signs were mounted too high and at a poor angle for young readers. Were they expecting only the adults to read them?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnZeUTPxP9aJPlgk3LBNbOn3MHuHWha3OsOKjJkrQx_mS9ypX8uqj5G3mKxTrQC-1suiSQlXyAPWxCLHJeiwp1XbhK4nvBj1dra_kJmo5_hEvOHoAWWCvurT1_the4cMdKysh0El3cS0/s1600/IMG_4149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnZeUTPxP9aJPlgk3LBNbOn3MHuHWha3OsOKjJkrQx_mS9ypX8uqj5G3mKxTrQC-1suiSQlXyAPWxCLHJeiwp1XbhK4nvBj1dra_kJmo5_hEvOHoAWWCvurT1_the4cMdKysh0El3cS0/s320/IMG_4149.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
The forest was lush and full of life when we went. Raspberries tempted our taste buds and dragonflies flitted here and there. Staff were everywhere to help out and guides were touring small groups. We spotted two bat houses and a long horned beetle but no tiger salamanders.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaPvC1fmoW9yGM4KjIyGSY7rj2-WgctzaIEZdFCAkf6DttPsjF2u-rnrybG4wDBT4AHQIKQF9nTcLOlDQT1TSpm84v0DhMEkRsY-d665YR_LLCxAwy3QLbA2bcCdY1vocq1ykvIdCj54/s1600/IMG_4176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaPvC1fmoW9yGM4KjIyGSY7rj2-WgctzaIEZdFCAkf6DttPsjF2u-rnrybG4wDBT4AHQIKQF9nTcLOlDQT1TSpm84v0DhMEkRsY-d665YR_LLCxAwy3QLbA2bcCdY1vocq1ykvIdCj54/s320/IMG_4176.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is on the far side of a little pond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Many picnic tables are clustered in the shade of trees just off the sandy play park area which gets full sun. Perhaps this playground is most enticing to the younger children as there really isn't much in it except some great photo ops ;-) There are over-sized cracked eggs and dinosaur bones/structures to climb. A mini slide down the tongue of some predator's head (can't recall which) is fun for the toddler crowd. Sadly, no larger slide exists there (yet?). <br />
<br />
What else? There is a gift shop (of course), washrooms, birthday/party room, and a concession stand with the usual hot dog and ice cream fare.<br />
<br />
Now, if you check out the Jurassic Forest website, consider downloading their scavenger hunts. They have one for each of the two trail loops and a separate hunt for the K-2 crowd that spans both loops. These are <a href="http://www.jurassicforest.com/day_plan.php">pdfs you can print out</a>.<br />
<br />
Don't forget sunscreen, bug spray/protection, hats, and WATER! Unless you want to burn and dehydrate ;-P<br />
That said, we didn't notice any mosquitoes... very strange. Maybe they are lurking and biding their time... I'm expecting an ambush any moment.<br />
<br />
Any way, <a href="http://www.jurassicforest.com/hours_admission.php">current hours and admission rates</a>:<br />
<br />
<h2><span style="font-size: small;">Hours of Operation<br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Daily (Sunday through Saturday):</span> 9am to 7pm</span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: small;">Admission Prices</span></h2><span style="font-size: small;">Adult: <b>$14</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Children (3–12 yrs): <b>$8</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Youth (13–17 yrs): <b>$10</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Family (2 Adults + 2 Children): <b>$40</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Senior (60 yrs+): <b>$10</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Adult Annual Membership: <b>$45</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Children Annual Membership (3–12 yrs): <b>$35</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Youth Annual Membership (13–17 yrs): <b>$40</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Senior Annual Membership (60+ yrs): <b>$40</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Family Annual (2 Adults + 2 Children): <b>$130</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>(Prices include GST)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>____________________________________________________________________________ </i>Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-44652309883083045772011-08-03T16:04:00.003-06:002011-08-03T16:15:42.699-06:00Barenaked Ladies For Kids- Snacktime<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wPh_6_u98tI?fs=1" width="425"></iframe><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Pk_Qfv_8yOyIJKe6ACz7SN3JkbdJ8Eq-MtnmT0RiykR24WCUIXNhuxjy8W1Q8r0eh1wVzJYIBDl3XOLkJKaG9qlkxLf0UEMq9TkEUiT7WGxgM5jPfuJeNI4QztD6-9_-yDo3oIiXqH0/s1600/barnaked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Pk_Qfv_8yOyIJKe6ACz7SN3JkbdJ8Eq-MtnmT0RiykR24WCUIXNhuxjy8W1Q8r0eh1wVzJYIBDl3XOLkJKaG9qlkxLf0UEMq9TkEUiT7WGxgM5jPfuJeNI4QztD6-9_-yDo3oIiXqH0/s320/barnaked.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
This morning my son was singing 7-8-9 from the Barenaked Ladies album "Snacktime." Wow, it's been a long time since we've listened to it but it's a fabulous blast... those witty guys! We highly recommend checking out this musical treat. And, hey, it's a wonderful break from the more classical children's music one might have to endure ;-)<br />
<br />
Note, several, if not all, the tracks have a video you can watch and hear the music! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>TRACK LISTINGS</u><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody>
<tr class="listRowEven"><td>1. 7 8 9 </td> </tr>
<tr class="listRowOdd"> <td> 2. The Ninjas </td> </tr>
<tr class="listRowEven"> <td> 3. Pollywog In A Bog </td> </tr>
<tr class="listRowOdd"> <td> 4. Raisins </td> </tr>
<tr class="listRowEven"> <td> 5. Eraser </td> </tr>
<tr class="listRowOdd"> <td> 6. I Can Sing </td> </tr>
<tr class="listRowEven"> <td> 7. Louis Loon </td> </tr>
<tr class="listRowOdd"> <td> 8. Food Party - The Canadian Snacktime Trilogy: i)Snacktime ii)Popcorn iii)Vegetable Town </td> </tr>
<tr class="listRowEven"> <td> 9. Drawing </td> </tr>
<tr class="listRowOdd"> <td> 10. Humungous Tree </td> </tr>
<tr class="listRowEven"> <td> 11. My Big Sister </td> </tr>
<tr class="listRowOdd"> <td> 12. Allergies </td> </tr>
<tr class="listRowEven"> <td> 13. I Don't Like </td> </tr>
<tr class="listRowOdd"> <td> 14. What A Wild Tune </td> </tr>
<tr class="listRowEven"> <td> 15. Bad Day </td> </tr>
<tr class="listRowOdd"> <td> 16. Things </td> </tr>
<tr class="listRowEven"> <td> 17. Curious </td> </tr>
<tr class="listRowOdd"> <td> 18. A Word For That </td> </tr>
<tr class="listRowEven"> <td> 19. Wishing </td> </tr>
<tr class="listRowOdd"> <td> 20. Crazy ABC's </td> </tr>
<tr class="listRowEven"> <td> 21. Here Come The Geese </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
___________________________________________________________________________Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-79307981078067030772011-06-02T12:06:00.000-06:002011-06-02T12:06:49.901-06:00Intermittent BloggingIt's summer with so much to do!<br />
<br />
We're packing for a move that should happen in the next few months... sooner or later depending on how quickly things come together at our new house!<br />
<br />
So, as you see my posting will be sporadic, but I will post. There's still lots of ideas and resources for us to share!<br />
<br />
!!!<br />
excessive use of exclamation points are sometime allowable ;-)<br />
!!!<br />
at least in my world<br />
!!!<br />
<br />
___________________________________________________________________________Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-56956481327467569712011-05-24T12:34:00.000-06:002011-05-24T12:34:17.485-06:00Fairy Tale Feasts: A Literary Cookbook by Jane Yole<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3FOaLQ1AyhuQRT5foAxJcDaaAZszkHAJaG6I4fQtPjgrJ7iB2G80KrmXp8S2BTyZ7alIw_-NTlnYD7QYMQSyUOQRgYjjiNiHjeOIARX-88gjEQDdz2HL-S4BBfxiCBTM-ZPLMMHR-Hw/s1600/FairyTale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3FOaLQ1AyhuQRT5foAxJcDaaAZszkHAJaG6I4fQtPjgrJ7iB2G80KrmXp8S2BTyZ7alIw_-NTlnYD7QYMQSyUOQRgYjjiNiHjeOIARX-88gjEQDdz2HL-S4BBfxiCBTM-ZPLMMHR-Hw/s200/FairyTale.jpg" width="160" /></a><b><u>Fairy Tale Feasts: A Literary Cookbook </u></b><br />
by Jane Yolen<br />
<br />
Sink your teeth into this literary feast: half storybook, half cookbook. This 197 page book is divided like a cookbook into breakfast, lunch, soups, dinners, and dessert sections. It offers about 20 different fairy tales as retold by Yolen. Each tale comes with at least one recipe and interesting facts and tidbits in the side bars.<br />
<br />
It's very fun-- I just love the concept of combining tales with recipes! My son likes to read this book and rates it 4.5/5!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________________Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-57092140967595016512011-05-20T17:54:00.000-06:002011-05-20T17:54:45.707-06:00MyPuzzle.org-- All Kinds of Puzzle and Logic Games<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypuzzle.org/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhQo73PNwMh5MjtiCAc_6kwl9pLwxXMCZUFjKGyRxzqEvt5lDlcuVLU2GUsiWDif1FmRoKgy7b6jeaIMvhLfYOykki1JvrS2_31BAOkGdjjHgH1UzooRmTyqRgakuHsgIZFp9ADHko44/s320/mypuzzle.org.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Want a good place to play free puzzle and logic games? Try <a href="http://mypuzzle.org/">MyPuzzle.org</a>!<br />
<br />
There are all kinds of games including sudoku, jugsawdoku, kakuro, freefall, mahjong, mine sweeper, blix, and 3D games. The categories include number puzzles, picture puzzles, word puzzles, and more. And you can decide which level of difficulty to play with many of them.<br />
<br />
Have fun! <br />
<br />
____________________________________________________________________________Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-64426813146194630802011-05-19T12:56:00.000-06:002011-05-19T12:56:09.242-06:00Making of a Lego Brick<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpaU7joDGkM8BDMs-CXiD22YdbbKKLiZdx7_11eJKvt0EmPTD-kpgMRAS01iW_DDLMcPVpexwtvp2eWnHax4pLE8SHlg0bfSLIQCyd6yaKENeBUvjpIP-ceVSSOhb2VyiXhZtYLlBT5M/s1600/Lego+Brick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpaU7joDGkM8BDMs-CXiD22YdbbKKLiZdx7_11eJKvt0EmPTD-kpgMRAS01iW_DDLMcPVpexwtvp2eWnHax4pLE8SHlg0bfSLIQCyd6yaKENeBUvjpIP-ceVSSOhb2VyiXhZtYLlBT5M/s200/Lego+Brick.jpg" width="168" /></a>For those inquisitive minds interested in how Lego bricks are made,<a href="http://thisispop.com/archive/moab/" style="color: blue;"><u><b> this link</b></u></a> will take you to an interactive video which goes through the stages of the process!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________________Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-2060179205390940302011-05-17T14:16:00.001-06:002011-05-20T17:55:25.544-06:00Another Online Math Resource: Math Playground<a href="http://www.mathplayground.com/" style="color: blue;"><u><b>Math Playground</b></u></a> has all kinds of online math games to play.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mathplayground.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKNTXI2ZoN0ry9Qs6Ktiii77q6-uVbVh21iL7go52HaT0sLH5GHlCT0wO7E2RTAWiCYozixT7EHoGaCdFJQLaVaVaE0NQF1GCAcuH6iI7rVR_LQm2eotf8VKgDtNtJO3zyJIwu0viVuw/s200/MP_Logo_Bevel_Purple.gif" width="200" /></a>In their own words: "Welcome to Math Playground, an action-packed site for elementary and middle school students. Practice your math skills, play a logic game :and have some fun!"<span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3;"></span><br />
<br />
They have thinking blocks, manipulatives, worksheets, flashcards, multiplayer learning games, word problems, math videos, a computation section and a math apprentice section. And as far as I can see, all free!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This has been linked up at<br />
<a href="http://thegettys.blogspot.com/search/label/Favorite%20Resources" target="_blank"><img alt="Favorite Resource This Week" border="0" src="http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m527/smgetty/005-1-3.jpg" /></a><br />
__________________________________________________________________________<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">____________________________________________________________________________</span></span>Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-3137709164141021292011-05-16T14:10:00.000-06:002011-05-16T14:10:49.695-06:00Interested in Inventions?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEief0ctiXhxvcPbw3wJGoAoZ-qKIx2dFgSOdpz8dv_1VcAidEhlW66rLnpywpVUQGvSx3seR3gMJ0cvVbZojyYVXfs_6eXhWO506xrPjI1ZHCqqtt4uwxAMTpbtHzuS8WUCxdQsdRQ_7yM/s1600/_DSC0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEief0ctiXhxvcPbw3wJGoAoZ-qKIx2dFgSOdpz8dv_1VcAidEhlW66rLnpywpVUQGvSx3seR3gMJ0cvVbZojyYVXfs_6eXhWO506xrPjI1ZHCqqtt4uwxAMTpbtHzuS8WUCxdQsdRQ_7yM/s320/_DSC0050.JPG" width="320" /></a>One field of interest that my son keeps returning to is that of inventions and inventors. This is such a wonderful topic that can bridge all kinds of subjects. However, I'm not posting a well researched list of resources, rather I thought I'd share a specific branch of this topic that my son is keenly interested in!<br />
<br />
<u>The World's Worst Inventions: The Most Stupid Gadgets and Machines Ever Made</u> by Jack Watkins. <br />
<br />
These types of books are well read in this house!<br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________________Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-11338983327741143422011-05-13T12:05:00.001-06:002011-05-20T17:55:59.958-06:00Math: My Puzzle-- A Place for Puzzle and Logic GamesI posted this already, but it disappeared! Weird. I'll Try again.<br />
<br />
Want a good place to improve math skills and play free puzzle and logic games? Try <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://mypuzzle.org/">MyPuzzle.org</a></b></span>! There are all kinds of games including sudoku, jugsawdoku, kakuro, freefall, mahjong, mine sweeper, blix, and 3D games. The categories include number puzzles, picture puzzles, word puzzles, and more. <br />
<br />
Don't get too addicted ;-)<br />
<br />
This is linked up with...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thegettys.blogspot.com/search/label/Favorite%20Resources" target="_blank"><img alt="Favorite Resource This Week" border="0" src="http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m527/smgetty/005-1-3.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
___________________________________________________________________________Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-25698012985659661452011-05-10T13:34:00.002-06:002011-05-10T13:35:14.080-06:00Book: Step Into Narnia<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC53cHSDcho7cQI0T9lfEgFsbEcKQv2P65A2Eu0u6B6P2GGKYYIwaYifVYkHgP-AU2GVQMnEW_fDOrn1C76SgWw2D-k6IcD3FgX7lhKrwAYWopvUCpgnkaoYt6GWZ5gXLyxRNN48w1h-E/s1600/_DSC0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC53cHSDcho7cQI0T9lfEgFsbEcKQv2P65A2Eu0u6B6P2GGKYYIwaYifVYkHgP-AU2GVQMnEW_fDOrn1C76SgWw2D-k6IcD3FgX7lhKrwAYWopvUCpgnkaoYt6GWZ5gXLyxRNN48w1h-E/s320/_DSC0008.JPG" width="320" /></a>Well the Narnia exhibit at the TWOS has come and gone, but the magic doesn't stop there. I have photos of this lovely picture book that my son enjoyed as a companion to the exhibit, book, and movie. It was a bit too simple but the pictures were engaging and it did have just enough information to consume.<br />
<br />
<u>Step Into Narnia: A Journey Through The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe</u> by E.J. Kirk<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEice8s-xKnel_TIDnvUG9Nb8Orgae4c2mzBrc-TzqyeeNak3yJcgNwFh6xZGAesuiHthAotJQVzcOo3LreBGCEvCKFm5j4qBX2Te_MTl58Vrhhg1JLeYqwr2Yt5AKuB8Wzscdr193Oz_MA/s1600/_DSC0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEice8s-xKnel_TIDnvUG9Nb8Orgae4c2mzBrc-TzqyeeNak3yJcgNwFh6xZGAesuiHthAotJQVzcOo3LreBGCEvCKFm5j4qBX2Te_MTl58Vrhhg1JLeYqwr2Yt5AKuB8Wzscdr193Oz_MA/s400/_DSC0009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>see more photos below!</b></u> <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7rbuyR8uVMRB2CgI6QP4MQlVlebm5-jH57ltdRymU3RKiyB84lBK3hirbHlV2q1PHOCuytbUArZAEHEfekSkograkpx2lKcQLJC9PCAH4j5eVjwgxsshilPJ4XaTwReluWsyufrM6Us/s1600/_DSC0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7rbuyR8uVMRB2CgI6QP4MQlVlebm5-jH57ltdRymU3RKiyB84lBK3hirbHlV2q1PHOCuytbUArZAEHEfekSkograkpx2lKcQLJC9PCAH4j5eVjwgxsshilPJ4XaTwReluWsyufrM6Us/s400/_DSC0010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0CF7akFQUPtKc4zyA3nO1tFRhH7KHe8U3ceND-PL683JbUWXYebuOO8BUpNWQx713CXg7Fu7B20mij-MrAFlRyORJP0kJjbpg-_DZbl5GWlQ67GpSgkcs6PNlJf1lsTfWetrIDG1zW4/s1600/_DSC0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0CF7akFQUPtKc4zyA3nO1tFRhH7KHe8U3ceND-PL683JbUWXYebuOO8BUpNWQx713CXg7Fu7B20mij-MrAFlRyORJP0kJjbpg-_DZbl5GWlQ67GpSgkcs6PNlJf1lsTfWetrIDG1zW4/s400/_DSC0011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hN24QA8vvYZ4gB5FpBZ8T2xXnZsAkrZAXVjJbg4T90w5vV1FWsvQSttHmeSyK53uVQTigrjvwRTndfN7TG1zU919nrXKZP3BQMmFHHDrpQ9DJ9vXeA8FaFAuHrLalujbn3fEwakncGk/s1600/_DSC0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hN24QA8vvYZ4gB5FpBZ8T2xXnZsAkrZAXVjJbg4T90w5vV1FWsvQSttHmeSyK53uVQTigrjvwRTndfN7TG1zU919nrXKZP3BQMmFHHDrpQ9DJ9vXeA8FaFAuHrLalujbn3fEwakncGk/s400/_DSC0012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOah1J4Mjjd8qethrATcOGinrgAD3dSCEYnFK7Ez15z_uQFVt0WrLRVByQdZ0C46FPj7Z_7Hsi3QsqSkmD1Sdac7fd9xkn5JQdqVbd90CgZryWZksli6yCJDNF26EKfhjdU7Z1zmCFKSI/s1600/_DSC0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOah1J4Mjjd8qethrATcOGinrgAD3dSCEYnFK7Ez15z_uQFVt0WrLRVByQdZ0C46FPj7Z_7Hsi3QsqSkmD1Sdac7fd9xkn5JQdqVbd90CgZryWZksli6yCJDNF26EKfhjdU7Z1zmCFKSI/s400/_DSC0013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKw2cyrkQ1MLRSnYhiv-wHioIcAZG50hzNMJkRRj0HqIZm1Dyj3zk7w_m0xHMpwQcz4arSrVAVzQl0OIBgwcx8A6faqQ7vopr_wzgJTslPV018kXUYYANaq9ytm2Uv2eV8JA6I11Gki0/s1600/_DSC0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKw2cyrkQ1MLRSnYhiv-wHioIcAZG50hzNMJkRRj0HqIZm1Dyj3zk7w_m0xHMpwQcz4arSrVAVzQl0OIBgwcx8A6faqQ7vopr_wzgJTslPV018kXUYYANaq9ytm2Uv2eV8JA6I11Gki0/s400/_DSC0014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlZxLp0CJAtZmiUuRfeS2gdJFuWRMXfrArl2goO73GV4kY9eGWT2-WF_o2BN9MFTQLWeWfvLPiJWZgBy0AvPB4zhHMF5shER5Kr0XQ1faNzcsjKpwlKkb08cDMKk4OXEekneSIVwLEpE/s1600/_DSC0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlZxLp0CJAtZmiUuRfeS2gdJFuWRMXfrArl2goO73GV4kY9eGWT2-WF_o2BN9MFTQLWeWfvLPiJWZgBy0AvPB4zhHMF5shER5Kr0XQ1faNzcsjKpwlKkb08cDMKk4OXEekneSIVwLEpE/s400/_DSC0015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDwZECZcweC3C77wcoLIT6neEndCEjOTXwBiyN0i0CSu_ttXlbWbqA9C9qzCSjagntwO2cBzo0vlVJzF5Cji1wDMUUnGYuWHtipSGqDPRAp47sDX_7QEwVylR1rGWt5UIngF-aEOcnac/s1600/_DSC0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDwZECZcweC3C77wcoLIT6neEndCEjOTXwBiyN0i0CSu_ttXlbWbqA9C9qzCSjagntwO2cBzo0vlVJzF5Cji1wDMUUnGYuWHtipSGqDPRAp47sDX_7QEwVylR1rGWt5UIngF-aEOcnac/s400/_DSC0016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________________Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-18737618898358535212011-05-09T12:32:00.003-06:002011-05-09T12:34:16.942-06:00Product Review: Strawz, the Connectible Drinking StrawsThese Strawz are so fun! We found them at the Art Gallery of Alberta, but they are available all over online including Amazon and ThinkGeek (just google strawz)!<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oPIbL3fhsZc?fs=1" width="425"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
44 pieces, four different colours, dishwasher safe, coloured connectors are TPE (a food safe plastic), and the straws are polypropylene. Age 6 and up! In fact <a href="http://www.vat19.com/dvds/strawz-connectible-drinking-straws.cfm">Vat19 has a more suggestions</a> geared towards the legal age drinking crowd ;-)<br />
<br />
<br />
Simply fun, they are also great for fine motor skills, creativity, and motivation. Tired of playing with Lego or building blocks? Try these straws and then relax and drink with your creation ;-)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________________Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-65740512884226299512011-05-06T13:36:00.000-06:002011-05-06T13:36:48.656-06:00AGA-- Drawn Outside children's gallery<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqfOqb3fy6ojpBV1NnymQFqLRaMYF5fOyPS1zDQZFETGEWS-dloN7gneUAm9NB9syDsQPsBNVHYobKBS_JSOFae82_XdmdB8LON6ZUa8iHi8tn-YqHsaC49Qc_gQfs7Ri-eotb0fH6lY/s1600/_DSC0719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqfOqb3fy6ojpBV1NnymQFqLRaMYF5fOyPS1zDQZFETGEWS-dloN7gneUAm9NB9syDsQPsBNVHYobKBS_JSOFae82_XdmdB8LON6ZUa8iHi8tn-YqHsaC49Qc_gQfs7Ri-eotb0fH6lY/s320/_DSC0719.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian Jungen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We went to the Art Gallery of Alberta the other day to see <a href="http://www.youraga.ca/exhibit/brian-jungen">Brian Jungen</a>'s sculptural installations before it closes on May 8th. It was nice to be able to take photos in an art gallery! Of course, this was the only gallery in which photos were encouraged ;-)<br />
<br />
The other galleries we enjoyed were <a href="http://www.youraga.ca/exhibit/sherri-chaba-the-silence-of-chaos">Sherri Chaba: The Silence of Chaos</a>, <a href="http://www.youraga.ca/exhibit/walter-j-phillips-water-woods">Walter J Philips: Water and Woods</a>, <a href="http://www.youraga.ca/exhibit/nature-and-spirit-emily-carrs-coastal-landscapes">Nature and Spirit: Emily Carr's Coastal Landscapes</a>, <a href="http://www.youraga.ca/exhibit/haida-art-mapping-an-ancient-language">Haida Art: Mapping An Ancient Language</a>, and <a href="http://www.youraga.ca/exhibit/lawren-harris-abstractions">Lawren Harris Abstractions</a>. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgWD3iY0DHU-ny4ZjA9AlI5VcgVcnyO3DCurzLBqU_Xch0AvxO5MZdDXOzP6_hqt3fpZSx3t-b85gritGCswnogXJulKBAh3xIL3_xJcdIsnm3ZtzM256dm2qnjomIHqsJy_PV6Dba5M/s1600/_DSC0733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgWD3iY0DHU-ny4ZjA9AlI5VcgVcnyO3DCurzLBqU_Xch0AvxO5MZdDXOzP6_hqt3fpZSx3t-b85gritGCswnogXJulKBAh3xIL3_xJcdIsnm3ZtzM256dm2qnjomIHqsJy_PV6Dba5M/s320/_DSC0733.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian Jungen</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
My son's favourite was the children's gallery space created for hands on experiences and I don't blame him. While walking through Sherri Chaba's delicate work, I so wanted to touch it! I wish art galleries would bring in more exhibits that are specifically meant to be interacted with. I've heard art students often have a project to design art for people who are blind-- meaning they are textural... touchable! I'd love to see the AGA use a gallery space for touchable art!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3AY3To7s_u2vBYGifVzxaDZgDLopevth9Y5hCpgOQqMvY5b6Au-SW9E-g6nNTcqqirci5m-gf6xcQiwfcE4YqUd2n4XYgXs-DVweTMJ9dA25rSXJRjBDiMSUH0scGSliFLSMNASFpUo/s1600/_DSC0709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3AY3To7s_u2vBYGifVzxaDZgDLopevth9Y5hCpgOQqMvY5b6Au-SW9E-g6nNTcqqirci5m-gf6xcQiwfcE4YqUd2n4XYgXs-DVweTMJ9dA25rSXJRjBDiMSUH0scGSliFLSMNASFpUo/s320/_DSC0709.JPG" width="320" /></a><b>Drawing Outside</b> is the new children's gallery complete with a climbable landscape. Lots of textures, colour, and lines everywhere to explore. Kids can make rubbings of the textures or play with the magnetic table. There are two pieces of art on the walls with moving sections. There is a card with a search and find list and a video that runs constantly (silently).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQ1ggo1H-A8uNlQug08s61dQniAauVIP7hN2oFItsU3ngeatEZVWE5vj9JCeLy6K5BD_M2XlRYhnsJfPH2mMJURkYzvoe_T803V14rKoKhS8oLzj11KDWIQMtcUAUgf88F5xx3_RmAEI/s1600/_DSC0705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQ1ggo1H-A8uNlQug08s61dQniAauVIP7hN2oFItsU3ngeatEZVWE5vj9JCeLy6K5BD_M2XlRYhnsJfPH2mMJURkYzvoe_T803V14rKoKhS8oLzj11KDWIQMtcUAUgf88F5xx3_RmAEI/s320/_DSC0705.JPG" width="320" /></a>If you live in the area or are visiting and if you are bringing children, make sure to pick up the "Let's Explore Art" booklet at the front desk. It can be a fun way for them to explore the galleries. It has search and finds, places to answer questions, and sections to draw in. It makes it more interactive!<br />
<br />
Also, the AGA website helps to <a href="http://www.youraga.ca/programs-events/family-activities/lets-explore-art/"><u><b>explore art at home</b></u></a> too! The newest art projects are print making (to compliment Walter Philips) and abstract forest collage (to compliment Emily Carr). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL12GcnK1kHhIloj2-tUBuUnXTTgIgnhRkU-Y4au7XkjBibq1pMqbNgUeUh26vcWE-9SPCRG6uoXNuGpxFxZvfcnFqosSqE20lxHinRJ2QLgkbyyosGs_3jR8Ou_BT8hWXvTzCnajThvU/s1600/_DSC0706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL12GcnK1kHhIloj2-tUBuUnXTTgIgnhRkU-Y4au7XkjBibq1pMqbNgUeUh26vcWE-9SPCRG6uoXNuGpxFxZvfcnFqosSqE20lxHinRJ2QLgkbyyosGs_3jR8Ou_BT8hWXvTzCnajThvU/s320/_DSC0706.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJxZO3CIJkwgMhoGIRbmwyKPnbfkXa2zFr2h7CDQ5bZirQ1o4wlHJrpgFUCzaaRh1LvOtzqDvdDaV9xJH6eaB4WqykWj3BerLbqUdBel5MJHITnkMwNgBIAm_sakSrYoqRpzwVqDw9Uc/s1600/_DSC0714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJxZO3CIJkwgMhoGIRbmwyKPnbfkXa2zFr2h7CDQ5bZirQ1o4wlHJrpgFUCzaaRh1LvOtzqDvdDaV9xJH6eaB4WqykWj3BerLbqUdBel5MJHITnkMwNgBIAm_sakSrYoqRpzwVqDw9Uc/s400/_DSC0714.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________________Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-40981190327575492392011-05-05T14:11:00.000-06:002011-05-05T14:11:10.137-06:00Pablo Picasso: A Mini Unit<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fjoWCdzhuFI?fs=1" width="425"></iframe><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-C1llRSY0GFkurZciFpi-0UVna1lQtGGsn-Z0zZ4CLryokYYu3cFmOvAOC1v4SRrcenLeEVVGuuN_9GtoQHt7d5oXjXg9ZviiJpfQmxpvz7R38m2lW_JCTqxohPjsRqT_JHgHnY00DM/s1600/_DSC0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-C1llRSY0GFkurZciFpi-0UVna1lQtGGsn-Z0zZ4CLryokYYu3cFmOvAOC1v4SRrcenLeEVVGuuN_9GtoQHt7d5oXjXg9ZviiJpfQmxpvz7R38m2lW_JCTqxohPjsRqT_JHgHnY00DM/s320/_DSC0312.JPG" width="320" /></a>An introduction. Well, my son already knew of Pablo Picasso, but we watched the above video and a few others on YouTube then proceed to books!<br />
<br />
<u>Picasso and Minou</u> by Maltbie is a fun way to learn about Picasso. It's mostly a true story with a bit of fiction thrown in (explained in the end notes) packaged in a lovely illustrated book. For an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Picasso-Minou-P-I-Maltbie/dp/1570916209"><u><b>Amazon look-inside follow the link</b></u></a>! Ages 4-8, but I think can go higher.<br />
<br />
<u>Getting To Know The World's Greatest Artists: Picasso</u> by Mike Venezia was also a nice introduction but much more factual and chronologically based. This also has an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Picasso-Getting-Worlds-Greatest-Artists/dp/0516422715/ref=pd_sim_b_4"><u><b>Amazon look-inside</b></u></a> and seems to be recommended for Grades 1-3 or ages 9-12 (nice to know Amazon doesn't have conflicting concepts on its pages, lol). Mike Venezia has a whole series of books and videos that introduce famous people: artists, composers, etc.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmZDFc3xHAg8_KQdMKxdybew6k2s2crB8kaGdSyBt0wfbnNLttavvpBFhOIxl-bAhcirNpMx-JKzu_KkosSBGOik-tz_JXc8ab9v4LqkcklkEcRmmMT0JBUsCEjv_5Nm1P-1P1s2zOw0/s1600/_DSC0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmZDFc3xHAg8_KQdMKxdybew6k2s2crB8kaGdSyBt0wfbnNLttavvpBFhOIxl-bAhcirNpMx-JKzu_KkosSBGOik-tz_JXc8ab9v4LqkcklkEcRmmMT0JBUsCEjv_5Nm1P-1P1s2zOw0/s200/_DSC0311.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<u>When Pigasso Met Moostise</u> by Nina Laden was a funny and fiercely colourful story that my son enjoyed. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/When-Pigasso-Mootisse-Nina-Laden/dp/0811811212/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1303160781&sr=1-1"><u><b>Amazon look-inside</b></u></a>. A homage to Picasso and Matisse.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHY-OPm7f0rU9ZRxff6vNLH7NhLQfYfr1l2vrUXL7jiW1g3RL8Ap8qk6EWw2uhyphenhyphenALisPCVdxwDRu9I8fObHA68XWbUk0RMudWFVwhEVLJzyXaUs467bd26B907TgXIrVLPUDiM2xMKYg/s1600/_DSC0310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHY-OPm7f0rU9ZRxff6vNLH7NhLQfYfr1l2vrUXL7jiW1g3RL8Ap8qk6EWw2uhyphenhyphenALisPCVdxwDRu9I8fObHA68XWbUk0RMudWFVwhEVLJzyXaUs467bd26B907TgXIrVLPUDiM2xMKYg/s200/_DSC0310.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
These were two other books we borrowed from the library: <u>What Makes a Picasso a Picasso?</u> and <u>Who Was Pablo Picasso?</u><br />
They were great ideas but didn't get examined much.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaEetkN2IM8wriqai-Gy6epJ4KRaV6P3lfs8a6SNU15YQgyYJGLxFqg2s58I0NlaAPkPWcIXTUoFz-w7YNeGPIKFP0Pj3-S3-UCfS1TrEA70RAFk3YX1WyFKi2xYfA_p-ZQEHY-YlNCw/s1600/_DSC0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaEetkN2IM8wriqai-Gy6epJ4KRaV6P3lfs8a6SNU15YQgyYJGLxFqg2s58I0NlaAPkPWcIXTUoFz-w7YNeGPIKFP0Pj3-S3-UCfS1TrEA70RAFk3YX1WyFKi2xYfA_p-ZQEHY-YlNCw/s200/_DSC0255.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
Inspired by the videos, out came the paints and wonderfully large paper!<br />
<br />
Here my son creates a colourful Jabba the Hutt ;-)<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kHeX8tGlwpHBiwFHGBn5ncPF0TjHPHQnRuSiyDjut6yvjv8X4oNE_5nLqZ88Iz5QCwdHzXi1CfwBpeS8MxqCUFxQO2qjD0d0ome-jZdhmAsvBzajyT9w7YhsIU4BEZ040gHdPFVDX8A/s1600/IMG_4669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kHeX8tGlwpHBiwFHGBn5ncPF0TjHPHQnRuSiyDjut6yvjv8X4oNE_5nLqZ88Iz5QCwdHzXi1CfwBpeS8MxqCUFxQO2qjD0d0ome-jZdhmAsvBzajyT9w7YhsIU4BEZ040gHdPFVDX8A/s200/IMG_4669.JPG" width="148" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
And out of the blue, while having fun with the iPhone app Doodle Buddy, my son declared this creation of his... <br />
<br />
"The Creative Process of Pablo Picasso!" <br />
<br />
lol.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlOnEZjyi_-f1e0oWMTzqBvzHibzw1IL78W_TIqkEv9cknhT6cyzhgGy3DuFFdM2aeXOMwfHa-IYdfGRyEQzLwjlVOgbsZOKOiFx_3IEIeFd6FmwJ0Snr9UDONXDW7MecpJoeS09eHxg/s1600/_DSC0755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlOnEZjyi_-f1e0oWMTzqBvzHibzw1IL78W_TIqkEv9cknhT6cyzhgGy3DuFFdM2aeXOMwfHa-IYdfGRyEQzLwjlVOgbsZOKOiFx_3IEIeFd6FmwJ0Snr9UDONXDW7MecpJoeS09eHxg/s320/_DSC0755.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> I first ran across these sticker books over at <a href="http://almostunschoolers.blogspot.com/2011/02/exploring-shapes-in-art-with-children.html">Almost Unschoolers</a> blog and have since spotted them at the Art Gallery of Alberta.<br />
<br />
Basically there is a write up and photo of the artist followed by 6 examples of his or her work. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdP79m1BRBS8FKbtg7DbtJhAmf9aEaGuCb8L856PC1BduPviR4UWySpxwDtvPNg5LWEQOcMA04E9jYXikfqACkWVbCbSQze1SpJp5suEHAPNXOJDBsMF52aprfVotMG7V9P1CIjhXbJkg/s1600/_DSC0757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdP79m1BRBS8FKbtg7DbtJhAmf9aEaGuCb8L856PC1BduPviR4UWySpxwDtvPNg5LWEQOcMA04E9jYXikfqACkWVbCbSQze1SpJp5suEHAPNXOJDBsMF52aprfVotMG7V9P1CIjhXbJkg/s320/_DSC0757.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Along with each example is a partially completed example that you can use the stickers in the book to complete.<br />
<br />
Or, as my son prefers, to make your own masterpiece!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
For some online fun, go to <a href="http://www.picassohead.com/">Picasso Head </a>and create your own Picasso inspired head or just browse the gallery and see what others have done.<br />
<br />
For <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/picasso-artist-study">a Picasso Artist Study</a>. <br />
<br />
This has been linked with Picasso-An Arty Crafty Party over at Our World Wide Classroom!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/search/label/Arty%20Crafty%20Party" target="_blank"><img alt="Our Worldwide Classroom" src="http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk224/realworldlearners/AnArtyCraftyParty125x125.jpg" /></a> <br />
__________________________________________________________________________Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-83799894415881020632011-05-04T12:13:00.000-06:002011-05-04T12:14:03.127-06:00Peter Kent's Engaging Historical BooksOne thing lead to another and we ended up with four of Peter Kent's books (borrowed from the library). Peter Kent is the author and illustrator of these great books that are engaging my son so thoroughly. They are a great way to provide simple historical overviews as a supplement or introduction.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiB55Y3hIHwxMNRr7Odx4mmQop8V20jLxfUD-B8Zv2ZhtPGp0wITJQEGIiIAoQHp9cTNRByKX_5FH_g3R-Z8j22pH0moQWe6NV5xd9INeWCBa3IkvcRkTePpHxAU3nR3bvllrzo2P5DQc/s1600/_DSC0689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiB55Y3hIHwxMNRr7Odx4mmQop8V20jLxfUD-B8Zv2ZhtPGp0wITJQEGIiIAoQHp9cTNRByKX_5FH_g3R-Z8j22pH0moQWe6NV5xd9INeWCBa3IkvcRkTePpHxAU3nR3bvllrzo2P5DQc/s400/_DSC0689.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtHB_ZiKyUZdH3nkIWCVvz5OamGZ9Kal2JphhH8GniPraycmRDWjZ6PrXg0IKuj5qyRK1CsVgI8hf4uoqBkivNxZvz3kJqoKC_22MAmSOIr-cj-hbKANYGWPq9fakoEj4Q-HB3x7OIZ4/s1600/_DSC0690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtHB_ZiKyUZdH3nkIWCVvz5OamGZ9Kal2JphhH8GniPraycmRDWjZ6PrXg0IKuj5qyRK1CsVgI8hf4uoqBkivNxZvz3kJqoKC_22MAmSOIr-cj-hbKANYGWPq9fakoEj4Q-HB3x7OIZ4/s320/_DSC0690.JPG" width="320" /></a><u>Hidden Under the Ground: The World Beneath Your Feet</u><br />
Complete with a table of contents, this fascinating book takes the reader on a journey through time and into underground spaces. Lots of trivia is interspersed with his detailed drawings. The usual and obvious under worlds are covered: caves, caverns, a tomb, and animal habitats. However, he gets creative and includes afterlife underworlds (middle ages perspective), cliff dwellings, hidden rockets, power plants, the street beneath our feet, and dungeons. Throughout the pages are questions to engage the reader into the pictures. The questions are mostly searching for 'how many' of something. <br />
This book has a table of contents, introduction, a glossary, and an answers section.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG94t3Tp_1DSq41tTGeAGgCyzCc-QLMU0JKIV19jFSFvl78lGJIfDNJhz8VqQPj2X27rUlM2Y218Lws7-Xr6PbSqi36SNhxqWp4692GSf2DVjAFXw_tqmlKj4Rw6hpP2D0xy_C-PLJ9XM/s1600/_DSC0691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG94t3Tp_1DSq41tTGeAGgCyzCc-QLMU0JKIV19jFSFvl78lGJIfDNJhz8VqQPj2X27rUlM2Y218Lws7-Xr6PbSqi36SNhxqWp4692GSf2DVjAFXw_tqmlKj4Rw6hpP2D0xy_C-PLJ9XM/s320/_DSC0691.JPG" width="320" /></a><u>Great Buildings: Stories of the Past</u><br />
After the introduction, Kent takes the reader to the great pyramids, the Great Wall of China, the Beauvais Cathedral, the Eddystone Lighthouse, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Eiffel Tower, the Panama Canal, the Woolworth building, the Chek Lap Kok airport, and finishes off with a summary of seven more great buildings of the world. The buildings that are focused on are covered over two double page layouts with lots of pictures and interesting facts.<br />
This book has a table of contents, introduction, and an index.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PRst933CddJNtUbVf6Z5a8CQdmldMDUGKySE2Vxh_tupc4c_5VkiDcw3Rpkrq_vcEUz6WwYG79aljmORcmMWwVD-yt3ixccMBSX-DCCBStV_D1hqVLDUCa-2zWH0-XLon7OuUT4sufg/s1600/_DSC0692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PRst933CddJNtUbVf6Z5a8CQdmldMDUGKySE2Vxh_tupc4c_5VkiDcw3Rpkrq_vcEUz6WwYG79aljmORcmMWwVD-yt3ixccMBSX-DCCBStV_D1hqVLDUCa-2zWH0-XLon7OuUT4sufg/s400/_DSC0692.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KN2DMYIuu-QVK-SJ5GOgjsh3h1rQhPvKLuz8MrI0YHHkNtNPoH8jYMF3cm1ZEi2wWHRTE-pD5nIgkIlMlHXDiT9B63DD0LjkGmUcEjWefU7vXm_ACRCPuSi0_hGIvAGYD_BjXooBS1k/s1600/_DSC0694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KN2DMYIuu-QVK-SJ5GOgjsh3h1rQhPvKLuz8MrI0YHHkNtNPoH8jYMF3cm1ZEi2wWHRTE-pD5nIgkIlMlHXDiT9B63DD0LjkGmUcEjWefU7vXm_ACRCPuSi0_hGIvAGYD_BjXooBS1k/s320/_DSC0694.JPG" width="320" /></a><u>Peter Kent's City Across Time: From the Stone Age to the Distant Future</u><br />
<br />
This was one of my son's favourites. He enjoyed seeing the progression of cities from the old stone age through the ages to modern times and into the distant future. The detailed illustrations are what really brings this book to life as this book has the least amount of text out of the four books. However, what is said is still interesting.<br />
This book has a table of contents, introduction, a glossary, an index, and further information. The further info are online sources of information that complement what was covered in the book.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNvXGsyZVZ7ojWIwyRNPJ7Kjq6rCMuuu2ir9XylhvFAUWHs2r3_1Bkm_vOOIJRHawNcLMXoQ-Gs34P9eWxKSnsfp31Rxf4Xl1f6utkZfz3UoayymMEMKxnmeD-v2KwaRd3HI1EREW1v4/s1600/_DSC0693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNvXGsyZVZ7ojWIwyRNPJ7Kjq6rCMuuu2ir9XylhvFAUWHs2r3_1Bkm_vOOIJRHawNcLMXoQ-Gs34P9eWxKSnsfp31Rxf4Xl1f6utkZfz3UoayymMEMKxnmeD-v2KwaRd3HI1EREW1v4/s320/_DSC0693.JPG" width="320" /></a><u>Peter Kent's Big Book of Armor: From Armadillos to Armored Cars</u><br />
This was my son's favourite and he even wants to buy his own copy. Again, this is where Kent gets creative and really investigates what can be included as armor. The usual armor, throughout the ages, is discussed and illustrated in detail, but he also goes into safety suits, armored vehicles, forts, athletic gear, and animal armor. <br />
This book has a table of contents, introduction, a glossary, an index, and further information. The added information here are lists of where to see the various armor, tanks, ships, trains, and forts in their museums around the world.<br />
<br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________________Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-24620520132343895642011-05-03T14:39:00.001-06:002011-05-15T11:42:23.957-06:00Books: Diary of...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2RQXQZ7S9xnja9SiqPUnwIOMNItg3JDX5LkxD3kpH4w6cff7rer9idv2zkxaGvT4nS8j9vz-9MnyZ4arQDF4D1jEONGmHS_zntO6zdb9-mlUqafekXni9pkbYxISAzO3NVBf0lmoMDI/s1600/_DSC0682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2RQXQZ7S9xnja9SiqPUnwIOMNItg3JDX5LkxD3kpH4w6cff7rer9idv2zkxaGvT4nS8j9vz-9MnyZ4arQDF4D1jEONGmHS_zntO6zdb9-mlUqafekXni9pkbYxISAzO3NVBf0lmoMDI/s320/_DSC0682.JPG" width="320" /></a>Diary of what?<br />
<br />
<u>Diary of a Worm</u> (2003)<br />
<u>Diary of a Spider</u> (2005)<br />
<u>Diary of a Fly</u> (2007) <br />
<br />
All by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Harry Bliss.<br />
<br />
This is a fun trio of books that were an old favourite and which have made a recent come back in our home. Although not a challenging read, my son finds something in them that still appeals. perhaps it's the fun and quirky sense of humour.<br />
<br />
And if you're trying to encourage or inspire journal writing, these certainly won't harm. However, they do take the traditional route of dairy = daily activities and thoughts. Click on the pics for a closer and clearer picture.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHyzg_Rs5a8EwEnml7i9Di09oK14DuQBZ5TxTbuUHyXHbO1dkGqK9c7mNtSCb5JPMiJcdWUm4LYGPp_eyHz-BpKRLZkflJXbKp3IOOr6s53u5agZ7jyy2p6Qbct3oGTyJdJQZWT7gGXo/s1600/_DSC0686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHyzg_Rs5a8EwEnml7i9Di09oK14DuQBZ5TxTbuUHyXHbO1dkGqK9c7mNtSCb5JPMiJcdWUm4LYGPp_eyHz-BpKRLZkflJXbKp3IOOr6s53u5agZ7jyy2p6Qbct3oGTyJdJQZWT7gGXo/s400/_DSC0686.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <u>Diary of a Worm</u></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2W643y2pggCdkjbv7T15rkAiGJHknkz5miRGPnQsyRQQg_toA6y_jKRgHqwUiam3L_YKWVDeXSeT21zBlcaDbDUssKB4OSdcQT1TWzZ2G0HPbljbHrRpcT9iGnq-wesahh8XOs7ozt4/s1600/_DSC0687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2W643y2pggCdkjbv7T15rkAiGJHknkz5miRGPnQsyRQQg_toA6y_jKRgHqwUiam3L_YKWVDeXSeT21zBlcaDbDUssKB4OSdcQT1TWzZ2G0HPbljbHrRpcT9iGnq-wesahh8XOs7ozt4/s400/_DSC0687.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <u>Diary of a Spider</u></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2-Ug2W-JvVfdpXjoT0pHtjiDSCeVuJnwRQ0sEv3Rj1LRghQOv35t_ZqRVBh7_vnzyeCMpOfUTnPcRmy8tRSxac1E5aZ3HGJFrDkBJDfz02tikKirfHnBwpWXTpDsXlaJ0uhwUdIaN4I/s1600/_DSC0685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2-Ug2W-JvVfdpXjoT0pHtjiDSCeVuJnwRQ0sEv3Rj1LRghQOv35t_ZqRVBh7_vnzyeCMpOfUTnPcRmy8tRSxac1E5aZ3HGJFrDkBJDfz02tikKirfHnBwpWXTpDsXlaJ0uhwUdIaN4I/s400/_DSC0685.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <u>Diary of a Fly</u></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is linked up with...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://adventuresofmommyness.blogspot.com/search/label/Science%20Sunday" target="_blank"><img alt="Science Sunday" src="http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g344/Ticia1/AiMScienceSundaycopy.jpg" /></a><br />
__________________________________________________________________________Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-7643719613034145502011-04-29T12:00:00.000-06:002011-04-29T12:00:44.094-06:00Cooking in the Kitchen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDZgRHtxnJZEYnyvVrgOB1OhzBhUJDg4GEyJJ54ElblRDztIwGfYbwoPnu885QJLjOjQRCPLXNE5f8VFTP63hTL1R4-UnaIwd7OCBbEqDE_6kr7P5upvF1oEDFCodCg9xvHR4niPLkGQ/s1600/_DSC0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDZgRHtxnJZEYnyvVrgOB1OhzBhUJDg4GEyJJ54ElblRDztIwGfYbwoPnu885QJLjOjQRCPLXNE5f8VFTP63hTL1R4-UnaIwd7OCBbEqDE_6kr7P5upvF1oEDFCodCg9xvHR4niPLkGQ/s320/_DSC0330.JPG" width="320" /></a>It almost seems to be a creed among home schoolers that cooking in the kitchen, at a young age, is essential. That it's a great way to learn math. It's a basic!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDDPWycA_RuUrQkrNt-w6M6E_9IJxtQZzOm-n5-14HgOycO6XOTZItz0biqPOa5k21kOY8eSO1pZYID_0p-x6ehyfNimQNYgxJEtCcdrvb_caX6NbSFgIMhWZmrYsexXq4hhyphenhyphenr424Je8/s1600/_DSC0331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDDPWycA_RuUrQkrNt-w6M6E_9IJxtQZzOm-n5-14HgOycO6XOTZItz0biqPOa5k21kOY8eSO1pZYID_0p-x6ehyfNimQNYgxJEtCcdrvb_caX6NbSFgIMhWZmrYsexXq4hhyphenhyphenr424Je8/s320/_DSC0331.JPG" width="320" /></a>Well, it certainly is a useful life skill, but for whatever reason, we've been a bit negligent in this area. And now, at the age of 8, my son has little interest in this endeavour. And while we do have time on our side-- I mean, he is only 8-- I still have doubts creeping in. lol. Perhaps it's a stage, but that doesn't mean I don't take certain measures! I can not stand the idea of my son being 18 and not able to cook an egg...or something vegetarian... or vegan...whatever ;-)<br />
Besides, it would be lovely to have help in the kitchen and sharing the cooking duties when he's a bit older. It's all about being equal members of the household.<br />
<br />
But we're Natural Learners and I don't force him to learn specific things. So what to do?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgys0htjS38TXjTgXawN4Nwt8fA939X4XhLdeFkJDl61k4o9IrqE0qUnN-bFtmqz37V7pn0iOQYEmS_MxzRwY53wO2g5jb8K5bTE9rdcPc6piUAvyZs8QdUVA59XnxgPNJNJurEfHLQ888/s1600/_DSC0334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgys0htjS38TXjTgXawN4Nwt8fA939X4XhLdeFkJDl61k4o9IrqE0qUnN-bFtmqz37V7pn0iOQYEmS_MxzRwY53wO2g5jb8K5bTE9rdcPc6piUAvyZs8QdUVA59XnxgPNJNJurEfHLQ888/s320/_DSC0334.JPG" width="320" /></a>First, I continuously borrow children's cookbooks out from the library and leave them on his library bookshelf. I suggest he check them for something he'd like to make. Although he'd often flip through things, nothing came of it.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_f2Ck3y6tE7lNI6-wz4avAbip9nNTVp8pb-UNWyIWpKR366sOzVBT4RzERG5IvQJ23hd_-jT3iANWjAMsxzp3BeyhJjpa-BzM_gXU00K5qUvpzvbEZ3kmQFPZ2qJJaIYl4YOHo6IsJ14/s1600/_DSC0335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_f2Ck3y6tE7lNI6-wz4avAbip9nNTVp8pb-UNWyIWpKR366sOzVBT4RzERG5IvQJ23hd_-jT3iANWjAMsxzp3BeyhJjpa-BzM_gXU00K5qUvpzvbEZ3kmQFPZ2qJJaIYl4YOHo6IsJ14/s320/_DSC0335.JPG" width="320" /></a>Second, I have to restructure my thinking. We're fairly healthy eaters over here and seldom eat junk food. Ah, this means we've done very little baking. Duh! There's my problem. How hard is it to entice a young chef into the kitchen to bake? Well.... it can be, but I won't go there.<br />
<br />
The latest round of cookbooks included new finds in the areas of my son's current interests: Star Wars and Garfield. <u>The Star Wars Cook Book: Wookiee Cookies and Other Galactic Recipes</u> by Robin Davis. <u>The Star Wars Cook Book II: Darth Malt and Other Galactic Recipes</u> by Frankeny. <u>I'm in the Mood for Food: In the Kitchen with Garfield</u>. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJG5n5zaTER35Yv-OEYxUlBYNy5j6FVeGsZkQeWrvDWNaZ0bfsuxzGDzSD2d2f_jX4Z9SP3w4ofA91My21ekjadqwWGYhdkaeiL-dDZvoXyRepBhe0ZkjMa5pxHxIrgNv0crGjFedY8A/s1600/_DSC0336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJG5n5zaTER35Yv-OEYxUlBYNy5j6FVeGsZkQeWrvDWNaZ0bfsuxzGDzSD2d2f_jX4Z9SP3w4ofA91My21ekjadqwWGYhdkaeiL-dDZvoXyRepBhe0ZkjMa5pxHxIrgNv0crGjFedY8A/s320/_DSC0336.JPG" width="320" /></a>The Garfield one was thoroughly flipped through and all comics read, but no interesting recipes caught the attention of my boy.<br />
<br />
The two Star Wars Cook Books were a hit though as several desserts and drinks have been highlighted and put on the agenda. Now, I must say *I* am not impressed with the recipes, but it's a cute set of books that my son enjoys.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcoPImaCGixhcbwA1MDsV_MzDB4h3knCjgijRHfiGN5yhNzIzhGYFmRbAMstjHkyA4qsaTU77TmxAdBfe2US44E-2Bbve7ruFIiagx8W9j9Fb93lbZMEguYwSScPBl4xlint1PVGUtLs/s1600/_DSC0337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcoPImaCGixhcbwA1MDsV_MzDB4h3knCjgijRHfiGN5yhNzIzhGYFmRbAMstjHkyA4qsaTU77TmxAdBfe2US44E-2Bbve7ruFIiagx8W9j9Fb93lbZMEguYwSScPBl4xlint1PVGUtLs/s320/_DSC0337.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31O5X9nKQcjceGnLNacvTlGEGnCrqyUbM4KADIXvY0qA7xeHZCgvajLrK14E8MgEOzoVYo8HRgXBw1tNisYrtHUDl5gIzbpw9DfHpNBA-tLZPQeN8ImuALUlDsnl0n7y1mOn_GIvwn4c/s1600/_DSC0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31O5X9nKQcjceGnLNacvTlGEGnCrqyUbM4KADIXvY0qA7xeHZCgvajLrK14E8MgEOzoVYo8HRgXBw1tNisYrtHUDl5gIzbpw9DfHpNBA-tLZPQeN8ImuALUlDsnl0n7y1mOn_GIvwn4c/s320/_DSC0338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sPQmUy81xtZZ5We9gM8JZVtMmizDWoKF3UGi5Efa4I6KaZpmeVNAWS4L9cRRGRVmfxEo2Im2BlyEtAXnfOPyWJhBmHzXOEQCS0JVFyEsWZq2B3DS6jnM0RGc4qmhdT5-BsHLQv8luTc/s1600/_DSC0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sPQmUy81xtZZ5We9gM8JZVtMmizDWoKF3UGi5Efa4I6KaZpmeVNAWS4L9cRRGRVmfxEo2Im2BlyEtAXnfOPyWJhBmHzXOEQCS0JVFyEsWZq2B3DS6jnM0RGc4qmhdT5-BsHLQv8luTc/s320/_DSC0339.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBfYIgWJnLcF2xxCOBkoad-fAJ0MP5xtj8h1KA_LewbP80pwk_BOMWRTlTT66UYl7xbMl8guZy_wFBmT_nx90Fc3SQMrOKzHlgjfk__Y4TlWbk-Q2WxsCug74iY-NaHuUKYhodSuHg7A/s1600/_DSC0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBfYIgWJnLcF2xxCOBkoad-fAJ0MP5xtj8h1KA_LewbP80pwk_BOMWRTlTT66UYl7xbMl8guZy_wFBmT_nx90Fc3SQMrOKzHlgjfk__Y4TlWbk-Q2WxsCug74iY-NaHuUKYhodSuHg7A/s320/_DSC0340.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________________Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-68618460575281005892011-04-27T13:49:00.001-06:002011-05-04T12:16:08.343-06:00Book: Palazzo Inverso<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BwspI9kaK90?fs=1" width="425"></iframe><br />
<br />
The above video takes you through the first half of this MC Escher-esque book, it's a teaser. But not enough of a teaser if you ask me; the book itself is much more exciting to look at and read. I love the way the text wraps the pages and sends you back to the beginning.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2qXSLP22sasnlWfnkpalifjGOJh8v86DlGqBlBoKxXjQ8ULgMeH1HJ_zoIbaPtVPyGeN_fpFp8ZEQ8by-LQRuJmsqRdXWUulVrmWmFOj7rVZErEUTHfCLkK-vwtJxghE9eMfwkCYwNM/s1600/_DSC0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2qXSLP22sasnlWfnkpalifjGOJh8v86DlGqBlBoKxXjQ8ULgMeH1HJ_zoIbaPtVPyGeN_fpFp8ZEQ8by-LQRuJmsqRdXWUulVrmWmFOj7rVZErEUTHfCLkK-vwtJxghE9eMfwkCYwNM/s320/_DSC0325.JPG" width="320" /></a><u>Palazzo Inverso</u> is by DB Johnson.<br />
Amazon's summary: "<i>Mauk's master is drawing up plans for a grand palazzo, and Mauk is NOT allowed to help. Mauk only sharpens the master's pencils--he doesn't actually use them.<br />
...Or does he? One morning, Mauk's master is horrified to discover that his plans have run amok, and the construction of the grand palazzo has, too! Is Mauk really to blame? Or is that just the master's point of view?</i>"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cLH-DziV8CFO_4W9fXEte09BiJ8wqlhqN2zfUjGZA5ZGLNW8c9cKMTj9QDdOwEk6NnyTUBu56TGGmZ-2gw1BO-ZWLGyzgx107guuk0eKNp7A26RFvZ749O3Y0tP8txnUCobx-DD-5Oo/s1600/_DSC0326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cLH-DziV8CFO_4W9fXEte09BiJ8wqlhqN2zfUjGZA5ZGLNW8c9cKMTj9QDdOwEk6NnyTUBu56TGGmZ-2gw1BO-ZWLGyzgx107guuk0eKNp7A26RFvZ749O3Y0tP8txnUCobx-DD-5Oo/s320/_DSC0326.JPG" width="320" /></a>This is a cute book to read on it's own, but would make a great addition to a study about MC Escher or drawing.<br />
<br />
Although I recommend getting the book itself, <a href="http://www.dbjohnsonart.com/palazzo/palazzo-1.htm"><u><b>you can read it online here</b></u></a>. Problem is, you just don't get the whole tactile experience of reading the text, getting to the end, and flipping the book upside down and reading the wrapped text back to the beginning. It's much more fun to explore the actual book!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfjwOpyR_BK1IFtcBwx7QSqWQ6DZRwlamWKvvtve9_ROtRpiiqZ-Uup7lJyGH0BEZvTlMUW7zMAu2xBHBwKAw7NV8vfJ4jJFNdNVsVOwoXH06q1nmm67nX3rlaESliaPRvK9Ciiu6tHI/s1600/_DSC0327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfjwOpyR_BK1IFtcBwx7QSqWQ6DZRwlamWKvvtve9_ROtRpiiqZ-Uup7lJyGH0BEZvTlMUW7zMAu2xBHBwKAw7NV8vfJ4jJFNdNVsVOwoXH06q1nmm67nX3rlaESliaPRvK9Ciiu6tHI/s400/_DSC0327.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGc14eltjU76ZvHhG9G_umGCRM-bpNIbRTA-hsR5zfb_bUeEvkz4OM5hfD9sj7Q_8mnaW9ACD8p4P23EOYBNs88ROpxpQvxLTAQB-gJsTupLcHOgLCcfwNp-1D10XIzFyokVP5BLWasQo/s1600/_DSC0328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGc14eltjU76ZvHhG9G_umGCRM-bpNIbRTA-hsR5zfb_bUeEvkz4OM5hfD9sj7Q_8mnaW9ACD8p4P23EOYBNs88ROpxpQvxLTAQB-gJsTupLcHOgLCcfwNp-1D10XIzFyokVP5BLWasQo/s400/_DSC0328.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1XqdKSZvbkyze577f32M5VTVLLi3X2pWRih0cKDPLBpRLgbBPtPhm6NJi8DejJZ3tRCzB1q4o6DZQeCISJ9dKQDKifR4fD8So_mJaJZpgj0aepWlCDirdTFuQcLbFm65yt2IQo-MsEM/s1600/_DSC0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1XqdKSZvbkyze577f32M5VTVLLi3X2pWRih0cKDPLBpRLgbBPtPhm6NJi8DejJZ3tRCzB1q4o6DZQeCISJ9dKQDKifR4fD8So_mJaJZpgj0aepWlCDirdTFuQcLbFm65yt2IQo-MsEM/s400/_DSC0329.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________________Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-2465030395458677112011-04-26T13:16:00.000-06:002011-04-26T13:16:13.968-06:00Barefoot Book of Classic Poems and Poem Music<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ueif33Sr4QmkjOTKJBI1AeC3X7JiCXIkCgDujNnAd8oe6CbBV0-WHFTgwYN4OLd8BSsT-omTKlLchTbSuK_gBt_MSymhpS7Kj9Szok1_qjCHXcIFCURalrKACBAHDhWgy8zk_dCCjtA/s1600/_DSC0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ueif33Sr4QmkjOTKJBI1AeC3X7JiCXIkCgDujNnAd8oe6CbBV0-WHFTgwYN4OLd8BSsT-omTKlLchTbSuK_gBt_MSymhpS7Kj9Szok1_qjCHXcIFCURalrKACBAHDhWgy8zk_dCCjtA/s320/_DSC0276.JPG" width="212" /></a><u>The Barefoot Book of Classic Poems</u>, compiled and illustrated by Jackie Morris, is a very lovely collection. The 74 poems are beautifully illustrated adding to the experience.<br />
<br />
After reading "The Highwayman" out loud to my son (we've read this poem before), he promptly demanded we listen to Loreena McKennitt's version-- on her <u>The Book of Secrets</u> Cd. And I do mean demand... he was impatient and wouldn't let me read another poem just yet. [she also does "The Lady of Shallot" on her CD, <u>The Visit</u>.]<br />
<br />
This reminded me just how important it is to listen to poetry, not just read it. And there are several poetry CDs out there, especially for children. Some are done to music and some are just read poems. I hope to blog a few in the near future as we have them on hold at the library.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VnCUKcnklcg4cwfbNJMw_rKZ1SkKPCqtL_eAp55Vb35vO5lDKLv8cXF4XoVDATxtMWt5sBh7THbQe_fl_HCr__MLyADi0hR2QFgoBOvF9eaJGu9Z5lkuS0Ez0qtzlNsrgw8Q1UwsXdg/s1600/_DSC0278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VnCUKcnklcg4cwfbNJMw_rKZ1SkKPCqtL_eAp55Vb35vO5lDKLv8cXF4XoVDATxtMWt5sBh7THbQe_fl_HCr__MLyADi0hR2QFgoBOvF9eaJGu9Z5lkuS0Ez0qtzlNsrgw8Q1UwsXdg/s400/_DSC0278.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Gabw2ppvdN29F1_FZwDESRbTwHQzC6T3hja1GT_6Mgx5GksQ4qgv_LRG1lQ3qs1VJQECs4E4C1E3Ho2l7ppCCkQ5N8JzbrFeOp_t6HLIFcv1O1KG_AX5jqedZDmfDdBehnNTVrz8wa8/s1600/_DSC0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Gabw2ppvdN29F1_FZwDESRbTwHQzC6T3hja1GT_6Mgx5GksQ4qgv_LRG1lQ3qs1VJQECs4E4C1E3Ho2l7ppCCkQ5N8JzbrFeOp_t6HLIFcv1O1KG_AX5jqedZDmfDdBehnNTVrz8wa8/s400/_DSC0279.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLA1MAxSWTORGBTjYbU2gBrytCRwyVjQlPy1LlB2D7prv1NqPaU2KkMayZ0tA_CIkM_I7rL59JRDaLZ53ljORoZudFCiwBEpzUmVTUfKvi6mnL1_RV-DbDy_1UPon3zYc24W59I65ioxQ/s1600/_DSC0280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLA1MAxSWTORGBTjYbU2gBrytCRwyVjQlPy1LlB2D7prv1NqPaU2KkMayZ0tA_CIkM_I7rL59JRDaLZ53ljORoZudFCiwBEpzUmVTUfKvi6mnL1_RV-DbDy_1UPon3zYc24W59I65ioxQ/s400/_DSC0280.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOnuVL97hra15tTTwfIDJyL7tDv1pYci_O6LOjUrodi8JpHgaWjtbeg5k6utrw9aeeN_PeZtYzUy39m_KpnV1CN4k_9rZkF7gw7Cqk5Pl73vTQdLQdzmBtMJ-U6aIttSYx7ilnEq6jGA/s1600/_DSC0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOnuVL97hra15tTTwfIDJyL7tDv1pYci_O6LOjUrodi8JpHgaWjtbeg5k6utrw9aeeN_PeZtYzUy39m_KpnV1CN4k_9rZkF7gw7Cqk5Pl73vTQdLQdzmBtMJ-U6aIttSYx7ilnEq6jGA/s320/_DSC0301.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
___________________________________________________________________________Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-31576634090160173582011-04-25T14:06:00.002-06:002011-05-02T14:08:39.270-06:00Professor Noggin Card Games!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9kwE40VdZQLvgtue8_LDryhE3EQhPAnVRQw9Xfjh1ZUvMp2-a_-EGftgVJ1ZU1Y0A1MsGq_UuWLR-DdYe9MSboP82lNtqfRB5bsClEcVn6UqewlJzfHbEG2nCY8dlwzEtCSW5HjUkqg/s1600/_DSC0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9kwE40VdZQLvgtue8_LDryhE3EQhPAnVRQw9Xfjh1ZUvMp2-a_-EGftgVJ1ZU1Y0A1MsGq_UuWLR-DdYe9MSboP82lNtqfRB5bsClEcVn6UqewlJzfHbEG2nCY8dlwzEtCSW5HjUkqg/s400/_DSC0297.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are a few of our decks</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Professor Noggin card games are wonderful. With so many topics covered and more added all the time, they are a fun and stimulating way to learn about history, science, geography, nature, and even hockey. Age level? They say 7 and up, but my son started off with them around the age of 4 and 5-- as you'll see there are more than one way to use them ;-)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuswxFMdFSIubBsvnpj4SD0hARdg19QFtIPK33ZVOXkHWNCPKpPmuuRV3oxlrzPIVDDsxHfMHlAlZ8vDG1feMj6V-Y59N_pFtpzLcNsjt3SkLbdYrPJn8y476Z8Vf_h0PsQNaSK-UfnpA/s1600/_DSC0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuswxFMdFSIubBsvnpj4SD0hARdg19QFtIPK33ZVOXkHWNCPKpPmuuRV3oxlrzPIVDDsxHfMHlAlZ8vDG1feMj6V-Y59N_pFtpzLcNsjt3SkLbdYrPJn8y476Z8Vf_h0PsQNaSK-UfnpA/s320/_DSC0298.JPG" width="320" /></a>How do they work? Basically they are a Q&A card game. One side of the cards has a picture and the other side has 2 sets of questions, one easy set of three questions and one set of hard questions. The included dice is rolled to determine which question (1, 2, or 3) will be asked and the card is won by a correct answer; an incorrect answer sends the card to the bottom of the card pile. The goal is to collect as many cards as possible. Before the game commences, players decide who answers the easy questions (maybe the kids) and who answers the hard questions (maybe the adults). <br />
<br />
My son was never into playing them that way though. He preferred to read them on his own and create time lines or use them in story creation. Sometimes he would quiz me or ask me to quiz him, but we've never actually sat down and played them competitively or ever used the dice. So, these cards can be fun for all kinds of imaginative play!<br />
<br />
The Professor Noggin series began with "Life in the Ocean" which was quickly followed by "Insects and Spiders" and "Wildlife of North America." Now there are 37 titles with "Hockey" and "Baseball" being the most recent. <a href="http://www.professornoggin.com/allgames.shtml"><u><b>For a list of their titles click here</b></u></a>. If there is a topic you'd love that they don't have, you can always suggest a title (on their website)!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AXT2but3WIgh9mQiYp8ZAC1ZcZXBStFFD3dfLCsg3yOBWKIslNUi4si7dSF3EDBG9Vi5v92FELyPG2f8tg38YjL3UR-IHJog0Ue6U2zixDaoKfa0jhQAXpKXSrEnVvl1XifC_Zbleqo/s1600/_DSC0299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AXT2but3WIgh9mQiYp8ZAC1ZcZXBStFFD3dfLCsg3yOBWKIslNUi4si7dSF3EDBG9Vi5v92FELyPG2f8tg38YjL3UR-IHJog0Ue6U2zixDaoKfa0jhQAXpKXSrEnVvl1XifC_Zbleqo/s320/_DSC0299.JPG" width="320" /></a>This is a made in Canada product and definitely has a strong North American focus, but has several international titles. And while it does have a few Canadian focused titles ("Geography of Canada" and "History of Canada") it seems like there are even more American titles (from civil war to presidents, plus geography and history). And, if it matters to you, these card games have won several <a href="http://www.professornoggin.com/awards.shtml"><u><b>awards</b></u></a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.professornoggin.com/games/10444-WW.shtml"><u><b>Click here to check out "Wonders of the World" card game</b></u></a>: it's complete list of topics, their game instructions, and a sample card with questions and answers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zuLVxlehXnRX6dRMopGnWngNBQY4UFWBM1HDsSlR0sQrD6gk4Xb60k40dMnTDpRGvIOLa_cPwT8GPYgo9vxiH1XOXxwsh2jekQR_rSgF7u0XNmV190lJo58D2-USMa-2Dgsr-IKGHX0/s1600/_DSC0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zuLVxlehXnRX6dRMopGnWngNBQY4UFWBM1HDsSlR0sQrD6gk4Xb60k40dMnTDpRGvIOLa_cPwT8GPYgo9vxiH1XOXxwsh2jekQR_rSgF7u0XNmV190lJo58D2-USMa-2Dgsr-IKGHX0/s400/_DSC0300.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This post has been linked up with...<br />
<a href="http://thegettys.blogspot.com/search/label/Favorite%20Resources" target="_blank"><img alt="Favorite Resource This Week" border="0" src="http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m527/smgetty/005-1-3.jpg" /></a><br />
__________________________________________________________________________Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-38961709799002182252011-04-24T13:15:00.000-06:002011-04-24T13:15:20.824-06:00Book: The Picture History of Great Explorers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj277yelD9YD9XZFX4pM4RDN3anEVLGgMzFNURiMbnfgcxoFlMifXRSRpV6gClrEaTH8eyHmR0A1A-aQx-dwheFfLlonT5iIKDrN0OwXtZRT0NKsB1SNbM2RWh4PUDNh-hhxj3NwcJwN7Q/s1600/_DSC0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj277yelD9YD9XZFX4pM4RDN3anEVLGgMzFNURiMbnfgcxoFlMifXRSRpV6gClrEaTH8eyHmR0A1A-aQx-dwheFfLlonT5iIKDrN0OwXtZRT0NKsB1SNbM2RWh4PUDNh-hhxj3NwcJwN7Q/s320/_DSC0317.JPG" width="320" /></a><u>The Picture History of Great Explorers</u> by Gillian Clements is a very fun and colourful way to explore history's famous explorers and get a nice over view with time lines. This was a library find that my son was very enthusiastic about for a while. Now he gives it 3.5 out of 5 (=Good).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7srjV0fFfx5kCm7FMe2J3OXxwjKKGePoucMXzU6nsuE122VeTrnLp7JY18uwW47kU1qdAqAHFaXzILMpBgJpHOX8WP4Pr9IxaES2SJbGi168vWWQ0n1RCQzKp8eIXMCFAhupXKnZGfM/s1600/_DSC0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7srjV0fFfx5kCm7FMe2J3OXxwjKKGePoucMXzU6nsuE122VeTrnLp7JY18uwW47kU1qdAqAHFaXzILMpBgJpHOX8WP4Pr9IxaES2SJbGi168vWWQ0n1RCQzKp8eIXMCFAhupXKnZGfM/s400/_DSC0319.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpm0bXKEwAoGeTMOWmOE85nKcUulNuz_9OSAKU1JJseIstcNQGa0-cBRzZQtetQnghHZU-AoxNxRvFS0U5MlWehRsrZ2U639EKXbcFKE-kIdKbqF5PO3nZCPh0QgwiSNLYdlPgVta0Hfg/s1600/_DSC0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpm0bXKEwAoGeTMOWmOE85nKcUulNuz_9OSAKU1JJseIstcNQGa0-cBRzZQtetQnghHZU-AoxNxRvFS0U5MlWehRsrZ2U639EKXbcFKE-kIdKbqF5PO3nZCPh0QgwiSNLYdlPgVta0Hfg/s400/_DSC0320.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfk_JJJa_xFRMSuOZm5M_wAXpi6A_c6sdIDtBX10OYT1Nk5dVQfesjfMM6kfU8v-hbJsfsw-hIQufA0i8YKaObki4bR152-97Oro1DHRyfEyy0la2u5nA6xloqtRF4Rnf-oajKYqMNsc/s1600/_DSC0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfk_JJJa_xFRMSuOZm5M_wAXpi6A_c6sdIDtBX10OYT1Nk5dVQfesjfMM6kfU8v-hbJsfsw-hIQufA0i8YKaObki4bR152-97Oro1DHRyfEyy0la2u5nA6xloqtRF4Rnf-oajKYqMNsc/s400/_DSC0321.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8l8sN8xq1i3NhrK-G5SQh4xQtDNIYuAEPMXX-IPge8tL2dibvv4PAU_yxn0YkyC0hFvsyKRpdE5Wn_QMazBMxvwOdMw83R9LRPvc2kz0k157msaMBZwYJGxdZz8N_dwSOqsr6gxamGk/s1600/_DSC0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8l8sN8xq1i3NhrK-G5SQh4xQtDNIYuAEPMXX-IPge8tL2dibvv4PAU_yxn0YkyC0hFvsyKRpdE5Wn_QMazBMxvwOdMw83R9LRPvc2kz0k157msaMBZwYJGxdZz8N_dwSOqsr6gxamGk/s400/_DSC0322.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
_________________________________________________________________________Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-58934859500220388332011-04-23T12:14:00.000-06:002011-05-04T12:16:08.344-06:00Amazing! Giant waterlillies in the Amazon - The Private Life of Plants -...<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/igkjcuw_n_U?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" width="425" frameborder="0" height="344"></iframe>Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-79915383565429420772011-04-21T14:29:00.000-06:002011-05-04T12:15:31.158-06:00Beethoven's Wig<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0rDNKqUbqHQ?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" width="425" frameborder="0" height="344"></iframe>Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-88929014862932340862011-04-21T14:28:00.003-06:002011-04-21T14:49:18.940-06:00Music CDs: Beethoven's Wig<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZjSconZldZjtKntR5EgZEH9eyB9Ttph_xEVHrpYQDzJdi90rSpe6hA33-85NPUn7eucsrNQySp0Y_j3vrxo2LopXKePNwmuQD3ZfqKjyjSjxQgIhoa34HZwi90ONHgiQ1QyBZToU0go/s1600/BeethovensWig_Illustration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZjSconZldZjtKntR5EgZEH9eyB9Ttph_xEVHrpYQDzJdi90rSpe6hA33-85NPUn7eucsrNQySp0Y_j3vrxo2LopXKePNwmuQD3ZfqKjyjSjxQgIhoa34HZwi90ONHgiQ1QyBZToU0go/s320/BeethovensWig_Illustration.jpg" width="320" /></a>Sometimes I can be quite the purist, however, I've come to find value in being more open minded. Lol, go figure!<br />
<br />
For example, in the past I would completely ignore the modern day versions of classic stories as if they were tainted and toxic. Now? While I'm still not fond of them, I can see where certain archaic language can be reinvented for a young inquisitive mind who doesn't want to wait to read a difficult story. Because really, is it the story or the language or both that matters? To whom? Compromising can be good.<br />
<br />
I'm bringing this up because the Anita Renfroe video reminded me of some favourite Cds we haven't listened to in ages.<br />
<br />
The purist in me thinks classical music should be raw and real and unadorned; it should be presented as is and without gimmick. My son has always enjoyed classical music and, so, it was with much trepidation I found and presented <u>Beethoven's Wig</u> to him.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.beethovenswig.com/index.php?page=cds"><b><u>Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies</u></b></a> are a fun and award winning series of CDs in which silly and catchy lyrics have suddenly sprung up in famous classical music pieces. This is both good and bad! They are fun and silly, but very catchy and I've found it hard to listen to the unadorned pieces without hearing those lyrics in my mind (but this does fade eventually). [follow the link to sample the music]<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f9cb9c;">{</span><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Is there a time limit when adding a YouTube Video to blog posts? There was supposed to be the video here, but it has vanished. I'm done. I added it as a separate post instead. I wish I understood the process of adding videos better}</span><br />
<br />
There are four CDs now (and an illustrated book), but we've only heard the first two. Both of them had a series of well known classical pieces beset with lyrics. Once done, the second half of the CD had the same pieces, but this time without the lyrics, just the lovely instrumentals.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #cc0000;"><b>[An edit: I forgot to mention that the third CD is designed to introduce individual instruments!]</b></div><br />
Whether the intent is to introduce someone to classical music or to kick it up a notch and show how nothing is sacred, lol, <u>Beethoven's Wig</u> CDs are definitely fun. I love mixed media art, so why not with music, eh?!<br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________________Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-52289466246224405892011-04-20T22:13:00.001-06:002011-05-04T12:16:08.345-06:00Anita Renfroe | William Tell Momisms<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YYukEAmoMCQ?fs=1" width="425"></iframe><br />
<br />
Just for fun ;-)<br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________________Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676701235212295781.post-78379356440382147042011-04-19T14:04:00.000-06:002011-04-19T14:04:10.511-06:00Avatar, The Last Air BenderIt took us a while, but we've completed this series from the DVD versions. <u>Avatar The Last Air Bender</u> is a TV series compiled into three "books:" <u>Water</u>, <u>Earth</u>, and <u>Fire</u> with each 'book' having a season's worth of episodes.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVPeHcWU129Fvm2YU_6QIMlBFVay1UvulqOYKkQnM6FCFXAyrQdmIz2UBoZRHxcZy0q6GiUpDm3ZXnmt2Yq9dyS_jV0wnq5X2smJX7CtYgoq6-2fl3VlTrFaNMITbJp480lZaSYyZIH0/s1600/_DSC0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVPeHcWU129Fvm2YU_6QIMlBFVay1UvulqOYKkQnM6FCFXAyrQdmIz2UBoZRHxcZy0q6GiUpDm3ZXnmt2Yq9dyS_jV0wnq5X2smJX7CtYgoq6-2fl3VlTrFaNMITbJp480lZaSYyZIH0/s320/_DSC0306.JPG" width="320" /></a>I must say I enjoyed this as much or more than my son, lol. I found the story compelling and some of the character development well done. I'm not saying this is a masterpiece by any means. I found the third 'book' to be the weakest of the series and throughout the series, much of it was predictable. Still, it was very fun to watch. I do love martial art movies and this one had a few different ones to show off. I also enjoyed the humour woven into the shows (beyond the punny or slap stick parts).<br />
<br />
This is an *American* series and not Japanese animation and implements different Asian concepts.<br />
<br />
An overly simplified summary from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0417299/"><u><b>IMDB</b></u></a>, "In a war-torn world of elemental magic, a young boy reawakens to undertake a dangerous mystic quest to fulfill his destiny as the Avatar." Follow the IMDB link for more info and some video clips.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://avatar.wikia.com/wiki/Aang"><u><b>Avatar wiki</b></u></a>, a place to learn even more about the series and it's characters.<br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________________Serenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121360400279829540noreply@blogger.com10