Week of 4/5-4/11/2010

I'm trying out a new learning strategy. I guess it would be most like the "strewing" that unschoolers do. Essentially, I have created a basket that I put out on the bar in our kitchen. The bar is where my children often hang out to eat, play, talk, etc. In the basket I put a wide variety of things to peek my children's interests. In the basket this week is:

-Books on everything from Pandas to the Greedy Triangle
-Playdough
-Shells
-Magnifying glasses
-Cuisenaire Rods

What I'm hoping will happen is that the kids will notice the basket while sitting in one of their favorite places. Then, I hope that something will peek their interest and invite them to explore. If something does peek their interests I will be sure to look for ways to expound on the things that excite them.

I'm making a commitment to not dictate how they use the items. The only thing that won't be allowed is destroying the library books. I'm hoping that this will be a good way for my children to learn and explore without me suggesting directly to them things to do. I realize that in essence I am suggesting things, but they don't know that.