Spice up your Monday morning as we introduce our number of the week - 14; chunk of the week - ay; mystery country clue and much more!

This episode includes activities for a variety of ages - the target ages being 4-8, as it’s a family-style meeting with a little something for everyone.  Children four and under should have coloring or quiet toys available for them so they can play while listening to the activities for older siblings. Older siblings should encourage the little ones with their activities.

You will need: 1) a world map or globe 2) a piece of paper and crayons/colored pencils to draw with; 3) math manipulatives to count with - these can be beads, dry pasta, rocks, etc.; 4) paper, a marker board, or blackboard to write out new words/math problems as needed.  Optional: manipulative letters (wooden/magnetic).

This podcast is a flexible tool to give parents ideas and organization. Parents are encouraged to listen to the podcast ahead of time and consider their children’s ages and learning styles as they decide whether to:

1) listen to the show along with their children, stopping and starting it as needed to figure out math problems and discuss questions at their children’s pace, or
2) simply create their own morning meeting based on the episode, selecting the activities that will work for their children and teaching them with manipulatives. You know your child best!

Visual and hands-on learners will benefit from seeing the concepts we discuss written out, and using manipulatives wherever possible!

We also invite you to borrow or purchase some books that will go along with our themes during the rest of the week*:

The first is Neo Leo: The Ageless Ideas of Leonardo Da Vinci, by Gene Barretta – this book is a simple one with a few sentences per page, and it's interesting for all ages. The next is My Crazy Inventions Sketchbook: 50 Awesome Drawing Activities for Young Inventors by Lisa Regan and Andrew Rae.  This book will inspire the imaginations of elementary-aged children, and challenge them to sketch new inventions - hours and hours of creating! 

 *We are in no way affiliated with these authors, books or publishers, but have enjoyed them as a family.