January is a wonderful month to get in touch with nature. We are lucky to be able to live in a home where the front yard is full of greens, thanks to my husband who worked hard on maintaining our mini garden. Last month, we receive a gift which was enjoyed very much by my youngest daughter, who by the way, is the most interested in nature. She loves animals and plants. Actually, she was the one who encouraged us to adopt a pet puppy which is now already 2 years old.
The Explore Sandbox had numerous activities which fostered multiple intelligence. I suggest you check my blog about Multiple Intelligence to give you a short background about it. Let me also share with you the fun activities which we did in our front yard with the materials provided in the box.
Finding Out What Owls Eat
This activity was a bit yucky because it involved digging out from an owl’s pellet (undigested food which the owls throw up). Materials provided were barn owl pellet, bone chart, tweezers, toothpick, styrofoam tray and plastic container. As the pellet was softened in warm water, we used the tweezers to identify the bones of the animals eaten by the owl. Surprisingly, my daughter didn’t mind the dirt and she eagerly looked for the different parts according to the chart provided.
Decorating A Birdhouse
Using a paint brush, paint, papier-mache, colored pens and plastic container for water, my daughter enjoyed decorating her first birdhouse. We usually have several bird visitors in the morning and so this birdhouse surely fits our garden.
Making A Birdfeeder
This activity used bird feeds, yarn, tissue paper roll, styrofoam tray and peanut butter. We spread peanut butter over the tissue paper roll, let it roll on bird seeds, and then hanged it on the garden. I didn’t know that it can be that easy to make a bird-feeder. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any bird since it was already night time.
Imitating Bird Calls
In this activity, my daughter simply used a bird whistle provided in the box. We filled it with varying amounts of water and Mariel was able to make different bird sounds.
Learning about multiple intelligence helped me realize that as parents, there are still more activities beyond books which will help our kids develop an edge for the future. They can be brain smart, body smart and people smart all at the same time. I choose #MultipleIntelligence rather than focusing on being brain smart because in my own experience, we also need to be physically and emotionally wise to be able to achieve more in life. It is our duty to give our kids opportunities to learn even through simple activities like we did above.
Progress Pre-school Gold is one with the moms in advocating multiple intelligence with the help of nourishment with its best-ever formulated powdered milk drink. We hope that they continue their advocacy in many years to come.
True to that! Not all things are learned in the four corners of the classroom. Best lessons are learned outside of the classrooms. 🙂
We’re very happy that my daughter’s school encourages exploration for learning. Since it’s located in the very green city of Antipolo and has hectares of land, a mini-zoo, and gardens for the kids to explore, they get to learn while having lots of fun. But although she’s already learning so much in school, we also try to teach the kids at home. Explore Sandbox is a wonderful partner for that—I hope to try this out soon!
I agree that there are more activities beyond books that’s why I always search for art and crafts that we can do at home. We try to explore by visiting zoos, farm and museums.
I agree! Not everything can be taught. Kids learn by mostly by doing.
This is a great activity. I think kids learn more pag ganito na may activities kesa sa puro books lang. 🙂
That’s a nice activity. Each box has a different “treat” for kids pala ‘no? 🙂 -edel
Ang cool ng activity! The great thing about kids is that they don’t get disgusted as easily; thus, they learn about more things!
Nice activity for the kids 🙂 time out sa ipad
that’s a great idea.. I think that when kids experience what they read in books it’s easier for them to remember the subjects. That is surely and effective way to learn. 😀
These look to be fun activities! We don’t have a garden though…It’s always nice to learn through an activity.
Looks fun! We have to try these soon.
My daughters would enjoy those activities too! 🙂
I want a Sandbox too! 🙂 I so love that these activities are stimulating their intelligence with their surroundings and not just through gadgets.
Great ideas! We can use some of the ideas in our Cubs scout den!
What a great project! Thanks for sharing…
I love it!! We live in the mountains of AZ, so we’re in touch with nature daily!! This would be a great way to let the kids learn about where they live! 🙂
So many great ideas! I love that bird call — I’ve never heard of one that you put water in before. My kids would enjoy that one. I also love the owl pellet “excavation”. I’ve never done it, but I’d love to try. … as long as it’s not too gross, lol!
So many great ideas here. We did birdhouses about 7yrs ago and we still use those every year!! It’s fun for the kids to take them out when Spring rolls around and see their artwork from a long time ago. And of course it does bring in the birds. 🙂
Both me & my husband are nature lovers & we too are so blessed to have a home that is surrounded by greens everywhere. Your daughter looks very much dedicated in decorating that nice looking bird house & love that Bird call idea as well. Would love to share with my kids, they will enjoy it.
I agree that multiple intelligence is a more creative and holistic way to help our children learn and grow. We do need to balance learning by using as many modalities that will help our kids. I’m a bird lover so this post meant even more to me.
Eliz Frank