Simple Machanics
This past week the girls have been finding simple machines all over without even knowing it! They rigged up a pulling system on their play house, and made marble runs on the steps! So I decided that it was a good time to present them with the names of the simple machines that they were using all over the house! So this morning I read a book about simple machines that explained (in a bit too much detail) what each simple machine was and how it worked. Bunny was fascinated! She immediately started to see the simple machines around the house! She told me she thought that the hinge on the door was a lever, and that there was an inclined plane on the stairs. So I challenged her to get some stuff out of the garage to make a simple machine. She got right to work and so did Pup. What they made was a more complicated version of the marble run she had made on the stairs earlier in the week! I loved seeing how know this new information made her start to look at things she saw differently. I am interested to see what this new information produces in her work as she keeps exploring. Here is what they have done so far!
As you can see, they have been learning through play and it has been amazing to watch! I would like to get some cards describing the different simple machines for a reference. Do you ever have moments where your kids are learning even though they think they are playing? I think its one of the best part of homeschooling!
I also wanted to let you know that I am so happy that some of you have taken a moment to vote for me over at the Top 25 Homeschool Blogs! I just wanted to let you all know that it means the world to have you voting for me! The voting is still open and you can vote once a day! Plus you can vote for more then one of your favorite bloggers!
I am linking up over at Montessori Monday and The Hip Homeschool Hop! So be sure to stop by there and see some of the awesome ideas!
May 29, 2013 @ 2:42 pm
Fun! Legoboy has been getting into an interest of simple machines – but only as it makes it daily tasks easier – he won’t do it otherwise (not even just for fun!).
It is neat to see how different children “get there” at different ages and for different reasons (Legoboy got started when he we had a picnic on the living room floor and he wanted to keep the syrup and jam away from us, but still have easy access). 😉
May 29, 2013 @ 11:59 pm
Hahaha! It is really fun to see how kids are all learning differently! 🙂 Today we bought some pulleys and wheels at the store and she is ready to build all sorts of fun things tomorrow! Thanks for stopping by!
May 30, 2013 @ 1:15 am
You are such a fun mom! I’m adding this to my summer bucket list.
May 30, 2013 @ 11:47 am
They love it! I picked up some casters and some real pulleys yesterday at the hardware store! Bunny cant wait to try them out! I cant wait to see what she builds! 🙂
May 30, 2013 @ 3:39 am
I love the ingenuity 🙂 And the fact that your girls are great with a hammer without hurting themselves! 🙂 I have to admit, I am working on getting there with my children, but it is taking a lot of talking myself into being brave enough to let them experiment with hammers and nails and wood 🙂
May 30, 2013 @ 11:52 am
Hi Amy! They are pretty good. It helps to have a small light weight hammer! They really don’t pound hard because I think that they are nervous! 🙂 My husband is a contractor and has taught them how to use it, so that helps. If you take a moment to pre drill a small hole in the wood before you let them use the hammer and nail, it will kind of hold the nail while they pound it! Maybe that will make it easier to start! Good Luck!
June 11, 2013 @ 1:41 pm
I love these photos of your girls using tools and making simple machines! I am a single working mom and so homeschooling is not in the picture for me and my one year old, but your blog sure makes me want to! thanks for (en)lightening my morning!
June 14, 2013 @ 1:32 am
Thank Jennifer! I’m glad your found a little inspiration! Homeschooling is all about learning together and I am sure that you do that with your one year old when you have time to play! So Happy Schooling! 😉