fun learning Archives - Page 9 of 10 - Love to Laugh and Learn

Shapes – Overview

April 28, 2013 by Mama Carmody 15 Comments

When I taught preschool, I taught about shapes after my unit on colors. Now that I think back I emphasized colors before shapes with my own children at home too. Children seem to recognize colors before they do shapes so I just went along with their natural curiosities.

As I stated in my overview post on Colors, my children’s first introduction to shapes was not in a formal setting. It was done during everyday activities, like dressing or playing with their toys. Constantly talking to your children helps them to learn. I would say things like, “Look at those colorful stars on your socks”, or “Doesn’t this strawberry look like a heart.” It doesn’t matter if your child is a few days old or three years old, continually talk to them and explain to them what they are seeing. Their understanding of the world around them and their knowledge with grow faster than you can imagine.

Most of your child’s learning should come through play and conversation with you. Read books, do crafts, get down on the floor and play with your child and talk about the things you are playing with.

You will find book suggestions, craft ideas and even snack suggestions that have to do with shapes in the following posts. Use them all at once or break them up and use them over several days. Just have fun with your child and the learning will follow.

The Lessons – Overview

November 4, 2011 by Mama Carmody 22 Comments

The Lessons – Overview

As I stated in my very first post, some of the first learning concepts I will be sharing will be geared more to younger children. I have taught 3 & 4 year old classes and pre-kindergarten classes so these initial concepts come from the lessons that I used at that time.

My Child Is Younger Than 3 yrs old

Even if your child isn’t within the above mentioned age ranges, be sure to read through the lesson because there may be parts of it that you can use. If your child is younger (birth – 2 yrs old); you can just read them the books that are being used in that lesson. It is never too early to start reading to your child.

Depending on the child, they may be ready to do the craft, even if they are under 3 years old.

My Child Is In Grade School

Still read through the lesson. Maybe your child likes arts and crafts and would enjoy the craft associated with a particular lesson. Possibly reading through the lesson gives you an idea of another activity you could do with your child to reinforce the concept.

Please Share

If you have any ideas that you would like to share, please do. You can use the comments at the bottom of the blog or share an idea on the Love to Laugh and Learn Facebook page. I look forward to hearing from you and chatting with you.

Learning Should Be Fun
When Do Children Start Learning
Colors – Overview
Community Helpers – Overview
Shapes – Overview

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo Review

December 19, 2013 by Mama Carmody 8 Comments

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo Review

Disclaimer: I was given 4 tickets and a parking pass to attend Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo. However, I was not influenced by the promotional materials. All opinions and insights are my own.

The temperature was approximately 34͒ F, which was double the temperature from the day before (thanks goodness). We bundled up our little Texan (my 4 ½ month old grandson) and headed out to enjoy Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo.

This was the welcoming view we received as we entered the zoo.

I couldn’t wait to get inside to see how the rest of the zoo was decorated. It was even more beautiful and magical than I remembered. My pictures hardly capture the beauty but you can at least get an idea.

One of the first animals to greet us were the seals. One of them was barking quite loudly. We walked over to take a look but he was hiding among the rocks so we didn’t get a good look at him from up top. We did get to see him swimming from underneath though.

We were waiting on some family members to show up so we decided to walk over to the gift shop to wait inside. We didn’t want the little one getting too cold. On our way, we ran into one of Santa’s reindeers.

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo: Santa's Reindeer — Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo: Santa’s Reindeer

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo: The Oceans Building at the Indianapolis Zoo

Our next stop was the Oceans’ building. It was a warm place with lots of interesting animals to interact with.

Petting sharks was a hit with the whole family (no matter what the age).

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo, Petting Sharks

We enjoyed spending time looking at the penguins; even though they seemed to be resting.

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo: Checking out the Penguins

There were so many wonderful things to see in the Oceans exhibit.

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo: Oceans Exhibit

It was too dark for me to get a good picture of the polar bear but he was sitting right next to the window. We were able to get a good look at him.

We then walked over to the Dolphin Pavilion. I found out, from my sister, that we were supposed to have been offered tickets for the dolphin show when we went through admissions but it wasn’t mentioned, so we didn’t have tickets. My sister and her family came in after us and they were offered tickets so they got them, but then didn’t go to the show since we couldn’t. I thought that was really sweet. We did go underneath and watch the show from below. It was interesting from below too. I think it would have been nice if they would have the audio for the show running through speakers down below so we knew exactly what was going on.

It was getting late for my grandson so he got fussy, because he was ready for bed, so we cut our trip short. We are hoping to get back there this week, if the weather permits. Regardless of whether we get back this year or not, we will be back. It was beautiful and the snow made it magical. I hope you and your family gets a chance to enjoy Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo.

Snow and Lights during Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo

You might also be interested in:

Review – Christmas on Monument Circle Indianapolis

Review: Conner Prairie on President’s Day (with a 2 yr old)

February 20, 2012 by Mama Carmody 11 Comments

It has been years since I have made a trip to Conner Prairie. I have always loved that place but since our finances have been tight over the last few years I just haven’t been able to go.

Today was President’s Day and Conner Prairie was offering free admission. I had two objectives in going today; first of all, I wondered how crowded and crazy it would be on a free admission day and secondly to see what kind of activities they had for the very young child.

So on the first objective:

How Crazy Was It On A Free Admission Day

There were definitely a lot of people taking advantage of the free admission but we didn’t really have any trouble getting around. The Science Lab was way too crowded for us to get into and, from what I have seen on Conner Prairie’s website, I thought it might be a little advanced for a two year old so we didn’t attempt getting in there. We were able to get into the Discovery Station. It was a little crowded in there so we didn’t let the two year old out of the stroller. There were so many interesting things for him to do though. We decided we would have to go back on a regular day when it might not be as crowded so he could get down and run around. One of the things in the Discovery Station was a General Store that children could play inside.

There were several tables set up with toys on them such as a barn and legos. All the tables were full so we moved on to another room…but we will be back.

Several activities were going on out in the hallway. There were craft tables with children making Abraham Lincoln masks and hats. There was a work table with several kinds of tools on it but we didn’t make it around to there. It was pretty well surrounded by children. There was a great dress up area with clothes for all ages. I saw kids and moms dressing up and everyone was having fun.

We were told that there were more activities going on upstairs so we climbed the stairs (unaware that there was an elevator) and found it wasn’t as crowded upstairs. There was a room with all kinds of old time toys and games set up. Since it wasn’t as crowded up there we let the two year old out of the stroller to run around. I will give more details on the things going on upstairs in a little bit when I cover what kind of activities were available for really young children.

After playing upstairs for a while we decided to go outside to see what was happening out there. First we headed to the Featherston Barn to join the birthday party for George Washington. We received a hot chocolate and enjoyed some fiddle playing and dancing.

All ages were having fun dancing.

After George Washington’s Birthday party we headed over to the Lenape Indian Camp. I believe this was one of the 2 year old’s favorite areas….more details coming up.

So in conclusion to this segment, some areas were a little crowded but not so crowded that I wouldn’t go back on another one of their free admission days. Everywhere we went was well staffed and everyone was very cheerful and helpful.

Now the second objective:

Activities for the Very Young

As stated above, the Discovery Station had several things that a young child would enjoy but the room was really full today. We definitely want to go back on a day that will be less crowded so the two year old can run around and play with all of the interesting things in that area.

All ages were enjoying the craft table that was in the hallway. Although the very young ones weren’t making the Abraham Lincoln craft they were enjoying coloring and drawing. There was an adorable little girl having fun at the dress-up area.

Conner Prairie: Little girl in dress-up area

As I stated earlier, it was less crowded upstairs so we let the 2 year old out of the stroller to play. He enjoyed playing bean bag toss…

…or should I say, 2 year old stuff the bean bag.

Conner Prairie: 2 yr old version of Bean Bag Toss

That kept him occupied for several minutes. We then went over to a table that had slate boards (chalkboards) and soapstones. Soapstones were what they used to write on the slate boards. We decided we liked the soapstones so much better than the modern chalk that children use today. The soapstones don’t leave that big chalky mess. The 2 year old really enjoyed drawing and we liked the fact that he didn’t have white chalk dust all over himself once he finished.

I believe the 2 year old had the most fun outside. He was able to walk through the basket on the bottom of the large balloon. It wasn’t going up during the time we were there but he didn’t seem to mind. He ran around the basket several times. There was a cute little imitation balloon that he, his brother and mother had their picture taken it. It was a little dark but really cute.

After the balloon we headed out to the Featherston Barn for the birthday party. The 2 year old loved the music and the dancing. The pictures are a little blurry because he kept dancing around in circles.

After he was done dancing we headed out to the Lenape Camp. On the way we got to stop and look at a goat. The two year old wanted to kiss the goat but thank goodness the slats in the fence were too small.

There were several cabins at the Lenape Camp. A couple of them were open but they were totally full of people. We were able to step into the doorway of one but we didn’t stay long. One of the cabins was closed up so we had a little fun with the two year old. His mom encouraged him to walk up the steps so she could get a cute picture of him.

She then encouraged him to knock on the door and say, “Is anybody home?”

No one was home….

Conner Prairie: Nobody's Home — Conner Prairie: Nobody’s Home

…or so we thought…

Ooops...someone was home — Ooops…Someone was Home

…I guess we were wrong…somebody came out…

…but then he left. We were able to go watch him shoot his rifle after that.

I believe the two year old had the most fun in the Lenape Indian Hut. He spent a lot of time running in and out of there and climbing on the benches.

We had a hard time getting him out of there. Every time we would ask him if he was ready to go he would turn around and run back inside.

I would have to conclude that there are plenty of fun things for very young children to enjoy. A two year old may be a little young to explain the history of what Conner Prairie is about but the idea of it being a simpler time; a time with no television, no video games, a time when children had to use their imagination and make games out of every day items, is right up a two year old’s alley.

When all was said and done, we had a wonderful day! Lots of laughs and fun getting to run around in the sunshine on a not-so-horribly cold February day in Indiana.

Review: Conner Prairie with Young Children
Attractions
Review: Radio Disney Event, Indianapolis 2012

The Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center Review

May 24, 2014 by Mama Carmody 4 Comments

The Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center Review

Disclaimer: I was given free admission to the Indianapolis Zoo and the Orangutan Center, for 3 guests and myself, however I was not influenced by the offer. All opinions and insights are my own.

The Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center is receiving nationwide media attention and is being called one of the most significant zoo exhibits anywhere in the world. The zoo’s website says, “An epic adventure awaits inside this incredible new exhibit, which offers an unparalleled experience for both guests and orangutans.” After our visit today, I must say, I agree.

In Preparation

I invited my friend and her two little boys (ages 4 ½ and 2 ½) to go with me. We did a couple of things in preparation for our trip. First of all, we visited the zoo’s special site called Azy and Friends. We were able to learn about each of the orangutans that reside in the Center. We learned their ages, where they lived before they came to Indianapolis, what their favorite foods are and a little about their personalities. You will find a fun little quiz on the site that will match you up with one of the orangutans. We took the quiz and then I made each of us a special t-shirt with the picture of our orangutan on it.

Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center: Rockin' Our Orange — Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center: Rockin’ Our Orange

I picked up some books, from the library. I gave Ashley one titled, “Orangutan (A Day in the Life: Rain Forest Animals)” by Anita Ganeri. She said the boys enjoyed it so much that she read it to them three different times. Now they have an idea of what an orangutan is and are ready for their trip to the zoo.

The Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center

The Center is a beautiful structure that appeals to the orangutans and humans as well. There are many areas for the orangutans to explore and interact with visitors…and interact, they do! Look at the smiles I got from this one.

The Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center: All Smiles

When we arrived Rocky was exploring the Myrta Pulliam Hutan Trail. It is designed to represent the orangutans’ “highway” through the forest. The trail is a series of cables and bridges that allow the orangutans to travel 40 feet above the guests.

The Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center : TheHutan Trail

On his way back down Rocky enjoyed stopping and watching us as much as we enjoyed watching him.

The Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center: Rocky

Once inside the Center, we were able to look through large windows into the R.B. Annis Atrium. The orangutans can stay away from the windows to relax and hang out together or they can come up to the windows and interact with the visitors. They are so close you feel like you could just reach out and touch them. (And in some camera shots it looks like you just did.)

From the Community Plaza, you can view the front of the building. The front is covered with large glass windows, from which you have another angle to view the orangutans. We stood out there for a long time while the boys interacted with one of the orangutans.

The Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center: Interacting with the orangutans

One aspect of the Center, that we didn’t get to experience, is the Skyline. The Skyline is an aerial ride that travels around the outer edge of the exhibit. Visitors get an excellent view of the Hutan Trail as well as a gorgeous view of downtown. I’m looking forward to experiencing this.

The Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center: The Skyline

I can all ready tell that this is going to be one of my favorite exhibits at the zoo. I have a feeling that it’s going to be popular with many people. If you are a member, you have the opportunity of beating the crowds by accessing the Center an hour before the zoo opens. This exclusive benefit is available on Saturdays and Sundays. from May 24-Sept. 1, at 8:00 a.m.. Who knows, maybe I will see you there.

The Lessons – Overview

My Child Is Younger Than 3 yrs old

My Child Is In Grade School

Please Share

Related Posts

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo Review

The Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center Review

In Preparation

The Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center