It has been exactly one month since I introduced the kids to their Think & Learn Code-A-Pillar, and I am happy to report that all is still going well. Despite a slight mishap when Oak thought Lu Lu La La could defy all odds and roll over fresh play-doh (they’ve both learned their lesson). In lieu of play doh as mountains, we have dug up our faithful wooden blocks given by neighbors to River some 4 years ago. Together, Oak and I build mini cities and obstacle courses, and River draws maps to accompany our courses. They both reach the finish line as a team because they worked on it as a team To say that it has been a good activity to prepare their minds for school would be an understatement.
I’ve been a bit intimidated with all the ask of Kindergarten. “They should be reading” some say. “Sight words only!” exclaims another group. Even though I feel as though River is one of the smartest kids I know, I want to make sure her mind is actually pieces things together. I want her eagerness to learn to continue alongside her creativity, and I want her to feel comfortable questioning. Not just digesting all the information without hesitation. So much about learning and thriving in the real word is actual thought process and creativity.
I think the same of Oak as well. He’s off to pre-school, and I can see his eyes widen as the Code-A-Pillargoes straight, then around, then back again. I imagine what his mind is telling him. Or the pride he and River feel about what they can actual do together as a team. I’d like to think of this small moment in time as a larger foreshadow to the way they both will act in their respective school.
All of this has me thinking about other ways parents prepare their children for school. I’d love to hear how you do it?
(This post is in partnership with Fisher Price. All thoughts and words are my own.)
