Following Their Lead

The kids were playing with their Hot Wheels, Matchbox and CARS vehicles one morning after breakfast. All bed headed together we huddled to line up our cars and trucks to see how long they would go if lined up. A light bulb went off and I thought, hey, I could totally integrate some math here. So, I went and got my measuring tape and we started counting inches.  Julian added up our inches on our dry erase board.  As it turned out, our line was 119 inches. Then, since everyone was totally into it, I suggested that we group them by color. Even Brady was able to pick out the blue ones that were around him. When the cars and trucks had been sorted out by color, I asked them who had the most and who had the least in their group. After this, they all picked their favorites and went and played with them on our sloped driveway. Julian even built a ramp for them.

I was totally excited to seize this moment with the kids. It was simple and fun. I love being able to do activities like this with them that involve each of them on different levels. You know what? Each morning after breakfast this week, at least two of them have gotten out the cars and trucks. Going with their interests and following their lead can prove to be so rewarding and meaningful to them and myself.  

Homeschooling moms out there- it is sometimes hard to see these opportunities when we are bogged down with schedules, lesson plans or housekeeping. I struggle sometimes with being too rigid and goal oriented. Our kids are begging for us to connect with them, listen to them and get down on their level. Let us seize the moment.