Authentic Learning

The Importance of Being Little, by Erika Christakis, has greatly influenced my philosophy on teaching my kids, especially while they are young.  Christakis makes the point that all preschoolers and kindergarteners really need is to experience life with someone who loves them.  Doing real life things together, talking about them, and using these teachable moments prepares kids for real life.  We had a great opportunity to put this in to practice today!

The 19th (!) Johnson great-grandchild was born on September 20, so we made cards and visited baby Clark and his parents today.

Here are some of the things my kids learned through this experience:

• Letters make up words that have meaning
• Writing is a form of communication
• Signing a card is important so the recipient knows who it is from
• The recipient's name goes on the outside of the envelope
• When someone has a baby, it's customary to take a gift to the hospital
• How to (and not to) act around a newborn baby
• Family is important

Any ideas of other authentic learning opportunities we can give the kids?  I'd love to hear suggestions in the comments below!