Day: October 7, 2019

Missing Square Puzzle

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Missing Square (5)

Here was a quick puzzle to do with Travis before school. Simply print out the template, color in the shapes, and cut out. Then I presented Travis with the two challenges.

Missing Square (1)

For the first, the goal is to fit the shapes into the large triangle (we made ours pink) in such a way that no shaded squares show through. This was easy, with a tiny bit of help once he had a triangle pushed against the far corner.

Missing Square (2)

We shuffled the pieces and now tried for challenge number two: to fit in the shapes so one pink square remains uncovered. This was trickier, but accomplished with some shifting around. “I did it!” Travis declared.

Missing Square (6)

Hmm, but how is it possible? It turns out the answer lies in the fact that the colored triangle isn’t actually a triangle; it curves slightly, making it a quadrilateral (too much for Travis to comprehend). What I explained to him instead is that the extra area left over in this slight curve is exactly equal to 1 shaded square.

Missing Square (4)

It certainly looked like a little before-school magic!

Missing Square (3)

 

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Chalk Drawings

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Chalk Drawings (4)

I took advantage of some late warm weather to get out on the patio today! Since Veronika has shown she can make art with a crayon instead of putting it straight to her mouth, I dared to give her chalk.

She loved it! As soon as she saw me making colors on the pavement, she scribbled along in imitation.

Chalk Drawings (1)

Orange was a clear favorite.

Chalk Drawings (2)

Meanwhile, I made big strokes with the chalk pieces and talked about their colors. It’s also fun to draw shapes or letters for your baby. Veronika was happy just scribbling away next to me!

Chalk Drawings (3)

So pull out the chalk and enjoy a little art pause with your baby! I’d love to hear how it goes in the comments.

Mirror Dance

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Mirror Dance (7)

Here’s a little game that can grow more sophisticated the older your baby gets. Veronika is just starting to copy movements, including signing words back to me. It shows that she’s very attuned to others’ body movements, so today we made a dance of it.

I sat down facing her and first, I copied her moves! This is a great way to teach your baby the concept of mirroring.

Mirror Dance (1)

So when she popped down a toy piece with her finger, I followed suit.

Mirror Dance (2)

And when she put her thumb in the hole of a bead, so did I.

Mirror Dance (4)

Then it was mommy’s turn to be the leader! Could she tap two beads together? Yes she could!

Mirror Dance (5)

Clap hands? Yup!

Mirror Dance (3)

For some extra fun, we took the game in front of a real mirror. She was, admittedly, distracted by being near fun things like sinks and faucets, but if I tapped on the glass, she tapped on the glass!

Mirror Dance (8)

I showed her a few other moves, too, like tapping her head or touching her nose.

Mirror Dance (6)

This is almost like a baby version of “Simon Says”. Keep playing, and see what your baby will copy!