Clear the Coffee Table

In The Brave Learner, one strategy she suggests for injecting a little magic into the day is by “clearing the coffee table,” which in our house happens to be the ottoman.

By simply clearing the surface and placing an interesting object, or puzzle, or whatever to be discovered (the possibilities are endless!) the home is staged for investigation.

Last night I was browsing at TJ Maxx and found this little clock puzzle that I knew both boys would enjoy. So, I laid it out on the ottoman last night and the boys were delighted to find it this morning and play. A little unexpected magic and a little mini-lesson on time snuck in.

For Cooper it was great practice with colors, numbers, and actual puzzle completion. For Connor we talked about how to make the different times, phrases like “quarter past” and “quarter ‘til,” and how the clock can be divided into fourths. All before breakfast and all before we even started any of our “lessons” for the day!

This is a great strategy to help with something the kids might need a little boost with or to liven up a topic that has gotten a little dull. I’m thinking I will set out different math manipulates like fraction circles or geosolids, or CVC words made from cute seasonal cutouts. Maybe a new game, a bug or nature item from outside, a new art supply…so many possibilities! What can you set out for your kiddos to discover?