Lakeshore Learning Materials is a secular supplier of learning materials and do they ever have learning materials! They have just about anything and everything that you could think of to make learning FUN and EASY. I found them online through a web-link and requested early learning and early elementary catalogs. Within a short time, I received two beautiful color catalogs packed with music, literature, kits of all varieties, theme boxes, art supplies, toys and even furniture! When I requested products for review, I received a reply almost immediately. I found their staff to be helpful and their products arrived in a timely manner. The difficult part was deciding what to request for review and what not to buy!

Literature Based Math Packets - The Grouchy Ladybug

I never cease to be amazed at the variety of learning materials available to children today. When I saw Lakeshore Learning's Literature Based Math Packets my curiosity was peaked. I am a great fan of the "literature road to learning" for what could be easier and more fun than sitting and reading a good book together by the fire on a cold snowy night! OK, well maybe playing a game...

I began reading to my children in the womb. Both of my sons learned most of what they know from reading good books. They naturally have acquired a love for my favorite family pastime. Recently, I heard once again that old or not so old adage, "You will become in 5 years, what you are reading today." or something of that sort...Anyway, I think learning math through literature is kind of like the icing on the cake. Reading teaches well, reading, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, sentence structure, writing, and on and on. Why not throw a little math in there to boot! It's like getting two for the price of one. What home schooling parent could resist a bargain like that!

The Lakeshore Learning Literature Based Math Packet which I received was The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle containing the paperback book, of course, a teacher's guide, a ladybug finger puppet, 2 practice clocks, game stands (for holding clocks), a rubber stamp and a 1 minute timer. The teacher's guide includes activities for learning to tell time, building language skills, an art project, understanding the concept of time passage, science, and encouraging co-operation and sharing. There is even a suggestion for creating a ladybug snack and playing a clock game (suitable for a group of children). The only suggestion that I would have for Lakeshore to improve this kit for home school use would be to add an inkpad.

The Grouchy Ladybug Literature Based Math Packet will "pack a little punch" to your basic math curriculum. I don't know about you, but after all the glitter and glamour of the holidays, I need a little boost to get me going again! Do yourself and your kids a favor, call and request a Lakeshore catalog today. You will be pleasantly surprised at what you will find to "warm" up those dreary winter days!

Dressing Skills Take Home Pack

The Dressing Skills Take Home Pack from Lakeshore Learning Materials is a nifty little backpack containing a storybook, six write and wipe activities, erasable crayons (so that the activities can be repeated again and again), a teeny tiny little shirt with snaps, another with buttons and a pair of little pants with a buckle and zipper. There is just enough material to keep small hands and active minds busy for about 30 minutes, but not so much that it overwhelms the child. Skills covered in this particular "pack" include reading, comprehension, deductive reasoning, coloring or drawing, shapes, and of course, getting dressed!

Although, the Take Home Packs are primarily designed for nursery school or public school children, they would work well as a supplement to other curricula to aid in the practice of specific skills. I also thought they would come in handy as a carry along to doctor or dentist visits, other appointments where you may have a wait, or even to Grandma's for an overnight visit. This would be particularly helpful if your child is a hands on learner, needs extra practice or has special needs.

Lakeshore Learning Materials has quite a selection of Take Home Packs for you to choose from. Available in English or Spanish, they are priced at $19.95 + s/h. Children are always learning, not just in those "scheduled" times, so why not grab a Take Home Pack, have some fun, and learn while you play!



--Product Review by: Teri Lucas, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine