Whenever my husband takes our daughters into the big city, I can pretty much guarantee that they will come home clutching a bag of crystals (semi-precious stones, in case I need to say it) with huge smiles on their faces. It doesn’t matter what their original mission was, they always end up in the crystal shop.
They spent a good part of the weekend playing with all their crystals. They tried to identify each stone.
They acted out little stories using the stones as miniature actors.
They used their stones to play bingo.
They used them to create flowers and…..
… animals, such as this wolf.
They meditated. They used an illustration from one of my crystal books to create the chakra layout. All so enthusiastic. I took a step back and let them follow their own paths. It was fascinating to watch them.
We found a new way to store their crystals. Up to now, we have hidden them away in an Ikea plastic tub. Like buried treasure. Today it seemed more fitting to dig out a jar each and store them safely but in sight. Hopefully they will enjoy seeing them this way.
The rest of the time, all three children ran round the garden. So good to see them enjoying being outside. They were enjoying it so much, I had to call them in several times to have cookies, hot from the oven.
Makes a change. Usually they descend on the kitchen as soon as the fresh baking smell escapes from the open Aga door. No, I’m smiling. Something wonderful about seeing them clutching hot cookies in their mittened hands, before they disappeared again to resume their game in the furthest part of the garden.
Weekends like this, make me feel Spring is just round the corner. All children went to bed completely tired. Bag of stones cost £2.50 and provided hours of fun.
(If anyone has a personal recommendation for a book to identify stones and also with geological/science information suitable for children, I would be very grateful!)
My kids love shiny stones, too. You’re inspiring me to stop by the “rock store” more often. I’m always for cheap entertainment. Thanks for sharing.
So simple, inspirational ,educational and inexpensive. It doesn’t get much better.
Love the stones and the imagination!
happy day!
So simple, but so captivating and natural. Long may their interest last.
I love crystals, my girls love crystals, they are so pretty and I think storing them in a jar is a lovely idea too.
It is wonderful hearing about kids playing outside in the fresh air instead of sitting in front of a computer all day. I loved it when my girls were little and they would explore outside, commune with nature, make up games and then come inside tired and very dirty.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful week.\
Anne xx
They certainly like being outside. I always think that it must have been a good day if they come back in at the end of the day and are very ready for a bath.
I limit computer time, but they never make a big fuss about it. I know some of their friends play a lot of computer games. With three of children, they seem to enjoy playing together more than watching a screen in isolation. It may change, but I think it is just fine now!
We have a book titled Gem Stones by Eyewitness Handbooks. They also have a book in the series entitled Rocks and Minerals. I’m not sure whether these books would be too advanced or not. I don’t think they are. The photos are beautiful.
Oh thanks, Jodi. I’ll follow up your recommendation. It would be great to find something at the right level, especially while they are so keen. Who knows. Maybe I have a pair of mini geologists in the making.