Sunday, January 18, 2009

I need some feedback!

So when I started this blog, I intended to make it much more simple (Post a book, with an activity to go with it). As I got going with all the holiday stuff, it just kind of developed into a post with a theme etc...I felt it was important to give you more than one option for the book selection just in case one wasn't available (plus, I love children's books and get excited to share good ones that I find). Anyway, I am just wanting a little feedback from those of you who use the site regularly to find out what is most helpful to you. Have you been borrowing the books to go along with the activities? Have you liked the book selections? Are they accessible at your libraries most of the time? Should I only give you my top two choices or do you like checking out all the suggested books?

I like the way that the themes have been going, but in trying to simplify, I am thinking about getting rid of the songs and rhymes section, because it sort of gets time consuming. Have you been using this section much? I know I haven't really given you ideas on how to use them with your preschoolers. Let me know what you think? Any specific feedback, in general, about what has worked or not worked for you would be helpful, so I know where to focus my energy and limited time. Thanks so much!!!

12 comments:

terahreu said...

It is brilliant! You can see some of your projects on my blog. I love you ideas, and so do my kids! I have most of your suggested reading. We don't have a library in Nepal so I have to use what I have. I don't do the songs but I love the book suggestions and projects. Keep it up! Your blog is fabulous!

Anonymous said...

I think your website is fabulous. I use everything (songs, fingerplays, book recommendations, and crafts). I teach my 4 year old triplets at home and your website is a life saver. Keep it up!

Amy said...

Terah, I checked out your blog the first time you commented on my site. I was just curious what brought you to Nepal? A job? A service Opportunity? Your cultural experiences look so amazing, but you seem a lot more adventurous than I am. I am very intrigued.

Mike and Ashley said...

I think your site is fantastic!!! I don't always use it since Jackson's school sends stuff home too, but I do love to be able to go to your site if I need to! You are truly putting your talents to good use!!! Thanks!

The Peterson Family said...

I love it! I can't imagine all the work that you put into this. I use the activities in our nursery - my own kids are school age. I'm actually finishing up my Elem Ed degree and I'm filing away some of your ideas for use later! Thanks for all that you do.

Linsey said...

Amy, I love all that you put up on your site. I'm sure it is a lot of work and I can see how you would be overwhelmed. But, you have saved me more than once on a dull afternoon with nothing to do and for that I am eternally grateful. We, like Terah, are without libraries at our disposal, but we make do the best we can. The foreign service is a great lifestyle in many ways, but I do miss access to libraries. If you need to downsize, do it, we're grateful for whatever you share.

Jen said...

Amy, I friend directed me to your website a few months ago and I have loved all of your ideas. We do visit the library regularly and check out your recommended books. I use your ideas with my play groups and they have worked out fabulously. Thank you for all of your hard work!

terahreu said...

Hi Amy- Surprisingly, my husband is the General Manager of an insurance company in Nepal. It is one of the last few American companies standing here. It is a tough place to do business, but he is doing the best with what he has. I try to do a bit of humanitarian work here and I also do homeschool with my 4 kids. We will probably be overseas for sometime so keep up your blog. I absolutely love it!

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog and am loving the ideas for homeschool. I especially love the art and books. The music and rhymes haven't found a huge place in my heart yet. It's hard online...but I am deeply grateful for your efforts. Thanks a million!
Amy

Sarah said...

First of all, I just have to say that I love your site. Your ideas are brilliant!

The themes are great. They're seasonally oriented and really interesting to the kids.

I love that you offer multiple book options as I'm often not able to find all of the books you suggest. I am always able to find at my local library at least one of the books you recommend. So please continue to provide a wide selection.
And the books are perfect for my kiddos (4 & 2 1/2). They love them and are always asking for more.

I have to admit, I haven't yet used the songs and rhymes. I know most of the tunes, but I don't have time to memorize the new/altered lyrics and I haven't gotten around to printing them off so I can read them while singing. I kinda like for things to flow when we're singing, so I haven't used that option. Sorry. But I always wish I did. 'Cause the songs are really clever, cute, and fun.

Your crafts are absolutely fabulous. I love all your ideas. I have no clue how you consistently come up with a wide variety of terrific crafts that are preschooler friendly, with supplies that are already around my house, and links for the clipart, etc.

I love your site. I've been recommending it to my fam & friends with little ones. 'Cause I know I'm a more fun, and certainly more crafty mom for having followed your ideas.

Thanks, Amy.

Amy said...

Thank you for your feedback. I have really enjoyed doing this blog and feeling like I can share my talents with others. I have sort of been thinking that the songs and rhymes was the area to cut out, if I am looking to simplify. Part of why included them was to have a digital record for myself, incase I go back to teaching later. Anyway, keep the comments coming---especially if you have specific advice or feedback about what has is working for you and your kids, or what could be improved.

Robert said...

I love the blog ! However, I had so much trouble copy and pasting the animals for the winter habitat. I wish you would have just posted your page before your children colored it so I could have printed that.