Search Results for: exploring

Exploring the International Disney Parks

Disney World and Disneyland aren’t exactly the same, so why should the other Disney parks abroad be similar?  If you ever get the chance to travel to an international Disney park, perhaps to Tokyo Disneyland for the new D23 convention this fall, you might notice a few differences from the domestic ones.  BBC Travel did a report on some of the unique things that set the international parks apart. One of the most obvious differences is the food.  While you can get some international food at Disney Parks, especially at Epcot at Disney World, it’s still not standard.  Obviously, that’s … Continue reading →

Exploring the New Official Disney Website

I promised a preview of the new official Disney site, and today I’m delivering. The new Disney site isn’t that different from the old one, it’s just got a sleek new redesign. The front page is less cluttered than before, and is on a bright white background rather than the previous black. I’m actually a little surprised at how plain the front page is; there are plenty of thumbnail pictures and links, but there’s nothing going on around the edges. The official Disney site is a good place to go if you’re a general Disney fan, but aren’t really sure … Continue reading →

Exploring Nature

One of my family’s favorite parts of homeschooling is nature study. In our area, fall brings a variety of treasures like apple picking, changing leaves, and constantly changing weather. As a Charlotte Mason inspired homeschool, we go on nature walks at least once a week. We also go outside no matter what the weather brings. The world is a beautiful place and the changing weather enhances that…even the rain and the gloom. I am not fond of gray days but getting outside and exploring always lifts my mood. On our last nature walk we had the privilege of seeing the … Continue reading →

Exploring Watercolors Like Only A Two Year Old Can

Today, we went to get Dylan some paint. I was thinking that we would get finger paints, so that he could use his hands and have fun getting messy. Unfortunately, the store that we went to did not have finger paint. I asked Dylan whether he wanted to wait until we went to a different store another day to get finger paint or whether he wanted to get a set of watercolors instead. He chose the watercolors and we brought them home. I set up a blanket on the lawn and used clothespins to secure the paper to it so … Continue reading →

Exploring The Secret World of Arrietty

Studio Ghibli’s latest animated feature, “The Secret World of Arrietty,” was released in American theaters by Disney earlier this year and on DVD/Blu-Ray on May 22. Now that I’ve bought and seen it, I can review this latest Japanese masterpiece brought to us by Disney. Well, no matter how much I love Ghibli’s work I think masterpiece might be pushing it a little far. However, “Arrietty” is a fun movie for all ages and definitely deserves a view by any fans of Miyazaki’s work. The renowned animator didn’t direct the film but he did write the screenplay, based on the … Continue reading →

Exploring the High Seas with Kids

In a previous blog I detailed some of the extraordinary amenities offered to families on Disney Cruise Lines’ ships. In addition to being able to dine with Mickey and crew at sea, the company also provides a feature that’s exclusive to their vessels. It’s called a rotating dining system and it allows pint-sized passengers and their parents to can change restaurants every night, but keep the same servers and tablemates. Unlike its competitors Disney Cruise Lines also offers a bath and a half in most staterooms. This is a huge bonus when you are traveling with young kids. The bathtub … Continue reading →

Exploring “My Weirder School”

For someone who didn’t care much for pencils, books and teachers’ dirty looks growing up, I’m not exactly sure how I birthed a school-loving bookworm. Not only does my second grader enjoy attending school, she also loves reading books about kids and their adventures in the halls of higher learning. That said, I suppose I shouldn’t be the least bit surprised that my 7-year-old is addicted to Dan Gutman’s silly series, My Weirder School. The collection of creative craziness features characters that will crack you up and leave you wanting more. In this case, you’re in luck because Gutman shows … Continue reading →

Exploring the Original Snow White

We always think of the Grimm fairy tales as darker than their Disney updates, and for the most part that is true. But in reading and watching the two versions of “Snow White” together, I was surprised to find they’re not that much different. The Evil Queen asks for Snow White’s heart as proof of her death in both stories, though at least Disney withholds the part where she proceeds to consume the organ to symbolize her triumph over her enemy. However, one could argue the Disney film is darker than its source for a different part: the fate of … Continue reading →

Exploring Emotions With Young Children

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Young children are a study in differences. Some preschoolers have advanced large motor skills, while some kindergarten students struggle with large motor control. Other children have excellent spatial skills, and still others have the ability to understand emotions in a way that is beyond their years. However, even if they may be at different stages of social and emotional development, all young children can benefit from activities that explore emotions and increase social skills. How can you encourage your young homelearners to explore their emotions? One of the simplest ways to study emotions is through discussion of a picture book. … Continue reading →

Exploring The Shadows in Your Family Tree

The other day, I read a newspaper article that really made me think. The article was about a woman whose family history research recently revealed some details of events in her father’s past that her parents and other family members had carefully kept from her for her entire life. The events date back to the 1940’s, and they run contrary to what she was raised to believe about Birmingham, Alabama, where she often went to visit her grandparents in the 1960’s. The woman who is the subject of the article is African American. As many of you know, Birmingham, Alabama … Continue reading →