Sometimes it’s the little discoveries that rock my world. Anne over at Book Buds leads off her most recent post with: Nothing turns me off more than activity books.
Wha…?
I love activity books! Seriously. So do my kids. I’m not talking sticker books and coloring books (so I guess I’m on the same page as Anne there), but classics like the Make it Work! series and books by Lauri Carlson have graced our shelves and filled our library bags for years. I’ve compared notes on these kinds of books with homeschooling friends, debating the merits of each, discovered new titles, and even cooperated with other parents to make some of the projects as a group.
When I had the opportunity to write these kinds of books, I felt right at home. I know what I like; I’ve learned what other parents like; I’ve learned through trial and error what makes a good activity for kids and what doesn’t. Creating an activity book for educators that fit within those guidelines – and those of my publisher – sounded like a grand idea to me.
Maybe it’s the simple fact that I’ve learned that my kids like hands-on activities as they make discoveries about history or science. Maybe it’s the fact that I grew up with a “project box” full of toilet paper tubes and milk cartons. Maybe it’s because I have boys, who seem to think in a three dimensional way.
I know that not everyone is going to find activity books useful, or suitable for their family. But a turn-off? Who knew??
So dear readers, do you give activity books a thumbs up or a thumbs down? Or does it depend?
** Now, I must add that the “Nothing turns me off more than activity books” sentence over at Book Buds leads into a very nice review of an activity book that meet’s Anne’s discerning approval. This one, in fact. Which seems to put Anne solidly in the “it depends” camp. 
by paradisefound, on April 9 2007 @ 1:57 pm
And yes, if you must know, I’m still procrastinating!
by scrappitydoodah, on April 9 2007 @ 3:09 pm
I love activity books, especially if they tie in to a unit study. It’s such a fun way to add something different to the curriculum. I’m currently investigating several titles for use in our study of Colonial Times and the Revolutionary War next year. Yours is one I’m considering.
by lapazfarm, on April 9 2007 @ 3:56 pm
It totally depends. LOVE yours. Others, not so much.The quality of the activities is important. Some are no more than suped-up workbooks. Yours has real hands-on stuff that is fun and educational and my ds looks forward to doing them.
by Not June Cleaver, on April 9 2007 @ 4:38 pm
I guess I’d have to say it depends. I haven’t found many that really excite me. I hadn’t seen the two series that you listed though, so thanks for pointing them out. I’m going to try to find a couple to see if I like them.
by paradisefound, on April 9 2007 @ 7:57 pm
Aw. Thanks, Theresa – you don’t have to say that, you know! (But, hey – Scrappitydooday – take note!)
Glad to hear your son is enjoying it!
Not June, the Make it Work! Maps book just mesmerized my kids with the possibilities. If you’re interested at all in mapping, check it out.
by Anne, on April 10 2007 @ 2:19 am
Thanks for the link! Yes, I’m in the “it all depends” catagory. I guess I’ve seen too many books with licensed characters masquerading as something “educational.” Of course, there’s a lot more than that out there! Thanks for educating me … guess my reading list has to add a few titles.
by paradisefound, on April 10 2007 @ 6:31 am
Well, Anne, if you want to talk licensed characters and regurgitated movies as books, NOTHING turns me off more than that!
by Anne, on April 10 2007 @ 8:58 am
Sorry for the bum link … it should be bookbuds.net . Thanks for the thoughtful discussion. You’ve added a few titles to my “must see” list.
Hey, I’ll swap you some “My Little Pony” sticker books …