Did you enjoy the post discussing our hobbies during the pandemic? If so, you are in for a real treat because we’ve added a few more since then such as puzzles, Bolts, and calligraphy.
That’s right!
Clearly, the thought of learning a new language, science experiments, and cooking was not enough.
Calligraphy
So, here’s the deal. I did not start the Spanish program. I just couldn’t muster up the energy to focus in on it for the long haul, but if you’re up for the challenge, annaspanish is a great place to find 1:1 language tuition. So, instead, I went with something a bit less strenuous, calligraphy.
I love writing and have always been interested in learning the writing art, but never made the time to do so…until now.
This particular kit that I’m currently using is from Five Below. It’s a $5 kit, that gives you the very basics in getting started with calligraphy. The book is great! The pen is not the best at all. As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t even recommend the pen in the kit. Get the kit for the book and buy a better quality calligraphy pen. Seriously.
But, what do you expect? It’s $5.
And, if you are not ready to start with a calligraphy pen, start with a combination of assorted markers. I’ve picked up a few different packs over the past week such as brush markers, super tips, etc. and have been practicing with those. Once I’ve mastered working with the markers, I’ll invest in a real calligraphy pen and begin my work there.
Puzzles
Aside from calligraphy, my youngest son has found a new love for puzzles. I couldn’t believe it. We were walking through the Dollar Tree and he asked for a puzzle. I can’t recall him ever asking for a puzzle until this. He picked up a 48 piece puzzle and has put it together a hundred times.
You can check out the time lapse on Instagram. Watching it is so satisfying for me.
To encourage his hobby, I picked up a few 100 piece puzzles last night while in Dollar Tree and have incorporated some puzzle time into his homeschool day. This allows him to get a break from the computer work, enjoy himself, and rest his mind before tackling another assignment, ya know?
Bolts from The Makers of Meccano
As for my oldest, Dollar Tree came through with a series of these mini Bolts kits. These kits come in small boxes with approximately 27 pieces in each kit. The kits are recommended for ages 8+ which is great because typically Dollar Tree activities are for smaller children.
What I love about these kits are that they are perfect for my oldest son who loves putting things together. It’s a perfect STEM project that can be incorporated into a typical homeschool day. In addition to this, real tools are included. Kits are made of real metal and plastic parts, real screws and nuts for an authentic building experience.
Each erector set style project is designed to intellectually stimulate and enhance S.T.E.M. related skills.
Also the projects aid in instruction following, growing patience while providing a sense of accomplishment for a completed project.
I picked up four of them, which should keep him busy over the next few weeks.
You may enjoy the Holiday GIft Guide for the Hobbyist. In the post, other hobbies unlike these are shared.
Final Thoughts
Having a few hobbies has always been important to me and our family. Hobbies allow us to be more productive with our time all while learning something new.In my last post on hobbies, I said I hoped to share more, and today I have. Yayyy!
What hobbies have you taken up during the pandemic?
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