**This is the sixth post in a series of FAQ’s**

The only major consideration in choosing a new experience is that it is something completely new to Luke and Leah.

As a former teacher and reading specialist, I am aware that new experiences will expand my children’s background knowledge.  This, in turn, will help them become better readers and prepare them for learning new material.  With this information in the back of my mind, I choose cultural activities such as visiting the Princeton University Art Museum and watching a live performance in a park.

As a naturally curious person, I also choose experiences I think will surprise my children, like licking a 9 volt battery and putting pennies on a railroad track.

As someone who loves to spend time outdoors, I choose experiences that bring us closer to nature.  The Great Backyard Bird Count and The Great American Backyard Campout were two experiences in which I hope helped foster a love of the outdoors.

As a mom who hopes to raise good citizens, we volunteered in the local food pantry and recycled our own paper.

As someone who loves life, I sometimes choose activities just because they are fun!  Swimming in a lake, participating in a Kids’ Fun Run, and conducting an Ice Cream Taste Test were all experiences done just for fun.

I try to balance activities I think Luke will like with activities I think Leah will love.  I also throw in a few experiences I think will be good for the kids, but they might not enjoy as much as I will.  See my post about our Screen Free Week for a good example of that!

I’m glad we’ve tried a variety of new experiences.  We have learned so much and had so much fun this year!

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