Nap Time in Naptown: New Lakeshore Learning Store in Indianapolis

When I made the decision to homeschool Madeline, three of my friends (who all were teachers before staying home with their kids) told me I needed to check out Lakeshore Learning. I had never even heard of Lakeshore which isn't surprising since my only role during Madeline's preschool year was chauffeur and snack buyer and I'm just now venturing into teacher mode. (Hold me.)

However, I think Lakeshore might have my conversations bugged because a few weeks ago, they emailed me to see if Madeline wanted to try out some of their products. This means in addition to knowing I'm about to homeschool, they also know my deep feelings on Essie's Fiji color and my giddy anticipation for "Big Brother" and the Olympics.

Of course I said yes and picked out the Operations Magnetic Activity Board because our library has the magnetic counting maze and Madeline LOVES playing with it. (This says a lot because the library also has touch-screen computers with Dora the Explorer games.)

Ever since Madeline opened the box and began playing with the board, she has called it her math toy and I'm not about to correct her. She may be learning addition and subtraction but to her, she's just playing with her toy. 

I love it too because all the pieces are contained (a.k.a. no threat to our resident "everything goes in the mouth" baby) and the 15 double-sided mats mean Madeline is thoroughly entertained for a looooong time while I clean the kitchen or feed Caleb. I also like that she will grow with the board because some of the mats are too advanced right now with multiplication and division.

I'm a fan of using manipulatives when learning math so I'd love to get Madeline some cute counters to go with this.

Lakeshore just opened a new store here in Indianapolis in May (on 86th St. in Nora, for you fellow locals) and we checked it out after my friends said to go, well before Lakeshore contacted me. Madeline wanted to buy everything we saw and honestly I did too. They have everything a little school-loving heart could hope for. 

Also, if you need to a bribe while shopping at Nora's Whole Foods or Target, Lakeshore hosts free crafts every Saturday from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Not that you would ever bribe your kids for good behavior. No, of course not.

Disclaimer: I hope you know I'm pretty picky when it comes to reviews. I say no to a lot but said yes to Lakeshore because of the stellar recommendations from my friends and because it fits in naturally with my all-consuming thoughts on "oh my word how do I homeschool in two months??". They sent me the board for free but all opinions are mine.