Several months back, we were tipped off about Circa, a circular calendar designed by mama of two Melinda Holahan, whose innovative design helps children to visualise the cyclical nature of the calendar, incorporating days, months, dates, and seasons. As a mama of two that badger me about where they’re going each day, whether it’s the weekend, how many days till a party or Uncle Titty arrives, or until a holiday, I was only too eager to try one out, never mind the kids.
Each of the wooden discs can be used separately or quickly slotted together. The clever design is so educational and useful that there’s plenty of longevity in it as there are so many ways it can be used. The week days are in blue and the weekend is in green, so immediately Saria, 4, is now focused on going to school on green days and moving the markers along. If you use the month disc individually or lift off the days disc, you can see the seasons which can be moved around to prompt a great discussion about the changing of the seasons and which months they correspond to.
The colour coded months will really come into play when I pass on “Thirty days have September, April, June and November…” etc, and the days of the week are coloured at the end of the month to correspond with the months, so 28 and 29 are in red like February. It also comes with reusable vinyl stickers which can be used to countdown to an important event so it can be used as an advent calendar, birthday countdown etc. The numbers of course prompt number discussion and location and there’s a perpetual year dial that sits on top. You can also use it as a desk calendar by placing it on the additional piece that tilts it at a slight angle.
A few months back, grandma gave the girls a chart to teach them the same concepts – it just doesn’t compare once you try a Circa with it’s interactive, hands on approach. £39.99.
Update 11th January – If you email sales AT circacalendar.com (replace At with @), BG readers can now get 10% off.
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