Blogging From A to Z Challenge: J is for Juggling

How did you inventing go yesterday? I didn't come up with anything new, but my sister and I did try some of the ideas from the videos I linked to—so much fun. Oh, in case you didn't know, I'm participating in the annual Blogging from A to Z Challenge and my theme this year is 26 Super Fun Learning Activities You Can Do From Home. That's right, I'm conjuring up 26 "educational" ideas to keep you busy while you're safe at home. But don't get too hung up on the word "educational"—so far, they've all be fun activities. Honest!

Last Wednesday, I kicked off the challenge with Art for the letter A. On Thursday, B was for Baking. My sister and I did some chemistry on Friday, and I rounded off the week with a family dance off. On Monday, we did some exercise (which was way more fun than you think) Tuesday was all about family, Wednesday we did some gardening, and yesterday we celebrated Poetry Month by writing haikus. And of course, I was for Invention.

Today's "J" post is all about the fun.

J is for Juggling 

I wouldn't call myself the most coordinated kid in the world. Sure, I can run fast—super fast—but when Dad jokes that I can't chew gum and walk at the same time, he's not all that wrong. It takes all my concentration to multi-task.

Which is why today's educational at-home activity is a little...daunting.

A few years ago, Grandma bought us a juggling kit and well, today we're going to give it a try. Don't worry if you don't have a juggling kit—you can juggle all kinds of things. Just not...breakables. And maybe aim to practice where there aren't other breakables...

This diagram is a good way to get you started:

But there are also a ton of YouTube videos you can watch, like this one.

Sounds like fun, right? I think it will be—but how is it educational? Well, juggling helps with coordination—which is something I need—as well as concentration. (I talked to Grandma on the phone this morning and she warned me it wouldn't be easy.) And that kind of focus can be applied to all learning—like problem solving, reading, and even physical activity...pretty sure I'll get lots of exercise today chasing after my bean bags when I toss them too far!

Gotta jet! The Blogging From A to Z Challenge takes Sundays off, so there's no post tomorrow—but I'll be back Monday for the letter "K." K? K! I hope you and your family have a Hoppy Easter—it may not be the kind you're used to, but it will definitely be unforgettable.

Oh! I forgot—another great "J" activity is JOURNALING. Dad says we should be documenting this whole pandemic thing, and I agree. I think it will be interesting to look back a year from now and think about all of the ways life had changed. I wonder how much of it will have gone back to normal?

Okay, going for real now! See you Monday.

~ Chase Superman Duffy