For cheap fun, there's nothing quite like spending a few minutes on youTube or other video sites, but remember that is also an opportunity to incorporate quick mini lessons in history, geography, language and many other topics.
For a connection between the current media-loving generation and history, try the Telephone and Rubber Band song, by Penguin Cafe Orchestra. There is even a short telephone and rubber band video that is kind of strange (in a family-friendly way) and showcases the world-famous music arrangement that was created by a combination of hold music on a telephone and rubber band twanging in the background. It's a great introduction to either creating your own music, movie history, or both.
Next, get out your globe or atlas to find out just where the Canary Islands really are, before you watch a video about their whistling language, called Silbo Gomero, a fascinating example of "necessity is the mother of invention" as this whistled communication system was invented prior to telephones by people who needed to communicate long distances across mountains and valleys. This is a great introduction for helping children understand that old saying, as well as increase their geographic and history skills - and perhaps they'll even be inspired to learn to whistle, too!
Whistling Language Demonstration
Next, visit the PlaydoughPages for more ideas about cheap fun ways to help children learn.
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