Primitive Skills

We're into primitive skills around here, not so much because we're convinced they may come in handy someday (they may, but that's not exactly the point) but more because they are are a special kind of fun. They are a great way to learn about our human history & ancestral ways, about nature, and to enjoy ourselves each others' company outside. Last year we were in Chicago and were lucky to be able to participate in a local Primitive Skills group. This year we are in Madison, and lucky to be here too, although we miss out primitive skills buddies.

Here are some links pursuing primitive skills the traditional way - by doing them, and more indooors-y pre-school-y crafts based on stone age human technology.

Native Tech - Native American crafts (Woodlands people-centric) done with modern materials
Tipis, Wigwams, Yurts - modern fun with traditional housing forms
More Than Moccasins A fun crafts book introducing little kids to the tribal groups of North America, and the basic forms of their traditional technologies.

Freethinkers links

I'm reading Raising Freethinkers the companion book to Dale McGowan's Parenting Beyond Belief, and wow, it's great - more packed with resources than I could have guessed and more fun and humor than any other parenting book I've ever read. I highly recommend it. I put the above link to link to the books recommended, and you'll notice many of them were already on my Amazon wish list. (hint) Here's another one I had NOT seen - Charlie's Playhouse, evolution toys for kids - not a huge selection, but good stuff!