Remember back when you were in school. Come on, it wasn't that long ago! I know I was always nervous for the first day. Sophia has gone to preschool for the last 3 years but she is starting Kindergarten this year and has been very apprehensive about the first day. She has blatantly told me that she is NOT going to Kindergarten.
I know that there are many of you who have mentioned that you have children starting kindergarten this year. Have you also experienced this apprehensiveness?
What have you done to try to make the transition easier?
I have reassured Sophia that she knows people already from soccer and the library so she will have friends at her new school already. We also bought a new dress special for the first day and talked about how mommy and daddy will bring her to school the first day and then explained the before and after program to her so she understands when mommy will be picking her up and dropping her off. I have also done trial runs to the school and then to my school to get a feeling for a time frame and Sophia got to see how we will get to school and where mommy will be going after I drop her off.
We also went to orientation to meet and greet the teachers and principal and also tour the building.
I think all of these things has eased Sophia's mind a bit, this week she is excited about starting school.
For more information about this check out this article:
http://school.familyeducation.com/slideshow/kindergarten/38785.html
Would love to hear your experiences and ideas.
Dawn
Friday, August 26, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Its that time of the year...What do you do to get everyone ready and fed?
School is starting soon in the northeast, so I am already thinking about how I can make breakfast an easier transition with getting everyone up, dressed, fed and off to school without going bonkers.
At the end of last school year, I started packing lunches the night before so I only had to open the fridge and put lunches into lunch bags. This year will be somewhat easier since Sophia will have the option to eat lunch at school too.
We have also started picking out clothes the night before, though Sophia may change her mind in the morning, which throws a wrench in the plan, but mostly made dressing easier.
Then there is feeding time....
Sophia and I both ate breakfast either in the car on the way to school or when we got there. I do not know if this is yet an option for us at the new morning program. Sophia and I really aren't breakfast kind of people. However, I keep trying to instill in Sophia that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and modeling breakfast eating myself.
Why should we all eat breakfast?
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because It gives you the energy you need to make it through the rest of the day.
Eating breakfast means that you are more likely to make healthier choices to eat throughout the day.
Eating breakfast can also make it less likely to overeat during the day because it fills your belly.
For more information check this Mayo Clinic website....
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-and-nutrition/AN01119
What should we have for a healthy breakfast on the go?
After reading this article, http://www.cookinglight.com/eating-smart/smart-choices/12-smart-ideas-for-breakfast-on-go-00400000001601/ , I realized that I have been promoting healthy choices for breakfast (patting myself on the back :). )
Often crunched for time in the morning, I would grab a yogurt for Sophia and a piece of fruit or a cheese stick and some pretzels or crackers, I would whip up egg wraps the night before and wrap them in the fridge for the morning, I would make peanut butter and jelly, cream cheese and jelly or peanut butter and banana sandwiches on wheat bread or whole grain english muffins, or sometimes make oatmeal in a paper cup with a plastic spoon. Sophia also fell in love with oatmeal breakfast cookies, made by Quaker.
I have often questioned if this was a healthy choice and decided I would like to make my own version of oatmeal breakfast cookies. The problem being that they don't stay good for long. They can be frozen but I am not yet sure how well they thaw. With the help of a montage of other recipes online, I came up with one myself that is a huge hit and I control what goes into them!
Check out my recipe blog at http://yumeeemama.blogspot.com/ for breakfast cookie recipe and plenty of other week night friendly recipes after a long day at work.
What do you give the Kiddos for breakfast?
What do you do to make the mornings run smoother?
I hope one or more of these ideas help make you have a better school morning.
Thanks,
Dawn
At the end of last school year, I started packing lunches the night before so I only had to open the fridge and put lunches into lunch bags. This year will be somewhat easier since Sophia will have the option to eat lunch at school too.
We have also started picking out clothes the night before, though Sophia may change her mind in the morning, which throws a wrench in the plan, but mostly made dressing easier.
Then there is feeding time....
Sophia and I both ate breakfast either in the car on the way to school or when we got there. I do not know if this is yet an option for us at the new morning program. Sophia and I really aren't breakfast kind of people. However, I keep trying to instill in Sophia that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and modeling breakfast eating myself.
Why should we all eat breakfast?
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because It gives you the energy you need to make it through the rest of the day.
Eating breakfast means that you are more likely to make healthier choices to eat throughout the day.
Eating breakfast can also make it less likely to overeat during the day because it fills your belly.
For more information check this Mayo Clinic website....
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-and-nutrition/AN01119
What should we have for a healthy breakfast on the go?
After reading this article, http://www.cookinglight.com/eating-smart/smart-choices/12-smart-ideas-for-breakfast-on-go-00400000001601/ , I realized that I have been promoting healthy choices for breakfast (patting myself on the back :). )
Often crunched for time in the morning, I would grab a yogurt for Sophia and a piece of fruit or a cheese stick and some pretzels or crackers, I would whip up egg wraps the night before and wrap them in the fridge for the morning, I would make peanut butter and jelly, cream cheese and jelly or peanut butter and banana sandwiches on wheat bread or whole grain english muffins, or sometimes make oatmeal in a paper cup with a plastic spoon. Sophia also fell in love with oatmeal breakfast cookies, made by Quaker.
I have often questioned if this was a healthy choice and decided I would like to make my own version of oatmeal breakfast cookies. The problem being that they don't stay good for long. They can be frozen but I am not yet sure how well they thaw. With the help of a montage of other recipes online, I came up with one myself that is a huge hit and I control what goes into them!
Check out my recipe blog at http://yumeeemama.blogspot.com/ for breakfast cookie recipe and plenty of other week night friendly recipes after a long day at work.
What do you give the Kiddos for breakfast?
What do you do to make the mornings run smoother?
I hope one or more of these ideas help make you have a better school morning.
Thanks,
Dawn
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Is postpartum real?
YES, YES, YES !!!
What is postpartum depression?
Depression is an illness that effects the brain. You often feel anxious, blue and empty feeling for an extended time.
What causes depression?
A chemical imbalance in your brain causes depression.
How can I be sure I am depressed?
Feeling restless or moody
WHO GETS DEPRESSION?
Women with a family history and hormonal factors, such as pregnancy, are most likely to get depression.
There are three categories of depression after pregnancy,
The most mild is the baby blues:
The second type is postpartum depression:
The last type of depression is postpartum psychosis :
How is it treated?
Therapy and medicines can treat depression.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, PLEASE call your doctor.
PLEASE know that you are NOT alone. Many women do like to talk about postpartum depression because they are embarrassed.
I experienced PPD after Sophia was born. It started only within days or a week of coming home. I was an overwhelmed single mother. I cried all the time. If I couldn't stop her from crying, I would cry with her. If she wanted to eat what I thought was too much food, I cried. (after a day of that I called the peds dr and he told me she can drink as much breast milk as she wanted. So i cried more before I told him I didn't want her to be fat from drinking so much milk. He assured me she would not get fat and could drink as much breast milk as she wanted.) There were times when I just cried because I thought about crying. I finally went to the ob-gyn instead of work one morning because after 3 weeks I could not stop crying and I was having SEVERE separation anxiety.
The ob-gyn confirmed I did have postpartum depression and prescribed a mild anti depressant. I refused to take it because I was still breast feeding so i cried about that and the doctor reassured me that it was safe for me to still breast feed. After about 3 weeks I started feeling more like myself and have been fine since.
Please know you are not alone and talk to someone.
Thanks to:
http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/depression-pregnancy.cfm
Dawn
What is postpartum depression?
Depression is an illness that effects the brain. You often feel anxious, blue and empty feeling for an extended time.
What causes depression?
A chemical imbalance in your brain causes depression.
How can I be sure I am depressed?
Feeling restless or moody
- Feeling sad, hopeless, and overwhelmed
- Crying a lot
- Having no energy or motivation
- Eating too little or too much
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Having trouble focusing or making decisions
- Having memory problems
- Feeling worthless and guilty
- Losing interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Having headaches, aches and pains, or stomach problems that don't go away
WHO GETS DEPRESSION?
Women with a family history and hormonal factors, such as pregnancy, are most likely to get depression.
There are three categories of depression after pregnancy,
The most mild is the baby blues:
- Have mood swings
- Feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed
- Have crying spells
- Lose your appetite
- Have trouble sleeping
The second type is postpartum depression:
- Thoughts of hurting the baby
- Thoughts of hurting yourself
- Not having any interest in the baby
The last type of depression is postpartum psychosis :
- Seeing things that aren't there
- Feeling confused
- Having rapid mood swings
- Trying to hurt yourself or your baby
How is it treated?
Therapy and medicines can treat depression.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, PLEASE call your doctor.
PLEASE know that you are NOT alone. Many women do like to talk about postpartum depression because they are embarrassed.
I experienced PPD after Sophia was born. It started only within days or a week of coming home. I was an overwhelmed single mother. I cried all the time. If I couldn't stop her from crying, I would cry with her. If she wanted to eat what I thought was too much food, I cried. (after a day of that I called the peds dr and he told me she can drink as much breast milk as she wanted. So i cried more before I told him I didn't want her to be fat from drinking so much milk. He assured me she would not get fat and could drink as much breast milk as she wanted.) There were times when I just cried because I thought about crying. I finally went to the ob-gyn instead of work one morning because after 3 weeks I could not stop crying and I was having SEVERE separation anxiety.
The ob-gyn confirmed I did have postpartum depression and prescribed a mild anti depressant. I refused to take it because I was still breast feeding so i cried about that and the doctor reassured me that it was safe for me to still breast feed. After about 3 weeks I started feeling more like myself and have been fine since.
Please know you are not alone and talk to someone.
Thanks to:
http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/depression-pregnancy.cfm
Dawn
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Why are you looking at me?
So how many times have you been out somewhere and your child decided to have a meltdown in public? I know we have all been there! I know we have all experienced those delightful glares from people around us as well!
http://twrt.me/awnbk This is a blog by Techydad who experiences just this and explains it perfectly.
I used to be one of those glaring people thinking, "OMG, control your kid or leave!!"
BUT,
Now I am a Mama and I have gotten that look from others.
After experiencing the meltdowns in public (the grocery store was a popular place for that), I can say that I have felt the millions of glaring eyes and whispers behind me and I have felt alone and embarrassed thinking I couldn't control my child.
I needed to figure out what to do to rectify the issue when it happened so I wouldn't embarrass myself and annoy others with a screaming child. While it seems that I am giving in to my once mentality of "control your kid or leave", maybe I am just keeping in mind how I felt. I didn't ( and still don't) go to a restaurant to sit next to a screaming child. I wanted/want to enjoy myself without a child screaming the entire time.
I decided that it was best to leave wherever I was with my daughter and calm her down. If it worked we would return inside, if not, we left. I have left carts of groceries in the middle of shopping and packed meals to go just after it arrived at the table. There were times I brought Soph to the car for a time out and times when she was just beyond a time out and we drove home.
I want to be courteous to the people around me and at the same time focus on my daughter to calm her down. There was no reason to have her so upset while i finish shopping or eating a meal.
Tantrums are few and far between in public now that Soph is 5 yrs old but I remember feeling alone and embarrassed so when I see a parent having this experience and they look upset, I make a point to go over and tell them it's ok, we have all been through meltdowns.
I think it's important parents, mothers especially, support each other. I think this is ESPECIALLY important right after a mother gives birth. Postpartum depression is real and can have a negative effect if not treated. Next week's post will be about Postpartum depression.... stay tuned.
http://twrt.me/awnbk This is a blog by Techydad who experiences just this and explains it perfectly.
I used to be one of those glaring people thinking, "OMG, control your kid or leave!!"
BUT,
Now I am a Mama and I have gotten that look from others.
After experiencing the meltdowns in public (the grocery store was a popular place for that), I can say that I have felt the millions of glaring eyes and whispers behind me and I have felt alone and embarrassed thinking I couldn't control my child.
I needed to figure out what to do to rectify the issue when it happened so I wouldn't embarrass myself and annoy others with a screaming child. While it seems that I am giving in to my once mentality of "control your kid or leave", maybe I am just keeping in mind how I felt. I didn't ( and still don't) go to a restaurant to sit next to a screaming child. I wanted/want to enjoy myself without a child screaming the entire time.
I decided that it was best to leave wherever I was with my daughter and calm her down. If it worked we would return inside, if not, we left. I have left carts of groceries in the middle of shopping and packed meals to go just after it arrived at the table. There were times I brought Soph to the car for a time out and times when she was just beyond a time out and we drove home.
I want to be courteous to the people around me and at the same time focus on my daughter to calm her down. There was no reason to have her so upset while i finish shopping or eating a meal.
Tantrums are few and far between in public now that Soph is 5 yrs old but I remember feeling alone and embarrassed so when I see a parent having this experience and they look upset, I make a point to go over and tell them it's ok, we have all been through meltdowns.
WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN?
I think it's important parents, mothers especially, support each other. I think this is ESPECIALLY important right after a mother gives birth. Postpartum depression is real and can have a negative effect if not treated. Next week's post will be about Postpartum depression.... stay tuned.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Holy Tantrums Bat Man!
You all know what a tantrum is right?
Well in case you don't know,
Temper tantrums are disruptive or undesirable behaviors or emotional outbursts displayed in response to unmet needs or desires. They may also refer to an inability to control emotions due to frustration or difficulty expressing a particular need or desire.
Temper tantrums are ultimately an attention-seeking behavior. One strategy to minimize the length and severity of the tantrum is to ignore the behavior. As long as the child is safe and not being destructive, walking away to another room in the house may shorten the episode because now the drama has no audience. Sometimes the child will follow and continue the tantrum. Do not talk or react until the behavior stops. Then, calmly discuss the issue and offer acceptable alternatives without giving in to their demand.
Make yourself Happy and Proud and get those tantrums under control.
Thanks
Dawn
Saturday, July 23, 2011
You BIG BULLY....
I was recently heartbroken when a good friend of mine told me that her sweetheart of a son told her he wanted to kill himself because he was being bullied at school. I think many people have experienced bullying within their lives. I was bullied as a child at various points in my life because i had a back brace at one point, braces another, glasses another, and the ever so popular fat kid bullying.
Children seem to start bullying at a VERY young age. I have seen this when my daughter was only 2 years old and in daycare and children were hitting each other. I know what you are saying, that's not bullying, that's kids being kids. Well it starts with something so mild as a push or a hit and once they realize they can gain power that way, it escalates.
WHAT IS BULLYING?
Dan Olweus, creator of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, provides us with this commonly accepted definition for bullying in his book, Bullying at School: What We Know and What We Can Do:
"A person is bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and he or she has difficulty defending himself or herself."
2. Bullying involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time.
3. Bullying involves an imbalance of power or strength.
I was bullied in my neighborhood when I went out to play and on the bus. What was your experience?
WHAT DOES BULLYING LOOK LIKE?
Bullying can take on many forms. As part of the Olweus Bullying Questionnaire, students are asked if they have been bullied in any of these nine ways:
1. Verbal bullying including derogatory comments and bad names
2. Bullying through social exclusion or isolation
3. Physical bullying such as hitting, kicking, shoving, and spitting
4. Bullying through lies and false rumors
5. Having money or other things taken or damaged by students who bully
6. Being threatened or being forced to do things by students who bully
7. Racial bullying
8. Sexual bullying
9. Cyber bullying (via cell phone or Internet) Learn more
I was called brace face or fatso or four eyes, and socially excluded by some girls in high school. What was your experience?
WHY DO PEOPLE BULLY?
1. Students who bully have strong needs for power and (negative) dominance.
2. Students who bully find satisfaction in causing injury and suffering to other
students.
3. Students who bully are often rewarded in some way for their behavior with
material or psychological rewards
THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A BULLY--
HOW DOES IT EFFECT YOUR CHILD?
http://www.life123.com/parenting/tweens-teens/bullying/school-bullying.shtml
Keep the lines of communication open between you, your child, and the school if applicable.
Some of you may already know that I am a teacher. I have seen children being bullied and have used the following website to help me intervene. The webisodes on the website are a good tool for opening discussions.
http://www.stopbullying.gov/
I always start the school year with a bullying lesson and let the children know that I DO NOT tolerate bullying of any kind. We are a family in my classroom and we will treat each other that way. In doing this blog I also found a school based, researched peace program that I am going to write a grant for. :)
You would think things get better as you get older but I think the form of bullying just changes. I have been bullied by co workers who did not want my opinions because I was younger and new to the profession.
http://www.baselinemag.com/c/a/Intelligence/Office-Bullies-Make-Work-Hard-372093/?kc=GOOBA051711OBWWHSS&pid=adult%20bully&gclid=CKer79KUmKoCFaZx5QodhQYcyA
This site also includes a ppt about office bullying.
I hope this helps you understand bullying and how to handle it a little better.
Communication is key!
Thanks,
Dawn
Children seem to start bullying at a VERY young age. I have seen this when my daughter was only 2 years old and in daycare and children were hitting each other. I know what you are saying, that's not bullying, that's kids being kids. Well it starts with something so mild as a push or a hit and once they realize they can gain power that way, it escalates.
WHAT IS BULLYING?
Dan Olweus, creator of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, provides us with this commonly accepted definition for bullying in his book, Bullying at School: What We Know and What We Can Do:
"A person is bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and he or she has difficulty defending himself or herself."
This definition includes three important components:
1. Bullying is aggressive behavior that involves unwanted, negative actions.2. Bullying involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time.
3. Bullying involves an imbalance of power or strength.
I was bullied in my neighborhood when I went out to play and on the bus. What was your experience?
WHAT DOES BULLYING LOOK LIKE?
Bullying can take on many forms. As part of the Olweus Bullying Questionnaire, students are asked if they have been bullied in any of these nine ways:
1. Verbal bullying including derogatory comments and bad names
2. Bullying through social exclusion or isolation
3. Physical bullying such as hitting, kicking, shoving, and spitting
4. Bullying through lies and false rumors
5. Having money or other things taken or damaged by students who bully
6. Being threatened or being forced to do things by students who bully
7. Racial bullying
8. Sexual bullying
9. Cyber bullying (via cell phone or Internet) Learn more
I was called brace face or fatso or four eyes, and socially excluded by some girls in high school. What was your experience?
WHY DO PEOPLE BULLY?
1. Students who bully have strong needs for power and (negative) dominance.
2. Students who bully find satisfaction in causing injury and suffering to other
students.
3. Students who bully are often rewarded in some way for their behavior with
material or psychological rewards
THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A BULLY--
- Get into frequent fights
- Steal and vandalize property
- Drink alcohol and smoke
- Report poor grades
- Perceive a negative climate at school
- Carry a weapon
HOW DOES IT EFFECT YOUR CHILD?
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- Health problems
- Poor grades
- Suicidal thoughts
http://www.life123.com/parenting/tweens-teens/bullying/school-bullying.shtml
Keep the lines of communication open between you, your child, and the school if applicable.
Some of you may already know that I am a teacher. I have seen children being bullied and have used the following website to help me intervene. The webisodes on the website are a good tool for opening discussions.
http://www.stopbullying.gov/
I always start the school year with a bullying lesson and let the children know that I DO NOT tolerate bullying of any kind. We are a family in my classroom and we will treat each other that way. In doing this blog I also found a school based, researched peace program that I am going to write a grant for. :)
You would think things get better as you get older but I think the form of bullying just changes. I have been bullied by co workers who did not want my opinions because I was younger and new to the profession.
http://www.baselinemag.com/c/a/Intelligence/Office-Bullies-Make-Work-Hard-372093/?kc=GOOBA051711OBWWHSS&pid=adult%20bully&gclid=CKer79KUmKoCFaZx5QodhQYcyA
This site also includes a ppt about office bullying.
I hope this helps you understand bullying and how to handle it a little better.
Communication is key!
Thanks,
Dawn
Monday, July 11, 2011
preschool or daycare.....
My first post discussed HOW to find a preschool but Natasha suggested more information about the difference between a preschool and a daycare.
Dr Hackney gives a really good yet brief description. There are also follow up videos.
http://www.5min.com/Video/Preschool-VS-Daycare-155908239
Sophia started her life with a private sitter for about 2 yrs. I realized that she needed more education in her day. She was learning and soaking everything in like a sponge. I am a single mom so I needed care that was going to extend throughout the workday but I also wanted someplace in which she would be LEARNING.
I researched and went to uncountable places until I found one I thought was suitable. After only 1 yr I realized that Sophia was not being challenged enough. She was learning to count to 10 and the colors and shapes. She was far more advanced than this and I didn't want to hold her back so the next summer, I looked for a new school. I found a school that challenged Sophia's learning, and was flexible for daycare. The first place was a daycare while the second place was a preschool.
No one knows your child better than you so let your child be your guide as to what they are ready for. Daycare is usually for the younger children while preschool for 3 yrs and up. I hope this helps.
Good Luck!
Dawn
Dr Hackney gives a really good yet brief description. There are also follow up videos.
http://www.5min.com/Video/Preschool-VS-Daycare-155908239
Sophia started her life with a private sitter for about 2 yrs. I realized that she needed more education in her day. She was learning and soaking everything in like a sponge. I am a single mom so I needed care that was going to extend throughout the workday but I also wanted someplace in which she would be LEARNING.
I researched and went to uncountable places until I found one I thought was suitable. After only 1 yr I realized that Sophia was not being challenged enough. She was learning to count to 10 and the colors and shapes. She was far more advanced than this and I didn't want to hold her back so the next summer, I looked for a new school. I found a school that challenged Sophia's learning, and was flexible for daycare. The first place was a daycare while the second place was a preschool.
No one knows your child better than you so let your child be your guide as to what they are ready for. Daycare is usually for the younger children while preschool for 3 yrs and up. I hope this helps.
Good Luck!
Dawn
Friday, July 8, 2011
Summer reading
ok so we are all very busy doing fun stuff during the summer with the kiddos but how much are the kiddos reading this summer?
Did you know that kids often lose a partial reading level from the end of the school year in June to the beginning of school in Sept?
It is fundamental to read EACH day with your child, to your child or them to you.
How is this incentive for reading over the summer?
http://www.scholastic.com/summer/sweepstakes/kidssweepsrules.htm
What books can your child read?
You do not want to give your 3rd grader a Harry Potter book if they can't read it. Many parents allow their children to "read" any books they choose. While it is good to explore books like this, books should be able to be read INDEPENDENTLY by your child if you are not reading with him or her.
How can you tell if they can read it independently?
A child should be able to read the first few pages of a book with MINIMAL mistakes reading the words and is not struggling to sound a word out. They should also be able to tell you what happened on those pages.
How do I know my child really read the story?
ASK QUESTIONS---(having them WRITE their answers is good practice too)
Who are the characters? (who are the animals/people in the story)
What is the setting? (Where AND When does the story take place)
What is the plot? (what are the events happening in the story)
What happened in the beginning, middle and end?
Can you WRITE a NEW ending to the story?
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not? Give 3 supporting details.
What is your child's favorite book of the summer so far?
Sophia's Fav this summer, so far, is Bad Case of the Stripes by David Shannon.
Read EVERYDAY! Reading is FUNDAMENTAL!
Enjoy a good book today!
Dawn
Did you know that kids often lose a partial reading level from the end of the school year in June to the beginning of school in Sept?
It is fundamental to read EACH day with your child, to your child or them to you.
How is this incentive for reading over the summer?
http://www.scholastic.com/summer/sweepstakes/kidssweepsrules.htm
What books can your child read?
You do not want to give your 3rd grader a Harry Potter book if they can't read it. Many parents allow their children to "read" any books they choose. While it is good to explore books like this, books should be able to be read INDEPENDENTLY by your child if you are not reading with him or her.
How can you tell if they can read it independently?
A child should be able to read the first few pages of a book with MINIMAL mistakes reading the words and is not struggling to sound a word out. They should also be able to tell you what happened on those pages.
How do I know my child really read the story?
ASK QUESTIONS---(having them WRITE their answers is good practice too)
Who are the characters? (who are the animals/people in the story)
What is the setting? (Where AND When does the story take place)
What is the plot? (what are the events happening in the story)
What happened in the beginning, middle and end?
Can you WRITE a NEW ending to the story?
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not? Give 3 supporting details.
What is your child's favorite book of the summer so far?
Sophia's Fav this summer, so far, is Bad Case of the Stripes by David Shannon.
Read EVERYDAY! Reading is FUNDAMENTAL!
Enjoy a good book today!
Dawn
Thursday, July 7, 2011
What do you do?
What do you do to ensure your child is well rounded?
I like to think that I am well rounded but I realize I am not as rounded as I could be. I want to make sure that I am giving everything I can to Sophia to ensure that she is more well rounded than myself. While I think I am doing a good job of that by giving her every opportunity, her father is concerned I am going above and beyond and that we should not do as many things as we do.
What do you do to ensure a well rounded child?
Here is one mamas opinion....
http://taylasjourneyhome.wordpress.com/2011/06/30/producing-well-rounded-children/
After reading the following--I didn't know it was so simple!
http://www.parents.com/kids/development/social/raise-well-rounded-kids/
Let's get a discussion going!
DAWN
I like to think that I am well rounded but I realize I am not as rounded as I could be. I want to make sure that I am giving everything I can to Sophia to ensure that she is more well rounded than myself. While I think I am doing a good job of that by giving her every opportunity, her father is concerned I am going above and beyond and that we should not do as many things as we do.
What do you do to ensure a well rounded child?
Here is one mamas opinion....
http://taylasjourneyhome.wordpress.com/2011/06/30/producing-well-rounded-children/
After reading the following--I didn't know it was so simple!
http://www.parents.com/kids/development/social/raise-well-rounded-kids/
Let's get a discussion going!
DAWN
Sunday, July 3, 2011
What do the fireworks really mean?
We all get caught up in the fireworks and the barbecues but what does it all mean?
Make this day a day to learn some history for your little one. It saddens me that so many children do not know why we have fireworks and bbqs.
Here is some Kid friendly advice to explain the day.....
Over 200 yrs ago the land that we live on (the United States) had to follow the laws from Great Britain and the people who lived on our land decided that they wanted to be free and have their own laws. July 4th was the day that many important people signed a paper that said we were our own states and not part of Great Britain anymore. JULY 4th 1776 is the United States Birthday!
For older kids add:
This paper is called the Declaration of Independence. The most famous line is:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Enjoy the day and be safe in your travels!
Dawn
Make this day a day to learn some history for your little one. It saddens me that so many children do not know why we have fireworks and bbqs.
Here is some Kid friendly advice to explain the day.....
Over 200 yrs ago the land that we live on (the United States) had to follow the laws from Great Britain and the people who lived on our land decided that they wanted to be free and have their own laws. July 4th was the day that many important people signed a paper that said we were our own states and not part of Great Britain anymore. JULY 4th 1776 is the United States Birthday!
For older kids add:
This paper is called the Declaration of Independence. The most famous line is:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Enjoy the day and be safe in your travels!
Dawn
Thursday, June 30, 2011
How do I choose a preschool for my child?
I have to tell you that finding a suitable preschool for Sophia was like a second job! I looked for weeks upon weeks and then narrowed down the list of potentials, then called to ask if I could pop over for a tour, then spent weeks touring places, then discussed them with her dad, then made another pop up visit with him for the top two or three, then decided which place we would send her.
Things I looked for when I went included:
Tours--Did they allow me to POP up or did they want to make an appointment. I think if they want an appointment then they are hiding something. A good preschool/daycare would tell you to stop by whenever you want.
Curriculum--What did they teach the kids? Sophia went into preschool able to count to 100, speak spanish and sign language, knew her colors, shapes, letters and sounds of the letters; so a curriculum counting to 10 and learning colors was not acceptable for us.
Teachers--Were the teachers certified? Most preschool and daycare center teachers do not have college degrees but some may have certification from the facility for attending workshops. We decided on a private montessori school and the teachers go through extensive training.
Smell--Did it smell like baby vomit or urine or just dirty?
Cleanliness in the bathrooms--I understand they are kids but did the adults upkeep the bathrooms?
Sleeping quarters--How did naptime fit into the schedule and where did they nap? Did they have cots? Are you required to bring your own bedding? Can they have a pillow? Can they bring a fav stuffed animal or doll to sleep with?
What is the playtime / learning ratio? I wanted a balance, not an entire day of playtime.
Discipline-- How do they handle children who do not behave?
Getting hurt--If ,God forbid, my child gets hurt, what is the policy for letting me know?
Will I get a daily report?
These were important things to me (there may be more that I don't remember since it was 3 years ago I did this) but they could be things you may not have thought about or there may be other things that you may want to add to this list. Either way--go into searching prepared.
Here is an article that also discusses finding a preschool.
I hope to have listings of preschools and daycare added to the website shortly to make searching for a school easier for you.
http://preschoolers.about.com/od/learningeducation/a/choosepreschool.htm
Feedback ALWAYS welcome!!
Dawn
Things I looked for when I went included:
Tours--Did they allow me to POP up or did they want to make an appointment. I think if they want an appointment then they are hiding something. A good preschool/daycare would tell you to stop by whenever you want.
Curriculum--What did they teach the kids? Sophia went into preschool able to count to 100, speak spanish and sign language, knew her colors, shapes, letters and sounds of the letters; so a curriculum counting to 10 and learning colors was not acceptable for us.
Teachers--Were the teachers certified? Most preschool and daycare center teachers do not have college degrees but some may have certification from the facility for attending workshops. We decided on a private montessori school and the teachers go through extensive training.
Smell--Did it smell like baby vomit or urine or just dirty?
Cleanliness in the bathrooms--I understand they are kids but did the adults upkeep the bathrooms?
Sleeping quarters--How did naptime fit into the schedule and where did they nap? Did they have cots? Are you required to bring your own bedding? Can they have a pillow? Can they bring a fav stuffed animal or doll to sleep with?
What is the playtime / learning ratio? I wanted a balance, not an entire day of playtime.
Discipline-- How do they handle children who do not behave?
Getting hurt--If ,God forbid, my child gets hurt, what is the policy for letting me know?
Will I get a daily report?
These were important things to me (there may be more that I don't remember since it was 3 years ago I did this) but they could be things you may not have thought about or there may be other things that you may want to add to this list. Either way--go into searching prepared.
Here is an article that also discusses finding a preschool.
I hope to have listings of preschools and daycare added to the website shortly to make searching for a school easier for you.
http://preschoolers.about.com/od/learningeducation/a/choosepreschool.htm
Feedback ALWAYS welcome!!
Dawn
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Does your child eat school lunches?
ok, I watched the finale of Jaime Oliver's Food revolution tonight. Jaime's message this season was that he can't not make the change himself, we (PARENTS) have to get off our bums and make the change.
I have to tell you that as a teacher, I can not even count how many times I have heard the kids in my class say they wouldn't eat the lunch that day because it was "nasty". This link is the menu for the last month of school in the Philadelphia School District.
http://www.meredith.phila.k12.pa.us/satellitelunchme.html
While you look at the menu it doesn't sound so bad. However, the food is not made fresh. The food comes in pre packed containers and are heated up in a warming oven.
This infuriates me so much more because we have a state of the art kitchen in my school that has appliances a chef would kill to cook with!
The following link is to the USDA website but I found that they give limited information.
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Lunch/
As parents, we all cook within a budget and i don't know anyone who eats frozen dinners everynight for supper so why can't schools do the same and make our children fresh, healthy food?
I would love to hear your opinions and maybe suggestions on how we can start a revolution of our own in Philadelphia schools.
Thanks,
Dawn
I have to tell you that as a teacher, I can not even count how many times I have heard the kids in my class say they wouldn't eat the lunch that day because it was "nasty". This link is the menu for the last month of school in the Philadelphia School District.
http://www.meredith.phila.k12.pa.us/satellitelunchme.html
While you look at the menu it doesn't sound so bad. However, the food is not made fresh. The food comes in pre packed containers and are heated up in a warming oven.
This infuriates me so much more because we have a state of the art kitchen in my school that has appliances a chef would kill to cook with!
The following link is to the USDA website but I found that they give limited information.
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Lunch/
As parents, we all cook within a budget and i don't know anyone who eats frozen dinners everynight for supper so why can't schools do the same and make our children fresh, healthy food?
I would love to hear your opinions and maybe suggestions on how we can start a revolution of our own in Philadelphia schools.
Thanks,
Dawn
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
When should I potty train?
My daughter is 5 yrs old and has been potty trained since she was 2. I was talking to my sister last night and she asked me when to start potty training. I told her everyone is different but children in other countries do not have diapers so they potty train from VERY early on. ( I forget where I read that when I was investigating potty training) I also asked about the logistics of potty training a boy--i have a girl but have a god son--and I told her he is little so he will need a potty chair that is his size and that he should start sitting down. I am glad to say I found an article to comfirm my beliefs lol. He is 14 months old and she said he has shown interest in the toilet. I told her this is a perfect topic of the day and would research it and talk about it for today's blog.
I found this article and it seems to have good information but we all know that nothing counts more than experience. I would love if you could jump in and share your experience to help her out.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_successful-potty-training-for-boys_11652.bc
Thanks,
Until tomorrow,
Dawn
PS--Connecting blog 1 and 2!
http://www.signingtime.com/blog/2011/03/potty-training-fun-with-signing-time/
I found this article and it seems to have good information but we all know that nothing counts more than experience. I would love if you could jump in and share your experience to help her out.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_successful-potty-training-for-boys_11652.bc
Thanks,
Until tomorrow,
Dawn
PS--Connecting blog 1 and 2!
http://www.signingtime.com/blog/2011/03/potty-training-fun-with-signing-time/
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sign Language for babies?
Do you remember seeing reports that many celebrities were teaching their children sign language years ago? I not only remember it but I also remember thinking that is the most ridiculous thing I have heard!
Well, How times have changed now that I have my own child.
My daughter is now 5 yrs old and I bought a baby sign language dvd set ---like the one at the bottom of the page--- when she was 2 yrs old. When I really thought about it, I realized though she could already talk, this will give her another option for communicating with me as well as with others.
She picked up the sign language very quickly and she used it along with her oral speech. She is five and still remembers and uses sign language to communicate. She has also started teaching her baby cousin some signs when we see him.
Have you had an experience with sign language for babies? Please feel free to comment.
Well, How times have changed now that I have my own child.
My daughter is now 5 yrs old and I bought a baby sign language dvd set ---like the one at the bottom of the page--- when she was 2 yrs old. When I really thought about it, I realized though she could already talk, this will give her another option for communicating with me as well as with others.
She picked up the sign language very quickly and she used it along with her oral speech. She is five and still remembers and uses sign language to communicate. She has also started teaching her baby cousin some signs when we see him.
Have you had an experience with sign language for babies? Please feel free to comment.
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