Halloween Goodies!

I made these last year for my girls' classes and am heading to the store to purchase supplies to do it again this year!  Their school has a strong emphasis on "No/ Very Limited Sugar", and while I LOVE sugar myself and believe that sugar is okay for children (if it is in moderation of course!), I do respect the school's wish to limit it in the classroom.  

Here is my alternative to sending in sugary sweets! 

"You light up my Halloween" attached to glow bracelets.  These are perfect! Being a "practical parent", I like that the kids can use these to be seen on Halloween night while trick or treating.  

I know it's not yet October, but HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Summer Reading Incentives

My girls LOVE to read, however, during summer reading often gets put on the back burner.  I can be guilty of this myself, however with all of the Summer Reading programs that offer students incentives to read (see previous blogs for details!), we are more apt to read daily.  I know that this is our first Monday of Summer, but my girls are well on their way to meeting and surpassing their reading goals.

I snapped this picture at about 8:00 this morning (They haven't mastered the whole sleeping in on summer break thing yet!).  My older daughter was teaching my younger daughter to read.  

I have to note that they are reading Kindergarten Rocks by Katie Davis.  This is one of our favorite books.  Here is a link to the author's site: Kindergarten Rocks.

Early morning reading.

Always Learning, Even in CABO!

Over the weekend, I took my girls to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for a couple days of swimming in the pools, jet skiing, shopping, and relaxing.  Even though we were only there for a couple of days, we had a great time.  Some of our highlights that pertain to education (that you may never have thought about!):

• Currency converter: USD->PESOS
• International Air Travel and Customs: What countries allow you to bring in, declaring items purchased, etc...
• Spanish lesson at the resort (My oldest daughter pictured below with Miss Christina, her instructor)
• Finding washed up Puffer Fish on the sand (Pacific side- Strong current, waves crashing on the shore)
• Watching the fish flap around on the sand, then get pulled back into the ocean (Again- Current)
• Bracelet making lesson at the resort (My younger one pictured below)
• Learning traditional Mexican dances, seeing their attire (Learning culture)
• Eating REAL Mexican food (Culture)
• Seeing "ALTO" signs rather than "STOP" signs

And so much more! We love to learn, no matter what part of the World we may be in!

Kaley & Miss Christina (Spanish instructor)

Lilly making her bracelet in Miss Myrobi's class

One of the many fish we saw washed up on the Pacific side

All of these fun experiences thanks to the beautiful time-share resort Playa Grande!

Ways Reading Is Discouraged

I came across this great piece (on Pinterest of course!) today and thought I'd share it!

It lists ways that parents and teachers discourage kids from reading.

Many years back, I did observations at a local Montessori preschool that was well- loved by everyone I spoke with.  I was short of impressed.  They had MANY issues, but one in particular aligns with this article.  The students who needed what they referred to as a "Time Away", spent this time in the reading corner.  They weren't even allowed to read.  When educators and parents are trying to encourage children to read books and magazines, why would we allow them to associate that space and aspect of learning with negativity? Check out this great site for more ways that parents discourage kids from reading so that we can do the opposite!

Happy Reading!

Ways Parents Discourage Reading

Trying to get that WELL LOVED teacher next year?

It's the end of the school year and you and your student have an eye on that fun, popular teacher for next school year... What do you do?

Your school may say that they do not accept teacher requests, and while I would agree that it is inconvenient and hard to accommodate requests from the administrative viewpoint, I say that if you have a real "concern" or "need", vocalize it prior to class placements.  So for those of you that have asked, YES file your teacher request! 

Here are a few things to DO:
- Discuss your student's personality and how that aligns with the teacher you are requesting. (Shy: needs to come out of their shell, Rambunctious: Needs structure? etc...)
- Mention learning styles or individual needs. 
- Mention emotional support if applicable. (Parents going through divorce and child feels comfortable with particular teaching because a sibling had them or they interact with them on campus and feel secure around that teacher, etc...)
- If you like what you have seen, vocalize it! (Teacher requested worked with an older sibling, and you saw how well they benefited from them, you have volunteered in the teacher's classroom before and you like how they have developed positive relationships with the students, or have created an exciting classroom atmosphere, where students are excited about learning, etc...)

Here are a few things NOT to do:

- Mention how the teacher is popular on campus, how kids seem excited to see the teacher, teacher reinforces with candy or toys, etc... If so, you will sound uneducated and ill informed, and your request will likely go unrecognized! 

Provide concrete examples and really dig into how the requested teacher will have a positive influence on your child and their education.

Personal Note: I did not request a teacher when my daughter went into first grade and I am not requesting a particular teacher for next year either.  Why? Even though I am regularly at the school volunteering, I haven't felt as though I could make an educated choice as to who would best fit my child.  So I have left it in the hands of the teachers and administrators, and have been pleased with the results.  It is also what you make of it!

Lastly, do not discuss recommendations with your student.  It will create negativity if they know and do not get placed in the classroom requested.  Take it for what it is, and make the most of your school year, regardless of who you get!

Earn a book!

Barnes & Noble is offering an incentive for students to read this summer! Students in grades 1-6 can read 8 books, fill out the Summer Reading form found at the link provided below, and earn a free book! (The book options are wonderful, and age appropriate!)  Thanks Barnes & Noble for encouraging our kids to read over Summer!


Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program

Puppy Love

I typically don't bring my phone into Jazzercise, however today I happened to, and I could hear it vibrating over and over on the wood floors. Ugh! Thankfully I had brought it in because it was my daughters' school calling to let me know that my oldest one was sick. Luckily, her Papa (Grandpa) was around and able to get her from school so that she wasn't waiting so long for me.

So she is home, resting, and enjoying a day full of the Disney channel. On a typical day, Oso (one of our dogs) would be jumping around the house, doing laps in the yard, and just be the usual, 90lb clumsy puppy that he is. Not today. He knows that his girl isn't feeling well, and he is comforting her in the best possible way, snuggling and watching cartoons. It is amazing how dogs can sense the well-being of a person and act in an appropriate manner, even our gumpy puppy. Here is a great article that I found on how dogs and other animals benefit humans.

Click to Enlarge
Via: TheDogTrainingSecret.com