After a foundation is laid, you will need to add a strong structure to fortify their growth.
Enjoy the bi-weekly articles below.
These sections are organized by age level, but the information is not restricted to that age group. Consider looking at other age ranges as well. Also, make sure to check out the Archives.
Enjoy the bi-weekly articles below.
These sections are organized by age level, but the information is not restricted to that age group. Consider looking at other age ranges as well. Also, make sure to check out the Archives.
FROLICKING FUN
As the weather cools, how about helping your children to be creative inside for activities to use outside.
How about holding a Cardboard Boat Race through the streams of water left by a passing thunderstorm? Use duct tape, glue, paint and cardboard (like ready-to-discard cereal boxes) to construct boats ahead of time so children are ready to race them through the water.
Create a Paper Airplane Show. Draw to design a paper airplane. Construct it out of cardstock, newspaper, construction paper or used copy paper. Add stickers to designate each child's plane and fly them outside as the showers subside.
Encourage your children to design and model a fitness program for kids in the neighborhood. They can use pool noodles to stretch their muscles and roll beach balls or any balls with their feet. Physical activity is great for brain-building.
Have older siblings plan a play, a talent show, a pet show, or a circus in your garage. They can write the script, plan the performance, and design costumes out of old clothes, rags, paper, duct tape, or foil. Thrift stores may be a good outlet for costumes and clothes for their shows also. (Hopefully, you have discovered such outlets by shopping for Halloween costumes.) Your children could also collect a small fee, donating it to a local charity or a sick child. Your children can learn compassion and caring by giving of their time and talent. They will also be practicing their writing, spelling and math as they devise their presentation and figure how much it will be to purchase old sheets and clothes for their performances.
By doing any of the above activities, your children are developing the 4 C's believed y educators to be necessary for future learning--creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration.
Answers to Your Questions -- Help for Struggling Parents
Your children are continuing to challenge you. Don't be frazzled or give up. Your children need you more than ever as they try to figure things out. They also may be lacking some necessary learning skills.
This week, I am going to keep it brief and offer you some websites that I often refer to as I write my weekly newspaper columns. These websites not only provide you with advice, but suggest activities, games, and methods you may want to use to grow or reinforce weak or missing skills, or to alter your children's behavior.
anna@themeasuredmom.com
becky@thisreadingmama.com
anthony@mashupmath.com
alexandra@biglifejournal.com
sumitha@afineparent.com
Understood -- info@email.understood.org
If you have discovered other websites, please share them (bettemroz@gmail.com). There are so many wonderful resources available now since much research is being done to find out how children learn best that was not available to parents years ago.
"The problem with being a parent is that by the time you are experienced, you are out of a job."
As the weather cools, how about helping your children to be creative inside for activities to use outside.
How about holding a Cardboard Boat Race through the streams of water left by a passing thunderstorm? Use duct tape, glue, paint and cardboard (like ready-to-discard cereal boxes) to construct boats ahead of time so children are ready to race them through the water.
Create a Paper Airplane Show. Draw to design a paper airplane. Construct it out of cardstock, newspaper, construction paper or used copy paper. Add stickers to designate each child's plane and fly them outside as the showers subside.
Encourage your children to design and model a fitness program for kids in the neighborhood. They can use pool noodles to stretch their muscles and roll beach balls or any balls with their feet. Physical activity is great for brain-building.
Have older siblings plan a play, a talent show, a pet show, or a circus in your garage. They can write the script, plan the performance, and design costumes out of old clothes, rags, paper, duct tape, or foil. Thrift stores may be a good outlet for costumes and clothes for their shows also. (Hopefully, you have discovered such outlets by shopping for Halloween costumes.) Your children could also collect a small fee, donating it to a local charity or a sick child. Your children can learn compassion and caring by giving of their time and talent. They will also be practicing their writing, spelling and math as they devise their presentation and figure how much it will be to purchase old sheets and clothes for their performances.
By doing any of the above activities, your children are developing the 4 C's believed y educators to be necessary for future learning--creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration.
Answers to Your Questions -- Help for Struggling Parents
Your children are continuing to challenge you. Don't be frazzled or give up. Your children need you more than ever as they try to figure things out. They also may be lacking some necessary learning skills.
This week, I am going to keep it brief and offer you some websites that I often refer to as I write my weekly newspaper columns. These websites not only provide you with advice, but suggest activities, games, and methods you may want to use to grow or reinforce weak or missing skills, or to alter your children's behavior.
anna@themeasuredmom.com
becky@thisreadingmama.com
anthony@mashupmath.com
alexandra@biglifejournal.com
sumitha@afineparent.com
Understood -- info@email.understood.org
If you have discovered other websites, please share them (bettemroz@gmail.com). There are so many wonderful resources available now since much research is being done to find out how children learn best that was not available to parents years ago.
"The problem with being a parent is that by the time you are experienced, you are out of a job."