Let them do it!

There are many times when we could simply do things for our children to save time and to get tasks completed promptly, then we can move on to something new. But are we really helping our children if we do everything for them? In my classroom I work on skill development and building independence. Sometimes that means we simply have to allow our children to struggle a little, even if that means they may be the last one to join in on an activity or circle time. We may feel a little guilty for not jumping in and doing things for our kids to alleviate any stress - for them and us. We may even get frustrated because time is ticking. However we are giving our children a great gift when we let them discover and achieve things on their own. The sense of accomplishment when a job is well done shows on their little faces - that to me is priceless and supports the efforts.
I have had other teachers who come into my toddler room and say "Oh but they are so little, we should do it for them." My answer is, "Why?" If we always do each and ever task for our children they may never feel the satisfaction of achievement and they may even hesitate to try new things without an adult hovering over them to direct every move. Exploration and discovery in the early years of life is essential to healthy development. So I say, "Let them do it"! Supporting success is an imperative part of my job!

Today my little friend put on his own shoes - he was the last one to come to story time but he came with a big smile on his face! :)

First Day of school - Starting with the basics

On the first day of school I like to allow for exploration and getting to know your classroom. I observe the goings on, so that I can take in what is important to the children, then I base my lessons on those interests. I watch to see what toys the children choose - what activities get the children involved and what allows for engaging with one another. I also look at things like gross motor and fine motor coordination - language skills and social skills. I know, that's a lot to take in, but I find that I am an observer of others in many settings, not just in the classroom, so for me these observations come naturally. When I have a mental picture of what I deem a decisive path to take with the group of children in my charge - the school year becomes fun and successful. These observations continue throughout the year and as the children grow - the activities take on new life and grow with the children . New challenges are presented and new interests develop. I simply love being a toddler teacher, because I see tremendous development in one school year. The children literally come in as infants and leave as 'little people' ready to take on new adventures with confidence.

It was awesome to welcome the returning children today and to meet the new children who joined our class. We only had two little boys show a few tears at the beginning of the day, which dissipated as soon as they got engaged in the exploits of the day. I look forward to what lays ahead for our awesome little group! It as a successful first day!

I was blessed to see so many great smiles today!

Grocery Game

No time for flashcards asked this great question - which opened up a lot of opinions:

Do you open food packages at the store for your kids to snack on while you shop?

What this topic reminded me of was a game I used to play with my children while we shopped.

I gave the children cards made up from pictures of items we needed to buy - using weekly flyers. While we went around the store the children would try to find the items on the cards they had been given. It occupied them the entire time and if they found at least one item I would reward them with a treat of their choice once we got home with the goodies we purchased.

I have 2 kids, 13 months apart - my son is autistic and had many behavioural issues - using little games like this always presented us with a successful trip to the store - no tears - no fights - no fuss!!

I formalized and adapted the game for use in my classroom. To be used for nutrition activities - dramatic play activities and categorizing etc. The cards I made can be used in any way possible.

Here are some of the cards I made up for my classroom.

There are many more - I tried to cover as many common items as I could think of.

I actually got these images off line - printed - cut them out and glued them to blank index cards and laminated them. You can punch a hole in them and put them on a key chain to make it easy to take along to the grocery store!

The best of plans!

Sometimes the things we plan do not quite end up the way we want them to - but that's OK!
Today we made crowns - the idea was that we were to use bingo stampers to decorate a foam crown shape and then use glitter and sequins....etc. They were to be dazzling!
Well as it turned out no one wanted to stamp on the foam - they wanted to stamp on the paper band only! By the time we got the stampers done the kids were waundering away uninterested in continuing with decorating - they wanted to put them on and play! The children just wanted to wear them to show Mommy. They were not interested in any more 'work'. Although in my opinion the crowns were not dazzling - but the smiles of the children wearing 'their' finished product were!

Toilet training rant!

Today I had a conversation with a mother who's child is to advance to the next class for 3 and 4 year olds in September - but in that class the children must be toilet trained. She told me she is encouraging her child with stickers and leaving her for 15 minutes on the potty! She is also refering to her bodily functions as 'Woopsies'! What?!?! LOL
We had to get to brass tacks and tell Mom that she needs to refer to pee as 'pee and poo as 'poo - so her daughter will be aware of what she is experiencing. Then put her on at transition times and hourly if possible, but only for about 2 minutes at a time. Anymore than that and her child will forget what the heck she is there for. Sure give her a sticker if she poos or pees, but for heavens sake don't make toileting all about a sticker - it's about recognizing the bodily function and getting into underwear. Which by the way - underwear shopping and allowing your child to pick out their own  is quite reinforcing.
It makes me laugh but when you suggest to the parent to leave the child out of the pull up or diaper while training. The first worry is about thier floors getting soiled - not their child succeeding. I actually had another Mother say she just had her carpets shampooed and that would not be happening! HUH?!
The topper to all of this is when a parent looks us straight in the eye and says, "I thought you were doing the toilet training here!" LOL Um NO! I always go above and beyond to assist families who are in the process of toilet training their child, but I am NOT the childs' parent. Toilet training is a family affair - NOT the job of the school teacher. I have a greater concern with the brain - not the butt!
Take a weekend off and make everything about toilet training - yes drop the 'schedule' and focus on that toddler using the toilet!
Oh and by the way it's 'penis' and 'vulva' not weewee and hoohoo!

An important message!

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1773161130693#!/pages/Irresistible-Ideas-For-Play-Based-Learning/121305887884646
These wonderful ladies posted about this first - see comments posted to this link!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWV3fJB2Mfw&feature=related
Such an important message!

http://www.lyricsdepot.com/harry-chapin/flowers-are-red.html

Self Reflection - to honour my Dad on Fathers day!

 ~ Self Reflection ~ 

            “It takes a village to raise a child” is a proverb that was derived from the Eastern Nigerian Igbo tribe. In Nigerian culture it is strongly believed that each and every person in the community has a role in the growth and development of the child. The expression has been utilized in many cultures as a phrase to emphasize the importance each and every person, who touches the lives of children, has on who that child will be as they reach adulthood.

            I have taken on that phrase as a huge part of my belief and conviction, while interacting with children. Foremost in that conviction is my strong effort in being a positive role model – who is respectful and honest in my approach. Moral integrity is also a strong factor in the manner which I interact with the youth in my community, as I know what I do has some influence.

            One of the strongest role models I have had in my life was my father, who was a very intelligent, respectful, accommodating and supportive mentor to all who touched his life. He was always the Dad who came out to play ball, help build the forts and include the neighbour’s children in our family plans, because their Dad was sick and dying of cancer. He knew they needed some support and guidance – most of all positive attention. Many felt comfortable to come to him with their questions, problems and concerns, to which he gladly gave input. What he showed me was that everyone matters, everyone is to be respected and even the smallest voices have relevance. When someone’s child needed a job in order to get experience and a step up in the work force – he was there to offer a job. He never said, “You can’t do that.” He would show you how to go forward as you attempted that which you wished to achieve. Offering input by means of mentorship – teaching – guiding was what has made my father a man of great importance, not only in my life but in the life of others who have been influenced by who he was.

            As I have gone through my life I have seen that the honesty and openness of the child is always refreshing and leads way to myself giving input. This may be of benefit to not only them, but to me as someone who loves to share knowledge and guidance. In other words children are often easier to get a long with than adults and the positive feedback a child offers makes any effort to give, much more rewarding.

            The many years I have volunteered and worked in the community, with families and their children have given me much satisfaction. One of the first families that offered me their gratification, by simple means of a thank you note and a small broach, encouraged me to stay steadfast on my path to remain an instructor to children in some capacity. What I had done for their daughter was important and well received.

            In closing – one of the greatest influences for me to remain in the child care field and to continue my education by obtaining my ECE – are the children who are now adults, who approach me in public and say. “Hi Miss Leeanne remember me”? Then they go on to remind me of something they participated in with me, which still impacts their life today. How neat is that!

            Last but not least – my own children are good examples of my efforts to cultivate positive community members. I am proud of who they are and how I have succeeded in giving them the tools to participate in society.
Leeanne A

Alligator ride!

I remember my mother telling me a story of a man who lived across the street - he owned a tortoise and he used to let the kids in the neighbourhood ride on it - but riding on an alligator? LOL
Now in 2011 our kids would be lucky enough to ride a bike - with helmet, elbow and knee pads - with a tracking device attached and a parent running at their side! This just makes me wonder if our kids are missing out on some amazing experiences, because we are over protecting them. Not that I would allow a child to ride an alligator - but hey! What do you think?