Gratitude with Attitude!

It is a cold, snowy day, one of the first of the winter, and a perfect time to write. The Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanza of 2010 are now  but memories. Holiday cards and gifts were given, received and opened and now is a good time to let those who remembered you know that you appreciate them. This is a perfect time for children to learn the importance, as well as the technique, of writing thank you notes. Although technology is here to stay, and online is better than not at all, taking the time to hand write your gratitude, will be noticed.

To add creativity and fun to the process, why not let your child create their own note paper. Here is how...

The Activity: Create Gratitude Note Paper

                  Materials Needed:

1 piece of 8 1/2 X 11 cardstock: Cut in half at the 5 1/2" point.
                                                   Fold that in half at the 4 1/4" 

                                                   point.

rubber stamps,  stamp pad, templates (optional)

markers or crayons

                 The Process:

1. Have your child give a quotation about something they are grateful for to go on the back of the folded paper. It can also be a quotation found in a book that is appropriate. (It can be typed up or hand written.)
2. Then they can illustrate their quotation on the front using any of the above materials or simply drawing a picture of their own.
3. Be sure they sign their name and they can add their age.

4. Copy the design so they have the right amount of note paper for the gifts they received.

                        Writing the Note:

      A young child can dictate what they want to say to you.

      A child 5 and up can learn the format for writing their note, have you write their words and then copy it on their own note paper themselves. The older the child, the more they can do for themselves.

       Call me "old fashioned," and I am, but receiving a thank you note from someone still makes my heart sing!

                      Children's Books-Letter Writing:

• Dear Mr. Blueberry by Simon James is the story of a child who writes letters to her teacher asking for information about whales because she says she has a whale in her backyard wading pool. The back- and- forth between she and her teacher makes fun reading and gives an idea about what letter writing involves.
• Dear Annie: by Judith Caseley describes how writing notes can document the growth of a child beginning when the child is born. This correspondence is between Annie and her Grandpa.
• The Jolly Postman; by Janet & Allan Ahlberg uses fairy tale characters to write letters to other characters in the story. The reader can actually pull the letters from envelopes within the book. This can lead to actually having your child use their note paper to write a letter to a character in their favorite book.

         What are some other occasions that call for corresponding?

   

As we approach 2011, let there be many occasions that call for our gratitude and let us take time to acknowledge all we have to say "thank you" for.

                          Jane

"Tis Better To Give Than Receive..."

"Nothing teaches character better

than generosity"

-Jim Rohn-

'Tis the season for Santa, presents and Holiday cheer.  It is also the time for children to make lists of what they want Santa to bring them. So now take this opportunity to introduce the concept of giving to others who may not have much or have nothing.  Whether toys are new or gently used charities will welcome them. Have your child go through his/her toys, games and books and select those that are in good shape, that they might have outgrown or that they have  ignored, and put them into a bag or box to donate.

In Denver charities such as THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB, THE GATHERING PLACE, WARREN VILLAGE, FAMILIES FIRST, service children and families, and there are many more worthwhile organizations. 

ACTIVITY:  Make wrapping paper.

                   Materials:  Craft Paper

                                     Tempera Paint

                                     Cookie cutters or apples cut in half

                                     or rubber stamps.

                  Directions: Cut a piece of craft paper large enough to

                                     wrap the chosen gift. Fold the paper in 

                                     half,  then in half again and again until  

                                     there are squares large enough to print or

                                     stamp within. 

                                     Let the child choose the color of paint
                                     they want to use. They can use two or 
                                     three colors and make a pattern.

                                     Put the paint in a pie tin. (The less 
                                     the merrier)

                                     Cookie cutters in the shape of a snowman
                                     a snowflake, a gingerbread man, or Santa 
                                     are fun. One shape, rinsed in a tub of   
                                     water and put into different colors   

                                     or different shapes in one color can make 

                                     a pattern. When the paper is dry, let the 

                                     wrapping begin. (I model by sitting at one
                                     end of the package, letting the child sit at
                                     the other end to follow my lead, step by
                                     step.)

    This is a perfect time for stories and to create family traditions.

     Christmas in the Trenches,  by John McCutcheon (ages 5-10)

    The Little Fir Tree, by Margaret Brown (ages 3-6)

    Let There Be Peace On Earth, by Jill Jackson & Sy Miller (all 

    ages)

    What's Coming for Christmas? by Kate Banks (ages 2-7)

    One Hundred Shining Candles by Jane Lunn (ages 4-8)

What better gift than a book?

I would love to hear about your unique tradition.            

May your Holidays be bright and made richer by giving.

Next week: What can do on Christmas if we do not celebrate the holiday?

JD

What is "Developmentally Appropriate?"

I hear: I forget.

I see: I remember.

I do: I understand.

-Chinese proverb-

I have two grandnephews, ages 6 and 3, and a new grandniece, who is 5 months old. As I watch them, I am in awe at how different they are, but how they all have some traits that are the same. They are curious, willing to try new things, to take risks and to want to know more. I feel unconditional love for them and they know it. I believe they will learn to read and write, succeed academically and, hopefully, become life-long learners. I also know that things will "click" when the time is right. (Some say that when you loose your first tooth, you are ready to read.)
We can force phonics and learning to read upon them and they might read, but when they are ready they will learn easily and want to know more. Here are some things that we need to provide, both at home and in school:

•       Hands-on experiences that they will internalize and build upon.
•      Social opportunities that teach  how get along with others. (Most things that can be done alone, can be done in pairs or in small groups.)
•     Opportunities to make choices that will lead to helping make good decisions.
•     Problem solving opportunities so children learn to compromise when it is in the best interest of the group.
•     Encouragement to take risks in an environment that is safe and supportive.
•     A knowledge of who they are, what they are good at and what they love, leading to self-confidence.
•     A love of books...read and discuss stories. Bedtime stories are a must, but don't only need to read at bedtime.
•     A curiosity and excitement about all there is to learn. They will become life-long learners.

Sooooo...guess what I am giving the children for the Holidays...
BOOKS. I went to "The Bookies", a fantastic book store in Denver,  and, with guidance, picked out the perfect stories for each.
For the baby I got a new board book by Mem Fox, one of my favorite authors. Where Is the Green Sheep? makes us wonder where the green sheep is when we know that "here is the blue sheep..." etc. I got her a little, soft, green sheep to accompany it.
For the 3 year old, who is so scared of dogs, I selected Children Make Terrible Pets,  by Peter Brown. It is a humorous tale of what happens when a bear finds a little boy,"Squeaky" who he takes home and convinces his mother to let him keep him. She reluctantly agrees, but refuses to take any responsibility for the care of the "pet."
And, for the 6 year old I got a new book by Eric Carle, Papa, please get the moon for me.  This is the story about what happens when a father tries to fulfill his daughters wish to get the moon for her. The book incorporates some pop-out pages, is simple, beautifully illustrated and, I believe, leaves room for the reader to create their own ending. Maybe he can even read it himself!
I will write a short message inside the cover for each child.
I intend to help see that these children are not "hurried" through their childhood.

If you choose to do just one thing for your child (children) take the time to read to them each day. They will learn that reading is much more than sounding out words. It is a skill that will enrich and add joy to life.

Jane

Great Eye-deas

Think of the world

You carry within YOU.

-Rainer Maria Rilke-

Hoping everyone had a good Thanksgiving. Our gathering was small,

relaxed and very enjoyable.

Today I would like to share a philosophy that has been a foundation upon which I have built my teaching.  It is the fact that our children (students) do not come to us as empty vases that we have to fill.  Instead, they come to us with experiences, thoughts and ideas, even at a young age. (Piaget) It is not our job to pour information into children, but to help them discover for themselves.

I would like to share a "prop" that I developed, used and even have on my head at this moment. It is a "Great Eye-dea" Hat.

Here's a hat to help you think

Of things unique and rare.

Just put it on your head

And you will have "Eye-deas" to spare.

Use your imagination,

Solve problems and create.

This hat is made for anyone

Who's stuck, don't hesitate.

So, put it on, just find a place

That's quiet and discreet.

And you will find that with it's help

Your thoughts become complete.

                    Materials: (Find in a craft store)

Plastic visor

Two googly eyes

1/2 yd of ribbon (optional)

1 Black painty pen

1 White painty pen.

Glue gun

Here's to Great Eye-deas!

This can be ordered for $7.95 ( including shipping) jadtckl@ecentral.com

Don't forget the Grand Opening of Dancing the Soul, a center for movement and stillness.                                                       Sat. Dec. 4th from 8-4.

                                                                                     950C Jersey St. (80220)

Sample as many classes as you want $25 + children's craft activity on the half hour beginning at 9, for $5.

Jane

Building Fond Memories...Thanksgiving

We do not remember days...

We remember moments.

-Cesare Pavese-

Thanksgiving has always been my holiday to host, and this year there will be no children coming. So, I  have to capture the childhood perspective when I go to the classrooms that I volunteer in. Turkeys, food, stories and conversations are ways to help children connect to this holiday. One of our more recent Thanksgiving traditions helps even adults focus on what we are grateful for. We create a gratitude book. It can be set up before or assembled afterwards.  

• Each guest is given a 3" X 3" piece of paper. Number 1-5
• They are to write down 5 things they are thankful for.
• Share what you have written.
• Take a picture of each guest.
• Make a mini scrapbook by letting each person decorate their page with stickers, templates, markers and etc.
• Or you can put a 4"X4" book together yourself. 

This makes a perfect gift for the host or hostess.
   Hint: This is what we are going to do...Not do you want to? Once people get into it, everyone has fun.

There are three children's books that I would like to suggest.

• I'm Thankful Each Day, by P.K. Hallinan This is a simple book that will give young children some "eye-deas" about what we can be thankful for. It is written in rhyme.
• Twas The Night Before Thanksgiving. A parody on A Night Before Christmas shows us how we can have a great Thanksgiving without the turkey. Humorous but still invokes conversation.
• Thankgiving at the Tappletons, by Eileen Spinelli. This is one of my favorite and is about the perfect Thanksgiving dinner gone bad. After a comedy of errors, the family is around the table and starving. What happens to solve the problem, what is learned from the situation, and how lemonade is made from lemons, teaches us some valuable lessons. Maybe I like it so much because it is done like a scrapbook.

"Eye-deas" for Children...

• Make a gratitude journal. This can be an activity done all year long. Before bedtime, before or after a story, children can write or draw something about their day that makes them thankful.
• This is a great time for cooking activities. Even young children benefit from doing a food project. "Ants on a log" only involves taking a piece of celery, spreading peanut putter or cream cheese on the celery and placing raisins on it to be the ants.
• Help set the table and making a centerpiece of name cards can be fun. Stickers make the place cards an easy activity.
• Learning about the history of Thanksgiving and how it ties into Freedom, is an important part of the holiday. Older children can  go into the story extensively.

However we choose to celebrate, no matter how difficult the times, as I sit here with Daisy on my lap, I am grateful for you, my friends, supporters and students. I hope there are "eye-deas," and thoughts that you think about, use and share with others. 
In short, I hope you make this a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Jane

Next week: "Great Eye-deas" hat.

Re-do: Making Assessment Real & Meaningful...Beyond Standardized Testing!

What a perfect day to write a blog...cold and wet outside as I sit here with my "Great Eye-dea" hat on, ready to share some of my thoughts with you! (I will tell you about the "Great Eye-dea" hat in a future blog.)

Assessment should be real,  meaningful and used to drive curriculum and a child's learning.

There are many ways to assess children. One of the best is to watch and to listen. One of my favorites is the use of a portfolio which includes samples of work over a period of time, reflections, writings, and, for older children and adults, values, goals and beliefs.

As a parent I loved keeping the work of my children. Looking back is amazing and fun.

As a teacher of Kindergarten, the children created a portfolio at the beginning of the year. This can be done at home or at school. You will need...

• 2 pieces of 11 X 17 construction paper. (Michael's carries Martha Stewart paper that can be cut to that size.)
• Laminator (Kinkos of school)
• Yarn (18 inches)
• Masking tape.
• Crayons, markers, or some coloring material.

                The Process...

1. The child will create a design for the front of the portfolio.
2. The child will sign the cover. (You might date it.)
3. Laminate the two sheets of paper.
4. Punch holes around 3 sides of the papers about 1 1/2 " to 2" apart.
5. Bind the end of the yarn with masking tape so it will be easy to sew. Put a knot in the other end.
6. The child will sew from the bottom up then down the next hole until they have created their portfolio envelope.

Older children can create a portfolio using a three ring binder and page covers. They can cover the notebook with fabric or design a cover using cardstock.

What goes inside?

Blue for all ages,

Brown for older children and adults.

• Best work...why do you like it?
• Worst work ...what would you like to do better?
• Drawings and art work.
• Photograph pages...self, famiy, pets, friends, trips, etc.
• Values, goals, beliefs.
• Journal reflections.
• Be sure to date each "artifact" put into the portfolio.
• Ideas of your own!

What fun it is for the child, parent, teacher, to revisit the portfolio throughout the year. It can be an important tool to use in a partent/teacher/child conference, and can help determine the child's strengths and needs.

It is never too late to create a portfolio of your own...make it a reflection of who you are and who you hope to become.

              What are your experiences with using portfolios?

Ignore the first posting...This is what it means to be a "life long learner." Learning to be a blogger!

Next week: Creating fond childhood memories...another story.

JD

Making Assessment Real and Meaningful

What a perfect day to write...Cold and wet outside and I sit here
with my "Great Eye-dea" hat on ready to share some of my thoughts with you. (I will tell you about my "Great Eye-dea" hat in a future blog.)

Assessment should be real, meaningful and used to drive curriculum and a child's learning.

There are lots of ways to assess children. One of the best is to watch and listen. One of my favorites is the portfolio which involes samples of work over a period of time, reflections, writings and for older children and adults, values, goals and beliefs.

As a parent, I loved keeping the work of my children. Looking back is amazing.

As a teacher of Kindergarten, the children created a

I Believe...

                Is it still Thursday? Are you ready for more?
I would like to share beliefs I have about learning and children over the next few weeks, beginning with my certainty that

All Children Can Learn...They do so in their own style.

Figuring out your child's (student's) interests and learning style will help the student be successful.

Howard Gardner offered breakthrough reasearch defining at least 8 ways we are smart.     

   *Math Smart

* Reading Smart

* Music Smart

* Body (Movement) Smart

*Spatial Smart

*Interpersonal Smart (Social)

*Intrapersonal Smart (Intraspective)

* Nature Smart (Added more recentally)

Observing, listening to and questioning is the best way to discover what a child is natural at and most  interested in. Knowing this will keep the excitement about  and interest in learning . We can be smart in more that one way.

One of my favorite books is The Big Orange Splot  (Ages 5 and up)

                                                           By Daniel Pinkwater

The story is about Mr. Pinkwater who lives on a street where all the houses are the same. (Everyone liked it that way.) One day a bird flew over his house and dropped a can of orange paint on his roof, making a "big, orange splot." All the neighbors wanted him to paint his house back to be like theirs, but he painted his house to look like "an explosion," "a jungle," "a rainbow." "My house is me and I am it. My house is where I like to be and it looks like all of my dreams." Could Mr. Plumbean be Daniel Pinkwater, the author?

Discussion: If you could paint your house any way you wanted to, what would it look like?

Why do you think the people who lived on Mr. Plumbean's street wanted the houses to be the same?

Do you know an example of a time when it was hard to be different? What is it?

Do you have any friends who do things differently than you? Example?  Can you still be friends?

Activity: Draw or paint a picture of a house that reflects your dreams or loves.

               Build the house out of blocks, pattern blocks, Legos, etc.

               Copy the house you built.

               Take a photo of the house you built.

               Take a photo of the house you live in.

This could be a good time to observe addresses on homes and businesses and to learn their own addresses. Why do we need an address?

Ask the "artist" to sign his/her work and date it. Is this work good enough to save.

Next Week: Portfolios...Begin at a young age.

Here's to happy learners!

JD  www/memorymagicandmore.com      www.friendshipnotepaper.com

Loving Learning

My father was a wise man. He wrote me a letter when I was beginning my freshman year in college encouraging me to celebrate being a "lowly" freshman, because I will become a "freshman" over and over in my life.  Having an opportunity to learn something new will always be the next step after we think we are "experts" in one endeavor. Thus, I would like to share some things I know about learning and children and welcome discussion so that I can continue my learning journey and encourage you to do the same. Let's instill this spirit of wonder
in our children, knowing that there is rarely "one right answer."
Today, I would like to emphasize the importance of reading to and with your child(ren.) Find an interest, a quiet place, and make it a special time. Make the book come alive. Discussion and interruptions are ok. It is never too early.  There are board books for the very young, picture books for the young and chapter books to follow. I read To Kill a Mockingbird aloud to my daughter when she was 16 and it is her favorite book even now that she is an adult.
Great Eye-dea: Story: The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything By Linda Williams   Illustrated By:Megan Lloyd
This story includes repetition, is light hearted and perfect for the season.
                         Activity:
                Have your child(ren)...

•  pick out a pumpkin.
•  draw or paint a face on the pumpkin. (Either scarey or nice.)
•  make a "talk bubble" and write, or have the child write what the pumpkin might be saying inside the talk bubble.
•  cut out or let the child cut out, the talk bubble.
•  use a glue gun, glue the talk bubble to a toothpick. (Parent or teacher do this step for a young child.
•  stick the toothpick with the words into the pumpkin.
•  sign the work of art. 
•  find a special place to display their pumpkin.

   This activity can be done with paper and markers, crayons, chalk, etc. Drawing the steps and displaying.

Materials: The Little Old Lady Who Wasn't Afraid of Anything.
                  * pumpkin
                  * Markers or paints
                  * White cardstock paper (for talk bubble)
                  * Toothpicks or wooden scewers
                  * Glue gun

Discussion: What was a time you were scared?
                    What was a time you were very brave?
                    Do you think there was a time the story when the 
                    little old lady was scared?
                    How do you think she was brave?
                   What was the problem the pumpkin head whispered  
                   to the little old lady?
                   How did she solve the problem?
                  Do you think the little old lady was brave? Why?
Here's to celebrating learning, as together we honor the wisdom of my father.
                                      I hear: I forget.
                                   I see: I remember.
                                  I do: I understand.
                                    -Chinese Proverb-
                     Until Next Thursday,
                            JD
                              

By Way of Introduction...

I have intended to begin a blog for a long time and, as with most new endeavors, I hope to get better as I go.
My name is Jane Diamond and I am a Master Teacher of 30 years. (Once a teacher, always a teacher.) entreprenuer and author.
I had a scrapbooking store, Memory Magic & More, for 10 years and have written a fundraising curriculum, Friendship Note Paper: The Fundraiser That Builds a Community of Learners. (Check out http://www.friendshipnotepaper.com/ and http://www.memorymagicandmore.com/

Because I am concerned about the direction public education is heading, I intend to share ...

• what I know.
• what I think.
• some "Eye-deas" of projects to try with your children.
• some titles of picture books that I love.

I will post on Thursdays and encourage your responses, own ideas and questions.
I hope this endeavor will "Tickle" your fancy.
                                        I hear: I forget.
                                        I see: I remember.
                                        I do: I understand.
                                                                  -Chinese Proverb-
Jane