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