Sickbed Guilty Pleasures

sleeping late.
only pajamas.

watching movies.
drinking sprite.

cozy blankets.
fluffly pillows.

new meds.
renewed energy.

good bye.
strep throat.

Sick

Sore throat.
Can't swallow.

No talking.
No teaching.

In bed.
Under covers.

Making plans.
Typing directions.

Need doctor.
Get meds.

Feel better?
Not sick?

It's Bathtime, Baby!

Saturday is bath day at our house. Josiah loves it!
I won't tell you about it... I will let you see for yourself...

Clean baby. Happy baby. Proud Auntie. Great Saturday!

Caught

When were you last caught off guard by someones kindness?

It is so easy to dwell on the hardships of the day or the frustrations that surface when it is most inconvenient. Does that really serve us well, though? Does dwelling on it really bring us out of the muck and the mire?

Today an unexpected gesture of kindness was tossed my way. I was so shocked that I almost failed to catch it. I had forgotten that importance lies in the simple things. The small words. The thoughts. The smiles.

I hope to savor that little nugget. I hope to pin it to my heart. To keep it as a reminder. To let it be a challenge.

What kindness will you let fill the creases and divots of your heart?

Slipping

I was going to post about the mean lady at the grocery store. I had eloquent words planned out about her animosity, tone, and rudeness that ignited fire in my heart. Somehow I managed to dim the flames and "keep my cool."

I was going to slice about inspirational blogs...one in particular. This writer has a gift with words. Her phrasing and visual images continue to astound me. The meaning behind her words often help my soul to soar.

I was going to write about my recent time in Texas. Family can be so refreshing and fun. We toured Austin, visited the Alamo, and laughed like little kids on the playground.

Alas, I spent my entire evening working, thinking, typing (for school).

I just moments ago straightened my covers, turned on my nook, took off my socks and tucked my tired body into my snuggly bed. Then I remembered.... It's March 1st!

I hope it is worth it to yank my body out of bed at 10:02 and share these measely words!

Here's to 30 more slices. Hope I remember before 10pm!

Literacy and the Family.

It's probable that most parents have heard that reading to their child is good for them. It is also probable that those same parents have heard why reading to their child is so beneficial. But how many really do? What really are the benefits? A few clicks of my mouse and a couple minutes of reading later, the answers were clear...

"A national survey found that less than half (48 percent) of parents said they read or shared a picture book daily with their children ages 1 to 3. Even fewer, 39 percent of parents, read or looked at a picture book with their infants at least once a day. Most alarmingly, one in six parents of an infant (16 percent) said they do not read to their child at all (Young et al., 1996)."    (Cited from http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/startearly/ch_1.html).


But the question still stands? Why? What is it about reading that makes it so beneficial for kids? The same website goes on to say that when parents read, talk, and sing to and with their child, it literally makes brain cells turn on. This means that parents really are their child's first teacher. Many of these experiences with words and stories cannot wait until starting school. It has to start at home...

And here's how:

The home is your greatest tool. It is accessable to you at all times and has a variety of ways to incorporate learning, reading, and fun into your child's life.

In the Bathroom:

• vinyl books during bath rime.
• bath paints or colored soap with sponges to make letters and numbers
• magnetic letters on the wall

In the Kitchen:

• Have your child help you make the grocery list.
• Put away food packages according to the first letter.
• Keep a calendar for each week listing important days and times. Have your child draw a picture to go with each event.

In the Back Yard:

• Let your child write letters in sand. No sandbox? Use a cookie sheet with sand.
• Let your child write and draw with sidewalk chalk.
• Make letters with a jumping rope and try to think of words that start with that letter.

For more ideas to use at home visit  http://www.scholastic.com/familymatters/read/all/housetour/index.htm

Reading books can also provide a great conversation between you and your child.

Before you read a book: Ask "what do you think will happen?"
                                        Look at the pictures together and study the drawings
                                        Talk about experiences that connect to the story.

During the book : Talk about what is happening in the story.  
                              Point out interesting or tricky words.
                              Ask "What do you think will happen next?"

After the book: Share your favorite part and tell why.
                          Rate the book from 1 to 10 and tell why.
                          Reflect with your child on the story.

What about when your child goes to school? What do you do when he or she comes home from school with a new book to read to YOU? What happens when your child makes a mistake when reading?

Here are some important tips about beginning readers...

• They need to point to each word. Encourage them to do so.
• They need to look at the pictures. Encourage them to use the pictures to help them.
• If they make a mistake, ask them "Where's the tricky word?" Have them point it out.
• Ask them "does that sound right? Does it make sense?" after an error. They might be able to go back and fix it on their own.
• Don't be afraid to tell them a few words when reading. They don't need to struggle through every word.
• Encourage them to look at the picture, look at the first letter, and make a guess when they don't know a word.

Here are some additional resources for you and your child:

* www.Readingrockets.org (for parents)
* http://www.readinglady.com/mosaic/tools/tools.htm#6 (for parents)
* http://www.magickeys.com/books/index.html# (for kids)
* www.starfall.com (for kids)
* http://pbskids.org (for kids)

Remember, you are your child's first teacher. Invest in your child's future by reading, talking, singing, and playing with him. 

Joy

When life gets a little busy and I feel a little more stressed than usual, I am always surprised at what brings me back into focus.

A little joy to brighten my outlook and put spring in my step again...