Back in the Saddle Again

I'm always assured that I'm not alone in having a 'mental countdown' right before school begins. With only a few days left of summer, I'm preparing my household (buying convenience foods, organizing closets, etc.) for my return to school. I think this inner drive to prepare myself for my return is seeded in one of the many traits that my parents instilled into my character - being organized. I recently read that organizational skills help boost grades. These skills also help kids stay on track and finish tasks on time. Using a calendar helps children set short time lines so nothing is surprising them at the last minute. Holly Johnson, PhD from the University of Cincinnati (published in Woman's Day magazine) suggests that when a goal is met, place a check mark on the calendar so your child can see their progress toward their goal. Sounds like something that we could initiate for our new school year.
I'm sure that you would have a real chuckle if you could only see my calendar. From supporting my spouse in his medical treatments, pouring a cement slab for my one storage shed, erecting privacy fence and making homemade grape jelly, my calendar looks cluttered with red check marks. For myself, I feel inner satisfaction with knowing how accomplished I am.
I'm looking forward to being "Back in the Saddle Again".

Robust Vocabulary

February and March are wonderful months to be on the lookout for robust vocabulary. As the research has confirmed, there is a strong connection between vocabulary and learning to read. If our children are exposed to robust vocabulary, their ability to learn to read is improved. As we read aloud to our little ones before bedtime, they will hear words that may be unfamiliar to them. But through our voice, an illustration, and surrounding words, our children begin to build a vast vocabulary that will carry them through many literature selections. Read-alouds and think-alouds are important for children to experience. Our kids may not need some of these unfamiliar words in the future, but the exposure to new vocabulary causes them to absorb words that they may call upon in their future. For an example, being a 'word' geek, I love to play SCRABBLE. About a year ago, my middle child and her husband who also love this game, thought it would be fun to 'stump' the old lady with their expertise. Determined not to be outdone, I pulled out a vintage word, trivet (hot pad or plate to protect the surface of the table). Her remark was: "Where did you get that word?" I simply told her of my grandmother's policy of protecting her prized dining room table. My daughter continued by saying that 'no one calls them that anymore'.
My point is this. Read to your children, expose them to new and robust vocabulary and be surprised how much their brains will absorb. By the way, the last time I was at my daughter's house for dinner, she asked her husband to get a trivet out of the drawer for the table. YEAH for Vocabulary!

Happy New Year Mayport!

Well, I made it through (I should say that I ate it through) all the Christmas cookies & every chocolate candy dish. I even made it through the 'visit' from the "grand-dogs". Believe me when I say that truly tested all my parenting skills. But that will have to wait for another day and a clearer mind to share the details.
I have always looked forward to every vacation that is scheduled during the school year. I think it gives me a much needed fresh perspective as I return to work. Even though I was able to easily fill each vacation day with 'choices', maybe clean out a closet (not!) or sew some quilts for Hospice (with love), I find myself missing my school family. I may not touch base each morning with everyone on Mayport's campus, but I always keep them in my thoughts. Did they have as much fun as I did? Are they feeling calm and peace as I feel this morning? Will anyone come back to work with any surprises?
This fact will always be true.....I love Mayport Elementary, the people I work with, the children I teach each day, and the community that I feel apart of. Happy New Year, Everyone! See you in a few days. ;o)

Happy Holidays Everyone!

I just want to wish all my friends, faculty members & staff and community a wonderful Winter Holiday. As we reach the final days of school and anticipate the holiday vacation, I am always reminded of my greatest gifts to those I love.

• Patience, patience, and more patience!
• Understanding, understanding, and even more understanding!
• Support of any undertaking they take part in.
• Undivided attention when asked for.

Have a great holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving

I just wanted to give a 'shout out' to everyone in our community wishing all the best to the families at this thankful time of year. I try to think of 'what can I do' to make my community a better place. It isn't too difficult to find someone who may need our help these days. I am sure that each of us can look around and see someone who could benefit from a helpful hand or a cheery hello. Think of how you can make a difference. It doesn't always mean an act requiring money. It could be as simple of bringing in your neighbor's garbage cans before they blow into the street, or an offer to pick up some branches or leaves from their yard.
These random acts of kindness don't only make a lasting impression on their recipients. They make an impression on our children because our children learn by our examples. If we show kindness to others, our children will follow in our footsteps. What a wonderful lesson for us to teach our children.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving season, everyone!

The Power of Words

Since I'm in the 'word' business, I thought I'd take the opportunity to talk about the Power of Words. Words are very powerful things. Some words cut into our feelings just like a knife cutting into butter. Some words soothe our hurts just like lotion soothes a sunburn. Being mindful of what words we use with our children is an undaunting task. Every time I turn around there seems to be a new word created simply out of necessity. Did you know that there is an actual dictionary published and devoted to new words that have been created in the last few years?
Along with trying to catch up with all new words, our kids are having to understand figurative language....those words that don't really mean what they say. I don't mean to "beat around the bush". This expression came from hunters that would scare their game out of their hiding places by rustling trees and bushes nearby. Now we use these simple words to mean to 'work persistenly toward a goal'. I have been told that I'm as "happy as a clam" when I have my family nearby. This expression originally was "happy as a clam in high tide". When the high waters hid them from view, the clams are blissfully safe. Yes, I am happy as a clam with family around me!
I'll close this discussion today by sharing a quote from a literay piece I read over summer. In the book "Lottery" written by Patricia Wood, the main character (a mentally challenged adult who wins the lottery) has a lot of trouble with words. He says: "Words are like people's faces. They do not always mean what they look like. Just look for what you understand. If you come to a word that you do not know, keep going until you find one you do. "
I think I'll take his advice the next time I encounter one of those newly created words. Look around it, make some sense out of it. If I do not know it, just keep going until I find one that I do.
Until next Blog, be happy as a clam....;o)

Kids in the Kitchen

October always seems to be the time when I remember how much fun my children and I have in the kitchen. We talk about the different food groups, plan the menu, or discover the "kitchen science" that naturally happens when we are cooking - it is FUN! Working in the kitchen together allows us to develop vocabulary, follow multiple step directions, form predictions and opinions, work on math skills, and learn about each other.
Most of our kids are knowledgeable of the microwave. With supervision, our children can make things that are healthy for them. But, sometimes it takes a bit more parent involvement. Try to involve your kids in preparing vegetables and fruits by using plastic utensils. Encourage them to use and read a measuring cup or measuring spoons.
Here is an easy recipe for healthy snacks:

Jello Jigglers

• 3 small boxes of favorite flavor of jello
• 1 box of Knox gelatin (contains 4 envelops)
• 4 cups of boiling water

Mix the jello and Knox gelatin in a container. Carefully, stir in the boiling water. When dissolved, pour liquid into a 8" x 13" pan or a high sided cookie sheet and place in the refrigerator. When set, cut into shapes (squares, rectangles, ovals, pumpkins, stars, etc). Store in a Ziploc bag or an air tight container in the refrigerator. * these will travel in lunch bags without refrigeration.

HAVE FUN WITH YOUR KIDS IN THE KITCHEN!!!