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!!!

Kid Friendly Websites

Hi Everyone,
My daughter, Suzanne, is a teacher in Camden County, Georgia. Of course, our conversations always lead to "good stuff" for our kids and our schools. She recently shared some of her favorite websites for kids. Now, she is a teacher of very young children so these are primarily for elementary aged children. I recommend that adults sit with their children at the computer. It is amazing how much I've learned from sitting with a student exploring a website for the first time! You learn how websites capture our children's attention and interest. And you get a better insight as to how your student learns. Good Luck with these websites. And always HAVE FUN with your kids. ;o)

• www.noggin.com
• www.starfall.com
• www.spellingcity.com
• www.educationcity.com
• www.brainpop.com
• www.bookadventure.org
• www.pbskids.org
• www.seussville.com
• www.storylineonline.net
• www.primarygames.com
• www.iknowthat.com
• www.nlvm.usu.edu (math with manipulatives)
• www.playkidsgame.com

Tips for Talking About School

I know that it is sometimes difficult to get your child to 'tell' you about school. I recently read a short article in the "American Profile" magazine. I thought the suggestions were good ones. The author Denise Mann suggests:

• Make the time right. Don't pounce on your child the minute they walk in the door. "Let them unwind first."
• Be specific. 'how was your day?' is too broad of a question and children don't actually understand when we ask this. Instead be specific in your questioning. "Did you play on the playground today?" or "Did you see Suzy today?"
• Talk about yourself. Talk about yourself to get your child to talk about themselves. Chat with them.
• Use Technology. Older kids communicate by text messaging or e-mails.
• Take a deep breath. Don't drive yourself crazy if your child only gives one-word answers. "Keep working at it!"

I hope these suggestions help with your next conversation with your student.

Keeping in Touch with School

Thank you to all that attended Mayport's Open House this year. If you were able to have dinner with us, you know that some of our special faculty members can really "cook"! The spaghetti was outstanding. It was wonderful seeing familiar faces and catching up on news as well as meeting new families to our area. Our classroom teachers demonstrated excellence in informing all participants of their expectations this year. But, of course, this is not the only time to touch base with your child's school. Please feel free to set up a conference with their teacher-- to ask your questions, to find out how you can help your student at home, or even to hear current events concerning the "best students at the beach". Again, thanks for coming!

Looking forward to Open House

When you visit Mayport Elementary, you'll have a chance to spend time with your child's classroom teachers. You'll also have a chance to talk with other people that are guiding your student at school. I'll be available in the front hall area. If you would like to set up a conference to discuss your student's speech and language development, just stop by and sign in on my open house attendance sheet. I'll be glad to set up a conference time that is convenient for you. Open House will be an opportunity for you to see old friends, meet new classmate's families, and join in the fun. Looking forward to seeing you the 4th.

Welcome to a new school year

Hello Everyone,
My name is Becky Bidlack and I am the Speech Pathologist at Mayport Elementary. I am a Pennsylvanian by birth but have lived in Florida since 1980. My husband Skip and I have three wonderful grown children. We live in the beaches area. I have worked at Mayport Elementary since 1987. This year, I will also serve students at Seabreeze Elementary one day/week.
I welcome you to contact me (247-5988) if you would like a personal conference. I may not have ALL the answers, but am willing to find the answers to your questions. Becky Bidlack, SLP :o)