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!!!