Friday, January 18, 2008
It finally happened
I am happy to report that little man is WALKING! At times, as some predicted, he is trying to run. That doesn't work too well yet. He does seem to enjoy trying to carry heavy and odd shaped objects while he walks. Our batteries ran out on our camera this week so we have been negligent parents in taking video of this event - but this weekend we will.
Good Toddler Books
One of my friends recently commented that it is difficult to pick out good children's books - there are just so many. Today I learned that there is an organization that picks good books for toddlers. They have for about 8 years (so about 80 books). As I looked through the list I found the one book that little man has pretty much torn to shreds - Babies. I am not really sure how he's done it - but he has loved that book to death. I presonally also recommend everything written by Sandra Boynton. A friend of ours mentioned us to her when little man was very young and we TOTALLY love her books -they cover basic concepts in fun ways.
You can always look for books with the Caldecott or Newberry award as well. If you are in Texas you can look for the Bluebonnet award - but that's typically for older children. If you remember the movie 3 men and a baby (one of the "dads" reads from Sports Illustrated) - when they are really little it isn't so important what you read as that you read.
You can always look for books with the Caldecott or Newberry award as well. If you are in Texas you can look for the Bluebonnet award - but that's typically for older children. If you remember the movie 3 men and a baby (one of the "dads" reads from Sports Illustrated) - when they are really little it isn't so important what you read as that you read.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
The winds of change
Last week my parents were here and my dad outdid himself. He put in a new back door to our garage and then cleaned the garage. It could now win an award for cleanest garage. (It could also be a top contender for most books stored in a garage). Well this was the swift kick in the pants (plus the fact that school starts at my house soon) we needed to get our act together.
On Friday I sat around drooling over the Ikea catalog and considering all the great items I could buy to help me organize. Yesterday I had meetings. Today I returned to reality and realized that we had most of what we need - just not in the right place. So we have been reorganizing. Although I can't say it will remain spotless - we both agree that it is much improved. I even found an extra bookshelf for the coop. I might even create "curtians" for the bookcases to help little man stay out of them. Speaking of little man, even he was inspired to redecorate. In his room we have two short bedside tables with two drawers each that serve as his "dresser". Right before we went to bed he got behind one of them and started moving it around. It was pretty cute.
This might be a form of procrastination - but it has had good results.
On Friday I sat around drooling over the Ikea catalog and considering all the great items I could buy to help me organize. Yesterday I had meetings. Today I returned to reality and realized that we had most of what we need - just not in the right place. So we have been reorganizing. Although I can't say it will remain spotless - we both agree that it is much improved. I even found an extra bookshelf for the coop. I might even create "curtians" for the bookcases to help little man stay out of them. Speaking of little man, even he was inspired to redecorate. In his room we have two short bedside tables with two drawers each that serve as his "dresser". Right before we went to bed he got behind one of them and started moving it around. It was pretty cute.
This might be a form of procrastination - but it has had good results.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Too many projects
As I enter the new year I realize that I continue with the same bad habits. I was trying really hard not to continue the pattern - but I just seem to go in phases. So this week I will start my last grad school class (for now), start our montessori co-op up again, continue my new part-part time job and be a mom to a child who is finally starting to really walk! He has taken more independent steps recently which is very fun. In addition, we are considering doing some major remodeling in our house over the next few months. So don't be surprised if I kind of drop off the planet for a little while.
I did find a cool program today to help with basic math concepts. It is a free program that provides "manipulatives" on screen to help teach math. So if you don't have a bunch of unit, tens, hundreds blocks around your house - this program can approximate it. They also have directions on how to use it. Of course, part of it is just letting your child play with it to see how math "works". Anyway, I am bookmarking it and will hopefully use it someday. I found it through my montessori listserv and it is in keeping with the way that they teach math.
I did find a cool program today to help with basic math concepts. It is a free program that provides "manipulatives" on screen to help teach math. So if you don't have a bunch of unit, tens, hundreds blocks around your house - this program can approximate it. They also have directions on how to use it. Of course, part of it is just letting your child play with it to see how math "works". Anyway, I am bookmarking it and will hopefully use it someday. I found it through my montessori listserv and it is in keeping with the way that they teach math.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Language learning and problem solving
As I am prepping for the spring semester I am reviewing the Montessori lessons to prepare students for language activities. There are couple pre-language activites that are simple and yet crucial to reading:
1. Sequencing - Montessori does this by stringing beads in a pattern, following a sticker pattern or similar types of activities.
Eventually, children will realize that letters are also sequenced to form words (and if they are out of sequence they say something different).
2. Sorting - Here there are activities like alike/ not alike and putting similar items together (we grouped plastic ice cube shapes together).
Here children are learning to match and group items according to similarities - this will be key as they learn the specific shapes of letters and need to figure out what letters are alike.
3. Visual Discrimination - this is very similar to sorting but it focuses more on patterns (like those found in fabric) and moves towards the more abstract. Playing games like memory help with this process - again looking at what is similar.
Children have to be keen observers to realize the difference between "b" and "d" and helping them hone this skill can be fun if we do it with things other than letters all the time.
These simiple, seemingly unrealated activities, are key to helping children prepare to read. Likewise, there is an approach to problem solving and discipline that uses what seems like unrelated factors to help children grow in their ability to deal with "real life".
In the world of child discipline I have only found a few programs that really seem to focus on preschool age children. Currently the "I Can Problem Solve" program captures my attention. It is aimed at parents of three and four year olds - but if you learn the vocabulary early and use it consistently I imagine younger children will catch on. I like it because it focuses on building specific vocabulary (or here) to help children problem solve. It breaks down phrase is like some/ all, same/different and encourages games that use these terms. Then, when a problem arises you use the terms and apply it it to the issue at hand. I skimmed this book a few months ago and I intend to check it out again today. I think it might be interesting to incorporate some of these terms into our Montessori classroom. There are further steps and here is a good summary of the overall (ignore the part about preventing delinquincy- oh wait, that might be a good thing regardless of who you are) approach:
1. Sequencing - Montessori does this by stringing beads in a pattern, following a sticker pattern or similar types of activities.
Eventually, children will realize that letters are also sequenced to form words (and if they are out of sequence they say something different).
2. Sorting - Here there are activities like alike/ not alike and putting similar items together (we grouped plastic ice cube shapes together).
Here children are learning to match and group items according to similarities - this will be key as they learn the specific shapes of letters and need to figure out what letters are alike.
3. Visual Discrimination - this is very similar to sorting but it focuses more on patterns (like those found in fabric) and moves towards the more abstract. Playing games like memory help with this process - again looking at what is similar.
Children have to be keen observers to realize the difference between "b" and "d" and helping them hone this skill can be fun if we do it with things other than letters all the time.
These simiple, seemingly unrealated activities, are key to helping children prepare to read. Likewise, there is an approach to problem solving and discipline that uses what seems like unrelated factors to help children grow in their ability to deal with "real life".
In the world of child discipline I have only found a few programs that really seem to focus on preschool age children. Currently the "I Can Problem Solve" program captures my attention. It is aimed at parents of three and four year olds - but if you learn the vocabulary early and use it consistently I imagine younger children will catch on. I like it because it focuses on building specific vocabulary (or here) to help children problem solve. It breaks down phrase is like some/ all, same/different and encourages games that use these terms. Then, when a problem arises you use the terms and apply it it to the issue at hand. I skimmed this book a few months ago and I intend to check it out again today. I think it might be interesting to incorporate some of these terms into our Montessori classroom. There are further steps and here is a good summary of the overall (ignore the part about preventing delinquincy- oh wait, that might be a good thing regardless of who you are) approach:
The first section focuses on learning a problem solving vocabulary in the form of games. The second section concentrates on teaching children how to listen. It also teaches them how to identify their own and other's feelings, and to realize that people can feel different ways about the same thing. In the last section children are given hypothetical problems and are asked to think about people's feelings, consequences to their acts, and different ways to solve problems.One study showed pretty impressive results:
Specifically, as a group, children trained by their mothers at home became better able to wait for what they want, better able to share and take turns, and less easily upset in the face of frustration while they were in school as measured against their control counterparts.Children don't automatically know these things but that they can be taught. These programs break down complicated issues into simple steps that parents and teachers can use to help children learn. They also try to teach children in engaging, tactile and varied contexts so it doesn't feel like a "lesson" but the kids are learning nonetheless.
The longitudinal study showed that at the end of grade 2 (they learned the program in kindergarten/1st), mother-trained girls were the least impulsive and the least inhibited, and showed the fewest behavior problems as observed by independent raters.
Potty Learning . . . pre training
Potty learning is the PC term for what people have called potty training forever - it's a granola type phrase that emphasize that this a a skill that is learned just like anything else the child does. Well today I decided to break out the new little potty we got for little man. Although it is VERY early - I am an advocate for introducing the idea early. He was obviously trying to go to the bathroom and I decided why not make the most of the moment. I don't expect him to be potty trained any time soon but today's results were less than thrilling.
He was very interested in the potty and he immediately took out the "bowl" of the potty. (This could make the process MUCH messier in the future). He then dragged the potty from the bathroom to the kitchen and proceeded to try and use it as a step stool to get into the pantry cabinet. His foot kept going through the hole where the "bowl" was supposed to be so it didn't really give him much leverage. Basically he ended up standing in the potty. The version we have is designed to be used as a step stool if you configure it correctly - so he was on to something. So after snapping a few pictures I had to return the potty to the bathroom and got him what he wanted out of the pantry. This might be a longer process than I expected!
He was very interested in the potty and he immediately took out the "bowl" of the potty. (This could make the process MUCH messier in the future). He then dragged the potty from the bathroom to the kitchen and proceeded to try and use it as a step stool to get into the pantry cabinet. His foot kept going through the hole where the "bowl" was supposed to be so it didn't really give him much leverage. Basically he ended up standing in the potty. The version we have is designed to be used as a step stool if you configure it correctly - so he was on to something. So after snapping a few pictures I had to return the potty to the bathroom and got him what he wanted out of the pantry. This might be a longer process than I expected!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Steppin' out
I am glad to report that little man is now attempting to walk. He has gone from the sofa to the chair and then from one part of the kitchen to another. He still isn't sure that this is a great mode of transportation but he is experimenting with it more. Often he attempts to do this while carrying something large. My husband reports that little guy carried a cup, with a little bit of water, without a top, from one part of the kitchen to another without spilling! He has also become a little more clingy today - which is sort of surprising. He is also getting much better at standing up without anything around him - it really is quite a feat. Anyway, not too long and his little motor will really be running!
Great Montessori Resource
I continue to enjoy the montessorimakers yahoo group and learn something new almost every day. Today I learned about a new website that talks specifically about doing montessori at home. The website clearly outlines the basic tennets of the math and language program more clearly than any other place I've seen. I did download the ebook and it provides basic but helpful information. I especially like the section about implementing Montessori at home. This outline, in combination with the step by step directions I bought earlier this year, will form the basis of our spring semester. We will start next week and we'll see how it goes.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy New Year!
Welcome to a new year. I decided to do a year in review instead of a typical Christmas letter to all. I do hope that everyone enjoyed family and friends over the holidays - we certainly did!
The update:
Little man - He still doesn't walk - but he does have really good balance and can be tricked into walking on occasion. He tries to talk and has favorite words like dog, drink, milk, truck and bath. He learned "deer" over Christmas at his great grandparents house. He loves playing outside, climbing all over everything, pulling things out of cabinets, opening and closing doors (he can reach the door knobs but not turn it yet), turning pages in books and playing the piano. So, he is a growing boy. He eats his spinach and oatmeal every morning - please don't tell him that most normal people don't eat that. He had a great first birthday. It grew out of control fast (we had 12 kids under 5 years of age) but we had a great time celebrating with pancakes and curious george. We are looking forward to a great year - he will walk eventually (at least that's what people tell me) and I am sure he will have a language explosion - he really wants to talk. Actually most people think he will be RUNNING within days after walks - I tend to agree.
Hubby (daddy) - He is still employed by the public library system here in SA. Overall he enjoys it. He has been given more administrative responsibilities and he really enjoys that. His boss likes his work and continues to recommend him for position openings - however in a city system it's all about your number of years. He plans to stay with the system for a LONG time coming so his turn will come. He gets frustrated with the computer illiteracy of the general public but enjoys helping patrons who are actually doing research. He has also been busy with a guys group about once a week - they do geeky guy things. He continues to read like crazy and continues to watch all kinds of movies. On occasion he picks a few good books on tape and movies that are interesting to the rest of us. So far we have learned about the history of pirates, the race to the north pole, Harry Potter, and similar fare.
The little wife (mommy) - I am still adjusting to being a full time stay at home mom. I actually spent the summer working full time plus for a summer camp. It was fun but very tiring. In the spring I read "Genius Denied" about gifted and talented education. I also realized that my money towards education from VISTA was about to expire. So I have been taking Internet courses on gifted education over the summer and fall. I have learned a lot - even though I don't have a teaching certificate. After this summer I realized that I WILL NEVER run a child care center (one of my former dreams). So instead my friends and I started a montessori preschool co-op. We had about 12 -1 4 kids between 8 months and 4 years twice a week. It has been fun and I think helpful to the moms/ dads and kids. We will have two "semesters" this spring. We've learned a lot and look forward to what is to come.
I have also found a hobby. I learned how to make quilts this fall and made quite a few for family and friends for Christmas. I have also taking up crocheting after a friend introduced it to me. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree as I realize most of my family has taught at one point and many of them are pretty skilled with needle and thread.
We continue to stay busy at church. Our pastor recently left to accept an exciting opportunity in North Carolina - but it's been awesome to see our church community come together in new ways. We also are busy with a home group. We now meet at our house so once a week we have over 12 adults and 7 children under age 4 in our house. We are still trying to figure out how to meet everyone's needs - but it is fun to do life together. Missy is part of a women's group that has been studying Cloud and Townsend books about spiritual growth and community. Peter is part of a geeky guys group and enjoys hanging out with them. He used to be the only married guy but now the ratio is changing (two were married this year!).
So these are the high points of our year. We are excited about the year to come, looking forward to lots of new life (many of our family and friends are expecting) and new adventure. When I remember I try to post happenings here and we'd love for you to keep in touch.
The update:
Little man - He still doesn't walk - but he does have really good balance and can be tricked into walking on occasion. He tries to talk and has favorite words like dog, drink, milk, truck and bath. He learned "deer" over Christmas at his great grandparents house. He loves playing outside, climbing all over everything, pulling things out of cabinets, opening and closing doors (he can reach the door knobs but not turn it yet), turning pages in books and playing the piano. So, he is a growing boy. He eats his spinach and oatmeal every morning - please don't tell him that most normal people don't eat that. He had a great first birthday. It grew out of control fast (we had 12 kids under 5 years of age) but we had a great time celebrating with pancakes and curious george. We are looking forward to a great year - he will walk eventually (at least that's what people tell me) and I am sure he will have a language explosion - he really wants to talk. Actually most people think he will be RUNNING within days after walks - I tend to agree.
Hubby (daddy) - He is still employed by the public library system here in SA. Overall he enjoys it. He has been given more administrative responsibilities and he really enjoys that. His boss likes his work and continues to recommend him for position openings - however in a city system it's all about your number of years. He plans to stay with the system for a LONG time coming so his turn will come. He gets frustrated with the computer illiteracy of the general public but enjoys helping patrons who are actually doing research. He has also been busy with a guys group about once a week - they do geeky guy things. He continues to read like crazy and continues to watch all kinds of movies. On occasion he picks a few good books on tape and movies that are interesting to the rest of us. So far we have learned about the history of pirates, the race to the north pole, Harry Potter, and similar fare.
The little wife (mommy) - I am still adjusting to being a full time stay at home mom. I actually spent the summer working full time plus for a summer camp. It was fun but very tiring. In the spring I read "Genius Denied" about gifted and talented education. I also realized that my money towards education from VISTA was about to expire. So I have been taking Internet courses on gifted education over the summer and fall. I have learned a lot - even though I don't have a teaching certificate. After this summer I realized that I WILL NEVER run a child care center (one of my former dreams). So instead my friends and I started a montessori preschool co-op. We had about 12 -1 4 kids between 8 months and 4 years twice a week. It has been fun and I think helpful to the moms/ dads and kids. We will have two "semesters" this spring. We've learned a lot and look forward to what is to come.
I have also found a hobby. I learned how to make quilts this fall and made quite a few for family and friends for Christmas. I have also taking up crocheting after a friend introduced it to me. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree as I realize most of my family has taught at one point and many of them are pretty skilled with needle and thread.
We continue to stay busy at church. Our pastor recently left to accept an exciting opportunity in North Carolina - but it's been awesome to see our church community come together in new ways. We also are busy with a home group. We now meet at our house so once a week we have over 12 adults and 7 children under age 4 in our house. We are still trying to figure out how to meet everyone's needs - but it is fun to do life together. Missy is part of a women's group that has been studying Cloud and Townsend books about spiritual growth and community. Peter is part of a geeky guys group and enjoys hanging out with them. He used to be the only married guy but now the ratio is changing (two were married this year!).
So these are the high points of our year. We are excited about the year to come, looking forward to lots of new life (many of our family and friends are expecting) and new adventure. When I remember I try to post happenings here and we'd love for you to keep in touch.
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