Having worked with children for many years, I can verify that young children do not notice or care about skin color, religion, cultural differences or disabilities. They are naturally humble, curious, and full of love.Young children forgive easily, usually find the good in all, and just want to have fun. Here are some characteristics that children naturally know:
WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM CHILDREN:
* Humans are more alike than different. * Friends listen and help each other. * It's easy to forgive and "let it go."
* There is joy in the journey.
* If I am a friend to others, I'll have friends.
CHILDREN POSSES THE FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTES: C - CURIOSITY about the world around them - including different CULTURES.COURAGE brings rewards. CREATIVITY brings happiness.
H - HUMBLENESS. HUGS can HELP.
I - INNOCENCE. INTEREST in everything.
L - LOVE. LISTEN, LEARN. LAUGH.
D - DREAM.DO it.
R - RESPECT others. READ. RIGHT will triumph.
E - ESCAPE from technology - take a break and play outside.EXPLORE. EXPERIMENT. EXPERIENCE. EXPRESS yourself - kindly.
N - NATURE - Enjoy the natural beauty in our world. NURTURE your relationships. NEVER give up.
Young children are nonjudgmental. We adults know that attitudes are learned - not inherited. My daughter, who has special needs, and I enjoy many of the same books. I was reading her book, 125 True Stories of Amazing Animals, when I noticed the photo below.If animals can rescue and even raise another species, then can't we have empathy and compassion for our own kind?
We are different but love the same.
I like this quote: "What I am suggesting and asking is that we turn from the negativism that so permeates our society and look for the remarkable good in the land and times in which we live, that we speak of one another's virtues more than we speak of one another's faults, that optimism replace pessimism. Let our faith replace our fears."Gordon B. Hinkley:Cultivate a Attitude of Happiness and a Spirit of Optimism.
Cooper muttered the words that frustrates every mother, "I'm bored."
Megan sighed. She and her husband had saved for months for this special trip to unwind and build family bonds. She had packed lots of things for the children to do in the car. Cooper hit his brother and they both started the high-pitched screaming that made Megan's skin hurt. She rolled her eyes at her husband when he gave her an exasperated look. Megan wondered what she could do so her children would relax and enjoy their family vacation. Megan's dilemma is not unusual. Children crave consistency, stability and routine. How can you help your children cope with the hustle and bustle of traveling? Here are some tips:
I was filled with joy as my four-year-old grandson read a book to me. His proud mother said, "It's impressive - but I wonder if he understands what he's reading." We both looked at each other and decided we needed to find out.
I searched on-line for Comprehensive Reading Questions - and was overwhelmed with the amount of questions you can ask a young reader. Reading needs to be a fun bonding experience - so I suggest the KISS approach:
Please don't be stressed that your preschooler isn't reading! Of course, it is wonderful to share books with your child and for them to see you reading. Your enthusiasm for books is contagious and extremely helpful for children to develop a curiosity and love of books. But they may not be ready to focus on the letters, or be interested in flashcards, or expensive phonics' programs. Let them be children, learning with their five senses and movement, and they will learn naturally with some easy inexpensive involvement and encouragement. When my grandson went grocery shopping with his mom, he pointed and yelled, "K-R-O-G-E-R. That spells grocery store!" He didn't know the name of the store, but knew those letters symbolized groceries. Be excited when children notice and recognize letters and words.
You don't need to spend a lot of money to teach children. Young children learn using their five senses and movement. You can make many teaching tools yourself, use inexpensive items that you already have, or find free resources available on the internet. This is a 5 part series of Thrifty Teaching Tools.
The ABCs Series of 60+ Kid Network Bloggers in five categories has begun. My 5 day series isThe ABCs of Thrifty Teaching Tools and can be found from the following links:
Today, my special guest is Bethany from the kid lit and play blog No Twiddle Twaddle. One of her most popular features is the almost daily list of the best free kids' eBooks available on Amazon:
Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem through Reading, Crafting and Cooking by Vivian Kirkfield is a wonderful book for planning activities to build a child’s confidence – through fun hands-on activities and cooking while a child is being exposed to classic children's literature. The book is recommended for ages two through five but would also be a helpful resource for children of special needs and also parents who homeschool. It shows a guided way for adults and children to cooperatively engage in many avenues of child development through a love of books.
The Table of Contents will give you an idea of child developmental areas covered:
“One Picture Book is Worth a Thousand Words!”Building Self-Esteem
“I Can Do It Myself!”Mastering Tasks and Skills
“I’m Special!”Valuing Strength and Qualities
"I Love You & You Love Me!”Feeling Appreciated, Loved and Accepted
“I Am Really Mad Right Now!”Expressing Feelings
“I’m Afraid!” Acknowledging and Coping with Fears
“I Like Myself!”Developing a Positive Self-Image
"Tell Me One More Story, Please!”Creating Family Harmony and Balance
My Successful Routine – Vivian details her successful routine for teaching preschool, kindergarten or children at home.
Within each chapter are perfect choices of children’s literature totally 100 books. Vivian describes each book and has aPositive Parenting Partiicpation paragraph with insightful benefits in six child developmental areas. Then a craft is detailed and a healthy recipe included for each book.
The book is 230 pages with an index of classic book titles, craft activities and recipes. It is an amazing resource of information. Children will love you for teaching in a such a fun way.
I highly recommend award-winning Show Me How!to teachers, child-care providers, parents and grandparents of young children. You’ll have so many wonderful activities and recipes to coordinate with great children’s literature. It is easy to know that Vivian Kirkfield loves children and has the experience and expertise to help you build self-esteem in those children in your care or to give as a much appreciated gift. The book is available in Kindle and print format. With this type book, I prefer the print copy so that I can write in the "Notes" sections and easily access various topics. You'll have a treasure of ideas and books to share. You can visit Vivian Kirkfield's blog at Positive Parenting Participation.
Don't you just love Amazon? First they make shopping super easy and now they are selling my new book in a 4-for-3 promotion of parenting books. Simply click on The Happy Mommy Handbook BELOW and look for Special Offers and Product Promotions. Save 25% when you buy 4 eligible items - by just paying for 3! We've had great feedback from moms who claim we are saving their sanity! The book is a number 1 bestseller and even promoted by Google who helped co-author Katie Norris, Mommy with Selective Memory, and me with a Parenting Video. Here's Amazon's promo:
Add at least 4 eligible items to your Shopping Cart. Eligible items will have a message such as "This item is eligible for our 4-for-3 promotion." on the product detail page. Eligible products include select books and Home & Garden items. You may include items from different product categories in a single order to qualify--for example, you can order an eligible book and an eligible kitchen item.
Proceed to checkout. When you're done shopping on our site, click the "Proceed to checkout" button in the Shopping Cart. Your shopping cart should include at least four qualifying items during the checkout process to qualify for this promotion. Additional conditions are listed below.
On the final checkout page, we will discount the lowest-priced item. A promotion credit for the amount of the lowest-priced item will appear in the upper right corner of your Order Summary during the checkout process. If you use 1-click ordering, the promotion will be automatically applied.
You could even buy several copies of the
same book. You'll be saving 25% and
BE READY for CHRISTMAS!
AMAZON REVIEWS - ALL 5 STARS
5.0 out of 5 starsThis Book is a Life-saver!, July 10, 2012
This book seriously saved my sanity. I've read a bunch of parenting books but this is literally the only one that actually gave me real and specific advice and ideas for things to do with my daughter. I'm a stay-at-home mom to a 2-year old and I was at my wits end trying to come up with ideas of fun, easy, creative things to do with her that will keep her busy and occupied and help her learn. I wasn't very good at following through on ideas that I heard about from friends or read in other books or online because they seemed too complicated (aka: messy!) but this book broke it down and made it so simple. I highly recommend it!
I
love this book because it gives quick and easy solutions to problems
that parents face every day. The explanations will help a parent
understand the importance of each activity. The book encourages moms to
keep it simple and positive...which makes for a happier home for
everyone. I even love the size of the book...small enough to slip into a
handbag...but chockful of everything a parent needs to know about
keeping young children happy and busy. This is a book I wish I'd had
when my kids were little! As a former kindergarten teacher, parenting
speaker and mom of three, I would recommend "The Happy Mommy Handbook"
for any busy mom or grandmom and as a wonderful resource for
babysitters, daycare providers and nursery and preschool teachers!
Vivian Kirkfield, BA, MS
Author of Show Me How! Build Your Child's Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must-read (and do) books for Preschool Moms, August 9, 2012
The Happy Mommy Handbook: The Ultimate How-to Guide on Keeping Your Toddlers and Preschoolers Busy, Out of Trouble and Motivated to Learn by Katie Norris and Susan Case is a brilliant book for moms like me (and you too)! In the introduction the authors state two main goals: "to give you more free time by growing smarter and happier children and to encourage you to make the most of these early years." Part 1 explains how to make the early years fun yet educational. Each chapter starts with Katie's Mommy Dilemma which is common for so many moms and Teacher's Advice from Susan's perspective. There are also many practical examples for moms to engage their preschooler with easy and creative activities. There are ideas for sensory play, fine motor skills, arts & crafts, playing inside and playing outside. There are two chapters to help moms nurture themselves and to help children develop good behavior. Part 2 is getting your preschooler ready for Kindergarten. There are many helpful suggestions for parents to guide children to develop in cognitive, social, emotional, academic and physical areas. The one message throughout the book was "Mom, you are enough for your child."
How many times have I started my day off with good intentions to engage my son and wind up just telling him to run off and play? Katie and Susan's book helped me to see that purposeful play with my son is possible with just a few common items found in my home and a heart willing to take time to play with him in a meaningful way. And in this way, I can accomplish a few things I need to do while my son is engrossed in a fun activity that is helping him to learn. I was thrilled with the variety of simple things I can do to create a much better environment for my son who is really interested in more than being sent off to play in his room. Katie and Susan designed this book as a way to keep kids "busy" with learning activities that are playful. Moms, you can provide a loving and active day for preschoolers and be able to accomplish things you need to do. I am so glad to have this book to reference throughout my day. My son will be a much happier boy and I know I will be a happy mommy because my son will have had a full day playing and learning. I highly recommend this book to every preschool mom!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 starsThis is a "Must Have" book!!!, July 9, 2012
This is truly a fantastic book! I was shocked at how many activities the authors came up with - many of which didn't even require a trip to the store for supplies! The Mom who wrote this has great stories & the Teacher has valuable experiences...it's a perfect blend of unique insight. Fun (inexpensive) activities that keep my 2 kids away from the TV, what more can you ask for?!?!? This book is really helping me become a better Mom - Thank you!
5.0 out of 5 starsWorking mom approved!, July 5, 2012
As a full-time working mom, I want the time I spend with my daughter to be quality time. This book is full of great ideas on how I can engage my 2-year old, and keep her out of trouble while I get things done around the house. It is fascinating to watch her learn and have fun with the simplest of activities from materials we have around the house. Our quality and learning together time has improved! I can't wait to share this book with all of my mom friends -- working or stay-at-home!
5.0 out of 5 starsYou Don't Need Kids to Enjoy This Book!, July 3, 2012
I am not a mommy, so when a friend suggested I read this book, I balked. Then she shared some of the neat "to do" things in it and I was hooked! Don't let the title fool you -- I'd recommend this for dads, especially those who have their kids for weekend or limited visits. Wonderful stuff to make those times more fun for both and help build memories that will last a lifetime. Get it for yourself or a guy who will thank you for it!
5.0 out of 5 starsPacked full of great ideas!!, July 3, 2012
By
Nancy Flaspohler (PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS, US) -I just bought the book and I can't wait to try some of the projects. Great ideas for easy to do projects and activities. Loved all the info on what is age appropriate for younger children. I've been racking my brain for new ways to keep the kids busy this summer and now I have some great ideas. Every Mom should get this book!
What a great book, could not put it down. A must read for anyone spending time with children. Great ideas for keeping kids busy, while learning and having f'un too. Has some really nice tips for keeping Mom(or whoever) sane also.
* Humans are more alike than different.
