This is a photo of Ceci and her Pre-K teacher, Ms. Tina, taken on graduation day this past Friday. As each student walked across the stage to receive his/her diploma, Ms. Tina listed traits that described each child. For Ceci, she read aloud, “creative, a leader, and attention to detail”.

With the guidance of this teacher, a thoughtfully and intentionally crafted curriculum and a caring preschool environment, Ceci thrived. As the school year progressed, Ms. Tina began to observe positive qualities immerging within each child. She then proceeded to nurture and cultivate these characteristics, characteristics such as leadership and creativity, and she created opportunities through daily classroom experiences to allow each child to build on their individual strengths. Ceci learned many things this year. Most importantly, she learned to love learning.

When I was in second grade, I stood by my teacher’s desk and handed her a piece of work I had completed. I had worked diligently on this assignment, though I didn’t expect she would notice. She took the paper, looked it over, then bent over and whispered in my ear, “You are so smart, Katherine. You can do anything!” This happened over five decades ago, but I still occasionally hear her whispering those words in my ear.

These are examples of the impact a teacher can have on a child’s life. I invite you to please share your own stories, good or bad. Our readers would love to hear them.

By the way, Ceci----wherever you’re headed-----you are so smart.  You can do anything!

Do you know the signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children.  If not, you should!  According to the Center for Disease Control; 1 in 110 children in the US have ASD, and boys are 1 in every 49 children.  I know as a grandmother of three, I want to know the symptoms.  Early Intervention is essential in helping your child progress in their development.  The earlier the better!

A person with an ASD might:

• Not respond to their name by 12 months
• Not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months
• Not play "pretend" games (pretend to "feed" a doll) by 18 months
• Avoid eye contact and want to be alone
• Have trouble understanding other people's feelings or talking about their own feelings
• Have delayed speech and language skills
• Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
• Give unrelated answers to questions
• Get upset by minor changes
• Have obsessive interests
• Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles
• Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

You can learn more and get free materials by visiting:  http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html

"Family Fun Run"

On your mark...get set...go!

Participants Deborah, age 40, Andrew,  age 17, Michelle, age 25, and Cedric, age 26, ran in the 5K and Grace, age 11, Jordan, age 7, and Madison, age 4, ran in the Half-mile Kids Fun Run in the 10th Annual Bare Bones Race this morning. This year all proceeds goes to Relay for Life honoring all women who have experienced breast cancer.

30% of American children aged 6-18 are overweight; additionally another 15% of children are obese. Since overweight and obese children ultimately suffer the same health problems as over weight adults, it is important to attack this problem early when positive results are easier to achieve. Exercise should be a family activity that is enjoyed by all. Don't you want to be able to "keep up with your kids"? Wouldn't you like to feel healthy and energetic like your kids? You don't want to be "left behind"...do you?

Find an exercise that your family enjoys and have fun doing it!! Grace, Jordan and Madison ran in their first race today as we cheered them on at the kick off. Each of them received a medal and Grace received a third place medal for best overall. Andrew received a trophy for second place in his age group.

Michelle Macon, Program Coordinator

Thoughtfulness Today and Everyday

 As the Memorial Day holiday approaches and we ready ourselves for family outings and fun in the sun, take some time to remember and honor those who made the supreme sacrifice in service to this blessed country.  Be thoughtful and thankful for those that continue to serve America.

Thoughtfulness may be a simple concept, but not always easy to practice. It can become the greatest gift you can give not only to family and friends on special occasions and holidays…but to everyone, always.

Make thoughtfulness a habit, a way of life, and a part of your being. Thoughtful people create opportunities to make life easier and more enjoyable for those around them.

Why be thoughtful of others? It is the right thing to do, which makes you feel better about yourself, which in turn enhances self-esteem. You will help make the world a kinder place to live and people in turn will make this world a happier place to be.

Nourish your Spirit with Stillness

Nourish your Mind with Knowledge

Nourish your Heart with Unconditional Love

Nourish your Body with Living Food

Nourish your Relationships with Thoughtfulness

~ Tim Ong

 
Excerpts from Bob Burg http://www.burg.com

Look What I Did!!!

This group of three-year-olds are fine tuning their fine motor skills by engaging in the not so simple task of stringing Fruit Loops. Their teacher noticed from their assessments that they needed to strengthen these skills. The children had so much fun snacking and stringing.

Every child in this class was able to independently string at least 2 or 3 loops without assistance. May sound simple but not when you consider the dynamic of the children in the classroom. There are numerous children with identified disabilities including; Autism, developmental delay and Cerebral Palsy.

One child was so excited when he accomplished getting the loop on the string and pulling it through that he exclaimed with pride, "I DID IT!"

MEMORIAL DAY

We have a three-day holiday coming up. Hurry! Let’s celebrate that extra day off from work while still being mindful of the reason this holiday exits.

My husband, Mitch Houck, served twenty-two years in the United States Army. He spent the bulk of that time as a helicopter pilot. In 1966, he flew Huey Gunship in Vietnam and returned to Vietnam in 1969 as a Chinook pilot.

The greatest risk I run to my own personal safety on the job each day is the possibility of being bitten by an angry toddler. Though this possibility does make me weary from time to time, it is insignificant in comparison to the daily risk Mitch endured, because part of his daily experience included people shooting at him------trying to kill him---while he protected our country, helping to ensure the rights and privileges we feel entitled to every day. This scenario is a reality for many of our young soldiers today, right now---at this very moment and for so many soldiers in the past.

Let’s remember. Please, please let’s remember why we are able to celebrate this holiday on the last Monday in May.

 

The Importance of Sensory Play

Sensory Integration Activities are the lifeline to providing and achieving the necessary challenges for your child so they maximize:

• daily functioning
• intellectual, social, and emotional development
• the development of a positive self-esteem
• a mind and body which is ready for learning
• positive interactions in the world around him
• the achievement of normal developmental milestones

Proper intake and use of sensory input is absolutely critical to a child's maturation process and the building of core, foundational skills.

As you can see in the above video of little Emily; the best part about sensory integration activities is the creative fun you can have coming up with ideas and playing with your child using sensory input.   Emily certainly didn't like the wet sand upon first arriving at the beach, but with the encouragement and support of her mother, she began to explore and enjoy a day of sensory play. 

Below are a few ideas, but all you need is a little creativity to keep the fun endless!  Any material that stimulates several senses, especially the sense of touch is considered a sensory material.

Playdough, silly putty, bubbles, potting soil, water, shaving cream, cool whip, cooked noodles/rice, coffee grounds, corn meal, cotton balls, ice cubes, etc...

Norma Honeycutt

http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-integration-activities.html

Greetings from Western North Carolina

I am so thankful to be involved with Partners in Learning again through the magic and wonder of 21st century communication--the blog posting!

As you may know, Norma Honeycutt hired me for my first real teaching position after I graduated from college in 2001.  Although I have had many fantastic adventures in the field of early childhood education throughout the state of North Carolina, I will always remember Partners in Learning as the place where I learned to be proud of my chosen profession.

As I lay here on a homemade quilt in the backyard on a breezy, lazy Sunday afternoon, I feel so grateful that I am surrounded by the beauty of the North Carolina mountains.  Robins are feeding their young, neighbors are mowing their grass, Rico the dog is trying to catch and eat bumblebees and the grapevine is coming on so quickly that I can almost taste that round pop of sweetness in my mouth!  I suppose because I am perched here in Canton, NC at an elevation of around 3,200 feet I thought I would bring to you some of the things going on in the field of early childhood education in western NC.  Enjoy.

This weekend, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College hosted the 31st annual Western Regional Child Care Conference (WRCCC).  I attended workshops on Friday and Saturday.  The most interesting session involved giving classrooms a REAL makeover.  The presenters from Hot Springs Community Learning Center in Hot Springs, NC, suggested many ideas for warming up activity centers in the classroom.

Hot Springs Community Learning Center (TEACHERS:  Check out their monthly themes!  I think I will start using these!)

They call the items that are rotated throughout the room "provocations".  This simply means that the item is intended to provoke some sensory response from children.  The presentation got me thinking about what I will add to my classroom environment when I return to work on Monday.  A small table, a lamp, a throw rug, a bowl of potpourri or comfy chair from home could be the catalyst for creating a new experience for a child.

Warm Up Your Centers with a REAL Makeover (TEACHERS:  Workshop participant packet.)

Many parents that are working and/or going to school and need safe, educational places for their children to grow and learn.  For this reason, parents depend on childcare centers to be open throughout the year.  Although it may be challenging to adjust work schedules due to school closures, it is important for teachers to attend conferences and trainings to better care for children.  After attending the WRCCC, I aim to start the week off with some of the new techniques I have learned.  After all, I owe it to the children in my care and to the parents of those children who have put their confidence in me.

Sincerely,

Monica Willis
Early Head Start Teacher
Canton, NC

Manners: "Life-long Survival Skills"

Actions really do speak louder than words. Parental role modeling helps teach children to be caring and kind. Studies show that children can show signs of empathy and concern at a very early age. Parents have the power to nurture, guide, show and instill kindness, responsibility, and gentleness in a rude and violent world.

Devon, who has CP, needs assistance in putting his socks, braces and shoes on.





Devon's friends are showing empathy and kindness by helping get his socks, braces and shoes out of his bag.

Rory helps Mrs. Amber put his sock on.



 
Michelle Macon, Program Coordinator

Family Fitness-The Family That Plays Together Is Healthier

Wonder how to promote fitness for kids?


Start by getting in the game yourself - and allowing your child's interest to guide the way!

For many kids, biking and playing in the backyard or neighborhood have given way to watching tv, playing video games and spending hours online.

Your active lifestyle can be a powerful stimulus for your child. If you want an active child, be active yourself. Make activity a priority for you and your family by walking, riding a bike, playing games in the yard. Let your children know that physical activity is an opportunity to take care of your body, rather than a punishment or chore. Remember to praise and encourage physical activity.

Follow these guidelines and enjoy a happier, healthier life with your family:

1. Set a good example: Be active yourself and make it a priority

2. Limit screen time: Set a time limit or opt for video games that require movement

3. Establish a routine: Set aside time each day for physical activity

4. Let your child set the pace: Get creative as you search for activities your child enjoys

5. Promote activity, not exercise: To keep your child interested in fitness, make it fun

Remember, incorporating physical activity into your child’s life does much more than promote a healthy weight. It sets the foundation for a lifetime of fitness and good mental and physical health.

Resource: http://mayoclinic.com/health/fitness/FL00030

Click on the links below for fitness and fun with your family:

http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_center/index.html#cat20740

http://www.fitness.gov/funfit/kidsinaction_10.html



 

Never Too Young to Journal!!!

What good can a writing journal possibly be for a three or four year old that doesn't even know how to write?

 Well, a writing journal for a preschooler is so much more than just writing. It is free expression and then telling the teacher what they have drawn. The teacher then writes the words. This way the child can see what they have drawn and can associate the drawing with the written word. 

Eventually as the child matures developmentally their brain will make the connections and the child will be able to journal independently. This child's journal drawing reflects "a man picking strawberries." The children have been preparing to visit the strawberry patch.

Another child identified his work as a radish, since the children have recently been learning about fruits and vegetables. Journals are also a great way to gauge a child's progression of skills over time. It only takes a few minutes a day a few times a week.

Deborah K. Howell, Assistant Director

Exploring the Great Outdoors

A child, picking an apple from a tree, handed it to me and asked, “Now what do we do with it?” “What do you mean?” I asked. “Well, what do you do with it before I can eat it? Is there a machine or something we have to put it through?” This is a true story. The child was my three-year-old son, an urban child with, obviously, very little knowledge about the source of the fruits and vegetables that found its way to his plate each day. Though past generation three-year-olds probably followed a family member out to the vegetable garden to pick carrots for the dinner meal, many of today’s children do not have similar opportunities.

Part of the nutrition program at Partners In Learning has student’s planning and planting gardens. The children take pride in their efforts, and enjoy eating the vegetables their garden produces. They also develop confidence because of the new skills they’re developing. Learning about plants through classroom curriculum is great, but offering the children this hands-on experience is far more enriching.

Autism and Joint Attention

The word joint attention for children with autism seems to be used a lot lately.  Therapist often use it with families and parents are left wondering what in the world they are talking about.  Simple put, joint attention is sharing the point of attention with your child.  This is something that comes naturally to most children, but children on the spectrum often need to be taught this skill.  This can be taught through play.  Below is an example of me working with a child to teach joint attention.  I am hiding playdoe under the containers and he is watching to find it.  This is one of his favorite activities.  This child is beginning to acquire joint attention.  It's exciting!  Other ideas include rolling a ball back and forth or pointing to something for the child to look.  Joint Attention skills are believed to be important to the development of social skills of all kinds, including the ability to participate in social play.

Summer Safety

Hot Cars
Did you know that on an even mildly hot day temperatures in a car or other vehicle can rise up to 120 degrees F in less than 10 minutes?  Even with windows partially open, children and animals can experience heat exhaustion, dehydration, heat stroke and even die from the extreme temperature. 

Sun Exposure
Did you know that for the best protection against UV rays you should apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out?  It is advisable to keep infants younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight but for children over 6 months, apply a suncreen with an spf of at least 15-30.  Also, encourage children, pets, and adults to drink water throughout the day to prevent dehydration.  When the heat index is 90 degrees and above, play outside before 10am and after 4pm.

Air Quality
Check your local tv stations and newspapers for the Air Quality forecast or go online at http://www.ncair.org/.  This website's Air Quality Index Color Code Guide recommends to restrict time outdoors.


Resource: NC Child Care Health & Safety Resource Center  -  Health and Safety Bulletin
Spring Edition 2011                         1-800-367-2229  or  www.healthychildcarenc.org

Babies? Learn? Really? How?

So you may ask yourself, what can you possible teach a baby? They are way to young to learn, they can't possibly get anything out of school. It is just feeding and changing right? WRONG...

These babies are learning to be close to one another in a community. There are toys within the reach of all children and they will be introduced to the fact that sometimes someone else gets what I want!

These children are even closer and looking at books together. They are learning that one day all the shapes and funny looking things on the page make perfect sense to them. Also, they are able to touch each other and learn that there are others in their world that are different from them.

Deborah K. Howell, Assistant Director

For the Mom's

MOTHER’S DAY

So, how was your Mother’s Day?  If you’re a mom, I’m guessing you’ve been asked this question a few times since Sunday.   Did your family take you out for dinner, buy you flowers or treat you to breakfast in bed?  Did you receive a lovingly crafted Mother’s Day card from a young child in your life? 

In the past, (at least my past), Mother’s Day was a post-Easter extended family gathering.  Yes, there were cards, flowers, chocolates, hugs and lots of verbal “thank you Mom”, but generally Moms did the cooking and were grateful to get a hand or two of canasta in before the crowd subsided.

I’ve noticed, though, that Mother’s Day has morphed into something much more sophisticated-certainly more materialistic these days.   For some of us, the value of our role as mother has become measured by certificates for a day at the spa and diamond tennis bracelets.  “Come on, guys,” the television commercials implore us, “show your mother how much you love her.  She deserves a diamond-studded heart necklace this Mother’s Day.”

I applaud mothers.  I know we make mistakes along the way, but we ALWAYS give the best we have each day, and we want only the best for our children.   Even on our worst days, we give and make sacrifices for our kids.  Mothers------diamonds or no diamonds-----I am grateful for your efforts every day, not just on Mother’s Day.    

Katherine Generaux, Community Inclusion Director

Another Successful Conference!

Saturday was a wonderful day in more ways than just the weather!  We had our 3rd annual Special Needs Mini- Conference.   It always warms my heart to see families connecting with other families.   I would love to tell you more, but will leave it to the comments from families and providers. 

What did you enjoy the most?

• I thought I would be bored, but I wasn’t!
• Excellent Presentations
• Great advocates for some disabilities
• Meeting people with the same challenges as I have.
• Met wonderful people
• I really knew nothing about Down syndrome so the workshop helped me learn things, that will help me help children with Down Syndrome.

 What will you change/do as a result of the conference? 

• Watch for contributing factors of child behaviors and analyze them and address them appropriately.
• Promote more music opportunities to express feelings and promote positive self-esteem.
• Becoming an better advocate for children in our early childhood center, educate parents to become advocates for their children with or without disabilities. 

More pictures of the conference on our Facebook page.

Norma W. Honeycutt, Executive Director

Kindergarten Here I Come...

What does your mommy or daddy gut tell you about your child starting Kindergarten this year? Is your child ready to move on to the "big" school? Teachers are not looking for you to drill your children on academic skills: ABC's, numbers, shapes, and colors.

 There are equally, if not MORE, important readiness skills that set the stage for your child's learning. Raising an eager learner is the goal, and it can be achieved easily through play and day-to-day activities.

Top Readiness Skills Teachers Look for:

• Enthusiasm toward learning
• Solid oral-language skills
• The ability to listen
• The desire to be independent
• The ability to play well with others
• Strong fine-motor skills
• Basic letter and number recognition

Michelle Macon, Program Coordinator

Be a Hum-Bug

Sing Your Way to Happiness

Have you ever been standing in the checkout and witness someone that has the “bah humbug” written all over their face as they grimace and grumble through the lane? After encountering just such a customer, one clerk, rather than engaging the customer in her woe, simply started to sing in a friendly tasteful tone. It was a peaceful, happy, and comforting tune. At first, the grump looked at the clerk as if she were crazy. She was so uptight that even this benign gesture seemed to bug her. But after a few minutes the customer began to visibly relax. She became much friendlier and seemed to let down her guard and almost smiled.

There is a big difference between a humbug and a hum-bug. When we remain calm and happy in the presence of those who are definitely not, our positive energy rubs off on them, just like static electricity. Singing, humming, or playing a tune ushers in an atmosphere of calm and happiness.

So, next time you are face to face with a grumpy Grinch, try something similar. Subtly invite them into a sunnier climate. Present yourself as a person who is content and likes life. Even if you aren’t in the best of moods yourself, act as if you are - whether by smiling or singing or simply making a conscious effort to unfurrow your brow - can help you get there. So, give a whistle, hum a tune, sing a song. At worst, people will think you’re crazy and leave you alone. At best, you’ll brighten somebody’s day and possibly their life.

Happy Day!!

Persistance Pays Off!!!

 

 Once upon a time I was not able to hold my head up...

I CAN NOW

Once upon a time I was not able to roll over...

I CAN NOW

Once upon a time I was not able to sit up...

I CAN NOW

Once upon a time I was not able to crawl...

I CAN NOW

Once upon a time I was not able to pull up...

I CAN NOW

Once upon a time I was not able to walk...

I AM WORKING ON IT!!!!!

Just like all the other milestones I have been persistent I know that one day I WILL WALK!!!!

Deborah K. Howell, Assistant Director and ITFS Play Therapist

Early Childhood Friendships

I love to watch two small toddler or preschool friends greet each other with big bear hugs. It’s so sweet. Did you know that these early friendships can also promote important social and emotional development? Though some friendships can start as early as 30 months, it is more common to see early friendships emerging with three and four-year-olds. Some benefits of these relationships include:

• learning the concept of give and take

• developing greater confidence

• building self-esteem

• developing empathy

• gaining a broader understanding of the world around them

Rhonda Little, a teacher at Central Child Development Center in Kannapolis, gave me a wonderful example of the lasting impact of some early childhood friendships. Her brother, she tells me, met his best friend in Kindergarten. Now adults, one is a police officer and the other an architect, they have maintained their early friendship through many live changing experiences and currently get together at least once a week.

My best friend is named Janice Todd. She was my neighbor growing up. We can go a year or two without seeing each other in person, yet we can pick up a conversation as if we’d seen each other the day before. Do you have a truly great friend from childhood?

Katherine Generaux, Community Inclusion Director