Mr. Potato Head

When I look at a toy, I see all of the different possibilities that it can be used for. How many different ways can I teach using this one specific toy? How many different developmental skills can we work on using only this toy? In which domains can I fit this toy into: cognitive, language, social-emotional, physical, and self-help? I try to buy mostly toys in which I can think of at least one activity in each of the five domains.

While I have many favorite toys to use with the kids, (future blog topic) I LOVE Mr. Potato Head, as well as his wife and kids.

Mr., Mrs., and the kids

Mr. Potato Head is a character that encourages children to use their imagination in creating different people and it has so many different benefits to its play.

Colors can be identified. Body parts can be named. Fingers can be counted. Accessories can be added and taken away.

Mr. Police Head

I typically allow children to make a "silly face" in which they put the pieces in whatever order they want before we then place them accurately. If a child is having difficulty, we look at our faces in a mirror. We create a pattern, "eyes, nose, mouth" and transfer that to the Potato Head.

Silly Face

Children love the many different accessories. They have so much fun playing with their new friend Mr. Potato Head that they don't even realize they are learning in a developmentally appropriate way!

Female accessories

Nowadays, Mr. Potato Head is also available with female accessories as well as a miniature toy with smaller parts, similar to a baby Potato Head.

Mini-Potato Head

Enjoy!

Katie Zink, ITFS/P

Family Routines

Family Routines are important and make lasting memories. Family life might be more chaotic without some routine, but there’s more to it than that. Routines also let your children know what’s important to your family. Highly meaningful routines are sometimes called rituals. These can help strengthen your shared beliefs and values, and build a sense of belonging and cohesion in families.

We’ve learned that our children love to read so we now read in the bed before bed. CJ has learned that even though he can't read the words yet, he can read the pictures and he loves to tell his own story. We use this time to spend time together to wind down before bed by reading a book of our choice.

Post one of your family routines, we would love to hear what you do.

 

Michelle Macon, Family Support Advocate

Autism and the tooth fairy

One of our parents recently posted the below story on Facebook.  She was willing for me to share her heartfelt story. 

 Autism Spectum Disorder (ASD) Parent Realization.  We learn early on that our kids do not understand abstract things. We look at the way we speak, how to explain things and whatever else we can anticipate. Well today was a day I was not prepared for. CJ lost his first tooth.  Yeah for him his physical health is wonderful and he is right on track. The sad part is we do not know exactly when it happened. He did not get the excitement of loosing his first tooth.   He will not be going to bed anticipating the very first visit from the tooth fairy. He will not wake up and throw his pillow off the bed to see what was left for him. My rational side tells me this is something that he does not understand and he will be fine. It is not a big deal. The mommy that I am is so upset that he will never know that experience or have that memory. It is a hard pill to swallow for me. So today for about a total of 30 minutes I had my own pity party. I am still trying to figure out if I am wrong for that.  

Trish Sihler

 Grief is natural part of any parent of a child with special needs journey, so no it is not wrong Trish.  It's quite natural!  You know that your child is "Different... but not less than."  You accept your child for who he is and celebrate his unique insight and abilities.  So, take that 30 minutes and have your "pity party", for tomorrow you will pick yourself up and continue to celebrate the uniqueness of your wonderful son as you do everyday! 





Norma W. Honeycutt, Executive Director

The Power of Play[Doh]

I absolutely LOVE using Play-Doh with the children because there are so many great ideas and opportunities that can be utilized, plus, the kids love it too!

Play-Doh!

Everyone knows about the fancy-store bought 'PlayDoh' brand toys, such as the burger maker and ice cream maker, but there are more educational (and cheaper) options that work even better!



Burger Builder

Young children can benefit from the use of Play Doh in many ways. It is great for fine motor development because it both builds strength in the hands/arms and allows the child to move their fingers in a way that they typically do not.

Sticks

Squeezing and manipulating Play Doh itself can be soothing, somewhat like a stress ball for adults, and you can do just about anything with it: mold it, squish it, roll it, poke it, cut it, (pretend) eat it.

Clean up the Spaghetti

You can roll it into balls, make "snakes" and cut it into small pieces, make molds out of it, and so much more. The container itself provides the child with lots of verbal prompts, such as "open," "help please," "more," and the color of the Play Doh.

"Red Open"

Thanks to The Imagination Tree (awesome resource), I found a "Play Doh Tool Kit" that adds to the possibilities. Once you add items to the Play Doh, you can bury and find, feel the textures, and stick stuff in it. Natural items, such as leaves and nuts are great to add to the Play Doh.

Another fun thing to do is to create letters, either by drawing them or making a stamp, and stick items in the shape of the letter. Repetitively tracing letters with the finger is a great way for a child to develop early writing skills.

Handwriting Skills

Finally, Play Doh is a GREAT thing to incorporate into sensory integration play and with any child who has difficulties with sensory input, such as children with Autism.


http://www.theimaginationtree.com/2012/06/benefits-of-playing-with-play-dough.html

Katie Zink, ITFS/P

Are we living the dream?

Dr. Martin Luther King had a dream that one day his four little children would live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

On this eve of the birthday celebration of Dr. King, I wonder how close we have come to his dream.  We know that not everyone judges people in our nation on their character rather than skin color, but are we closer?  We are closer than we were forty years ago, ten years ago, and even four years ago.  

Maybe it's my eternal optimism, but I do believe that there will be a day when our nation will be "color blind".  When this happens, we will be truly "living the dream'.

Living the Dream at PIL!

  I would love to hear from you.  Do you think we are living the dream? 

 Children Behaving Badly?

 

 

 

 

 

  What is a parent to do?

 

 

Join ME as we explore research-based techniques and strategies that are proven to be effective in turning challenging behaviors into healthy behaviors.

 

When:    Thursdays from 1/24 through 2/28

 

Time:      6:30-7:30

 

Where:    Partners In Learning, Resource Room

 

***Refreshments, childcare, and nightly door prizes provided

Join us for this fun and educational workshop series

RSVP @  epartnersinlearning.org    or     (704) 638-9020

Sponsors: Smart Start Rowan & Rowan County United Way Community Initiatives Grant

 

Michelle Macon, Family Support Advocate

The Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFO)

The Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFO) is a common orthotic used to brace the ankle for children with impaired ankle function. AFOs are typically used for children with difficulty standing or walking due to ankle strength or positioning, or for children after a foot or ankle surgery. If your child is having difficulty with standing or walking, AFO bracing may be an option.

 AFOs can provide stability to the ankle joint. According to Dr. David Thompson, Associate Professor in physical therapy at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Professor, when walking, the AFO will substitute for weak dorsiflexors and plantar flexors. This allows your child to stand and swing his leg safely without worrying about the ankle joint failing and the child being injured.

A variety of AFOs are used for children; the right type for your child will be determined by your child's developmental issues.  You should work with your child's doctor or physical therapist to determine what is the best orthotic for your child. 

As important as it is to count on the experts to know which orthotic may be the best, you must also count on your "parent gut".  In other words, if you child does not adjust well to the new AFOs after the adjustment time; don't hesitate to get a second opinion.  One of the parents I work with did exactly that and changed from the AFO on the left to the new one on the right.  The new one is softer and more confortable for her child. 

 

Most AFOs are custom-made for you child and his legs. The American Physical Therapy Association states that many physical therapists are trained in the fit and measuring of orthoses such as AFOs. Once your child is measured, a certified orthotist will create the AFOs and then your child's physical therapist will confirm the AFO fits as desired.

A number of options are available in AFOs to help your child both like the AFOs and help them improve as well. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, some AFO braces are designed to provide maximum support when first delivered, and then your child's physical therapist to decrease the support as your child's stability improves. Most orthotists offer your child the choice in designs and colors; this personalization can help your child feel more like the orthoses are something he wants to wear.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/299656-afo-bracing-in-children/#ixzz2GaEPZouR

Norma Honeycutt, Early Intervention Specialist

Cell Phone Etiquette

The following ABC News Article has opened my eyes to both cell-phone etiquette as well as the social rules that many of us often take for granted. Take a look and consider teaching some or all of these rules to your child when it comes to cell phones and other technology.

[Thirteen-year-old Greg Hoffman had been begging his parents for an iPhone all year. So on Christmas morning he was thrilled to find the object of his desire under the tree, but there was a catch.

The phone came with an 18-point set of terms and conditions that he had to agree to before the phone could be his. And the agreement did not come from Apple or the phone provider, it was from his mother.

"Merry Christmas! You are now the proud owner of an iPhone. Hot Damn! You are a good & responsible 13 year old boy and you deserve this gift," the agreement begins. "But with the acceptance of this present comes rules and regulations."

The first rule on his mother's list: "It is my phone. I bought it. I pay for it. I am loaning it to you. Aren't I the greatest?"

"I hope that you understand it is my job to raise you into a well rounded, healthy young man that can function in the world and coexist with technology, not be ruled by it," Janell Hoffman wrote. "Failure to comply with the following list will result in termination of your iPhone ownership."

"I love you madly & look forward to sharing several million text messages with you in the days to come," she added.

"Oh my God. My first reaction was, why? Why did she really have to do this?" Hoffman told "Good Morning America" today.

"What I wanted to do and show him [is] how you could be a responsible user of technology without abusing it, without becoming addicted," Janell Hoffman said.

Hoffman herself is a blogger and mother of five in Cape Cod, Mass. She wanted her son to avoid many of the pitfalls that both smart phone using teens and adults fall prey to.

"Do not use this technology to lie, fool, or deceive another human being," read rule number seven. "Do not involve yourself in conversations that are hurtful to others. Be a good friend first or stay the hell out of the crossfire."

Other rules forbid porn and the sending or receiving of "pictures of your private parts or anyone else's private parts." The rules also outline the hours and places the phone may be used.

"It it rings, answer it," said rule number three. "It is a phone. Say hello, use your manners. Do not ever ignore a phone call if the screen reads 'Mom' or 'Dad.' Not ever."

Hoffman said that the lessons she outlined were for her son's iPhone usage, for his life and for anyone too attached to their mobile device.

"Keep your eyes up. See the world happening around you," she encouraged. "Stare out a window. Listen to the birds. Take a walk. Talk to a stranger. Wonder without Googling."

Teen behavior expert Josh Shipp says a set of rules are a must for teen iPhone use.

"You wouldn't' give your kid a car without making sure they had insurance," said Shipp, who is the host of Lifetime's "Teen Trouble." "And so giving them a cell phone or a computer without teaching them how to use it responsibly is irresponsible on the part of the parent."

Here's Janell Hoffman's full list of rules for her son, originally posted on her blog:

Dear Gregory
Merry Christmas! You are now the proud owner of an iPhone. Hot Damn! You are a good & responsible 13 year old boy and you deserve this gift. But with the acceptance of this present comes rules and regulations. Please read through the following contract. I hope that you understand it is my job to raise you into a well rounded, healthy young man that can function in the world and coexist with technology, not be ruled by it. Failure to comply with the following list will result in termination of your iPhone ownership.

I love you madly & look forward to sharing several million text messages with you in the days to come.

1. It is my phone. I bought it. I pay for it. I am loaning it to you. Aren't I the greatest?
2. I will always know the password.
3. If it rings, answer it. It is a phone. Say hello, use your manners. Do not ever ignore a phone call if the screen reads "Mom" or "Dad". Not ever.
4. Hand the phone to one of your parents promptly at 7:30pm every school night & every weekend night at 9:00pm. It will be shut off for the night and turned on again at 7:30am. If you would not make a call to someone's land line, wherein their parents may answer first, then do not call or text. Listen to those instincts and respect other families like we would like to be respected.
5. It does not go to school with you. Have a conversation with the people you text in person. It's a life skill. *Half days, field trips and after school activities will require special consideration.
6. If it falls into the toilet, smashes on the ground, or vanishes into thin air, you are responsible for the replacement costs or repairs. Mow a lawn, babysit, stash some birthday money. It will happen, you should be prepared.
7. Do not use this technology to lie, fool, or deceive another human being. Do not involve yourself in conversations that are hurtful to others. Be a good friend first or stay the hell out of the crossfire.
8. Do not text, email, or say anything through this device you would not say in person.
9. Do not text, email, or say anything to someone that you would not say out loud with their parents in the room. Censor yourself.
10. No porn. Search the web for information you would openly share with me. If you have a question about anything, ask a person ? preferably me or your father.
11. Turn it off, silence it, put it away in public. Especially in a restaurant, at the movies, or while speaking with another human being. You are not a rude person; do not allow the iPhone to change that.
12. Do not send or receive pictures of your private parts or anyone else's private parts. Don't laugh. Someday you will be tempted to do this despite your high intelligence. It is risky and could ruin your teenage/college/adult life. It is always a bad idea. Cyberspace is vast and more powerful than you. And it is hard to make anything of this magnitude disappear -- including a bad reputation.
13. Don't take a zillion pictures and videos. There is no need to document everything. Live your experiences. They will be stored in your memory for eternity.
14. Leave your phone home sometimes and feel safe and secure in that decision. It is not alive or an extension of you. Learn to live without it. Be bigger and more powerful than FOMO -- fear of missing out.
15. Download music that is new or classic or different than the millions of your peers that listen to the same exact stuff. Your generation has access to music like never before in history. Take advantage of that gift. Expand your horizons.
16. Play a game with words or puzzles or brain teasers every now and then.
17. Keep your eyes up. See the world happening around you. Stare out a window. Listen to the birds. Take a walk. Talk to a stranger. Wonder without googling.
18. You will mess up. I will take away your phone. We will sit down and talk about it. We will start over again. You & I, we are always learning. I am on your team. We are in this together.
It is my hope that you can agree to these terms. Most of the lessons listed here do not just apply to the iPhone, but to life. You are growing up in a fast and ever changing world. It is exciting and enticing. Keep it simple every chance you get. Trust your powerful mind and giant heart above any machine. I love you. I hope you enjoy your awesome new iPhone. Merry Christmas!
xoxoxo
Mom]

Katie Zink, ITFS/P

http://abcnews.go.com/m/story?id=18094401
http://www.janellburleyhofmann.com/gregorys-iphone-contract/

The Importance of Bedtime Routines for Children

Bedtime routines are important for children to be sure they get the proper amount of sleep. Why? A growing child needs a certain amount of sleep each night in order for their brains to develop properly. A 7 year old needs no less than 10 hours of sleep every night. Proper sleep is vital for keeping a healthy immune system. Lack of sleep leads to being more prone towards colds, flu, H1N1, as well as other illnesses.

Sleep is also when the brain processes any new information that was taken in during waking hours. This information is processed and stored in the brain as long-term memory. Childhood is full of constantly learning new things about the world, and so there is that much more for the brain to process. Sleep helps children to learn and remember everything that they have taken in since the last time they slept.


Daddy and Madison at bath time.

In our home, Cedric and I alternate putting the kids to bed each night. No matter what occurs we stick to our bedtime schedule has close as possible. After all, we have a first grader who needs to store everything she's learned from school in her long-term memory!!! Our routine consists of bath time, cleaning up their room from playing prior to bath, story time, saying prayers and lastly, hugs/kisses and then tucked into bed.


Do you have a bedtime routine for your family?



Michelle Macon, Program Coordinator

iPads In The Classroom

Partners In Learning received a grant from the Salisbury Community Foundation for $2,000 to purchase five Ipads.  These devices are being used in the center’s three and four year pre-kindergarten classrooms.  The new technology will allow us to teach to the children’s world and to have the world at their fingertips.  This will open a world to new possibilities for our children.

Our teachers are so excited!!! 

 The teachers began introducing them to the classroom by developing rules and contracts.  In this photo, one child is signing the contract after the group made the rules about the safe use of the Ipad. 

Technology is a natural part of today’s early childhood experiences.  When technology is balanced with a healthy dose of outdoor play, messy art, and other kinds of interactive, hands-on experiences, technology can be a valuable part of the early childhood experience. Ipads are 21^st Century learning at its best!  Teachers use it in groups as part of a lesson.

 

Technology also supports children develop cognitively, socially/emotionally, and physically.  Research suggests that cognitively, technology supports learning by giving children the opportunity to see or visualize that which is not possible. Technology also provides children the opportunity to manipulate 3-D images allowing them to see in-side and around geometric objects such as cubes. And, an application such as Google earth allows children to see earth, space, stars making the mysterious more accessible.”  Children learning about sharing and working together in small groups.

The Ipads are also a great resource for working with special needs.  It this photo Susan Brady (Rowan County School System Occupational Therapist) is using an Ipad with this child.  The teachers work closely with the therapist to follow up on the sessions provided during therapy.  Teachers underwent training with Susan this week to learn some new techniques.





It's going to be an exciting year with our new technique and I can't wait to watch all of the creative learning opportunities that our teacher's develop.  

Happy New Year, Norma Honeycutt, Director