Fun with Learning

Flour, water, salt, oil and food coloring these are the ingredients for homemade play dough and homemade fun!!! As I was making my rounds in the classrooms today I happened upon a group of children who were about to partake in some good old fashioned fun, making play dough. The teacher had put some flour on the table and they were having a great time rubbing their hands in the flour and feeling the texture. I discussed with them where flour came from. One child's response was "out of the garden." She was very pleased to find out that her guess was almost right!! Next they enjoyed rubbing their hands together to make it "snow" and then writing their letters in the flour on the table. All of these wonderful learning opportunities before the actual activity of making the play dough even started.

Are you prepared to teach?

If a child doesn’t know how to read,
we teach.

If a child doesn’t know how to swim,

we teach.

If a child doesn’t know how to behave,

We…….teach? …….punish?

- L. Fox, R. Lentini, & G. Dunlap, 2004

Most people think that social-emotional development occurs naturally in a child’s environment. In reality, social-emotional development requires loving and caring teaching and guidance on the part of every adult in a child’s life.

The Road Most Traveled

Denial- What does that word really mean and why do so many therapist and teachers have such a problem with it?  I think it's because they only see the needs of the children and believe that they know what is best for the child.  I must say that I have found myself with those feelings throughout the years.  However, I have a new understanding after working closely with families and actually walking the denial road when my child was little.  Teachers and therapist must understand that it is a road that most families must travel.  There are no short cuts, speed limits, or detours.  They must be allowed to go at their own pace.  Yes, it can be difficult to watch as an educator who wants the child to receive services, but it can't be forced.  The parent is there at the beginning of the road and will be there when the road comes to an end.  We are only a speed bump in the road.  I had to remind myself of that just last week and am sure that I will have to continue to remind myself of that, but the quicker we all get it and understand it the smoother the road will be.  The Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC)  is a wonderful resource that can help parents in the journey.  http://www.ecac-parentcenter.org/

We cannot pretend to work for the best interests of children while ignoring the needs of their parents.  Joyce L. Frett

Traveling along with you, Norma

What I Want To Be...

When I grow up I want to be the person who makes directions for toys.

Recently I asked a group of our school age children what they want to be when they grow up, it it so interesting to watch  a child's answer to this question develop over time. From the three year old who wants to be a princess or a super hero to the first grader who wants to be a P.E. teacher or the fourth grader who wants to design video games.

More importantly than knowing what a child's future dream for them-self is being the teacher or person who cultivates the seed that will grow into greatness. Creating learning experiences that align with a child's interest will be rewarding to both child and adult.

When I grow up I want to be a doctor that delivers babies.

Teaching New Social Skills

When teaching a child a new social skill to replace a challenging behavior, remember not to expect instant results. Learning takes place over time. Model the behavior that you want to see. Sometimes it is necessary to break the new skill down into smaller increments so the child is fully able to understand. Be patient and consistent and change WILL occur.


Stages of Learning:

Acquisition – new skill or concept

Fluency – the ability to immediately use the skill or concept without a prompt

Maintenance – continuing to use the skill or concept over time

Generalization – applying the skill or concept to new situations, people, activities, ideas, and settings