LIVING LOVE AND LOGIC TIP #23

Love and Logic parenting skills class is a Nevada Registry Approved training for a 5 week course (10 hours). 

What is a LOVE AND LOGIC class?

Classes are facilitated by JoAnn Worthen Nelson who has over 30 years experience in the field. Learn what to do when kids drain your energy, time-out doesn’t work, and kids won’t listen. End exhausting hassles over power struggles, whining, hitting, arguing, talking back, bed time routines, chores, rivalry with siblings and friends, and meal time. Learn how to give children skills to resist tattling, being bossy, and hurting others. Teach responsibility without creating anger and resentment. Also see:loveandlogic.com. Enroll in class today and learn tips and simple solutions like the following.....

WHEN KIDS ARGUE WITH EACH OTHER:

It came from the backseat. It crept up while we were on the phone. It wasn't a monster, but something much more menacing - kids arguing.

Have you noticed that kids pick the worst times to start bickering? Few things can be as annoying or draining for parents. What options do we have when kids argue with each other? How about:

• Whether we are physically present to hear it or not?
• How much we charge to listen to it?
• How we react?
• What we model?

What statements can we make in these situations to help keep the problem of arguing on the kids' shoulders where that problem belongs?

Some parents try this one:

"It sounds like you guys are having a problem - and it will be interesting to see how you solve it."

And if they don't solve it?

Parents can solve the problem - perhaps by "charging" the kids something to put back the energy it took to listen to that fighting. Some parents charge $1 per minute to listen to arguing in the car (or other situations in which the parent can't "escape"). Other parents charge by offering some of their own chores for the children to accomplish to put back the drained energy.

Many parents using Love and Logic techniques have success empowering their kids to solve problems and resolve conflicts (on their own) rather than reacting with anger and frustration in the moment. And when the kids don't resolve things wisely, it costs them something.

You can hear more great ideas for sibling arguing and bickering in one of the classes facilitated by JoAnn. (see attached information for upcoming classes)

NEXT CLASS STARTS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2001, 6-8PM IN SUMMERLIN. ENROLL TODAY! SPACE IS LIMITED!!l

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Just a reminder we will be closed this Friday, Oct 28 for Nevada Day.

Monday, Oct 31 will be our Halloween celebration! We are excited to have 2 cooking classes to celebrate that day. 1st at 9:00am will be a Frankenstein pudding for am snack. Then our traditional Halloween Parade at 9:30 am. You can send your child's costume or they can wear it that day. After snack.... about 10:45Am 2nd cooking class will be Alphabet soup baked in a pumpkin. OOoooo! If Monday is not your regularly scheduled day, you are welcome to bring your child and stay for the celebration....the more the scarier!! (Cackle, cackle)

I have not heard from Ms Jenny yet to reschedule last weeks cancelled "Movement and Music" class, (she was sick) however, we are planning for her this Thursday for our regularly scheduled class.

Please call or see me if you have any questions.

Thanks for sharing your "little monsters" with us!

Moving our bodies and Color Me Healthy

Anytime we move our bodies is a good time! Students love being active and at times show their nature of competitiveness. Students have enjoyed the challenge of target throwing and competing against each other and improving their personal best. Not only is this fun, but the Nevada preschool standards go on to state that eye-hand coordination, manipulation skills, strength, dexterity and control are all essential for the physical development of fine motor skills. Through active participation in these activities, children will develop necessary future skills such as eye-hand coordination, strength and dexterity, and control of writing utensils.
(http://www.doe.nv.gov/Standards/Pre-K/Pre-K_Standards.pdf)

Physical Movement standards addressed:
2.PK.2 Perform a variety of large motor skills (e.g., throw a ball in purposeful direction, attempt to catch a large ball).
4.PK.1 Engage in daily moderate to vigorous physical activity.
5.PK.1 Participate appropriately during physical activities.
5.PK.2 Demonstrate turn taking and cooperation during physical activities.
5.PK.3 Interact positively with others regardless of personal differences (e.g., skill level, gender, race, and disability).
5.PK.4 Participate in multi-cultural activities that enhance physical development (e.g., dance, games, and activities).
6.PK.1 Demonstrate skills in eye-hand coordination (e.g., stacking, sorting, lacing toys, stringing beads, reproducing basic patterns, complete six-piece puzzle, Legos and peg-boards).

The Nevada preschool curriculum further states: "Knowledge and habits of healthful living begin early in life. While young children are not in charge of providing themselves with a healthy  environment and lifestyle, they can begin the life-long process of developing habits of healthy living and physical activity. Children feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when taking an active role in preparing nutritious snacks, maintaining a clean and healthy environment, and caring for their bodies.They begin to understand how daily activities promote overall personal health and safety when they are able to: Distinguish between healthy and non-healthy foods, take care of personal hygiene, follow basic safety rules, and identify feelings."

"Children learn as they live. Every program for young children needs to have established routines involved in healthy living. Children are able to choose from healthy snacks and lunches and begin to recognize the necessity of food and water for life. Habits of washing hands, brushing teeth and keeping their environment clean, safe and healthy are established during the period of early childhood. While children are engaging in these activities, teachers interact with them,informally introducing information and facts about healthy living." (see the Nevada preschool standards HERE)

To help our students learn about healthy living, we have been participating in a new program called "Color Me Healthy." This program is focused on providing fun, innovative, interactive learning opportunities with physical activity and healthy eating. Every day students participate in different physical activities and then monitor their heart rates. Look for your child to come home with a red wagon stamp. This means that they participated in an activity that gave them a vigorous heartbeat. They love challenging themselves and being active.

This new program helps to establish many new healthy habits and an active lifestyle for our little ones.

LIVING LOVE AND LOGIC TIP #22

Different Approaches to Bringing up Kids
Weekly Tip from the Love and Logic^® Experts

I know of two dads with different approaches to bringing up their kids. One dad has already bailed his boy out of jail twice for being in the wrong place with the wrong kids, doing the wrong things. He has lectured his boy on the problems he has created and what’s going to happen if he doesn’t straighten out.

The other dad had a discussion early in his son's life, "You know, pal. My grandpa had a rule about never getting a lawyer and bailing his kids out of jail. My dad had the same rule. It's become a tradition in our family. I think I'm going to have the same rule so that we can maintain that tradition. So if ever you find yourself in jail, don't take it personally if you don't get bailed out. It's the family tradition."

Which parent gave his son a special gift of love by meeting the child's need to think about consequences?

Which parent met his own need to feel in control?

Which parent is in for increasing problems with his youngster?

Which father has the best kid in the long term?

We all know the answer.

Thanks for reading! Our goal is to help as many families as possible. If this is a benefit, forward it to a friend.

Fireman Oh!

We are so lucky to have so many wonderful parents at HO4K. Last week Fireman Oh, a parent, came in to teach the students all about fire safety. The students learned about all of the different clothing items, tools and  equipment that firemen use. We learned not to be afraid of the appearance and noise that firemen make when they come to save us in an emergency.

One of the most important things we learned from Fireman Oh was what to do if we were to catch on fire. Above we are listening to the steps and then we practiced! Fireman Oh showed us how to "Stop, Drop and Roll!" We loved practicing this at home and can show you how to do it! Just ask your little one when they get home!

Some Nevada State Standards addressed through this presentation:

1.PK.5Identify some safety rules (e.g., fire safety, traffic/pedestrian safety, dangerous objects/substances/activities, etc.).

1.PK.7
Recognize community health and safety helpers (e.g., police, firefighters, doctors).


LANGUAGE AND LISTENING
7.PK.1a
Listen for a variety of purposes with increasing attention span.

7.PK.1b
Listen to and follow a two-step oral direction with the use of formal and informal language

7.PK.3
Listen with increasing attention span to gain new vocabulary.

8.PK.2
Use and expand vocabulary to describe feelings, experiences, observations and ideas.

8.PK.4c
Ask and answer simple questions.

Living and non-living

We continue to explore the world around us. It is important for children to be able to decipher the difference between living and non-living objects. In the far left jar you can see the avocado plants that we have been working hard to grow. (See the past post on avocado plants to learn more about this ongoing project). Students have discovered, displayed and continue to observe, objects that are both living and non-living.  

Students have measured and compared several different plants. We chart the growth of plants and continue to learn about what helps them to grow strong and healthy. We have noticed that our avocado plant growing in the soil is healthier and growing faster than then one in water.

We have sorted, compared and discussed the difference between objects that are living and non-living. Using our five senses we have observed these objects and understand that living things need air, water, food, etc. to continue to grow. We have been very careful to take care of our growing plants at school.

Students learned about the different parts of a flower. These flowers were donated by a student and we loved taking them apart to see the flower structure. Next, student took turns examining them and sorting the petals into groups by color. Here students talked about observable characteristics and worked together to figure out the different groups and placements.

Although there are many Nevada State Preschool Standards addressed throughout these learning opportunities, below are examples from the science core curriculum:

 

N.PK1.a Observe their world.
N.PK1.b Ask questions about their world.

N.PK.3 Use tools safely to observe and explore different objects/environments.

N.PK.5 Students work in small groups and share ideas with others regarding to science related activities.

E.PK.4 Identify and sort different natural objects(e.g., rocks, soils, etc.).
P.PK.1Sort objects according to observable properties (e.g., by shape and color).
P.PK.3 Explore what happens to objects in relation to other forces (e.g., magnets, gravity, and water).
P.PK.4 Investigate how objects react when placed in water.
L.PK.7 Identify and/or sort plants and animals by observable characteristics.
L.PK.8 Observe living and non-living things on Earth.

* REMEMBER YOU CAN SEE ALL NEVADA PRESCHOOL STANDARDS HERE.

LIVING LOVE AND LOGIC TIP #21

Helping Unmotivated Kids
Weekly Tip from the Love and Logic^® Experts

 

Helping unmotivated kids is one of the most complex challenges we face as educators and parents.

In approximately 99% of cases, the child's lack of motivation results from far more than simple laziness or a conscious desire to act out. The roots of apathy go far deeper, into feelings of frustration, anger, hopelessness, lack of control, or loss. The majority of these feelings lay at the subconscious level, where they wreak havoc on a child's ability to engage in higher-level thinking tasks, such as sustained attention to detail, problem-solving, memory, perseverance, and self-control.

This is why punishing children for getting bad grades usually backfires. Since they are already feeling bad about life, how is making them feel worse about it going to get them motivated to succeed?

In my new book, From Bad Grades to a Great Life!, I teach a variety of alternative strategies for getting at the roots of apathy…rather than making it worse with anger, lectures, threats and punishments. At the core of what we teach is the importance of loving kids for who they are…rather than who we want them to be. Yes! The healing process begins when we end the power struggle by saying, "We will love you no matter how well or poorly you do in school. Your grades are your grades…not ours. That's why we are no longer going to fight with you about them. Just let us know how we can help."

Thanks for reading! Our goal is to help as many families as possible.

By the way, I'll be LIVE on our Facebook wall discussing
"When Kids Bring Home Bad Report Cards"
Thursday, October 13th from 11am - 12noon (Mountain Time)
Please join me!

Dr. Charles Fay

Our little ones

 It is never to early to start your children in learning activities. Simple concepts, such as holding a paint brush and putting marks on a paper serve a purpose. Look at the excitement and pride in her face! She is aware that she has created something. This motivation will continue to drive her as things get difficult and as she learns more challenging tasks. This particular activity is helping to prepare her for other fine motor skills and for the proper pencil grasp in writing.

 Oh how we love our little ones! They remind us to slow down, laugh, and have fun! They encourage the other students to be good examples, nurturing them and their needs. We learn from each other and even though they are little, these children teach all of us each day!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Friday night out is back!!! Last month was such a great success we are looking forward to Friday, October 21, 6-8pm, for our next one.
Bring the kiddos in their PJ's... we'll provide the dinner, fun, snack and more fun! (RSVP ASAP)

Also, as required by licensing we will be doing developmental screenings at least twice per year. Mary and I went to a training last week and will be implementing "Ages and Stages Questionnaire" (ASQ). It is designed for Parents and teachers to play games and activities with the children while observing their developmental levels. (See handson4kids.com for more details and new up on blog). Please contact me to set up a day we can "play" with your child for approximately 20 minutes. It can be at drop off, during your lunch, or pick up time.

"PLAYING WITH PLAYDOUGH"

Play is how children find out about their world. All types of play; manipulative play, play with games, rough-and–tumble play, and socio-dramatic play – provide children with opportunities to try things out, see what happens, and learn (Rubin, Bukowski & Parker,1998).  Play is also a great opportunity to sneak in learning and assessment of concepts! This week we have been "playing" with playdough. All of the activities can be done at home, just for extra practice ; ) Tracing letters, numbers and shapes, forming patterns and just creating with our imaginations all reinforce valuable skills  Below is listed just some of the State Standards that can be addressed with a manipulative activity such as playdough. How much fun we have!

VISUAL ARTS
1.PK.3Use a variety of media, techniques, and processes in art activities that are of the child’s creation without a model.
2.PK.4
Identify color, shape, and texture through art experiences.

While working as a group many different opportunities arise for students to practice their correct behavior and choices. Some of the SOCIAL EMOTIONAL STANDARDS addressed with this activity would be:

5.PK.1b
Play in pairs and small groups.
5.PK.1c
Engage in dramatic play.
5.PK.1d
Initiate play, or enter into play with a group of children already playing.
5.PK.2a
Participate in cooperative groups to complete a task.

 Students demonstrated the mastery of many Nevada preschool Standards as they created with playdough. Fine motor skills such as stamping, rolling, pinching, cutting, tracing, etc.

Physical development standards:
6.PK.1 Demonstrate skills in eye-hand coordination (e.g., stacking, sorting, lacing toys, stringing beads,
reproducing basic patterns, complete six-piece puzzle, Legos and peg-boards).
6.PK.2
Demonstrate the muscle strength, dexterity, and control needed to manipulate items (e.g., scissors, writing utensil, paint brushes, play dough, buttons/snaps, etc.).
6.PK.3
Use fingered or tripod grasp with drawing, painting or writing instruments.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Just a quick note to let you know we will have Rexi's dad, Firefighter Jung Oh visiting us Monday, Oct. 10 at 9am until approximately 10am, as a guest speaker on fire safety. He may even be bringing a fire engine to tour! If this is not your child's regularly scheduled day you are welcome to attend with your child to share this experience.

Also, about 6 months ago Ms Jenny recorded our school as a music and movement demo for her website. It is now up and running and you can enjoy those who attended that day dancing with Ms Jenny at: dancingwithMsJenny.com

WELCOME TO HO4K!

As the Fall begins we are always excited to start a new year and welcome new faces! This year we have two new friends that are a part of the our school family! This month we have welcomed 4 year old Cheyenne Calhoun. (Yeah a girl!) She is very friendly, full of creativity and new dramatic play ideas. She is currently attending preschool.

We also welcome our new friend (on the right) 11 mos. old Reghan. She is full of smiles, loves to feed herself and is eager to discover all we have here! HO4K is like one big family with kids of all ages! We love to learn from each other and help one another grow and experience through play!

We still have 1 more full time space available! Please keep your ears open for a child that would be a perfect fit to HO4K!