Raising independent children

At HO4K, we focus on developing the "whole child" preparing them to become independent and successful older children, teenagers and eventually adults. Although they seem young, our little ones are capable and often eager to learn daily tasks exhibited by adults. It is through much practice and experimenting that children can learn how to be responsible and complete such tasks. 

Although cooking/preparing food with a child always requires more patience, this is a critical and necessary skill for them to develop. The students are learning how to make their snacks; dividing up the bread equally, making sure everyone has 2 slices of bread, creating a pattern as they use "bread, cheese, ham, bread sequence", understanding the right portion sizes, using their hands and the utensils needed to make the sandwich and finally cleaning up after the task. WOW! What a sense of accomplishment they have when they sit down to enjoy a yummy sandwich made just right!

 

We want our children to understand the importance of hard work and appreciate all that goes into keeping our world clean and beautiful. The children love being able to play outside in a safe and clean environment. They have learned all that goes into maintaining their play area. Above the students help to clean up and pull weeds that have developed in the "kid zone". They are excited to contribute to keeping their school beautiful. They continue to build lifelong lessons of responsibility and have pride in their work.

PLUS, what parent doesn't want a little extra help outside pulling weeds?

After all the hard work we love to be able to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and embrace all the nature around us!

Some of the Nevada State Standards addressed through activities such as the ones above are:

2.PK.1b
Move through routines and activities with minimal adult/teacher direction.

2.PK.2
Demonstrate self-help skills (e.g., put blocks away, pour juice, use soap when washing hands).

2.PK.3a
Use toys and materials with care.

2.PK.3b
Clean up or put away toys and materials when finished.

LIVING LOVE AND LOGIC TIP #34

When Kids Interrupt
Weekly Tip from the Love and Logic^® Experts

Kids should not be allowed to

interrupt their parents.

When children are allowed to control whether or not their parents converse, they're at great risk for developing the notion that they have more importance and power in the family than their parents. While we believe that children should be given plenty of love and attention, we know that kids who believe that the world revolves around them…well…grow up to be adults who believe that the world revolves around them.

Part of the solution involves being very careful to avoid interrupting them when it's their turn to speak. In my book, Parenting Kids To Become the People Employers Really Want and America Desperately Needs! I discuss the immense power of modeling. Kids who learn these skills via example enjoy far happier lives as adults.

To read the complete solution, click HERE.

The letter "I" and IGLOOS

 

Research shows that children comprehend more when a concept is explored across the curriculum and incorporated into all learning domains. It is beneficial for there to be a strong connection between math, literacy and the other content areas. You will see how we do this with the letter I and our research with igloos.

First we reviewed the letter "I". We practiced writing both uppercase and lowercase "I's", we listened for the different "I" sounds in words and brainstormed words that we already know that start with an "I". After talking, we decided to investigate more about the word igloo, one of the brainstormed words that start with the letter "I".

First we observed pictures of real igloos on the Internet. We discussed Eskimos in Alaska. We learned that they don't live in igloos anymore but use igloos for temporary housing when they are hunting and fishing. Next we wanted to build our own. We made our own igloos with marshmallows.
Together we had to count out 50 marshmallows... That's a lot! We did a taste test of one...wow, that was not enough! With gentle fingers we learned the texture was soft and squishy as we gently stacked them from bottom to top.  Creating our own igloos, researching about them, using our different senses and incorporating different content areas, will help the children remember more about the letter "I' and all about igloos.  Ask your little one about the attributes of a real igloo and to show you a letter "I"!

Letter to parents

Hi Parents,

To keep everyone updated please note:

1- I would like to upgrade our curriculum with a new program called Reading A-Z (take a "test drive" at ReadingA-Z.com). It is a powerful addition that we can use to better prepare our children for kindergarten. Since the state of Nevada is recently ranked last in education they have raised the bar to help improve our system. Raising the bar means that what our children used to learn in 1st grade is now implemented in Kindergarten.

In order to keep your tuition at the same price and not put a "ding" in my budget we have calculated that if everyone contributes $2 we can purchase the classroom edition. I will download everything on my computer and have it available to print and use for all the children in the upcoming years. You may donate cash or add the $2 on your next tuition payment. (just leave Ed a little note or indicate on the memo line that the extra is for the A-Z reading program.

2- Love and Logic refresher or 5 week class: I have sent home a flyer for the next 5 week course. For those who have not taken it yet, please make every effort to do so. When we are all on the same page it really makes life easier for you and your child! If you would like to take the refresher course I am offering it at the Henderson Multi-generational Facility on Green Valley Parkway from 6-8 pm THIS Thursday March 15 (childcare is available for $2 !) and Thursday, May 3 6-8 pm also same location. Cost: $10

3- Watch for the the "Work and Family" articles to be forwarded from Jan, Feb., and March . Sorry for the delay, they were buried in my email. Great info, hope you enjoy!

4- Weather is warming up, probably a good idea to start applying sunblock again. Per Health Department we will not be applying.

Thoughtful Little Ones

Children who learn positive social skills early in life are more successful learners later on and are able to form social relationships successfully. One of the Social Emotional State Standard goals is for children to develop positive relationships with individuals and the community. At a young age, this is a broad, all encompassing concept. We have started a project introducing children to thinking of others. We have brainstormed many ways that we can be thoughtful. The children created "thoughtful kites" that display some of our ideas. The students came up with 7 ideas on how to be thoughtful and now these 7 thoughts have developed into a new classroom motto. The 7 ways we can be thoughtful of others are: Listen when others talk, ask and wait for a turn, include others, use kind words, use polite manners, keep our hands to ourselves and help others? Our classroom kindness kite, reminds us how to be thoughtful of others and helps us to have a positive and safe learning environment. It is our hope that the children will remember to be thoughtful of others not only in school but at home and daily as they interact with others. 

Another activity recently completed at HO4K that displays thoughtfulness towards others, is writing with the purpose to thank another for something they have done. The students above wrote thank you cards to a fellow peers grandmother who had done something kind for the children at HO4K. They were excited to show their appreciation through words and illustrations. It is important at a young age to help children realize that good manners include being grateful for the kind actions of others. Of course the children enjoyed completing the task as they mailed off their cards. What big kids they are to be sending things in the mail!!

Some of the Social Emotional State standards addressed through the thought process and activities listed above are:.

H3.K.4 Demonstrate respect for each other in the classroom and school.

3.PK.1 Identify a range of feelings (e.g., sadness, anger, fear, and happiness).

3.PK.2a Express feelings, needs or wants in appropriate ways.

3.PK.2b Demonstrate awareness of feelings of others (e.g., gets blanket for friend and comforts him/her when he/she feels sad).


4.PK.1a Demonstrate appropriate affection for teachers and friends.

4.PK.1b Express common courtesy to others (e.g., saying "thank you", "please" and "excuse me", or passing a plate of cookies).

4.PK.1c Respect rights and belongings of others (e.g., "It is my turn to use the bike, but you can have the bike when I am finished").

LIVING LOVE AND LOGIC TIP #33

Why Are They Always Testing the Limits?Weekly Tip from the Love and Logic^® Experts

Tammy glowed with excitement, rushing up to me minutes before the conference began.

"I made the greatest connection about why you teach us to neutralize our kids' arguing and begging. Even though I got good at saying, 'So what did I say?' And even though it worked well, I was still upset that I had to use it frequently. I kept thinking that if I just did it the right way, my own kids would just accept the limits I set for them. It irritated me that they would test the limits more than the kids in my classroom."

"So tell me about the connection," I said.

"I was listening to you and Charles on the new audio CD, The Love and Logic Classroom, where you both talked about limits. Something you said made it clear that testing and trying to stretch limits is a way kids check to assure themselves that the adults can, and will, provide physical and emotional safety."

"That’s right, but what was the connection you made?"

To find out the connection that was made click HERE to read the entire article.

Little kiddos

Our smallest learners continue to amaze us as they develop and grow so quickly. Daily they improve their language skills and more through the hands on activities at HO4K. This younger age learns through exploring and experimenting with the different objects that are all around them. This is always a fun and often messy learning process!

What is more fun than art? The children are developing pre-writing skills as they use small motor skills to hold onto paint brushes, crayons, glue sticks, etc. Some of our early learners are experimenting with different colors and ways to paint. The student on the left is working with ovals in all colors. As well as enhancing language skills describing and identifying colors and shapes, she is creating an art collage.

Modeling for children is very important. Our older students love to use blocks, so it is only natural that our younger ones start to copy them. The younger children are beginning to creatively play with blocks. Several are in the introductory "Play Stage", while others are beginning to enter the "Building Stage" with blocks. Above, the student is building his own tower with blocks. He is able to replicate the building of the tower after an older student models how. His towers continue to grow in height and so does his understanding of how blocks work. This too is a great small motor skill, as students need to have great hand eye coordination and control while building with such small blocks and/or pegs.

To learn more about the stages go BLOCK PLAY go HERE!

Physical movement is just as important for younger children as it is in older ones. Students who are developing hand eye coordination need to have plenty of practice with different manipulatives and situations. Above, the students are learning how to take turns as the play catch with Mr Timmy. They listen to the verbal cues and then either roll, catch or throw the ball. What good listeners they are and what a great way to practice our language skills as we follow simple commands.

Young children spend the majority of their time learning through tactile experiences. At HO4K we know how important it is to provide many learning opportunities to explore with a variety of surfaces and materials to touch and manipulate. This helps them to develop their basic fine motor skills and reinforces their sense of touch. Above the children are using sticky tape to put "on" and pull "off" the table. They are listening to the commands and following through with actions. They also loved using the tape to create and play with.

More friends

HO4K continues to grow with new friendly faces!

We are happy to have "V" here with us a couple days a week.  He is joining us with smiles and is eager to discover the many things we have to do here. He is making many attempts to communicate his needs and wants with his unique babbling, pointing and guiding us by holding our hand to lead us when he needs help. He's making many new friends, thanks for sharing him with us!

We love having  "A" join us for a short session of preschool. Even though he is only here a few short hours twice a week (or so) we can tell he is warming up to us and developing his social skills. We see him smile, give high fives, brings us books to read to him, points to activities he wants to join in with us. Another great boy to add to the pack!

How blessed we are to grow!

LIVING LOVE AND LOGIC TIP #32

Video and Computer Games: Often Not so Good for Kids
Weekly Tip from the Love and Logic^® Experts

"My typically nice and responsible kid turns into a monster after he plays his computer games."

If you've noticed this same thing with your kids, you're not alone. Listed below are some thoughts about why this is so common, as well as actions we can take to protect our kids:

Understand that Electronic Games can be Extremely Addictive

Since most of these games operate according to variable schedules of reinforcement (the user cannot entirely predict when something exciting will happen) our kids get hooked into thinking that they have to play "just a little bit longer" each time.

Even educational games present these risks. To grab the attention of the learner, our kids' favorite games are highly entertaining…and stimulating. Is it any wonder that kids who spend too much time glued to these games find everything else boring?

Real life is always a downer when you're hooked on electronic uppers.

The symptoms of withdrawal also indicate the addictive nature of these games: Irritability, extreme moodiness, and attempts to get a "fix" even if it requires manipulating and mistreating those who love you the most.

 GO HERE TOO SEE THE OTHER IDEAS FROM LOVE AND LOGIC ABOUT VIDEO AND COMPUTER GAMES AND TO READ THE ENTIRE LESSON.

Marvelous Math

What have we been doing in math? Reviewing previous skills, learning new concepts and expanding our knowledge of application using basic math skills.

There are 5 main pre-kindergarten goals covered through the state standards. Those goals are:

Children develop an understanding of number and number sense.

Children develop knowledge of spatial concepts; e.g., shapes and measurement.

Children develop understanding of patterns and relationships.

Children develop knowledge of sequence and temporal awareness.

Children develop the ability to use mathematical knowledge to sort, classify, represent, communicate, and solve problems.

At HO4K these goals are the central focus of our mathematical activities and lessons. Below you will find several examples of how these goals have been implemented in our math.

The student above is practicing his coin recognition. He has sorted the coins into groups based on attributes.  After correctly sorting and identifying the coins, he was able to establish the largest set of coins and the smallest. Knowing the value of each, he further goes on to group small coins together and with teacher aid, combines the sums. It is important for our students to recognize that coins hold value and that they are used in our daily life. Having your little one help pay for groceries is a great learning tool and a necessary skill for their future.  

 Shapes are all around us and we use them often in our work. Students practice tracing shapes, labeling them with numbers and counting them. We discussed the attributes of this shape and students observed several similarities and differences between the rectangle and other shapes. We also Incorporated some language and writing as we sounded out and wrote the name. Take your kiddo on a shape scavenger hunt and see just how many shapes surround you!

 How many parents would love it if their children would help them fold the laundry!?!  When we make it into a game, anything is possible! Children first predicted how many towels they could fold in 5 minutes. After predicting, we needed to test our skills! What a great way to teach life skills that children are capable of and will need to practice before they can master. With the 5 minutes up, children were able to assess and compare their predictions to the actual amount of completed folded towels. Wow, we had great expectations of ourselves! The students then completed a graph showing the number of folded towels. What pride they took in their completed work and their helpful contributions to our school!

Before creating patterns children need to recognize the attributes of a particular object and sort them by color. Above the student is working with 2 different color blocks. After grouping them, he was able to create a simple AABAAB pattern. He even recognized the difference in size and had his pattern going from largest block to smallest. It is important that students can not only create their own patterns but replicate those patterns made by others. The student on the left, is replicating a pattern created by stickers. Replicating sticker patterns works on sequencing as well as small motor skills as he is picking, pulling and pushing the small stickers onto paper. What a great pre-writing skill!

Please remember to help reinforce these skills at home whenever possible! The more children learn that math is all around them, the more desire they have to learn.

You can review the Nevada State Preschool Standards HERE. Also check out the different examples and supportive practice ideas, many can be duplicated at home!

LIVING LOVE AND LOGIC TIP #31

Four Tips for Soothing Sibling RivalryWeekly Tip from the Love and Logic^® Experts

Why is sibling rivalry such a perplexing issue for so many parents? Simply because we can't make our kids love each other. That's completely out of our control.

Listed below are just a few of the many things we can control:

• Whether we do extra things for kids who are battling with each other.
It's perfectly reasonable for a parent to say, "This is such a bummer. I'm tired-out from listening to you arguing with each other. I don't have the energy to drive you to your friends' houses."
• Whether we allow certain items to remain in our homes.
A friend of ours said to her kids, "This is so sad. Every time you guys play with that game you get in a fight. I gave it away so it wouldn't be a problem anymore."

To see 2 more things that we can control with sibling rivalry go HERE!

Celebrating Valentines day

Look what we made!!! For Valentines Day we made many wonderful things, including cards for our parents, a 3-d heart, paintings and mailboxes for our special messages to one another. The children used different art mediums and materials to create throughout the week. We talked about how art is an expression and can communicate feelings. Because this week was about love, we tried to show love in our creations.

 

As parents we recognize the different stages on learning and growth. Each of the students above show complete joy and pride in their accomplished work! Some of us can use our words, while others use illustrations and art. Even our little ones seem to understand the love they have for their parents and enjoyed creating a masterpiece to demonstrate this emotion!

 It is an important concept for children to think about others and to take time to ponder their relationships. Students focused this week on their friendships with one another and worked on showing kindness to others throughout each day. Students paid special attention to make sure our friends all received Valentines. Of course delivering Valentines into the special mailboxes was fun, but so was reading the sweet messages from others.

Of course a celebration has to have a special treat! One of our FANTASTIC moms at HO4K made Delicious chocolate covered strawberries for our snack time. The children loved them and we appreciate the time that was put into making our Valentines treat so special and yummy!

 This week was a great week at HO4K. It was a reminder of all the love we have for others including family, friends and teachers. It was a great reflection of the friendships that have been formed among our little learners with one another and with faculty. We hope you found a special way to celebrate this Valentines with those who you love!

We love the warm weather!

My what fun we have when we play outside together! We have been so lucky lately to be able to go out and enjoy the beautiful Nevada weather! When we play outside it is a totally different learning environement. We have many opprtunities to practice our social skills and further develop our motor skills.

It is proven that children’s learning occurs best when the whole self is involved and we all know that "play" is an active form of leanring. Children expand their ability to express and work out emotional aspects of everyday experiences through unstructured play. This is crucial to the complete development of social skills. When children are permitted to play freely with peers, they develop skills for seeing things through another person’s point of view. There working on cooperating, helping, sharing, and solving problems with others.

MANY state preschool standards are addressed through active play. Below are some examples of the Social Emotional standards addressed.

1.PK.1a Make independent choices from diverse interest centers or activities.

1.PK.2a Express ideas for activities; initiate and participate in discussions with teachers or peers.

1.PK.2b Acknowledge actions and accomplishments verbally and nonverbally.

1.PK.3 Re-engage in a task or activity after experiencing disappointment, frustration, or failure.

3.PK.1 Identify a range of feelings (e.g., sadness, anger, fear, and happiness).

3.PK.2a Express feelings, needs or wants in appropriate ways.

3.PK.2b Demonstrate awareness of feelings of others (e.g., gets blanket for friend and comforts him/her when he/she feels sad).

4.PK.1c Respect rights and belongings of others (e.g., "It is my turn to use the bike, but you can have the bike when I am finished").

4.PK.1d Demonstrate problem-solving skills (e.g. ask for help from an adult, talk about problems, talk about feelings relating to problems, and negotiate solutions).

5.PK.1a Play independently.

5.PK.1b Play in pairs and small groups.

6.PK.1c Use verbal and non-verbal conversation skills (e.g., listening, letting a person finish speaking before taking a turn, staying with one topic, maintaining eye contact, etc.).

LIVING LOVE AND LOGIC TIP #30

Taking Away Privileges VS. Energy Drain Technique
Weekly Tip from the Love and Logic^® Experts

 

Today I am responding to a question that was posted on the Love and Logic Facebook page.

"Ok, I need some help here. I cannot get my kids to stay in bed after I put them to bed. They come out 5 times a night to go to the bathroom, open my bedroom door to ask questions, and are loud and wake people up. No matter how many privileges I take away, they are still coming out."

After reading this question, I have some guesses, and several suggested strategies to try. Go HERE to read about these suggestions.

 

Valentines Day!

Valentines day is right around the corner! We enjoy celebrating our friendships and love for family on this special day. Students have been busy creating their personal Valentines box and other special projects. Please make sure your child has Valentines to pass out on MONDAY! We are doing it Monday so that your student can open them up Tuesday and not have to wait! This is the perfect time to have your little ones practice writing their names, as well as a time to reinforce how important friendships are.

 Our little ones are getting in on all the Valentines action! They also are creating Valentines box and have fun experimenting with the glue, paper and other materials. While working, they are comprehending the commands of on and off, recognizing colors and shapes and working to develop greater small motor skills as they brush on the glue. We are sharing materials and taking turns! Plus, we are no longer putting the glue in our mouth. Its so much fun to do art projects.

BOARD GAMES

When you are looking to spend some quality time with your little one, pick up a board game!

Beyond the joy of spending time together, your child can gain higher self-esteem and can safely satisfy their competitive nature. As an added bonus there are many learning opportunities in a friendly game! Students can master concepts such as:

• number and shape recognition, grouping, and counting
• letter recognition and reading
• visual perception and color recognition
• eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity
• social skills
• how to "gracefully" lose
• greater attention span and focus

Games don't need to be overtly academic to be educational. Just by playing them, board games provide many exciting opportunities for educational review and growth, as well as further development of life skills!

Students at HO4K love playing board games together! We learn how to have friendly competitions and love to practice the skills we already have.

LIVING LOVE AND LOGIC TIP #29

You Can Do It!
Weekly Tip from the Love and Logic^® Experts

Do you ever feel discouraged because you’re having a tough time remembering to use a Love and Logic skill? Does it make you feel any better to know that I experience the very same challenge?

Experiencing setbacks doesn't mean failure. It simply means that the road to personal change is always under construction. You can be successful…To review the very basics to help you with Love and Logic at home, click HERE!

The benefits to building

Blocks are an early learning tool that helps young children develop their muscles and their minds. Through play, preschool children can learn concepts and skills as block activities are taken across the early childhood curriculum. AS children are actively engaged in experimenting with blocks, they are challenging their creativity and problem solving skills.

 Students use blocks as a measuring tool. How tall can they stack their blocks? Are they taller or shorter than their tower?  Comparing towers, who has the tallest/shortest? etc. All these questions are building math concepts as well as problem solving skills.

Students learn to respect each other when they are involved in cooperative construction projects. We really have to trust each other when working with blocks, because sometimes the temptation to knock it over is too much! 

Of course,  block play is also about eye-hand coordination and visual perception.  Students are working with patterns, shapes/sizes, spatial awareness, balancing and counting. Students above replicated a pattern to create a fence around their playing area.

Make sure to check out more about block play HERE!

LIVING LOVE AND LOGIC TIP #28

The Basics of the Love and Logic Approach
Weekly Tip from the Love and Logic^® Experts

 

When you tell people you use Love and Logic techniques in your home or classroom, do they really know what "Love and Logic" means?

Do some think it is a cult you joined?

Do some say that "Love AND Logic" is an oxymoron?

Do you sometimes find it difficult to explain?

With a flexible menu of skills in our approach, and common sense at work, adults using Love and Logic skills may come across quite differently at times. Nevertheless, the "Love and Logic" approach should always look the same and consistency is the key. To review these four steps click HERE!