The Blog for Child Care Professionals

Summer Reading - Family Fun

2011-05-28T18:33:00.000-04:00

One of life's greatest pleasures for me is reading a good book. This has been a constant joy in my life since I was in second grade. As a child, a trip to the public library "beat" a trip to the local park or even to the community pool. I still have to endure my family sharing how when we went to the drive-in movies as a family, I would have a book in my hands. Okay, maybe I was a bookworm...proud of it!

Today's public libraries are awesome! You can check-out DVDs, surf the Internet, or pause and read the latest edition of your favorite magazine. And, the offerings for children are delightful! Most branches offer special story hours for preschoolers at least once a week. With summer comes the always fun (and literacy promoting) "Summer Reading Club". If you've never included this in your child's summer fun, then start NOW! It's a great way to get children of all ages "interested" in leisure reading, and you can never start too young OR too old.

If you are scoping out some "fun" reads for your youngster to take along on summer vacation or to summer camp, here are a few age-ranked offerings:

For ages 8-12:
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey (Mysterious Benedict Society)
by Trenton Lee Stewart

Goosebumps HorrorLand #1: Revenge of the Living Dummy
by R.L. Stine

For ages 9-12:
Six Innings
by James Preller

For ages 12-17
Audrey, Wait!
by Robin Benway

All of these treasures, and many more, can be purchased and/or explored through the ChildCares.com Amazon store (click here).

Additionally, here is a helpful link to 2011 Summer Reading Lists:
http://childrensbooks.about.com/od/forparents/tp/summer_reading.htm

One of my very favorite Mary Engelbreit "sayings" is:
"Books fall open, you fall in."

For me, this always has, and still does, say it all...

Early Literacy Programs

2011-02-28T21:06:00.016-05:00

I'm an avid reader, and have been since I learned to read. I grew up spending many hours each week in my small town library. I vividly recall one of my favorite gifts ever. I was in 4th grade when I received a book club subscription to Nancy Drew books. I could not wait for each new book to arrive in the mail. Many years, and many book clubs later, I still have a passion for both reading and for owning my own books. This love for reading, along with my career in education, spurred me to become a literacy advocate.

Dolly Pardon has always been a gem in my eyes, but I imagine (pun intended) her literacy project, Imagination Library, has made her a gem in the eyes of many non-country families around the globe.

Dolly grew up in east Tennessee in Seiver County. Back in 1996, she decided she wanted to foster a love of reading for the preschoolers, and their families, in her home county. Dolly wanted children to be excited about books and to feel the magic that books can create. She wanted to insure a program that would get books into every preschooler's hands, regardless of family income - her Imagination Library was born.

The program, that started in Seiver County, now encompasses the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. A brand new, age-appropriate book is mailed out to each child in the program every single month, up to the age of 5, with Look Out Kindergarten Here I Come being the final book to be delivered. Imagine the joy a child feels each month when they receive that new book in the mail!

The Dollywood Foundation partners with community organizations around the globe to provide this program to preschoolers. For all the details, please visit their site:

http://www.imaginationlibrary.com/

This could be an excellent literacy resource for your community - good luck!

Great New Preschool DVD Series

2008-06-28T23:10:00.005-04:00

Lots To Learn is an award-winning DVD series for preschoolers. The series introduces preschoolers to the world of nature, the world of animals and the world of music. It is original and refreshingly different. Children join Buster and Gato in fun explorations, such as counting in Spanish and singing along with a kazoo. Each volume of the series includes singing, dancing and exercising. There is imaginative live-action video and colorful, interactive animations. The only problem will be how your preschoolers will want to "do it again"!

Summer Reading Fun

2008-06-24T22:38:00.005-04:00

One of life's greatest pleasures for me is reading a good book. This has been a constant joy in my life since I was in second grade. As a child, a trip to the public library "beat" a trip to the local park or the community pool. I still have to endure my family sharing how when we went to the drive-in movies as a family, I would have a book in my hands. Okay, maybe I was a bookworm...
Today's public libraries are awesome! You can check-out DVDs, surf the internet, or pause and read the latest edition of your favorite magazine. And, the offerings for children are delightful! Most branches offer special story hours for preschoolers at least once a week. With summer comes the always fun (and literacy promoting) "Summer Reading Club". If you've never included this in your child's summer fun, then start NOW! It's a great way to get children "interested" in leisure reading, and you can never start too young OR too old.

If you are scoping out some "new" reads for your youngster to take along on summer vacation or to summer camp, here are a few fun offerings:

For ages 8-12:
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey (Mysterious Benedict Society)
by Trenton Lee Stewart

Goosebumps HorrorLand #1: Revenge of the Living Dummy
by R.L. Stine

For ages 9-12:
Six Innings
by James Preller

For ages 12-17
Audrey, Wait!
by Robin Benway

All of these treasures, and many more, can be purchased and/or explored through the ChildCares.com Amazon store (click here).

One of my very favorite Mary Engelbreit "sayings" is:
"Books fall open, you fall in."

For me, this always has, and still does, say it all...

CraigsList.com

2008-06-22T10:18:00.002-04:00

I only discovered this awesome resource in the last couple of years, and as I mention it to others, I realize that a LOT of people out there still are unaware of its existence. This is an especially great resource for those of us who work in the education arena. The domain is www.craigslist.com and it is available pretty much all over the country which means you can check it out specifically to your "neck of the woods". I love it. There are no fees involved.

Here's an example: You can search for teacher supplies by way of doing a "search" for teacher supplies in "garage sales" or do a broad search in ALL "for sale" categories. It works both ways: if you have equipment for sale, etc., then list it on CraigsList at no charge, AND, no fee even when you actually make the sale.

Needing to hire someone or looking for a new position? Then why not check out CraigsList as a possibility???!!! You can even post your resume at no charge.

Needing to expand your children's library with gently used books at reasonable cost or maybe even at no cost? This site is an excellent resource for just that type of thing.

So, what do you have to lose? Check it out; you can thank me later. : )

Kids Dart. Drive Smart.

2008-06-21T00:14:00.002-04:00

Kids dart into streets without checking for oncoming traffic. And because their depth perception isn't fully developed, young children can't accurately judge the distance of an approaching car.

Riley Hospital for Children partners with the community to remind motorists to slow down and take extra precautions as children return to school OR as they are out and about for the summer - both times of the year when more children are injured while playing and bicycling.

To find out how you can get involved in Riley's Kids Dart. Drive Smart. campaign, visit www.ACallToChange.org.

Life's Seasons

2008-06-20T11:32:00.002-04:00

I meant to add this to the earlier post:

"Childhood is the most beautiful of all life's seasons."

— Anonymous

Nature's Bounty

2008-06-20T01:04:00.002-04:00

I sure hope you are taking advantage of all this season has to offer: blue skies and sunshine; warm breezes and butterflies; bunnies and turtles and frogs, oh my; birds of all colors and sounds; insects galore - some that even look like dead leaves or twigs! Okay, I really enjoy all that warm weather has to offer to kids of all ages. Explore the wilderness in your own backyard or journey to the local park. Go on a nature hunt for any manner of "cool" stuff; your kids will enjoy whatever you define the adventure to be - just do it! Get out there with the kids in your care and have a blast!

The Gift of Time Together

2007-11-30T23:11:00.000-05:00

Kids, on average, today have so many toys and possessions that anything new may not be remembered. A great alternative is the gift of time. Making a date to go to the zoo, the children's museum, the "make your own pottery" shop, a concert or play, ice skating, etc. can be something a child will remember for years to come. You can present this gift of time by way of a gift certificate or a special note; you can even include a small token gift. Following are some suggestions:

The Gift of Reading: Make a special trip to the local library. Help the child in your life sign up for their very own library card. This gift should include the promise of regular trips to the library, along with visits to story hour.

The Gift of Art: Plan a special trip to a museum, an exhibit or gallery. Be sure to include a special snack and perhaps even a visit to the museum gift shop.

The Gift of the Nature: Any child loves a trip to the park or local nature preserve. Combine this with a picnic snack just for the two of you.

The Gift of Tradition: Many families have the tradition of an annual visit to the circus, an ice show or the local team's ball game. This is a great annual gift for the special child in your life.

The Gift of You: This is a really simple alternative, but perhaps one of the most special. Give coupons for a cookie making session, making paper dolls, riding bikes, reading aloud, or playing their favorite board game. Make each coupon for an hour or two, and make it redeemable for when the child wants.

I'm sure you get the idea. ANY special time you can offer the child in your life will be a gift they will treasure always. Have fun!

Hanukkah's Dreidel

2007-11-29T21:04:00.000-05:00

Let's put a spin on this holiday! The dreidel is one of the best-known symbols of Hanukkah, which begins on the evening of December 4th this year. The four-sided spinning top doesn't have any real religious significance - it exists more as a custom and a children's game.

To play, children take turns spinning the dreidel. Depending on which side lands face up, they must either contribute tokens such as candy, nuts or money to the common pot, or withdraw winnings. Expert players know how to spin them upside down - always the cool way to do it!

The Responsibility of Being a Child Care Professional

2007-11-28T18:37:00.000-05:00

An article in today's Indy Star really made me give thought to how serious our responsibilities are as child care providers. The article shared this week's demise of a little girl - only 3 years old, and she died at the hands of those charged most with her care: her mother and the mother's boyfriend. A great depth of sadness comes when you read the article and realize this child could have, and should have, been saved. She had been in and out of foster care since she was only 3 months old. The foster mother tried; she had told "the powers that be" that this little child should not be returned, once again, to the mother. The history of repeated abuse and neglect was documented. Yet, the child was "reunified" with her "family" only to have this last instance of abuse result in her violent death. I am sharing this because there needed to be a stronger voice for the protection of this child. Was she in the care of others? If so, then their voices should have been heard. The "system" failed this child in the most tragic of fashions.

As child care professionals we are obligated by both the law and by "what is right" to be tuned in to the children in our care. Be aware. And care enough to be "the voice" if need be. You just might be the life and death difference for a child.

Favorite Holiday Movies

2007-11-27T15:44:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving has come and gone (yes, early this year). So, right along with those holiday decorations, it's time to get in the spirit with favorite holiday movies. I must have an illness because I've listed just my favs below:

Miracle on 34th Street: I like both the original and the re-make, but I love the re-make.

Home Alone: Okay. I still LOL at this movie.

The Santa Clause: I love all 3 in the series.

Scrooged: Okay, maybe not child-appropriate (in general), but for my family, it is a holiday laugh-fest tradition.

Elf: Gotta love Will Ferrel!

A Charlie Brown Christmas: This should be a requirement for all families.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Hey, it melted even the Grinch's frozen heart!

The Polar Express: A more recent classic, from a movie perspective.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation: Another family tradition at my home.

It's a Wonderful Life: A tradition for many, many families.

A Christmas Story: And another tradition for many, many families.

Frosty the Snowman: One of the firsts.

I'll Be Home for Christmas: I admit it; I like sappy movies.

Christmas with the Kranks: LOL funny.

The Holiday: Great movie "for the girls": aka. a "chick flick".

and lastly, Surviving Christmas: What we all try to do each year...

EASY Holiday Tree Food Project for Kids

2007-11-26T17:55:00.000-05:00

Kids love both crafts and treats. The following combines the two for an easy, inexpensive food project. Each child gets their own ingredients and eats only what they have "handled"; this means a food project that fits within most state licensing regs. Have fun!

Holiday Tabletop Tree

Graham Crackers
Green Decorating Icing
Small Red Candies
White Paper Plates

Provide for each child 2 full graham crackers, each cut in half diagonally (a serated knife works best for this); this will provide 4 long triangles per child.

Pipe small amount of icing onto the long uncut side of each triangle.

Demonstrate to the children how to press the icing sides of the triangles together to form a standing tree. Pipe outer edges of tree with additional icing. Have the children press candies into icing to "create" ornaments for their trees. Set aside to dry on a paper plate with the child's name written on the rim.

This could be a morning project to be enjoyed at afternoon snack, or an early afternoon project to take home to share with the child's family.

Remember there are no "messed up" trees. Enjoy!

Family Pets

2007-10-06T12:33:00.000-04:00

For anyone who might have noticed, I have been absent from my blog for the last couple of days - apologies. You might have figured out my why by the title for this post. We have a new member of our family by way of a 3-month old Shih Tzu. And, he is just about the cutest little guy ever - black and white with the most adorable face! Petey (short for Peter the Great which should be Peter the Petite: ) has taken over our household in less than 48 hours. This brought to mind today's post. Petey is adding a special presence to our home, but he is requiring a LOT of care: many potty trips outside; scheduled feedings; lots of play dates; grooming time; already a scheduled visit to the doggy doctor; and not nearly enough rest time for mommy yet.

I think many families can greatly benefit from adding a family pet. But, there are so many considerations that should go into that decision. WHO will be responsible for the various needs of the new pet? A child agreeing to "do everything" in order to obtain the new pet isn't very realistic. Is the pet you've selected a good size choice for your family and living arrangements? Is it a breed whose temperament is compatible with children? And, don't forget any allergy or asthma sufferers in you family. There are many breeds out there that these health issues don't come into play. So, be prudent before adding that new pet so that it will be a sound, healthy and happy decision for ALL!

Fall Outdoors Play

2007-10-02T16:25:00.001-04:00

It's gorgeous out in central Indiana today. The kind of day that still carries summer breezes, yet hints at fall all at the same time. This is the perfect time of year to get outside with the children in your life. So, whether it's a rowdy group of 4-year olds, a multi-stroller with infants, or excited 2-year olds, GET OUT THERE! Point out end-of-season butterlies or migrating birds. Start that ever-growing fall leaf collection. It's not too soon to gather leaves in a pile and "have at them". The point is to get out here and enjoy the outdoors while most days are still so very inviting. Never forget that every play opportunity is a learning opportunity for the children you care for, but you have to "play" in the first place to make it happen. Have FUN!

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2007-10-01T22:42:00.000-04:00

Today seems fitting to mention a cause that benefits the fight against breast cancer - something that has touched most of us in one form or another: a mother, a sister, a friend, or a spouse, struck by this disease. I lost my mother to cancer when I was 6 years old. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Join 1-800-FREE411 in the fight against breast cancer. How? For every new person who calls 1-800-FREE411 this month, they will donate one dollar (up to $25k) to benefit the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund. So tell your friends and family about 1-800-FREE411. Join the fight.

My First ChildCares.com Post

2007-09-30T18:53:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my very first post. This "blog" concept is new to me as an individual; I haven't "blogged" before. We are getting ready to launch ChildCares.com, a meeting place for the many individuals who make up the Child Care Industry. So, whether you are an Owner, a Director (or BOTH!), a Preschool Teacher, the Center Bus Driver, an Infant Caregiver, or most importantly, the Center Cook, we hope to offer a refuge for you. We will be seeking your input as to what's missing out there. So, bear with a novice blogger, but do join us SOON for ALL ChildCares.com has to offer.