Everything Moms: teachers

Showing posts with label teachers. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Teacher Knows Best: Holiday Spirit

Holiday Spirit

With the holidays quickly approaching, now is a great time to get your kids in the spirit of the season. Most kids equate Christmas with gift-giving and sometimes need a reminder that Christmas and other winter holidays traditions are about spending time with family and friends and sharing the good things in life.

Encourage your children to pick some of the toys they no longer play with and clothes they no longer wear to donate someone in need. A trip to the closet might reveal outfits that no longer fit with the tags still on them!

If you’re able, head to the toy store or even the dollar store and let your child pick out a new toy to donate to a children’s toy drive. Remind your child that every child loves to have new toys and we need to help people in need – it reminds us of how lucky we are to have what we have.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Teacher Knows Best: Thanksgiving Books

Thanksgiving Books

What am I thankful for? Books! There are some great books for Thanksgiving! Happy Reading!

P is for Pilgrim: A Thanksgiving Alphabet by Carol Crane

This is the Turkey by Abby Levine

‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey

The Night Before Thanksgiving by Natasha Wing

Thanksgiving Mice by Bethany Roberts

We Gather Together…Now Get Lost! By Diane de Groat

Monday, November 2, 2009

Teacher Knows Best: Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent –Teacher Conferences

This is the season for parent-teacher conferences. The set up varies by school and teacher, but here’s a general idea of what to expect.

-The teacher will talk about how your child is doing and you will have an opportunity to ask any questions you have.

-The teacher should have work samples to share with you and be able to give you an idea of how your child is progressing academically and socially.

-If you have questions, ask! You might not be able to get an answer right then and there, especially for questions about special education or gifted services, etc.

-Take note of any areas your child may be struggling in and make a plan with the teacher to rectify the situation both in school and at home, whether it is reading more or running through addition flash cards.

- Remember that teachers are meeting with many parents in an evening and need to stay on time as a courtesy to everyone. If you have issues that you feel need more investigation, please set up an additional meeting for another time. Most teachers will be happy to accommodate you.

For older students, I encourage students to lead their parents through the conference because it gives them ownership over their work and answers the questions parents always ask (“What are you doing in school?) and get the same answer to (“Nothing”).

Monday, October 26, 2009

Teacher Knows best: Kids Memoirs

Getting Kids to Write – Memoirs

We often ask kids to write memoirs, stories from their lives. Students are sometimes confused by what a teacher means when they say “memoir” so we use mentor texts, example books.

There are a ton of books that are memoirs but one of my favorite things to use is one I’ve written myself. So in honor of Halloween, here is one of my memoirs. Enjoy!

My brother and I, Halloween 1986

I was robbed.

It may have only been a neighborhood costume contest, but still…

We had recently moved to a brand new subdivision. Not all the lots were built yet, so the neighborhood was still small. The Civic Association decided to throw a Halloween party; there would be apple-bobbing, face painting, and costume judging.

It was 1986 and I was four. My mom had always made my little brother and I’s costume and that year I had begged and begged for a witch costume. She made the most fantastic costume: a long dress, a cape, and a hat all out of the same Halloween print material. Halloween couldn’t come fast enough!

Halloween was cold that year, so I had to wear a sweatshirt with my costume, but that didn’t dampen my spirits. I practically floated from house to house collecting candy. Finally it was time to head to the party. As we walked down the sidewalk, my parents told us of all that was in-store. My brother and I had never bobbed for apples, but we knew what face painting was and I was old enough to equate a costume contest with winning a prize.

After an hour or so of wet heads and painted cheeks, the sun had gone down and it was finally time for costume judging. I was pretty confident in my chances of winning seeing as I did have the best witch’s costume ever. They lined up kids by age group and we marched around in little circles to be judged. They pulled kids out of each circle until only two or three remained in each. In my circle, only two children were left: me, in my homemade witch’s costume, and another girl in a store-bought witch’s costume. The judges stood off to one side, just out of ear-shot, trying to make a decision while we danced around a little, trying to keep warm and fight off sleepiness. Finally they announced the other girl had won.

In my disbelief that someone had a costume better than the one my mom had lovingly made, I started to cry. I was crushed! Heartbroken! How could a chic who had bought her costume at a store beat my custom costume?! I cried the entire way home. Nothing my parents said could console me. My beautiful costume went into storage. Never to be seen again I hoped!

Many years later, I was a college freshman and my roommates and I were getting ready for Halloween. We were telling stories one evening and this tragic tale of woe came up. My roommates suggested that I seek costume contest revenge and dress up as a witch. I was a little hesitant at first, what with what had happened the last time, but even my mom thought it would be a good idea. She again made me a long, black dress and the most fantastic cape.

I proudly wore my second mom-made witch’s costume that Halloween and though I didn’t win any prizes, at least I wasn’t robbed by a store-bought witch.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Teacher Knows best: Halloween books for the right age

Monday, October 5, 2009

Teacher Knows best: Halloween Costume

Monday, September 28, 2009

Teacher knows best: Getting your kids to write!

Monday, September 21, 2009

A Teachers View: Lunch ideas for school !

Lunch Bunch

My school has a terrific school lunch, but sometimes it’s not what I want that day. I love packing my lunch because the possibilities are endless!

PB&J can get a little tired. Try a thermos full of mac and cheese or leftover meatloaf. Since students don’t usually have access to a microwave, the thermos will keep it warm until lunch.

Add yogurt for a calcium & protein 1-2 punch. Choose wisely as some brands have a lot of added sugar.

Pack something to dip! Put in a small container of salad dressing, cottage cheese, or hummus for kids to dip their veggies in. Light cream cheese with a little honey makes a great fruit dip.

A lot of kids love those small 8oz water bottles. They are kids sized and easy to handle. You can find washable, reusable bottles as well.

Put in something special once in a while. It doesn’t have to be a sweet. In my house, string cheese was something we rarely bought. It was a pleasant surprise when it showed up at lunch!

Don’t forget the silverware. But if you do, no worries – we have extras!

Put everything in a great insulated lunch box or bag (marked with names of course), add an ice pack, and lunch is served!

Monday, September 14, 2009

A teachers view: Monster cookies

Monster Cookies

This recipe was a hit with my babysitting kids over the summer. Don’t tell your kids, but these cookies are actually decently good for you – protein and fiber all in one cookie. Bonus – no flour for kids with wheat or gluten issues, although they do contain peanut butter. As we are buying ingredients, I got the “I don’t like oatmeal!” complaints, but one bite of these babies had them asking for seconds!

Monster Cookies

1 cup white sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 stick butter

1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter

3 eggs

¾ tsp vanilla

¾ tsp baking soda

4 ½ cups rolled oats

¼ bag M&M’s

¼ bag chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl, combine sugars, butter, and peanut butter. Add eggs, vanilla, and baking soda and mix well. Stir in oats, M&M’s and chocolate chips. Form into large balls, place on cookie sheet, and press with fork. Allow room to spread. Bake for 12-15min.

P.S. – You might want to limit your darlings to one or two of these, they really do pack a fiber punch J

Monday, August 24, 2009

A Teachers View: The 1st day of School!!

1st Day of School

Whether your baby is having their first first day of school or their last first day of school, the first day is always a big one. At my elementary school, the first day is full of shiny scrubbed faces, new clothes, and sometimes, a bit of chaos. Here are a couple of things to remember about this magical day!

· Get a good night’s sleep and have a good breakfast. The older our students get, the later they eat lunch. It comes as a surprise to many of our 4th and 5th graders that they don’t eat until almost 1 and after one and that they are starving at 10:30.

· Pack a great lunch or make sure your student has lunch money. It’s especially helpful if younger students have their lunch money in an envelope marked with their name and teacher. Also make sure your child’s name is on their lunch box. If your school uses an automated payment system, start practicing the PIN and put a piece of paper with it written down in their pocket.

· Be at the bus stop at least five minutes early the first week of school. My friend Janelle works at our local school district’s department of transportation and tells me that bus schedules can fluctuate as drivers figure out who needs picked up where and make changes to routes.

· Take pictures! Arrive at school or the bus stop a few minutes and capture that smiling face!

· Be aware that some schools do not let parents escort students to their classrooms. At my school, only the parents of our preschool students are allowed past the front door. There is a long chain of teachers to walk younger students to class and to help older ones find their way. And yes, we’ll be happy to walk them down, even if tears are involved J Call your school office if you have questions about your child getting to class.

· Look through your child’s bookbag for papers that might have come home. There are usually papers to fill out.

· Be ready to celebrate! The first day of school is exciting! And usually homework-free. It might be a great night for one of the last trips of the season to the pool or ice cream shop.

Monday, August 17, 2009

A Teachers View- Books to help your little ones back to school!

It’s almost here! The first day of school! There are a ton of great books about going back to school. Here are a few to share with your favorite star student!

Preschool:

v D.W.’s Guide to Preschool by Marc Brown
v Preschool to the Rescue by Judy Sierra
v Little Bunny’s Preschool Countdown by Maribeth Boelts

Kindergarten:

v Kindergarten Rocks! By Katie Davis

v Mrs. Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate

v Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes

1st/2nd/3rd grade:

v First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
v Brand New Pencils, Brand New Books by Diane De Groat
v Miss Nelson is Missing by James Marshall

4th/5th/6th grade:

v Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
v Allie Finkle’s Rules for School: Moving Day by Meg Cabot
v Frindle by Andrew Clements

Monday, August 10, 2009

A Teachers View: Pay it forward!!

Pay it Forward

With all the back to school sales going on, now is a great time to teach your kids to “pay it forward”. There are many families who cannot afford supplies and clothes to go back to school. Every kid knows how they feel to have new things for a new school year – it gets them excited about going to school and gives them a feeling of confidence. If your family is able, pick up an extra pack of pencils or a couple of folders, even some glue sticks. Many churches put together supply bags or give them to your school office, they will be able to hand them out as needed.

Back to school clothes were always my favorite part of fall. As you’re going through last year’s wardrobe, pull out the clothes your children no longer wear and see if your school can use them. We’re always looking for clothes to give kids when they spill lunch or fall on the playground. Socks and underwear are always needed too. Some students just need clean clothes and what we lend them doesn’t always come back to school, which is fine with us.

Small things can mean a great deal to someone. Generosity and kindness are lessons we want all students to learn.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Teacher Knows best: School Supply List

I am blessed to live next to a elementary school teacher who loves my kids and we love her!! She has multiple education degrees and is the first person I run to when I am worried about speech, development or anything learning related!! She has agreed to write a weekly post for me on some common concerns involving little ones and just great tips! If you have a topic that you would like to see addressed, please e-mail me at everythingmom@live.com

Back to School Shopping

As a teacher, seeing school supplies out in stores brings two feelings:
1) dread that my summer is coming to an end and
2) excitement that I get to start a new school year with new students, new expectations, and new crayons (I can’t help it, I love new crayons). So today, here’s some Frequently Asked Questions about school supplies…

Q: How do I know what my child needs?

A: The good old school supply list. You can find one for your child’s school and grade usually in stores, but the best place is the school website. Make sure you have the right grade level and teacher.

Q: This list is pretty long. Does my child really need all this?

A: Yes. These supplies have to last all year, so we ask for more than one glue stick and box of pencils because your child will use them. We also find it’s cheaper for parents to buy them on sale in August instead of at regular price in January.

Q: Why do some teacher’s want names on supplies and others don’t?

A: The reasons vary. Some teachers do community supplies and some have every student keep their own. Some want to have everyone label folders the same way so that it’s easier to organize. It depends on the teacher and how the classroom is run.

Q: How can I save money on school supplies?

A: One way I’ve heard of is to shop in high quantity. If you have access to a Sam’s Club or Costco membership, go shopping there and split the supplies and the cost with another family. Many school PTOs offer pre-packaged supplies. These are often cheaper than hunting down all the supplies yourself because the PTO will buy en mass and pass the savings onto you. You also know that the supplies are exactly what the teacher is asking for. Fair warning: my school PTO offers this program but from a company and the boxes do not include everything needed, there are still some things to buy for specific teachers. Many schools have the PTO put together bags and are able to include everything.

Q: What supplies should I have at home for homework?

A: Extra pencils, colored pencils or crayons, scissors, glue stick, ruler, and notebook paper. Either use leftovers from last year or buy two this year and reserve them for homework use only. Keep everything together in a school box or pouch to cut down on the chance of not being able to find the scissors.

Q: Anything else I should get?

A: Enough pencils to get to the moon and back – you’d be surprised how many we go through, it’s like a pencil monster comes and eats them every night. Keep a stash at home so when your kiddos come home and say “I need more pencils!” you’re ahead of the game. Also tissues and hand soap - we try to keep the kids, especially the little guys, from killing an entire forest every time they sneeze, but in the name of cleanliness and not spreading germs, we use a lot of these supplies.

Monday, July 27, 2009

A Teachers View: Bubbles!!

Monday, July 20, 2009

A Teachers View- Mom I'm Bored!!

Mom, I’m Bored!

We’re halfway through summer, which I can’t believe. If you’re kids are anything like the family I am nanny-ing for, they’re starting to get BORED. Here’s some of the ways we’ve bet the boredom this summer.

1. Change locations

Always go to the same pool or park? Switch it up! If you always go to the same metro park, pick a new one. Always going to the same pool? Try a different one. In my town we are fortunate enough to have two community pools and for some reason, the kids are dying to go to the “other one”, even though it’s really just a pool and doesn’t have the water slides and lazy river the other one does. Most pools offer reduced rates in the evening, so even if you’re membership is somewhere else, you can still enjoy the pool.

2. Try something in your hometown you’ve never done.

I’ve lived in my hometown for over 20 years, but there are still things about it I’m just discovering. I had no idea that we had a historical park that does educational programming and offers tours all summer long. I’ve only been driving by it forever! So this summer, we’ll be checking out Weaver Park - three bucks for adults, dollar for kids. http://nwfchs.org/village.htm

When I told my dad I’d never been to the Statehouse, he was floored. Now there is even more reason to go as the museum as reopened after renovations. Best of all: it’s free! http://www.ohiochannel.org/your_state/ohio_statehouse/education/statehouse_museum/page01.cfm

3. For a day, kids rule.

One day a summer, I let each kiddo pick the day’s activity. It’s totally up to them, whatever they want. The only catch - it has to cost under $20 for all five of us. So far this summer, we’ve done lunch at McDonald’s then pool all afternoon and Homestead Park with ice cream at DQ. From listening in on conversations, I think we might be going to Michael’s and getting craft kits soon and possibly, the dollar movies and Graeter’s.

4. Happy Hour at Sonic Drive-In.

From 2-4pm drinks and slushes are ½ price at Sonic. Great way to beat the summer heat. There are only a handful in Columbus and they are relatively new. My kiddos had never been to a Sonic and loved pulling up to a stall and having our drinks delivered. Total cost: Under $5. http://www.sonicdrivein.com/home.jsp#/home

Sunday, July 12, 2009

A Teachers View - Stay-cations, Southern Ohio

Stay-cations – Southern Ohio

It’s now cool to vacation in your own state. Think a vacation in Ohio is about a much fun as dental work? Think again! There are some hidden gems in this great state and deals to be had. Here are some ideas for visiting Southern Ohio.

Here’s a “steal” in Cincinnati – book a night at a Cincinnati-area hotel and get ½ price Reds tickets! There’s a ton to do in Cincy – relax at Fountain Square, head to the Freedom Museum, or take a ride on a riverboat. http://www.cincinnatiusa.com/

If your family is like mine – quirky museums are right up your alley. Jump US 33 South from Columbus to start your journey. Stop at the AHAA Hands-On Adventure Children’s Museum in Lancaster (740- 653-1010). Next, tour the Columbus Washboard Factory in Logan (www.columbuswashboard.com), then continue on US 33 into Nelsonville and visit the Pencil Sharpener Museum (call 740-753-4634 to schedule a tour), both of which are free!

There are also some package savings to be had! Coco Key Water Resort and the Newport Aquarium have partnered as well as the Cincinnati Zoo and Kings Island. Check out http://www.cocokeywaterresort.com/ and http://www.ohioslargestplayground.com/ for more information.

Always popular with the kids: The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway in Nelsonville. My grandparents used to take us on train rides here! The trains run all year long with seasonal programming. http://www.hvsry.org/

Monday, July 6, 2009

A Teachers view- Stay-cations in Northern Ohio

Stay-cations – Northern Ohio

It’s now cool to vacation in your own state. Think a vacation in Ohio is about a much fun as dental work? Think again! There are some hidden gems in this great state and deals to be had. Here are some ideas for visiting Northern Ohio.

Looking for peace and quiet? Look no further than Mohican State Park. Stay at the lodge and enjoy hiking trails, awesome food, and the indoor pool. Head into Loudonville and go canoeing (they don’t call it the canoe capital of the world for nothing!) down the Mighty Mohican River (really just the Black Fork of the Mohican River and really not that mighty). Have lunch downtown at the Main Street Café and stroll through the shops along Main Street. http://www.mohicanstatepark.org/

Head to Cleveland for a little Ohio History lesson provided by inventor Garrett Morgan, John D. Rockefeller, and President Abraham Lincoln on a free, guided walked tour of Cleveland. http://www.historicgateway.org/ Don’t forget to visit the Westside Market while in Cleveland – home of some of the best food this side of the Appalachians. http://www.westsidemarket.org/

In Sylvania, near Toledo, visit the Sylvania Historical Village and watch costumed interpreters demonstrate daily life in the 1840’s. While in Toledo, take in a Toledo MudHens game. http://www.cityofsylvania.com/

Is your family into biking? Check this out…your family can bike along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail between Cleveland and Akron in one direction and then take the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad back to your starting point for just $2. http://www.cvsr.com/

Monday, June 29, 2009

A Teachers View: Stay Cations- Central Ohio

Stay-cations – Central Ohio

It’s now cool to vacation in your own state. Think a vacation in Ohio is about a much fun as dental work? Think again! There are some hidden gems in this great state and deals to be had. Here are some ideas for visiting Central Ohio.

Here is one of the coolest deals I found for Columbus:

Through Experience Columbus, you can get their “Roar and Explore” package. This includes 4 tickets for the Columbus Zoo, Zoombezi Bay water park, and COSI, free kids meals at Bob Evans, a Cameron Mitchell gift card, and two nights’ accommodations starting a $299. (You can include as many tickets as you like, 4 is their base price). This is a great package if you have friends or family coming in from out of state or just want to enjoy your own city! Little to no gas money, tickets to three of the most fun, family friendly places in the city, not having to make your bed, and of course the hotel pool, which no kid can resist. www.experiencecolumbus.com

Another budget friendly idea, catch a ball game at the Columbus Clippers new stadium Huntington Park. Tickets range from $3-$15 depending on where you want to sit and parking when there are no other events going on in the Arena District is $3. Or forgo going in the park and simply watch from the “knotholes” in right field along Nationwide Blvd. Since the Clippers are now affiliated with the Cleveland Indians, you never know when an Indians’ player may be sent down. www.clippersbaseball.com

Central Ohio has an awesome park system and programs are offered almost daily. Pack a picnic and head to the park! Go with the naturalist to find summer wildflowers, animal tracks, or even pet some native Ohioans. Visit Slate Run Farm and be transported onto a 19th century farm – help with the farm chores, chase some chickens, and learn how farmers worked over 100 years ago. All the parks have walking trails, some of which are paved and stroller friendly. www.metroparks.net

I’ll be bringing you more Columbus based ideas all summer long.

Monday, June 22, 2009

A Teachers View - Getting your little one ready for Preschool!

Preschool Part 3: Is My Kiddo Ready?

You’ve picked a preschool and your darling child is all registered and ready to go.

Congratulations! Here are a couple of tips for the weeks leading up to preschool.

Visit the school. Stop by while preschool is in session and let your child watch the other children playing outside. Build up your excitement – “I am so excited for you! Look how much fun you’re going to have! I can’t wait to see you go down that yellow slide/dig in the sand box/ swing on the tire swing.”

If you pass school in your daily lives, point it out. “That’s were Meredith is going to school!”
Read up on preschool. There’s a lot of great children’s literature about going to school. Some of my favorites: D.W.’s Guide to Preschool by Marc Brown (Arthur Books), We Love Preschool by Tim Warnes, Preschool to the Rescue by Judy Sierra, Little School by Beth Norling, and Little Bunny’s Preschool Countdown by Maribeth Boelts.

Start a routine. Just like school-agers, preschoolers need a schedule. Getting up, getting dressed, breakfast, out the door. Even if it’s just to run errands. You may want to make a picture chart to hang in your preschooler’s bedroom of your routine. Also helpful, the hanging “Days of the Week” shelves where you can store clothes for everyday and that stuffed dinosaur your child will need on Wednesday during “D” week.

On the first day of school, have a special breakfast. Resist the urge to cry.

As you’re driving to school on that first day, talk about all the fun your kiddo is going to have and tell them you’ll see them when school is over. Again, resist the urge to cry.

At school, take pictures, talk to the other moms and dads, hug and kiss your big kid one more time, and tell him you’ll be back soon and to have a great day. Don’t linger too long, especially if your child is crying. They’ll be ok, the teacher will make sure of that. Resist the urge to cry yourself.

Once you’re in the parking lot, let it out. Cry the whole way home, stopping at Starbucks on the way if necessary. My mom and a neighbor used to go to breakfast on the first day of school so they wouldn’t be home alone. They did this yearly until we were in college.

Pick up your preschooler and listen to them gush about all the fun they had and the friends they made. Ask questions and make them feel like they are a rock star. Have a special lunch or dinner to celebrate!

Monday, June 15, 2009

A Teachers View - Choosing a preschool!

I am blessed to live next to a elementary school teacher who loves my kids and we love her!! She has multiple education degrees and is the first person I run to when I am worried about speech, development or anything learning related!! She has agreed to write a weekly post for me on some common concerns involving little ones. If you have a topic that you would like to see addressed, please e-mail me at everythingmom@live.com

Preschool Part 2: Choosing a Preschool

So you’re ready to send junior off to the wonderful world of education. But which preschool should you choose??

Preschools, like kids, come is all kinds of shapes, sizes, and configurations. If you know what you’re looking for, you’re likely to find it. If you’re not, keep reading.

The Basics:

- Do you want a “traditional preschool” where kids go 2-3 hours 2-3 days a week or are you looking for more of a daycare, all day, everyday?

- Would you like a center that is church affiliated? School based?

- Are you looking for a lot of options such as kindergarten classes?

- Would your child do well in a classroom with child with special needs?

Questions Every Parent Should Ask:

- What is your staff training like?

- Are you NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited?

- How often are the rooms cleaned/toys disinfected?

- Is a snack served? Do parents need to provide? What about food allergies or medical concerns?
- For an all day program – is lunch provided or do parents need to pack one? What is the rest time policy? Are mats provided? How often are they cleaned?

- What kind of academic program do you follow?

- Do the teachers keep portfolios? Behavior logs?

- What is your center’s discipline plan?

- What makes your center special?

When you have your choices narrowed down, visit the center. The first time, you may want to make an appointment to talk to the center’s director and take a tour. Take the tour and use that time to observe, observe, observe. (You may also want to stop by at a later date unannounced for another observation).

Things to keep in mind while you are observing:

- Does the room appear to be clean and organized? Are appropriate things within reach of the children?

- Is there enough space to everyone?

- Are the spaces defined? i.e. the dramatic play area, an art center, library/quiet area

- Is the staff interacting with the students? Is there enough staff?

- Is there evidence of parent-teacher communication? i.e. a parent bulletin board or copies of newsletters

- Is the staff consistent in their discipline? Do you like the interactions you are seeing?

- Does it appear that safety concerns have been met?

- If you can do so without intruding, ask the staff any questions you might have.

I happen to really like the school-based special education preschools where 4-5 typically developing children are in a classroom with 6-8 special needs children. The “typical” kids are peer models for the other kids, modeling things like using words, taking turns, and skills special education students may not have yet. In turn, the special needs children teach the peer models love, empathy, and patience. These types of settings are not right for all children and the waiting lists are usually a little long, but having taught in these schools I am a big advocate for them.

The Bottom Line: Choose the preschool that is right for your child and your family.

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