Month: January 2016

Boosting Self-Esteem

5 Principles of Boosting Self-Esteem

(Excerpt from: Self-Esteem for Tots to Teens, by E. Anderson)

“It has been demonstrated that a sense of self-worth is critical to learning and growing and living. Children who believe they are competent and worthy develop an “I can do it” attitude for coping with the problems and frustrations of life. Their positive concept of self helps them develop into strong, caring, responsible, compassionate human beings. On the other hand, children who are unable to view themselves as competent and worthwhile are prevented from living fulfilled and meaningful lives, and they also have difficulty helping others do the same.” (p.ix)

You can help your children develop positive self esteem by following these principles:

Listen and Acknowledge

I listen to and acknowledge the thoughts and feelings of my children.

Structure for Success

I structure the environment of my children so they will experience feelings of success, not failure.

Reasonable Control

I give my children a feeling of reasonable control over their lives.

Reinforce

I reinforce my children as lovable and capable.

Model

I model a positive view of myself to my children.

Memories to Last a Lifetime…

Room 5 is all about hands-on projects which nurture a wealth of developmental areas. What better way to boost our young 2-year-old’s self esteem, creativity, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination than with a big project to conclude our big winter theme? We made real glass snow globes this week, and the results were fabulous!

Our excited friends took full control of this project. They picked their own decorations, poured the jar full of baby oil, and chose their own sparkles to shake into their snow globe. When the finished product was flipped over and ready to go they went home with a timeless craft of their own design which they can enjoy for years to come- and know THEY MADE IT!

snow globes 1

 

Way to go Room 5!

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A Snowy Day!

The cold weather in January brought a discussion of snow!! In Room 2 we had fun reading the book The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats. This beloved Caldecott Award winning book is about a little boy Peter who goes out and has adventures in the snow. Our dramatic play was transformed into a snowy day scene so our children could reenact it. They even had snowball fights!IMG_0989

They also had fun making Snowmen in different forms: art, sensory, and food.

We had so many different sensory/science activities; we made snow men with shaving  cream and baking soda on trays. In the sensory bin we had fake insta-Snow.

They painted snowmen and snow girls (some children put long hair on their snow person) with white paint as well as puffy paint. We used paper collage and “bleach snow” and made snowmen as big as our name!

 

 

Food For Thought – Food Dyes

Over the past few years, I have heard more and more parents talking about the negative behavioral effects that certain foods such as gluten, casein (the protein in milk), soy, and eggs have on their children. One of the less known elements that may be attributed to negative behavior are artificial food dyes. In addition to having strong links to cancer and other adverse health effects, behavioral associations are also common and may include hyperactivity, tantrums, crying, moodiness, irritability, and more. I have personally met several parents who would claim this as ‘truth’ for their own children. The Center For Science in the Public Interest published the article Seeing Red today. Check it out for yourself and see what you think.

Agree or disagree, it is good to be in the know.

Loving Our Yard and Recyclable Fun

The Outdoor Classroom has been a blast for Room 3. Our kids love being outside and engaging in all the creative learning opportunities that Team 6 provides. One of the areas drawing our focus is the Constructive Recyclabels area. We are having an awesome time stacking and using our imaginations to build everything from towers to fire trucks. Bruce and Samuel are so proud of their creative fire truck that we thought we’d share it!

“Hurry, hurry to the fire. Hurry, hurry drive the fire truck,” they both sang. 

Instant Fun with Insta Snow – Rm 3

As it is winter, we have been discussing cold weather in Room 3 and all that comes with it. For us here in Southern California, that mostly translates to crisp days and maybe some rainy ones. During the holidays, however, many of our friends enjoyed going to the snow as well. While it’s hard to come by the real stuff here in Pasadena, that doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun with a close facsimile. Thus, Insta Snow!  This super hydro absorbent material has a unique look/texture, plus is very soft and cool to the touch. Our friends have been having a fantastic time scooping, squeezing and playing with our Insta Snow and polar people/animals. If you happen to be in our room, you should check out all the fun and learning that is taking place at our science table.


  
  
  

Cold Hands, Warm Hearts…

“Cold Hands, Warm Hearts” has been our theme for January in room 5. We are learning about the Golden Rule and exploring the components of winter! While our young two-year-olds are developing their social-emotional skills like empathy and purpose, we are supporting them with the words of God. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12-14 (NIV)

We are also learning new vocabulary, cause and effect, and creating beautiful winter art. Cold weather and wintery themes allow for a great opportunity to integrate all of these concepts like sharing, showing love, and togetherness.

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We read “The Mitten” and talked about making room for others, and sharing even when we may not think there is enough to go around. God will provide for us, all we have to do is share his love.

So stay warm and share the love, friends!