nursery rhymes and nightlights

Book Review: Secure Daughters, Confident Sons

2011-04-30T01:34:00.000-04:00

Recently, I received and read the book, "Secure Daughters, Confident Sons" as part of my Book Reviewer Program commitment.

I love parenting books. I love learning how I can better parent the two little lives God has given me. I thought a book whose subtitle was, "How Parents Guide Their Children Into Authentic Masculinity and Femininity" might provide me an interesting read.

On the whole, the book was a quick read. It was divided up into separate chapters regarding boys and girls. So, most of my time was spent the most relevant chapters for me, about boys.

But I will say I had a hard time with some of the things the author wrote. Many of the things the author stated seemed based on his own limited and personal view of life and tended to be most focused towards the importance of a father in a boys life. I felt alittle disappointed by the fact that a mother's role seemed both minute and inconsequential. I'm ok with Dad being a boy's hero. But Mom came out looking a bit like "chopped liver."

I don't think this book is going to be a parenting book I necessarily recommend. There are few new ideas offered. And of the ideas I hadn't heard of, many seemed based less on research and more on the author's opinion.

However, having said that, I found a few things interesting from the book. So, I thought I'd list them here.

One of those is this: The author argues that "boys need to destroy the world." The author writes, "While boys are brave rescuers, they're also inclined to destroy, for purposes both good and bad. Something within a boy compels him to break and smash things. This is why "fireman," "army man," and "policeman" are hugely popular answers to them "What do you want to be when you grow up, son?" question...Boys also love monster trucks because monster trucks smash and crush regular trucks. The destroy-the-world factor explains why boys are also more attracted to fireworks, guns, army men and explosives."

The author failed to explained why he thought this need to "destroy the world" was significant, which is another reason I was unimpressed with the book. But the mere observation was interesting to me. I related better to this idea of an innate male desire towards being wild with insights from John Eldredge's "Wild At Heart" book with regard to God's design of men to be fighters and rescuers.

Nonetheless, I did like this quote, "Men lead because the male's orientation is to shape, mold, create and change things that are bad into something good."

I like this quote because it reminds me of the importance of helping my boys become strong and focused so they can lead appropriately, so they can help the widow, orphan and alien, so they can do what is right in the midst of what is wrong.

Another quote I liked is regarding the author's claim that boys want to "save the world." The author writes, "Perseverance is the lesson our boys must learn in working to save the world. For our boys, anything worth doing is going to be a difficult challenge."

I don't think the author helped me, as a mother, to do much for my boys (other than view my place in the family as being merely secondary to their father). But what I gained from the book was the insight that my boys have a need deep within them to carry out justice and make a difference in our world. I need to see all of their crashing of cars, flying of airplanes and love for firetrucks an infantile manifestation of a much deeper desire to fulfill their duty to care for others and fight for what is right.

To read more of my review of Secure Daughters, Confident Sons, go here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/cdp/member-reviews/AYLU0AFW0RVC5/ref=cm_cr_pr_auth_rev?ie=UTF8&sort_by=MostRecentReview

A complimentary copy of this book was given by Multnomah for an honest review.

Monitoring Moviews

2011-04-04T17:18:00.000-04:00

My husband and I took our three year old to see one of the newest animated films in theatres this week, Rango.

I wish I hadn't. My husband and I both enjoyed Rango. And had my child been 10, he would have too. But it wasn't appropriate for a 3 year old. The humor was foul, the language was inappropriate, the theme was above his understanding.

I felt foolish realizing I should have been more thoughtful in our choice of movie. But I had no idea that an animate movie about a lizard would have "bad" words and several scary parts.

As an adult, I don't often think of the existing movie rating system. But, as a parent, I believe I should not only pay attention to the movie rating, I need to go further.

There is a large range of what is considered "PG". And even G movies can be surprising non-G. So, after some searching, here are a few great websites I found to help me in the future when choosing a movie/DVD that is appropriate for my children:

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews

http://www.kids-in-mind.com/

http://blog.beliefnet.com/moviemom/

I often check out the ratings before my husband and I spend money on a movie ticket. And now I will also check out the ratings before my husband and I bring our children (or even rent or buy a movie for our kids).

A Sticker Chart for Mom

2011-02-24T13:02:00.000-05:00

If you saw how many charts and lists I have in my home and on my computer, you'd think I was *super* organized. But the reality is I'm not...but I desperately want to be.

But I have to be creative with myself. My well intended schedules easily become paper art for my refrigerator. And my online calendar can get so junked up I can't figure out what's important and what's not. But I find ways to keep myself focused.

I made Little Bear a sticker chart a few days ago.

Because ~~he needs to brush his teeth~~ I need to remember to help him brush his teeth.
And because ~~he needs to be potty-trained~~ I need to remind him to try on the potty more.

So, I made ~~Little Bear~~ myself a sticker chart a few days ago.
And it's working!

It goes like this...Mother wants child to be independent and get into good habits. Child is motivated to be independent by praise and stickers. Mother makes a sticker chart for child. Child reminds mother to teach him good habits and how to be independent because he wants a sticker. Mother, after being reminded, helps child accomplish items on the sticker chart. Child is happy to receive praise and stickers. Mother is happy to help child. Mother and child get in a routine of child being independent and establish habits. The sticker chart becomes irrevelant. Repeat with new goals.

How I did it: I used a piece of poster board, markers and tape. I found 50 cent stickers after Valentine's Day so I stocked up on his favorite movie character, Lightening McQueen (despite my disdain for Disney characters). I wrote each item out so I could read it. But I drew little pictures so he could "read" it on his own too.

An example of this in my own life is Little Bear's sticker chart. This sticker chart lists a few tasks that I want Little Bear to do more of each day - things like brushing his teeth, trying on the potty, putting his clothes on and off independently.

After desperately trying to remember to remind Little Bear to do these things hroughout the day, I finally decided to make a chart, which I have placed on his door, that will help me remember the 5 (broken down into 8 individual) things I want to help him do daily. These are things that are not already in our daily routine but things I wish were.

After a few days, I found that I didn't need the sticker chart anymore to help me remember to do these things. The goal of the sticker chart was help us make new habits, which it did. Whether or not we keep the sticker chart will really be whether or not Little Bear continues to want to do it. Once he gets bored, I'm fine. All I wanted was to train myself.

However, Little Bear has been trained too. At first, I needed the sticker to motivate him. Now, he just knows that's what I expect. No longer do I put his clothes on for him. Now, he does it himself out of habit. We are almost there with brushing his teeth. And we'll continue working on the potty training.

Once we have accomplished placing all five items in our routine, I will move to new goals. It's too bad a need a sticker chart to help me. But as a mother of two toddlers, where no day is exactly like the other, I reason...whatever works, do it!

Memorizing Bible Verses

2011-02-23T11:56:00.001-05:00

Little Bear has completely surprised me by how quickly he can memorize!

When I was a child, I memorized Bible verses at school, particularly in Kindergarten (we memorized 26 Bible verses, one per letter of the alphabet). I enjoyed it and can remember some (but certainly not all) of them even today.

In fact, one little Bible verse really impacted me as a young child. I would often crawl up in my younger sister's bed (we shared a room) during thunderstorms and say the verse over and over and over and over. It was very comforting to say, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee." It was my kindergarten teacher who taught me that saying this Bible verse when I am scared can remind me that God is always with me.

So, with this, I desire to teach Little Bear Bible verses too.

I was a bit apprehensive at first on how to teach him to memorize. I know children have an incredible ability to memorize alot quickly. But I wasn't sure how little ones actually memorize when they can't read.

What I realized is they simply need repetition!

So, I began with a simple Bible verse first, "O, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good. Psalm 118:1"

I read it to him once or twice and then began to make a game of it. I would say, "O, give thanks unto the Lord, for he is..." And I would prompt Little Bear to finish the sentence with the word, "good!" We learned the reference for the Bible verse once he had memorized the entire sentence.

What I was surprised to find was that Little Bear learned the entire thing within a day or two and enjoyed saying it over and over. Of course, I would cheer and praise him (with kisses galore) when he memorized it. Sometimes, I will actually hear him say the verse (with no prompting) if someone tells him "thanks." It's pretty funny.

The next verse we learned was "Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Ephesians 6:1". I actually sometimes get the tail end of these two verses switched around. But Little Bear never does. He knows them by heart better than me.

I never use this verse to discipline but sometimes, shortly after a situation that involved discipline, I will remind him. "Remember, Children obey their parents..." And he will often reply, "for this is right!"

Memorized Bible verses are never to be flashy or showy. I do not desire that my child know a hundred of them so I can show all my friends how smart he is. I never want to use a Bible verse to shame him or exasperate him.

Bible verses are merely wisdom that I want to imbed in my child's heart and mind early. I want him to believe truths about God and about the world. I believe Bible verses can help him hold these truths near.

Our next verse to learn is the very one I held on to most. This is a perfect time for him as he often explains he's fearful at night or that noises scare him.

I look forward to hearing from him one day about a Bible verse that made an impact on him. Until then, I will provide him plenty of verses for him to memorize.

My goal right now is to teach him one for each alphabet. I will list on the blog the ones I will choose in a few days.

Montessori Activity: Money In A Can

2011-02-16T01:46:00.000-05:00

You'd think this activity wouldn't be interesting. But every time a little one at our house plays with it, they become mesmerized by the feel, difficulty and sound of dropping money in a can threw a small whole.

It's an easy activity in which you need two things: money and a can (we use old baby formula cans).

It's best to use all sorts of sized coins. We typically pull out Daddy's change can.

We poke two wholes on the top of the can's lid. One hole is just for small coins like pennies, nickels and dimes. The other hole is perfect for quarters. This gives a bit of challenge to the activity for a toddler.

You can see Little Bears' frowed eyebrows in this picture. There is something interesting about seeing a coin be pushed ever so carefully threw the lid to disappear to the bottom of the can with a "clunk!"

The nice thing about this activity is it can repeated as much as the child wants...and can be placed away for another opportunity in the future.

We consider this one of our "rainy day" activities as it's a fun thing to play with at the kitchen table while Mom is cooking or working nearby. We always stay nearby to prevent the exploration of the if-that-was-fun-what-happens-when-you-put-a-coin-in-your-mouth activity.

Guest Post on Simplicity Parenting's Blog

2011-02-08T14:50:00.000-05:00

I am honored to have an opportunity to Guest Post on the blog of one of my favorite parenting books, "Simplicity Parenting."

Read the post here: http://www.simplicityparenting.com/blog/2011/02/this-weeks-small-change-why-im-choosing-to-simplify/

Preschool Montessori Activity: Playing with Rice Extension

2011-02-04T14:39:00.002-05:00

Since introducing the Rice Activity, Little Bear has requested to play with the Rice box daily. One thing I offered him recently was a tray of rice. It started out that he wanted to play with his cars on a thin layer of rice. But then he began to discover (his own discovery) that he could "draw" with his finger. So, he started making shapes.

Later, he requested that I help him draw letters in the rice.

He enjoyed both watching me draw the letters and tracing them afterwards. He then found my letters to be a good "racetrack" for his matchbox cars. (Notice the broom nearby. When the rice is out, so is the broom!)

Preschool Montessori Activity: Playing With Pinto Beans

2011-02-04T14:38:00.004-05:00

Little Bear has started to show some sustained interest in real Montessori activities. It's been delightful to see. So, I decided to introduce some spooning activities to him. I started with Pinto Beans.

Pinto beans or lima beans work really well to start off because they are so big. I liked using it first because I could easily monitor how controlled he would be with the beans. I did find them on the table and on the floor some but, for the most part, he kept them in the bowl.

I have Little Bear several types of spoons to work with - a big spoon/measuring cup all the way down to a small child sized spoon. He enjoyed using them all. When I found him less interested in the activity, I put it up for another day.

Preschool Montessori Activity: Playing With Rice

2011-02-04T14:38:00.003-05:00

After I saw the success of the Pinto Bean Spooning Activity, I decided to try giving him rice next. He *really* loved playing with rice!

I purchased an inexpensive bag of rice from the grocery store, gave Little Bear a spoon and a bowl. He loved spooning the rice from the container to the bowl. When he was done, he carefully poured the rice from the bowl into the container. (I keep all of my spooning activities in separate shoe boxes. This keeps the rice/beans/etc from rotting and makes for easy storage/clean up.)

Later, when this activity became old, I played a game with him. I hit a few random toys in the rice and allowed him to find them with his spoon or fingers.

Here are a few of the toys I did...mainly colorful plastic and wooden items.

He loved putting his fingers in the rice.

I was surprised about how well coordinated he could be with the rice. Inevitably rice fell on the table and the floor but he stayed very focused for this activity, playing with it for about 30 minutes. The nice thing about rice is it's super easy to clean up.

Little Bear asked if he could put his matchbox cars in the rice. I finally agreed that he could do two cars at a time. He really enjoyed that. (Although, I did have to make sure to shake the cars out afterward to get rid of any rice hidden inside.)

Simplicity Sunday

2011-01-23T21:54:00.001-05:00

If I ever thought living simply or slowing down my life was important or valuable, it takes a special needs child to remind me its necessary.

Today, my family and I got up on time, ate breakfast, got our showers/baths, got dressed (ironed our clothes) and loaded up in the car. There were tears from both of the boys on and off all morning. And there were a few tantrums. Eventually, we found we were running late and began realizing we weren't going to be on time afterall. This made my husband want to throw his own tantrum. My throat hurt all morning since I have a bit of a head cold but nothing that seemed to be that big of a deal...until it all just added up to be too much.

Maybe it was Little Bear's tantrum in the car (his third this morning). Maybe it was the stress of realizing that, again this morning, we weren't going to be able to put Baby Bear in the nursery since our nursery/workers isn't/aren't equipped to deal with his special needs. Maybe it was the realization that we had already missed part of the service. Or, maybe it was my own realization that I just didn't feel good.

Whatever it was that sent us over the edge, it was enough for us to throw up the white flag and say, "let's re-evaluate this plan."

Despite that we had just taken the exit from the freeway and were minutes from the front door of our church, we decided to return home.

It was the best decision we could have made. And I am confident it was a faithfully spiritual one as well.

The reality was we were stressed...all four of us. And while my husband and I had wanted to join our church community for the Sunday service, what we needed most was to refocus our family, to simplify our lives at that moment and come back to a place where peace overcame the chaos.

With our need to bring the stress down and my need to rest (I've later determined I do have a slight cold) but our desire to be together as a family, we decided to sit down and just be present with together something we don't do enough.

We value the Sabbath as being a day to rest and a day to reflect. And I think we were best able to fulfill this value through our decision to stop the rat-race that we felt we were on (even if it was merely to go to church) and make a decision to slow down life. God is a god of Peace and we were feeling quite opposite of that. We were all completely disconnected with each other. Our decision was to change that.

I'm calling today "Simplicity Sunday" - my effort to bring simplicity to our lives, particularly on Sundays. Today was my first step towards making Sunday, the day in which we have set aside to worship our God, a day that is different from the rest. Appropriately, I believe simplicity starts here.

Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14

Why I'm Choosing to Simplify

2010-12-11T00:00:00.003-05:00

Can my child do more with less?

I'm in the process of simplifying our home enviroment, in hopes that I can give my children more room to develop into the people they were meant to be.

However, to do this means I am fighting against culture. I'm fighting against a society that wants more faster and easier! "The pace of our daily lives is increasingly misaligned with the pace of childhood," writes Kim John Payne in his book Simplicity Parenting.

I want something more for my children. I want them to enjoy the beauty nature has to offer, the love friendships provide and the quiet stillness their brains need to develop fully. I want to keep them from premature and unnecessary stress and pressure.

I instinctively do that with my baby, of which society is relatively supportive. But it's as though by three years old, children are expected to be able to make adult decisions and cope with adult issues.

Payne writes, "A protected childhood allows for the slow development of identity, well-being, and resiliency....By simplifying, we protect the environment for childhood's slow, essential unfolding of self."

I believe the home is a sort of "womb" for children. It is my job to control their contact with the world - to protect them and nurture them throughout every part of their environment - until they are mature adults fully capable of facing the complexities of life. I believe I can offer them this best through simplifying.

"Can my child do more with less?" this is the question I ask as I work towards simplification.

Toddler Montessori Activity: Mini Marble Run

2010-12-09T23:16:00.000-05:00

I found a fabulous little jewel for Little Bear today. I have wanted to buy him a Marble Run for a while now, as it's a fabulous toy that teaches causes and effect. However, with Baby Bear around, it's hard to want to allow marbles in the house.

But when I saw this tiny little marble run ($1 at Michaels), I thought it would be a great little table activity for Little Bear.

This tiny "Marble Racer" comes with tiny marbles, my only complaint about the little set. But I offered the game in a small basket to prevent these tiny marbles from being lost.

I love watching Little Bear's concentration on this activity. At this point, he's too young to be able to move the pieces around to create new experiences, but this can be used as an extention to the game when he's older. Until then, he's happy to play with the marbles for thirty minutes at a time (I take it away a bit early to keep him from getting board with it). I love hearing the sounds of the marble moving around through the holes. My favorite part of a marble run is the ability of the child to watch how the game works (instead of pushing a button and watching lights and sounds turn on automatically).

My Teacher

2010-12-02T01:19:00.001-05:00

While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about. ~Angela Schwindt

Today, I couldn't get a break. I finally had a few hours, after having several work meetings outside of home, to sit down and get some work done. I needed to focus. I needed to type and I had to be in my home office on my computer.

Whine, whine. Do you want some Cheerios? Thrown to the floor.
Whine, whine. Do you need to play with a toy in another room? Play for a moment. Return.
Whine, whine. Do you want to play with the toy in here? Play for another moment. Return.
Whine, whine. Do you want in my lap? Peace.

Finally, I got it: Play with me, mom.

Ah, maybe I don't need to get work done. Maybe the work I need to do is get on the floor with a 13 month old.

Christmas Advent Idea for Kids

2010-12-02T00:16:00.002-05:00

I love love this new idea I found: Children's Book Advent Calendar.

Because Advent has already arrived, I will wait and do this next year. And while I plan to use the library at first for my Advent calendar, I think I will begin building a Christmas book library of sorts to use every year. How fun would it be to pull out the same books each year and read them throughout the month?

http://www.sarahjanestudios.com/blog/2010/11/30/childrens-book-advent-calendar/

Here is my list of books so far with a star by the ones we already own (I'd love suggestions for preschool books!):
1.) Twas The Night Before Christmas*
2.) Christmas In A Manger Board Book*
3.) Room for a Little One: A Christian Tale Book
4.) Whose is coming to our House? Board Book
5.) The Polar Express
6.) How The Grinch Stole Christmas
7.) Frosty The Snowman
8.) The Twelve Days of Christmas (by Jan Brett)

Book Recommendation: "The Duggars: 20 and counting"

2010-11-17T10:47:00.003-05:00

I recently read the book, "The Duggars: 20 and Counting" after my sister recommended it.

Here is one of my favorite of their ideas regarding teaching self control:
Place a toddler on a blanket with a few toys and tell the toddler to sit and play. If the toddler crawls off, place her back on and give her a toy until she catches on to what she is supposed to do. Start with only a few minutes and then build up slowly to 15 minutes or more depending on the child's age. The goal of this "blanket time" is to teach the child patience and self control.

Suggestions regarding Potty Training:

* wait until the child can pull his/her pants and put them back on by themselves

* must be able to climb the big potty

* summertime is the best time to train since there aren't as many clothes to deal with

* weave character into potty training

Suggestions for Family Goals:

* Always use soft words, even when you don't feel well.

* Always display kind actions, even if you have been mistreated.

* Show joyful attitudes when no one is looking.

* Have sincere motives with no thought of self-gain

* Think pure thoughts.

* Always give a good report of others. Never tale-bear unless physical harm will come to someone. Use Matt 18.

* Never raise a hand to lie.

* Never raise a foot to kick.

* Never raise an object to throw.

* Never raise a voice to yell.

* Never raise an eye to scowl.

* Use one toy/activity at a time.

* Never let the sun go down on your wrath. (Don't go to bed angry or guilty.)

* Amendment J.O.Y. Put Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. Make serving your family a priority.

Suggestions for Pajama Wearing

* Neatly fold your pajamas.

* Neatly place them in your drawre. Be sure to close the drawer when you are finished.

* After wearing them for three nights, place them in the dirty-laundry basket.

Living Without Debt
Owe no man anything, but to love one another. Romans 13:8

Favorite Quotes From "Grace-Based Parenting"

2010-11-17T10:45:00.002-05:00

"...how children turn out is far more contingent on what is going on inside them than outside them..." p. 5

"Your child's three driving inner needs are: 1.) a need for security, 2.) a need for significance, 3.) a need for strength." p.25

"Behavior that is clearly unacceptable to God shouldn't be condoned or tolerated." p. 39

"We are a lighthouse permanently established to show them the way home." p. 42

"Love is the commitment of my will to your needs and best interests, regardless of the cost." p. 52

"We've got to love them in the way God loves us - when they're unappreciative, when they don't deserve it, when it's inconvenient, when it is costly to us, even when it's painful." p. 54

"Allow me to let you in on a secret. God has hardwired our skin to our souls." p. 63

"There is a deep longing in the heart of every child to 'make a difference.' They are hard-wired by God to do more than take up space and suck up air. They weren't born to be common denominators or mere faces in the crowd," p. 69

"God is a God of deliberateness. He does nothing by trial and error." p. 70

"It is the child's parents that carry the greatest potential for influence. We're the ones who donated (in most cases) the basic ingredients for their DNA. We're the ones who were given the naming rights. We're the ones who invest most of the time and put up most of the money toward our children's best interests. That makes us the best candidates for grooming the limitless creativity God has built into their lives. It also places us in the default position of being the single most influential obstacle to our children's developing a significant purpose." p. 71

"It's not so much the specific skills we help our children develop that guarantee their future greatness, but rather what those skills enable them to become." p. 76

"Fathers and mothers have lost the idea that the highest aspiration they might have for their children is for them to be wise - as priests, prophets or philosophers are wise. Specialized competence and success are all that they [most fathers and mothers] can imagine." p. 77

"The God of purpose has built an inner need for significane into each one of our children. They were born with it and long to have it developed into something that makes their lives significant." p. 83

"Children feel significant when they are regularly affirmed." p. 83

"Affirmation catches your children doing things right. It notices when they do things you know don't come easy to them. It applauds them when they fix a wrong or dig themselves out of a hole they've made (like bringing up a poor grade). It thanks them for living our their moral principles and being willing to stand alone for their convictions." p. 85

Animal Card Match Game

2010-10-12T23:14:00.001-04:00

Recently, I found these Animal Cards in the $1 Dollar Bin at Target. I thought they'd be perfect to use with Little Bears' Schleich plastic animals we have collected over the last year (also from Target).

At this point, we use the cards to make it a matching game. He lays out the cards and then finds the coordinating animals to go with them. He knows most of the animal names.

Eventually, we hope to use the cards and animals to teach him animal facts and the correct animal names (such as "African Elephant" or "Asian Elephant" rather than just "Elephant"). After that, we plan to find a large continent map in order to teach Little Bear where the animals live.

4 year old activities

2010-09-25T21:13:00.002-04:00

A friend with a four year old is looking for activities for her daughter. As I gathered things for her, I decided to log them onto my blog for myself when Little Bear is bigger!

Most of these items are from the blog Chasing Cheerios, one of my favorites!

Spelling Words with Necklaces
http://chasingcheerios.blogspot.com/2010/08/spelling-words-with-necklaces.html

The game of Blink (can be purchased at Target)

Escavating Items from Ice
http://chasingcheerios.blogspot.com/2010/08/excavating-objects-from-ice.html

Shaving Cream and Food Coloring Fun
http://chasingcheerios.blogspot.com/2010/07/shaving-cream-and-food-coloring-fun.html

Making Leaf People
http://chasingcheerios.blogspot.com/2010/07/summer-leaf-people.html

Making a "Find It" Game - put beads, jewels and little plastic items in a sealed jar or plastic peanut butter jar to make your own game!
http://www.finditgames.com/

Learning Embroidery/Sewing
http://chasingcheerios.blogspot.com/2010/05/1st-embroidery-project_31.html

Create Sound Cylinders out of small sealed bottles
http://chasingcheerios.blogspot.com/2010/05/sound-cylinders.html

Creating an Art Jar full of art activities to do
http://chasingcheerios.blogspot.com/2010/03/art-jar.html

Play "Whats that Sound" with random household objects and a blindfold
http://chasingcheerios.blogspot.com/2010/03/whats-that-sound.html

Make a Handmade Toss and Catch Toy
http://chasingcheerios.blogspot.com/2010/03/handmade-toss-catch-toy.html

Alphabet Puzzle
http://www.mardel.com/store/item.aspx?ItemId=412580

Fun with Magnets
http://mommyme-thewonderyears.blogspot.com/2010/08/more-fun-with-magnets.html

Toddler Fine Motor Activity

2010-08-26T13:08:00.001-04:00

Here's a cheap activity Little Bear has enjoyed. We took strips of styrofoam that came from a recent bookshelf we purchased and had to assemble. Then, we used a marker to make dots (or even letters) so that Little Bear could poke through the golf tees into the dots.

It's inexpensive and seemed to entertain Little Bear for some time. In addition, it teaches early writing skills by strengthening hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Styrofoam (free) + Golf Tees ($1) = Cost of Activity: $1

Toddler Math: 1 to 1 Correspondence Activity

2010-08-25T20:54:00.003-04:00

I came across a pretty neat Montessori activity recently. The goal is to teach 1 to 1 Correspondence - a fundamental mathematical concept. Here's how it works: the child puts down all the cards and then places one included item on each card, teaching the child about one-to-one correspondence. Little Bear doesn't necessarily quite understand that when you count, you count one item at a time. So, this should be a helpful activity.

I bought 10 $.25/each plastic frogs and made 10 "lily pad" cards (1/2 index card). Cost of game: $2.50.

I also bought 10 $.30/each plastic fish and made 10 cards of "water." I tried to get different kinds of fish so that the activity would be really interesting (which it was - Little Bear's friend LOVED it!). I think I may go back and change the cards from "water" cards to "fish bowls"...but that's for another day!

Here are some other inexpensive and easy Toddler Math Activities: http://www.monthome.com/maths.htm

Toddler "Things To Do Today" Chart

2010-08-25T20:31:00.001-04:00

We just set up something new in Little Bear's room...something we hope will help him better understand/predict his day, as well as plan out what things he needs/wants to do. In the dollar bin at Target, we found a chart holder (like the one you can find in classrooms everywhere).

We took it and placed small cards (1/2 index card) each labeled with a daily activity. We placed the cards in order (left to right/up to down) and stored the the extra cards around at the bottom.

We tried to come up with ever option possible: "Wake Up!," "Lunch," "Playground," "Friends House," "Letter Boxes" (an Montessori activity).

On each card, we drew a small picture next to the word since Little Bear cannot read yet. Fortunately, when we presented it to Little Bear his eyes got big and he replied, "I wuv it!! I wuv it!!" We try to read it each day and sometimes, when Little Bear is bored, I'll go to the bored and show him what's next. Somehow it motivates him to do what the card says, which is fabulous. And eventually, when he is older, we will have him set out the cards for the day depending on what he wants to do!

Activities For Little Bear

2010-08-25T19:44:00.002-04:00

Little Bear is only 3 months from 3 years old. I feel like I am *just* now figuring what I'm doing with him during the day. Free play is more and more boring for him. So, I'm having to come up with planned activities. Because I think of activity ideas throughout the day or at the store but never when I need something to do, I've decided to document my ideas here. Also, with Baby Bear growing quickly, it won't be long before I return to this list to use for him as well!

2.5 year old activity ideas:
Lacing Beads
Blocks
Legos
Puzzles
Coloring
Cutting with Scissors
Sticking Golf Tees through Styrofoam
Water Table
Tent
Bowling with bottles of water and a ball
Bean Bags thrown in pots and pans
Playdough
Stamps and washable ink
Playing in Rice
Making a snowstorm with glitter in a babyfood jar
Vinyl Placemat
Oatmeal can and tongue depressor
Coins in a Coffee Can
Spooning Lima Beans
Rice Tub
Spooning Lima Beans (need spoon, two bowls and beans)
Scrubbing Animals (need 3 buckets, plastic animals, a vegetable brush, soap)
Lining Up Things (need taped line, things)
Animal Pictures (picture, plastic animal)
Coins in a coffee can
Marbles and a Non-Skid Bathtub Thing
Tongue depressors in an oatmeal can
Balls and a Chute (shipping tube)

Rethinking Montessori. Is it even possible to do at home??

2010-08-17T23:51:00.000-04:00

I LOVE Montessori.

But it's extremely hard to do at home given a few circumstances...

First, one must have money to buy the very beautiful but costly learning materials.

Second, one must be able to have an child-friendly accessible place to keep and store all of the learning materials.

Third, one must have the time to teach, reteach and observe Montessori lessons - especially with the under 3 crowd.

Unfortunately, money is tight. space is tight. time is tight. Um, it's not looking too good, is it?

So, for our family, I have come to the conclusion that my journey towards teaching Montessori at home might turn out to be no more than an effort to incorporate Montessori's ideas to our children's daily lives.

I suppose I realize now that there is a reason Montessori schools are so expensive. Montessori is amazing. But also very costly to do. And, with few friends in town who enjoy thinking about and teaching Montessori, I find my own interest for Montessori wanes when it comes to doing it full force.

So, have I given up teaching my kids the Montessori way? Nope. But I have come to a very realistic understanding that if I'm really serious about my little ones learning via Montessori, I might be better served to get them into an actual Montessori School.

These challenges, however, do not keep me from still wanting to homeschool. I think there are some awesome ways to homeschool, while incorporating the Montessori method. I look forward to learning how to do so.

One thing that gets me really excited about homeschooling is looking at beautiful home school rooms. I'd love to have a room dedicated to learning in my own home for my kids. Here are some lovely rooms I love to look at:

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/08/best-ways-to-create-homeschool.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zaluma2/2790784992/in/photostream

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_L-deInbQA9c/Sox8putEucI/AAAAAAAADRA/za0ubTjXKPc/s640/apple-green-playroom.png

http://www.these-are-the-days.com/2010/01/our-homeschool-room-take-2.html

Ideas for Traveling

2010-06-01T00:20:00.000-04:00

As Little Bear and Baby Bear are getting bigger, we have begun traveling more. Here is a fabulous idea for traveling long distances. I had to post this blog idea so I can find it when I'm ready to use it!

The Mary Poppins Bag

I particularly like the "Travel Time Line" idea:
Megan from "The Brassy Apple Blog" says, "Our Travel Time line will hang between the windows of your back seat and be a visual ROAD MAP from your beginning point to your final destination. Find a piece of string, yarn, ribbon, etc. She used Bias Tape and it
worked great!!!! Measure the width of your car - giving yourself a some extra slack room on each side and cut. Round up some clothespins, papers, markers, tape or glue. Pick out cities, monuments, large landmarks, etc along the route of your trip - evenly spaced away from each other if you can. Cut small pieces of paper or cardstock out and write these places on them. Tape or glue the paper to the clothespin. The amount of places you pick along the way depends on the length of your trip and the age of your children. Smaller children may need more while older ones may be able to wait longer inbetween. When you are ready to go you will roll down the windows a bit and slip in your string/ribbon on each side, pulling it tight so it will be straight and out of the way off passengers."

Threading Wooden Beads

2010-03-03T00:35:00.000-05:00

I recently purchased a mat for Little Bear to do his work on. He loved the idea. He is the type of child who loves boundaries and finds it enjoyable to stay within them. So, he loved keeping his body and work on his mat.

He recently found a use for the beads and thread he was given at Christmas. Four months ago, he enjoyed looking at the wooden beads but couldn't do anything with them.

However, the other day, he picked them up and enjoyed learning how to thread the shoelace through the hole. Once he did it himself he found it enjoyable to do it again and again.

It was exciting to see what Montessori talks about the zone that children get in when they are learning. He was incredibly engaged and blocked out anything going on outside of his activity.

We keep most of his Montessori materials in a clear box on a shelf in his room so he can see them. These boxes are purchased at Target and are easy for little fingers to open and close - as well as put away.

I caught a smile during his work. He enjoyed identifying the beads' colors. Eventually, he will be able to also identify their shape.

Little Bear was truly refreshed after doing his work. It was such an exciting thing to watch. It renewed my excitement in using Montessori.

Little Bear did well with this activity at 2 years/4 months.

My goals were:

* fine motor skills
* using a mat

* sequencing

* learning colors

Handmade Valentine Ideas

2010-02-27T00:34:00.000-05:00

Little Bear is still a bit young to really appreciate and understand Valentine's Day so we essentially skipped it this year. But I have read some really cute ideas for Valentine's Day cards for future years. Here are my favorite:

Lollipop Valentines

Pencil Love Valentines

Giving Heart Valentines

Candy Airplane Valentines

A Place For Things

2010-02-21T23:57:00.001-05:00

The Montessori method highly values providing order and encouraging independence in the child. Here are two ways I have established that in Little Bear's bedroom: with his shoes and with his coat.

Little Bear's Shoe Basket. He knows how to tuck his socks in his shoes and put his shoes away on his own.

I purchased this basket at Walmart but just a few bucks.

It really helps Little Bear know where to put his shoes. He gets the sense of accomplishment. I get a sense of knowing his things are put away in their right place!

Little Bear's shoe basket sits on the floor to the left of his lamp. His coat hangs on his closet door to the right of that.

I hung an inexpensive easily-removable hook to his door at his height on which to hang either his sweater or coat.

He does a great job hanging up his jacket. So much so that he likes to leave his room cheering for himself, "yeah!!"

Toddler Montessori Activity: Placing Marbles on Golf Tees

2010-02-12T00:15:00.002-05:00

Little Bear really enjoyed this activity. It consists of using the $4 Cracker Barrel game (place golf tees in the holes of a wooden triangle piece) and a bag of marbles.

I gave Little Bear two baskets: one for the marbles and one for the golf tees and wooden triangle piece. These baskets help keep the materials from going everywhere.

Once he had put the golf tees and wooden triangle piece together (a Montessori activity he mastered by 18 months), I asked him to place the marbles on the golf tees.

Little Bear has played with this game several times. Each time he plays, he becomes more and more interested in the marbles themselves. This makes me happy as "enjoyment of the materials" is in itself a Montessori concept. We talked about how the marbles are smooth, made of glass and made of many colors. He recognizes the orangle color of the marble in this picture.

Little Bear did well with this activity at 2 years/3 months.

My goals were:

* fine motor skills
* experience with new materials

Hanging Rubber Bands on Knobs

2010-02-09T20:54:00.000-05:00

This activity was very easy. The goal is to put the rubberbands on the knobs and to take them off.

Little Bear did pretty good with this activity. However, he did not understand that if he pulled too hard, the rubber bands would snap back at him. When this happened, he would get very frustrated as it would snap his hand or get stuck. I would suggest using little plastic girl bracelets or some other item that would not snap back if pulled too hard until the child better understood the behavior of rubberbands.

My goals with this activity were:
* hand/eye coordination
* fine motor skills

Little Bear did ok with this activity at 2 years/3 months.

The discipline of handholding.

2010-02-05T23:39:00.000-05:00

"If we want them to be on their feet and walking on their own as such as possible, we need to consider how to manage this when we are in public places both indoors and outdoors.

Outdoors it is a matter of safety. When we are getting out of cars, crossing public parking lots and streets, or walking on busy sidewalks, it is tempting to pick young children up and carry them to our destination. We recommend a different solutions. Take your child firmly by one hand so that she must walk by your side, holding your hand."

"This is a habit of discipline that should be established as early as possible for several reasons. Paramount is safety....A second reason has to do with the child's developing will. Asking the child to hold our hand for short periods in public places is an opportunity to help her accept necessary limits in her life. When indoors, compliance is more a matter of learning manners than safety, but it is no less important. The habit of "indoor manners," consisting of quiet voices and no running about, helps young children to develop awareness of their environment and respect for other people."

- Quote by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, authors of Montessori From The Start

The Benefit of Wooden Toys

2010-02-03T22:39:00.000-05:00

"Wood is a natural product that the world has always offered and hopefully always will. Children need these experiences with objects from the living earth. They serve as reminders of our human responsibilities to the preservation and wise management of the natural world."

Quote by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, authors of Montessori From The Start

Toddler Montessori Activity: Transferring Rice into Buckets

2010-02-03T11:39:00.001-05:00

In an effort to offer some Montessori tactile learning, I recently set up Little Bear with a bucket full of rice. I gave him two buckets, actually, so he could transfer the rice from one to another. And, I gave him two smalll scoops. I placed him on a mat (as recommended by Montessori) so he could better determine his work space. He did a nice job staying on the mat, despite the fact that rice still went everywhere. Little Bear totally loved playing in the rice. He loved to feel it between his fingers.

As matter of fact, after the "transferring" part got old, he began to put his hands in it. Then his arms. Then, his belly button (as seen here). When he realized he couldn't actually get his belly button in the bucket, he sat down, grabbed a bunch of rice and began bringing it towards his belly button. Because I knew this was an activity that must be supervised, I caught him just before it went on his belly button and on the floor. It was still pretty funny to see, though.

The rice was very easy to vaccuum up. At first, I was disappointed at the mess he made. But then I remembered that he just turned two. He should have better hand and eye control with this activity at three.

My goals with this activity were:
* tactile learning
* transferring
* hand/eye coordination
* listening/obeying the rules
* staying on his mat

Little Bear did well with this activity at 2 years/3 months.

Limit Options.

2010-02-02T22:55:00.003-05:00

"Young children can handle two options. Three is too many." - Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, authors of Montessori From The Start

Too much stuff leads to too many choices...all of these choices are disctractions from the natural - and expnential - growth of early childhoo. Let me frame it as an understatement: Young children are very busy. Their evolution in the first ten years of life - neural, social, and physical - makes what we do as adults look like standing still. - Kim John Payne, M.ED., author of Simplicity Parenting

If you overwhelm a child with stuff - with choices and pseudochoices - before they are ready, they will only know one emotional gesture: "More!" - Kim John Payne, M.ED., author of Simplicity Parenting

Encourage Independence.

2010-02-01T23:00:00.003-05:00

"In every act of personal care, keep thinking "Is there a step that I am taking away from my child that she could do for herself?" -Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, authors of Montessori From The Start

Limit Toys.

2010-01-30T22:53:00.003-05:00

"Very young children can only truly love one doll, one stuffed animal and a few toys at a time." -Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, authors of Montessori From The Start

...Children do not distinguish between ritual and reality. In the world of childhood, toys are ritual objects with powerful meaning and resonance. -Kim John Payne, M.Ed., author of Simplicity Parenting

We are told, often and in so many ways, that this toy and that toy will somehow develop our child's imagination. If one such toy is beneficial, surely ten more will increase imagination tenfold...Their pitches suggest that our children's imaginations are blank slates waiting for the right, or newest, or most perfect combination, of toys to imprint its magic. -Kim John Payne, M.Ed., author of Simplicity Parenting

An overemphasis on toys co-opts and commercializes play, making it no longer a child's natural world but rather one that's dependent on adults and the things they provide, to exist. -Kim John Payne, M.Ed., author of Simplicity Parenting

Ironically, this glut of goods may deprive a child of genuine creativity builder; the gift of their own boredom. -Kim John Payne, M.Ed., author of Simplicity from the Start

As you decrease the quantity of your child's toys and clutter, you incrase their attention and their capacity for deep play. -Kim John Payne, M.Ed., author of Simplicity Parenting

If the entire house is cluttered with every sufrace covered, every crannie crammed, then your streamlined, simplified child's room will not last. Some form of homeostasis among the rooms will develop - either their room will reclutter, or its simplicity will prove your inspiration for decluttering elsewhere. -Kim John Payne, M.Ed., author of Simplicity Parenting

A half dozen or even a dozen toys may be too few for children beyond eighteen months of age. -Kim John Payne, M.Ed., author of Simplicity Parenting

A smaller, more manageable quantity of toys invites deeper play and engagement. An avalanch of toys invites emotional disconnect and a sense of overwhelm. -Kim John Payne, M.Ed., author of Simplicity Parenting

The profusion of products and playthings is not just a symptom of excess, it can also be a cause of fragmentation and overload. -Kim John Payne, M.Ed., author of Simplicity Parenting

Provide Order and Routine.

2010-01-29T05:33:00.006-05:00

Routines give information to the young child that words cannot. -Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, authors of Montessori From The Start

If [your child] experiences sequence and order, routine and ritual, organization and logical thinking through the practical-life activities with you at home, it will become natural for him to look for order elsewhere in the world. - Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, authors of Montessori From The Start

The rewards of giving order to the child is ordered thought. - Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, authors of Montessori From The Start

Do not hinder the child.

2010-01-28T23:37:00.000-05:00

"Our present commercialization of childhood contributes to these obstacles in the infant's path as she works to develop her body for full use and independent movement.

We have manufactured every manner of conveyance and confinement for young children: cribs, playpens, high chairs and eating tables, infant seats, jumpy seats, car seats, infant swings, walkers, strollers, bicycle carts, carrying backpacks, front-facing slings, and so forth. When young couples travel today, they sometimes appear to be moving a small furniture store."

- Quote by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, authors of Montessori From The Start

Develop Character.

2010-01-27T22:58:00.001-05:00

"Parents in the early half of the twentieth century were primarily concerned with the development of character in their children...However, parents today are more likely to say their primary wish for their children is that they be happy." -Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, authors of Montessori From The Start

Focus on Fine Motor Skills

2010-01-26T23:34:00.001-05:00

"...we have become a nation overly preoccupied with sports. As a result, we give time and attention to he development of balance and large-muscle coordination in young children. We do not typically give similar attention to fine motor coordination and the development of the hand, wrist and fingers."

- Quote by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, authors of Montessori From The Start

Model expected behavior.

2010-01-25T23:21:00.001-05:00

"Remember that children cannot reason yet and unlike adults, must rely strictly on memory and order to aid them in their activities."

"Children imitate whatever adults do. They cannot understand exceptions...You need to show him what to do exactly in the same manner and in the same order (left to right, top to bottom.)...Later when he is older, he will develop his own system, but for now repetition and exactness are essential for success."

- Quote by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, authors of Montessori From The Start

Set rules for eating.

2010-01-24T23:15:00.000-05:00

"Children need to develop the discipline of eating only on an appropriate schedule and only when sitting down at a table. In this way they are helped to develop by self control and good eating habits."

- Quote by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, authors of Montessori From The Start

Give Simple, Learning and Open-Ended Toys.

2010-01-23T23:17:00.002-05:00

"Always choose the simplest materials possible for your child's use. One of our goals is to help children understand the world and how it works. Children need to see what is happening with the objects they are using."

"…We must select materials that are structured for the child's independent and repeated practice after the adult has demonstrated their use. They must be real, child-size and arranged in a simple, straightforward and orderly way." -Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, authors of Montessori From The Start

"Wood is a natural product that the world has always offered and hopefully always will. Children need these experiences with objects from the living earth. They serve as reminders of our human responsibilities to the preservation and wise management of the natural world." -Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, authors of Montessori From The Start

[Since the 1950's]...children's play became less focused on activities, and more on the things involved, the toys themselves. -Kim John Payne, M.Ed., author of Simplicity Parenting

...in play, children use what they can move, and what they can transform with their imagination. -Kim John Payne, M.Ed., author of Simplicity Parenting

"We want any object that we give to the child under the age of three for independent play to enhance our ultimate goal: connection with others and an understanding of his world. " -Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, authors of Montessori From The Start

If you give a child less and less complexity, they become more interested, and this cultivates true powers of attention. -Kim John Payne, M.Ed., author of Simplicity Parenting

The primary push in simplifying toys is to reduct the quantity and complexity of your child's playthings. -Kim John Payne, M.Ed., author of Simplicity Parenting

10-Point Checklist of Toys Without "Staying Power"
1. Broken Toys
2. Developmentally inappropriate toys
3. Conceptually "fixed" toys
4. Toys that "do too much" and break too easily.
5. Very high stimulation toys
6. Annoying or offensive toys
7. Toys that claim to give your child a developmental edge
8. Toys you are pressured to buy
9. Toys that inspire corrosive play
10. Toy multiples
-Kim John Payne, M.Ed., author of Simplicity Parenting

Kids don't need many toys to play, or any particular one. What they need most of all is unstructured play time. -Kim John Payne, M.Ed., author of Simplicity Parenting

Children's play flourishes when we "let it" rather than "make it" happen. -Kim John Payne, M.Ed., author of Simplicity Parenting

A mix of toys should definitely be part of a child's world of play. It just shouldn't be the overwhelming center. -Kim John Payne, M.Ed., author of Simplicity Parenting

Give Points of Interest in Learning Opportunities.

2010-01-22T23:36:00.000-05:00

"Montessori referred to such specific responses of the adult as "points of interest". It is points of interest that draw children deeper into an activity once engaged, or back to it after they have lost their concentration: the last drop of water from the pitcher while pouring, the tiny pieces of cheese left on the chopper, the spot of flour on the rolling pin, or the flower stem that just reaches the water in the vase. Points of interest, then , help the child to clarify the challenge in an activity. Seeing the challenge in an activity is the motivator to carrying it through to completion and repeating it."

- Quote by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, authors of Montessori From The Start

Do not break their concentration.

2010-01-22T23:12:00.000-05:00

"Once your child has begun to [discover something] with concentration, you must take care not to interrupt him."

"It is important to remember that your child is interested in the process that you are both engaged in, not the product."

"Children have all the time in the world for their self-formation; they cannot be rushed."

- Quote by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, authors of Montessori From The Start

Give Practical Teaching Toys.

2010-01-21T22:51:00.000-05:00

"We want any object that we give to the child under the age of three for independent play to enhance our ultimate goal: connection with others and an understanding of his world. "

- Quote by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, authors of Montessori From The Start

Give Limits.

2010-01-20T22:33:00.000-05:00

"The adults role is to 'teach children limits with love or the world will teach them without it'."

- Quote by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, authors of Montessori From The Start

Purposeful Parenting: Discipling a 2-year old.

2010-01-17T17:35:00.004-05:00

Since before having children, my husband and I have discussed our desire to be purposeful in our parenting style. Each decision, from what our children eat to where our children play, is decided with a purpose in mind. Our greatest purpose is to raise our child to be a disciplined and loving human being. But breaking that purpose down into smaller steps is difficult.

These blog entries are a way for me to think through my parenting decisions with purpose and to document these decisions for our children to use one day, if they wish, when they raise their own children.

Little Bear is now 2. Things have changed some since I last wrote about it in June. Little Bear is six months older. His language skills and understanding of the world has matured. And Baby Bear is now a part of our family.

The main thing we are working with Little Bear on is compliance. He has started to really understand our requests. So, we are giving him opportunities to listen to our requests and accomplish them. This helps him understand language as well as feel successful. It helps us know that when we ask for something, he will respect us and obey.

We are still using his hand to spank. And we spank only for willful disobedience. We used to spank only after a stern warning of "no" (as in "No touch" or "Do not get up on that couch.") Now that his receptive hearing comprehension has increased, we now spank for failure to comply with positive commands such as "Come here" or "Take this to your room."

We are ok with Time Outs to discipline, although we have not spent much time using it with Little Bear so he doesn't seem to really understand these yet. But, we have found the mere spanking of his hand is enough with no need to do more. Once we see this is not working, we will begin to better implement the Time Out. It seems Little Bear responds best to disapprove as well as quick pain. He rarely cries when we spank and even puts his hand out to be spanked, if he knew what he was doing was wrong. Because of this, we typically have to spank only once a day or less.

We are often heard saying, "Little Bear, Mommy needs you to come sit at the table. Mommy doesn't want to spank but if you do not sit at the table, Mommy is going to have to spank." If Little Bear does not move towards compliance, we will count: "1...2...3..." We spank on what would be "4."

Some people might say counting to three should not be necessary - children should be told once and that is it. However, my educational training taught me that children need 3 seconds to process the verbal information they are given. Therefore, we give Little Bear enough time to process the information so that we can feel confident that the discipline is just.

We have also discovered the magic of egg timers! What a fabulous way to move Little Bear through transitions - from play time to bath time - from nap time to awake time (he is truly a little Bear after nap time). He calls them "beep beeps" and responds well to the forewarning that his life is being changed on him. His compliance has completely increased with these egg timers with little or no need for spanking. Typically, he enjoys listening to the sound and is happy to accept what the "beep beep" means.

One of the other things we are working on with Little Bear is respect. We are teaching him to say, "Yes, ma'm," "No, ma'm," "Yes, sir" and "No, sir" when responding to adults. We also encourage him to refer to them as "Miss/Mrs. [first name]" and "Mr. [first name]" as a way to show the adult respect. Besides the fact that we feel this is polite, we hope this helps him subconsciously view the adult as being different than himself: He is the child. He is to be submissive to the authority of the adult. Our hope is this will serve him well when given commands by adults - but also when he fully understands his need to be submissive to and under the authority of God.

The last area of focus with discipling our 2 year old is with independence. Little Bear has two stools at home that he uses to get up to do the things he wants: brush his teeth, help clean dishes, turn off lights, etc. We are beginning to teach him to put on and off his clothes. We are using the Montessori method to do this. It seems to give him a great deal of confidence and excitement to be able to do things on his own. We like knowing we are teaching him how to do things for himself. As authors Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen say in their book, "Montessori from the Start": "Our purpose...is to foster the child's self-formation into an independent being."

Poem for Animals

2010-01-17T17:35:00.001-05:00

"Dear God most high, hear and bless

Thy beasts and singing birds:
And guard with tenderness
Small things that have no words."
- Traditional

I love this poem. I think it's a great prayer to say when we see animals - to remember that God made them and keeps care of them - just like God made us and keeps care of us.

Make No Mean No.

2010-01-15T22:30:00.001-05:00

Make No Mean No:

"The child can only internalize firmness and an understanding of finality and limits in life from your consistency and your confident manner in helping her. A realization that "never means never" grows within her as she approaches adulthood where boundaries and promises to self are vital for self-protection as well as for the protection of others."

Quote by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, authors of Montessori From The Start

Montessori Activity: Colored Water Bottles

2009-08-27T09:36:00.000-04:00

This is a fanastic way to teach about colors and things that are translucent. This also reminds me of another idea I found once. I don't have a picture but you can also put little toys, bells, balls, and other durable items inside a bottle for a child to observe.

This picture came from http://www.flickr.com/photos/35832724@N02/. Check out the blog of this Montessori at: http://thesecretofchildhood.blogspot.com

Bringing Montessori Home

2009-08-17T21:03:00.000-04:00

I love this essay written by a mom who tells how she has made her home a Montessori classroom. It's inspiring - albeit overwhelming. What is encouraging is she is able to do things with her second child she couldn't do with her first. Whew. I'm only on number one.

Read here: Bringing Montessori Home

Top Baby Items/Toys That Were The Best Use of My Money

2009-07-20T21:47:00.000-04:00

There are many items that we have bought or received as gifts that I have more than once said, "that is worth every penny spent!" So that I wouldn't forget these items when giving advice to friends, I thought I would make a master list. This list may not be the same list another mother might come up with - since everyone's needs and values are different - but, I hope this list will be helpful to others - as well as myself in the future!

Top Baby Items/Toys That I Consider Were The Best Use of My Money
* Umbrella Stroller ($19.99) - perfect for quick trips to the store

* Sound machine ($19.99) - Keeps baby soothed and outside noise down when baby is sleeping

* Putamayo Kids CD's ($13.99 each) - Fabulous music from around the world give baby exposure to new sounds while mom can enjoy the music too!

* Pacifer Clips ($8.00-10.00) - wonderful for keeping the pacifer off the floor and within reach of baby

* Small Individual plastic boxes ($2.50 each) to keep and organize small toys (i.e. blocks. crayons, magnetic letters, etc.)

* Set of Cloth Bibs from Babies'R'Us (10-Pack for $11.99) - excellent price, nice thickness, works for baby or toddler, machine washable!!

* The Cracker Barrel Golf Tee Triangle Game ($4.00) - perfect for 18 months and developing fine motor skills

* Fisher Price Jumperoo ($100) - we borrowed this from a friend but our little one used it much ALOT of time between the ages of 7-12 months; would highly recommend

* Baby In Sight Mega Mirror ($10) - this stayed in our car from the moment baby was born until he was able to be turned around in his car seat; provided reassurance that baby was ok even when crying

Another Favorite Poem

2009-07-01T23:07:00.001-04:00

"I hear no voice, I feel no touch,
I see no glory bright;
But yet I know that God is near,
In darkness as in light.

God watches ever by my side,
And hears my whispered prayer:
God of love for a little child
Both night and day does care."

~ Anonymous ~

Montessori Activity: Plastic Balls in Mini-Muffin Tin

2009-06-27T09:31:00.007-04:00

I love this activity! What an inexpensive activity for little hands! Give the child ping pong balls to put in a mini-muffin tray.

I expanded the idea to include numbers on the balls. I decided to do this for a number of reasons: 1.) Practically: now I'll know which ball is missing when they go MIA 2.) Physically: The child can use his fine motor skills to turn the balls around to see the numbers on each one 3.) Educationally: It provides a teachable moment to count.

If I had thought about it, I would have put the odd numbers in blue and the even numbers in red, to provide another expansion on these materials. But, that's for another time.

I originally got this idea from: http://thesecretofchildhood.blogspot.com/2009/06/montessori-infant-toddler-program.html

Toddler Songs

2009-06-24T17:38:00.004-04:00

Little Bear loves to sing "the ABC song" and to do the motions to "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" (he can't sing that one yet). I have been so impressed with his very quick learning of these songs and his enjoyment of toddler songs that I've decided to beef up my toddler song repertoire!

Here are the songs I am trying to teach him these days:
London Bridge
If You're Happy and You Know It
I'm a Little Teapot
The Alphabet Song
The Wheels on the Bus
All Around the Mulberry Bush
Hokey Pokey
Rock-a-by-Baby
Five Little Monkeys
This Old Man
London Bridge
Mary Had A Little Lamb
Row, Row, Row Your Boat
Pop! Goes the Weasel
Ring Around the Roses
She'll be Comin' Around the Moutain
Skip to My Lou
Ten Little Indians
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Yankee Doodle

Purposeful Parenting: Discipline

2009-06-24T02:36:00.002-04:00

Since before having children, my husband and I have discussed our desire to be purposeful in our parenting style. Each decision, from what our children eat to where our children play, is decided with a purpose in mind. Our greatest purpose is to raise our child to be a disciplined and loving human being. But breaking that purpose down into smaller steps is difficult.

These blog entries are a way for me to think through my parenting decisions with purpose and to document these decisions for our children to use one day, if they wish, when they raise their own children.

DISCIPLINE

Discipline is often synonymous with punishment. However, Daddy Bear and I see discipline is a method by which to train our children. Punishment is a part of that. But it is not all of it. Discipline means setting boundaries and continually enforcing those boundaries so that our children.

We hope that children who are disciplined will become adults who have discipline.

Little Bear is still very young but the discipline process started as soon as he was born. We put him in a crib, instead of putting him in our bed. At times, we chose to allow him to cry in order to that he would develop the skills necessary to soothe himself back to sleep. When he became more mobile and more curious, we gave him safe toys to play with but did not allow him to play with everything he wanted to. We set a bedtime schedule and, for the most part, stuck with it - helping his body to discipline itself to get adequate rest for his growing body and brain.

Around 12 months, we introduced punishment as an additional way of discipline. We would wait until he began to become engaged with an item that was unsafe for him to play with. At that point, we would remove his hand from the object and verbally tell him, "No Touch." For a while, this was adequate for his understanding that the toy was not his to be had. However, it didn't take long for him to begin wanting to go back to the toy. Knowing that children at this age do not necessarily have a very good long term memory, we would again remove his hand and say "No Touch." However, if he continued to touch the item after clearly hearing our request, we would spank his hand. This pain was usually enough to make him want to stop touching the item.

As he grew, so did his understanding of our phrase, "No Touch." Sometimes the shock and brief pain of the hand spanking would cause him to cry. But after a while, he seemed to gladly accept the gentle reminder that the toy did not belong to him.

Around 15 months, we would nearly need to say, "No Touch" before he would either completely stop playing with the item or would immediately give the item to us. It was satisfying to know that our consistent response to his curiosity meant that he was being kept safe and we were having to do less and less work to keep him that way.

At 19 months, Little Bear still must be told "No Touch" but rarely needs his hand spanked. We recently had neighbors comment on how well behaved he was. During a trip to their non-baby proof house last week, they were surprised to notice how many time Little Bear reached out for an item but pulled his hand back immediately without an adult saying anything. The external discipline as become internal discipline as well.

However, let me not make this process seem easy. It is not. In order to discipline our son, we are forced to discipline ourselves. At times, I want to allow Little Bear to do as he pleases just so that I do not have to interrupt my activity to train him. Every single practice of discipline that I want for Little Bear: sleeping in his own bed, using his own spoon, saying please and thank you, etc. takes up front energy on our part as parents. Every single element of discipline for Little Bear means upfront effort and discipline from me.

Children learn best from doing something again and again. If I choose to forgo the routine or if I chose to make exceptions, I am un-disciplining my child. Then, why am I surprised when my child, who was previously disciplined, shows signs of loss of discipline?

I have much much much to learn still about discipline and raising children. But the one thing I have learned so far is that consistency is the best form of discipline. It's not how many times or how hard my child was spanked that gives him discipline. It's how consistent am I - do I do what I say?

Children are on a learning loop, therefore, I must choose to work WITH that loop or against it. if I choose to work WITH it, I will be consistent with my own self discipline. If I work AGAINST it, I will continue to be inconsistent with my actions and create in my child a sense that he is in control and there are no considerable boundaries.

Let's see how this form of discipline continues through toddlerhood...

Nursery Rhymes

2009-06-21T16:39:00.003-04:00

I have started working with Little Bear on learning nursery rhymes. I've found some of my favorites to read and hope that he'll begin to have an ifinity of his own for them.

I really like what this website (http://www-personal.umich.edu/~pfa/dreamhouse/nursery/reading.html) has to say about how to help your toddler best enjoying nursery rhymes:

If it mentions a body part, touch it, shake it, wiggle it, tickle it, ...
If you see a picture of the word you are saying, point it out.
If there is an action mentioned, mimic it.
Sing whenever possible.

Here's a great online collection of nursery rhymes. I like it when I'm trying to find a new one to teach Little Bear. Here are my favorites so far:

Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater
All Around the Mulberry Bush
Baa, Baa Black Sheep
Diddle, Diddle Dumpling
Itsy Bitsy Spider
Georgie Porgie
Hey Diddle Diddle
Hickory Dickory Dock
Humpty Dumpty
It's Raining, It's Pouring
Jack and Jill
Jack Be Nimble
Jack Sprat
Little Bo Peep
Little Boy Blue
Little Jack Horner
Little Miss Muffett
Mary, Mary Quite Contrary
Pat-A-Cake, Pat-A-Cake
Rub-A-Dub-Dub
Three Blind Mice
Three Little Kittens
Twinkle Twinklem Little Star
Wee Willie Winkie
Where is Thumbkin?

Another Favorite Childhood Poem - "The Duel"

2009-06-21T16:33:00.003-04:00

The Duel
by Eugene Field

The gingham dog and the calico cat
Side by side on the table sat;
'T was half-past twelve, and (what do you think!)
Nor one nor t' other had slept a wink!
The old Dutch clock and the Chinese plate
Appeared to know as sure as fate
There was going to be a terrible spat.
(I was n't there; I simply state
What was told to me by the Chinese plate!)

The gingham dog went "Bow-wow-wow!"
And the calico cat replied "Mee-ow!"
The air was littered, an hour or so,
With bits of gingham and calico,
While the old Dutch clock in the chimney-place
Up with its hands before its face,
For it always dreaded a family row!
(Now mind: I 'm only telling you
What the old Dutch clock declares is true!)

The Chinese plate looked very blue,
And wailed, "Oh, dear! what shall we do!"
But the gingham dog and the calico cat
Wallowed this way and tumbled that,
Employing every tooth and claw
In the awfullest way you ever saw---
And, oh! how the gingham and calico flew!
(Don't fancy I exaggerate---
I got my news from the Chinese plate!)

Next morning, where the two had sat
They found no trace of dog or cat;
And some folks think unto this day
That burglars stole that pair away!
But the truth about the cat and pup
Is this: they ate each other up!
Now what do you really think of that!
(The old Dutch clock it told me so,
And that is how I came to know.)

My Grandmother's Favorite Childhood Poem

2009-06-21T16:30:00.003-04:00

Little Orphan Annie
By James Whitcomb Riley

Little Orphan Annie's come to my house to stay.
To wash the cups and saucers up
and brush the crumbs away.
To shoo the chickens from the porch
and dust the hearth and sweep, and make
the fire and bake the bread to earn her board and keep.
While all us other children, when the supper things is done,
we sit around the kitchen fire and has the mostest fun,
a listening to the witch tales that Annie tells about and
the goblins will get ya if ya don't watch out!!

Once there was a little boy who wouldn't say his prayers,
and when he went to bed at night away up stairs,
his mammy heard him holler and his daddy heard him bawl,
and when they turned the covers down, he wasn't there at all!
They searched him in the attic room and cubby hole and
press and even up the chimney flu and every wheres, I guess,
but all they ever found of him was just his pants and round-abouts and
the goblins will get ya if ya don't watch out!!

Once there was a little girl who always laughed and grinned
and made fun of everyone, of all her blood and kin,
and once when there was company and old folks was there,
she mocked them and she shocked them and said, she didn't care.
And just as she turned on her heels and to go and run and hide,
there was two great big black things a standing by her side.
They snatched her through the ceiling fore she knew what shes about, and
the goblins will get ya if ya don't watch out!!

When the night is dark and scary, and the moon is full and
creatures are a flying and the wind goes Whoooooooooo,
you better mind your parents and your teachers fond and dear,
and cherish them that loves ya, and dry the orphans tears
and help the poor and needy ones that cluster all about, or
the goblins will get ya if ya don't watch out!!

My Favorite Young Childhood Poem - "The Little Turtle"

2009-06-21T16:14:00.003-04:00

I learned this in kindergarten and hope to teach Little Bear this poem at some point.

The Little Turtle
by Vachel Lindsay

There was a little turtle.
He lived in a box.
He swam in a puddle.
He climbed on the rocks.

He snapped at a mosquito.
He snapped at a flea.
He snapped at a minnow.
And he snapped at me.

He caught the mosquito.
He caught the flea.
He caught the minnow.
But he didn't catch me

"My Good For Nothing"

2009-04-12T21:41:00.002-04:00

This is a wonderful poem I recently found in an old McGuffey's Second Electic Reader I was given. This reminds me of Little Bear. So sweet!

MY GOOD-FOR-NOTHING

"What are you good for, my brave little man?
Answer that question for me, if you can,--
You, with your fingers as white as a nun,--
You, with your ringlets as bright as the sun.
All the day long, with your busy contriving,
Into all mischief and fun you are driving;
See if your wise little noddle can tell
What you are good for. Now ponder it well."

Over the carpet the dear little feet
Came with a patter to climb on my seat;
Two merry eyes, full of frolic and glee,
Under their lashes looked up unto me;
Two little hands pressing soft on my face,
Drew me down close in a loving embrace;
Two rosy lips gave the answer so true,
"Good to love you, mamma, good to love you."

Emily Huntington Miller.

Tweenage Dora

2009-03-10T14:56:00.005-04:00

Dora the Explorer Updates Her Look; Middle School-Age Dora Has Some Parents Concerned

This makes me sick.

Yes, she is a corporate created character and simply an opportunity for children's marketing.

But there was something innocent and sweet about Dora that made me less annoyed than let's say the Disney princesses or PowerRangers.

She offered an appreciation for Spanish and English and seemed to win the hearts of preschoolers everywhere. And although I shield my toddler from watching TV, Dora might have been one or two of the children's programming I could have considered safer.

And right when the young children are hooked and the parents are vulnerable, they are about to do a bait and switch...preparing to roll out a new Dora - a teenage Bratz-like, sexy Dora.

No more short hair and shorts. Now it's long hair and a skirt.

Makes me so sad: Not to loose Dora. But to loose innocence.

Infant/Toddler Montessori Lesson: Listening To and Following Directions

2009-01-31T20:31:00.000-05:00

Another samples lesson from the North American Montessori Center.

Social Activities: Introduction

General Points to Remember about Presenting Social Activities

Greet the child by name.
Use social activities to help the child recognize emotions in others.
Promote peaceful ways of solving problems and conflict.
Develop a repertoire of relaxing body movements and accompanying rhymes and songs.
Include opportunities for quiet sharing as well as more overt social interactions.

Summary of Social Activities for Toddlers The following social activities give the toddler opportunities to

explore in a social situation
develop concentration
expand sensory experiences
recognize and imitate facial expressions
imitate body movements
understand and follow instructions
make music in a group
recognize and identify others
share materials
recognize and name feelings in self and others.

Social Activity 5: Listening To and Following Instructions

Primary Goal
Practicing listening skills involved in simple social interactions.

Secondary Goals
Developing ability to follow instructions; developing concentration.

Material Work mat. (A work mat is optional for an activity such as this one, where you are not working with materials. However, a work mat is helpful for younger toddlers who are still learning about delineating work space.)
You and the toddler.

Presentation

This activity appeals particularly to the interests and abilities of toddlers 15–18 months old.
Choose an area of the center where there is space for movement, then put the work mat in place. Encourage the child to help.
Stand or sit so that you and the child are facing each other, with the work mat between you.
Looking directly at the child, announce that you are going to make a particular body movement and invite the child to imitate you. Choose a movement the child can easily imitate. For example, say: “Let’s touch our noses. I am going to touch my nose. Then you touch your nose.”
Slowly and deliberately, make the movement.
Give the child ample time to make the movement.
If after a time the child does not try to make the movement, ask: “May I help?” Then gently guide the child. For example, gently guide the child’s hand to touch his/her nose.
Holding your position, pause for a moment and smile at the child.
Announce another movement. For example, say: “Now let’s crouch on the floor. I am going to crouch. Then you crouch.”
Repeat for five or six different movements. Ideas for movements: stomp our feet; tap our hands on our shoulders; pat the top of our head; hold our hands in front of you and clap once; wiggle our fingers; touch our toes; jump gently up and down; put one hand over one ear; wave.
Invite the child to suggest a movement. For example, say: “Now you tell me something you are going to do. Then I’ll do it.” Do not cajole the child or correct her/his language skills.
Continue the activity for as long as the child shows interest.
When the child has finished the activity, involve the child in returning the work mat to its proper place. This completes the activity.

Extension 1

Stand in a circle with two or three toddlers and take turns suggesting and imitating movements. This activity could also be turned into a version of “Simon Says.”

Extension 2

Introduce specific words. For example, use words for contrasting movements, such as “high” and “low,”, “big ”and “small.” Place emphasis on the contrasting word being emphasized. For example, say: “Let ’s swing our arms high.” Then say: “Let’s swing our arms low.” Or say: “Let’s stand big as a bear.” Then say: “Let’s curl up small as a mouse.”

Extension 3

Make movements imitating things that make interesting sounds. For example, trot like a horse and make a clopping or neighing sound. Other ideas: other animals that make interesting sounds (such as snakes, frogs, cats); vehicles (such as fire trucks and trains); nature (such as wind, river, rain, thunder).

Preschool Sports Teams and The Little Gym

2009-01-29T22:02:00.001-05:00

I'm conflicted over places like The Little Gym, Gymboree Play & Music, KinderDance and local organized sports teams for young children.

I don't believe there is anything intrinsically wrong with physical learning programs for little ones. But every time I drive by these darling little gymnastic class places for tykes or see signs encouraging parents to sign up their children under 6 for an organized sports team, my heart sinks.

Just last week, I read Entrepreneur Magazine's list of growing children's businesses. There are 27 listed national franchise businesses that offer children's fitness programs. This year, The Little Gym ranked #126 of profitable franchisees of Entrepreneur's top 500. These programs are growing.

And this bothers me.

I believe two of the chief reasons children's fitness programs are growing are parents are concerned their children are not getting enough physical activity and parents want their children to excel.

Fitness programs certainly have physical and social benefits. But I'm afraid the benefits of a three year old gymnastics class or a five year old soccer team do not outweigh the costs.

"Once upon a time the vast majority of children came home from school and played in backyards and neighborhoods with friends. This supported the argument that children had plenty of time after school and on weekends for play and the subsequent social experiences after school...Our children are risk of losing their right to play. " (Jambor, T. (Fall, 1994). School research and social development.)

My greatest concern is that so many children these days are thrown into programs and activities which actually take away much of their unstructured play time (believe me, kids don't get it at school). And parents, for fear their children are likely to fall behind, turn to these structured programs to get or keep their children ahead - smarter, brighter, better.

And businesses know that. They capitalize on this fear.

That's the second part of my problem: consumerism. New parents like myself are bombarded even during pregnancy with a myriad of things "every child" needs or every good parent should have.

Consumerism and fear lead so many parents (including myself) to the point where they feel they have only one option: to get my child ahead later, I have to get them ahead now.

And I refuse to believe that. I refuse to believe that consumerism and fear should guide how I raise my child.

Again, I see nothing wrong these programs in themselves. I think alot of them are darling and wonderful family-oriented programs.

But I also see that many parents fall in the trap of thinking that the best way to foster a child's physical, social and educational well-being is to put them in that new soccer lead, or dance class or kid's gym.

I believe children can be healthy, social and physical without paying any money to a center or having to sign up child up for organized sports.

"The absence of open-ended play is also a problem for the school child, who used to create games with neighborhood friends, adjusting the rules as needed. Instead, from age five onward, many children join sports teams and are taught to play according to someone else's rules." writes Heidi Britz-Crecelius in her book Children At Play.

My educational background and experience shows me that children need more unstructured time - time to just run and play on their own terms, limited only by their imagination.

Tuesday Toddler Board Book Review: Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? by Dr. Suess

2009-01-26T20:55:00.004-05:00

What child and adult doesn't like Dr. Seuss? This book is great for reading longer books to small children. Little Bear loves to listen to the sounds and repetition of this book. It's great for rhyming and will be a wonderful book to grow with him.

Infant/Toddler Montessori Lesson: Matching Lids to Pots

2009-01-25T11:02:00.000-05:00

Here's another great lesson from the North American Montessori Center.

Cognitive Activities: Introduction
General Points to remember about Presenting Cognitive Activities

As much as possible, use simple, everyday materials.
Use cognitive activities as opportunities for the child to expand his/her ability to focus and think.
Include activities that encourage and feed the child’s natural curiosity.
Introduce problems that the child can learn to solve on his/her own.
Include motor activities that lay the physical groundwork for developing later
mathematics, reading and writing skills.

Summary of Cognitive Activities for Infants The following cognitive activities give the infant opportunities to

practice focusing on an object
identify and match simple objects with their parts
create a tool
track moving objects
develop a concept of size and shape
solve a problem

Cognitive Activity 3: Matching Lids to Pots
Primary Goal
Developing problem-solving skills.

Secondary Goals
Developing fine motor skills and practicing spatial recognition; laying the basis for practical life skills.

Material Work mat.
Metal pot with a fitted lid. Choose a lid that has a small knob or handle so that the infant can grip it easily.

Presentation

This activity appeals particularly to the abilities and interests of infants
6 –9 months old.
Place the work mat between you and the infant, then put the pot and its lid on the work mat.
Make sure you have the infant's attention.
Slowly and deliberately grasp the lid handle and take the lid off the pot. Place the lid on the work mat.
Slowly and deliberately pick the lid up by its handle and place the lid back on the pot. Tap the lid a few times to make sure it is secure.
Pause and smile at the infant.
Invite the infant to take the lid off the pot, saying, "Now you take the lid off." Assist only if needed.
As soon as the infant is focusing on putting the lid on the pot and taking it off, leave him/her to work undisturbed.
When the infant has finished the activity, take her/him with you while you put the
work mat and materials in their proper places. This completes the activity.

Extension 1

When the infant has gained experience and skill, add another pot and lid. (You may want to carry two pots on a tray or in a basket.) When you present the first pot in the activity, present the lid that does not fit first. Turn the lid this way and that before retuning it to the mat. Repeat the motion with the correct lid, before tapping it into place.

Extension 2

When the infant has gained experience and skill, present a variety of lidded containers. Examples: jar; glass food container; shoe box; cylinder-shaped cardboard cereal box; metal tins; different sizes of pots with different kinds of lids.

Vote For THE Worst Toy of 2008

2009-01-24T17:24:00.001-05:00

I received this email from CCFC. Can you guess which one I chose? I'll tell you in another post. Which one did you choose??

*********
On February 15, the Toy Industry Association will present their annual TOTY (Toy Of The Year) Awards. On February 12, in recognition of the industry that has led the way in commercializing childhood, CCFC will offer its first annual TOADY (Toys Oppressive And Destructive to Young Children) Award for the worst toy of the year. Who will win the dreaded TOADY? It's up to you.

From thousands of toys that promote violence and/or precocious sexuality and/or push branded entertainment and electronic wizardry at the expense of children's play, we've selected five exceptional finalists. The nominees for the 2009 TOADY are:

A doll that does everything so your kids don't do anything.
A video game from one of the most trusted names in children's toys that promotes junk food and violence to preschoolers.
A toy car that rides roughshod over family budgets and the environment.
An exercise bike/video game system for preschoolers that makes trips to the park - and parents - superfluous.
A doll that combines two classic symbols of gendered stereotypes into one unbelievable toy.

Who are these nominees? Find out and cast your ballot at: http://commercialfreechildhood.org/actions/toady.html. Voting is open until February 8. All voters can enter a drawing to win a copy of Consuming Kids: The Commercialization of Childhood - a brand new film from the Media Education Foundation featuring the CCFC staff and Steering Committee

The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood
www.commercialfreechildhood.org

Imagine

2009-01-22T20:11:00.001-05:00

This is a really interesting video considering Obama is Pro-Choice:

Teaching about God through the Montessori Method

2009-01-22T08:00:00.002-05:00

A few years ago, I discovered a fabulous children's church educational program called "Godly Play." It sounded like such a fabulous way to teach Bible lessons and about Jesus.

And after attending a Godly Play training, I was even more elated to hear the Godly Play method came directly from the Montessori Method:

"The use of Montessori’s approach to education has been adapted to Godly Play in order to stimulate children’s active participation in story and ritual and to awaken their creativity for the learning of the language, sacred stories, parables, liturgical action and silence of the Christian tradition. This is the most appropriate kind of language to cope with the existential limits to our being and knowing."

While there are many churches that offer the Godly Play program for children 5-12 (which I hope Little Bear and his future siblings will get a chance to attend), I plan to buy the books and some of the materials to use with my own children when they are old enough.

My favorite part about Godly Play is the structure, the focus on the Bible stories, use of beautiful materials and the seriousness it gives towards children's connection to God.

Toddler Montessori Activity: Painting With Water

2009-01-21T21:13:00.008-05:00

I was delighted to find MommyMe whose blog I really enjoy reading just posted some fabulous Montessori ideas for children 0-3 years! Check out her creative toys for children of all ages: The Wonder Years

Tuesday Toddler Board Book Review: Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt

2009-01-20T22:16:00.000-05:00

Here's a oldie but a goodie. I love the book pat the bunny. I read this book when I was a child (I loved it) and was thrilled to be given the book by a friend when Little Bear was born. In fact, this book has been around for 60 years! (Click here to read more about the history of the Pat the Bunny book.)

While it doesn't seem so unique now, the book's creative interactive elements were once cutting edge. Now, they are sweet and nostagic: "Can you put your finger through Mummy's ring?"
I love watching Little Bear interact with the book and follow the commands. It's amazing how much kids pick up from reading books (even when you least expect it).

This is a great book to enjoy as well to give to a new baby. I imagine pat the bunny will be around for generations to come.

Infant/Toddler Montessori Lesson: Providing Specific Objects When Requested

2009-01-19T10:42:00.000-05:00

It's hard to find Montessori lessons online. It's mostly because Montessori is well developed and cost money. Therefore, you usually have to buy the lessons.

But it's hard for me to know which ones I want to buy. I have found a few "duds" as far as curriculum goes.

However, I recently found this Montessori infant lesson online which I love. I hope to buy the entire book soon:

Language Activities: Introduction
General Points to Remember about Presenting Language Activities

Make sure to present similar phonetic sounds with an interval of several days in between each. For example, if you present words starting with the “d ” sound one day, do not present words starting with the “b ” sound the next, because they sound so alike. That is, let the child practice and learn to identify the “d ” sound before you introduce “b.” (See phonetics sounds reference sheet above.)
Take advantage of sounds the child makes naturally at her/his level of development. For example, from three to six months old, most children can make vowel sounds (a, e, i, o, u). From six to ten months, most children add more vowel sounds and begin to repeat sounds (for example,“da-da-da-da,” “ma-ma,”
“ba-ba ”), especially if encouraged to repeat these sounds. At six to ten months, most children also make their first consonant sounds. Around the world, these are m, p, b, t, and d. For this reason, words starting with m, p, b, t, or d are especially good for first presentations of phonetic sounds.
To help the child focus, speak slowly, clearly and quietly.
Remember that language is not only talking. Touch, facial expressions and singing are also important ways of communicating with infants and young children.

Summary of Language Activities for Infants The following language activities give the infant opportunities to

name and identify objects, pictures, parts of the face and parts of the body
develop skills needed for matching activities
interact with others
develop listening skills
produce appropriate sounds
identify objects from their description
learn to handle books carefully
become aware of numbers.

Language Activity 8: Providing Specific Objects When Requested
Primary Goal
Developing recognition skills.

Secondary Goals
Laying the foundation for putting-away activities; developing cognitive and motor abilities.

Material
Work tray.
Basket.
Three feeding objects: cup, spoon, bowl.
This activity helps accustom the infant to using a tray to sort and carry dishes and utensils. For this reason, no work mat is used.

Presentation

This activity appeals particularly to the interests and abilities of infants 9–12 months old.
In advance, place the objects and the basket in a row on the work tray.
Sit facing the infant with the work tray between you.
Make sure you have the infant’s attention.

Pick up the basket. Examine it, turning it this way and that, then name it. For example, say: “This is a basket for holding things.”
Place the basket beside the work tray.
Take the first object off the work tray.
Hold the object up in front of the infant, and name it. Speak clearly and slowly, and use simple language. For example, say: “Cup.” Turn the object this way and that and describe it briefly. For example, say: “I use this cup when I want a drink. See the handle?”
Offer the object to the infant.
Allow the infant ample time to examine the object, then ask the infant to drop the object into the basket. (Most infants enjoy being asked to drop things.) Make sure to thank the infant.
Repeat for the other two objects.
Take the objects out of the basket and place them on the tray again. Pause and smile at the infant.
Ask the infant to pick up a specific object from the tray and drop it into the basket. For example, say: “Please find the spoon and drop it into the basket.”
If the infant gives you the correct object — for example, the spoon — smile and say: “Yes, spoon.” If the infant gives you an object you did not request, do not correct, but simply say, for example: “Thank you for this cup. See the handle? Now can you find the spoon and drop it into the basket?”
Repeat for as long as the infant is interested.
When the infant has finished the activity, place the materials back on the tray, then take the infant with you while you return the materials to their proper places. This completes the activity.
Make sure that the materials presented stay available – on a very low shelf, for example – for the infant to access when she/he wishes.

Extension 1

Replace the objects in the tray with other familiar objects that the infant sees and uses every day. Examples: bib, napkin ring, fork.

Extension 2

As the infant acquires experience and skill in correctly identifying objects and placing them in the basket, increase the number and complexity of the objects. At first, choose objects that can be named in words of one or two syllables, and start with the following letters: m, p, b, t, d. These are the sounds that most infants make naturally. Examples: beads, ball, baby, block, bed, bug, blanket, basket, bowl, dish, duck, doll, mat, mitten, pin, pen, pot, puppet, tub, teddy, top. Then progress to more complex words.

Little Bear's New Montessori Shelf

2009-01-18T09:13:00.001-05:00

We purchased a small "Montessori" shelf for Little Bear the other day. I say it's "Montessori" only because it seems to fit the requirements of the Montessori method: made from good quality all-natural material, serves as a place for the child's work, stands at the child's height and is only as deep as the child can reach.

As soon as we purchased his little shelf (which I found at our local unfinished wood shop) and placed Little Bear's toys on it, he took right to it. He loved that it was perfect for him. Since then, he has placed with his toys much more.

We hope in a few months, as he is ready, we will be able to teach him to put away his toys in their place as well.

Little Bear is leaning against his small stool (which I got from PaintedJewels). He loves using his small stool as a chair. I have hung his diaper bag and jacket on his closet door knobs. I hope to purchase some lower knobs soon so Little Bear can hang up his own coat. At this point, the closet door knobs will do.

I really liked that I was able to place the shelf under his room window. It allows him to see out into the street and watch the birds and squirrels (since this picture, I did take down my blinds - see why here).

I have collected several great wooden toys including a puzzle, a stacking toy and toy that offers different holes for different shapes. I'd like to find a non-plastic basket for his board books. However, he's so rough on baskets (as he likes to play with them), that for now, this is best.

Cereal "Sand" Activity

2009-01-17T21:07:00.005-05:00

Little Bear is terribly young for many of the (out of the bathtub) water and sand activities I have seen suggested by Montessori curriculum.

However, this Montessori mom had a wonderful idea for babies who have little motor control (those who make a mess) and still put anything and everything in their mouths:

Use puffed cereal (aka Rice Krispies) as a way to teach "transferring" - pouring an item from one thing to another (such as a spoon to a cup, or a cup to a bowl, etc.)

I loved this and so did Little Bear. Fortunately, we have a dog who enjoyed eating the puffed cereal that fell on the floor.

The Write Start

2009-01-17T11:56:00.005-05:00

I really love this post from the blog, "The Write Start". Her idea of creating a little writing center in her home is so fabulous! She has pencils, paper, a rolodex, chalk boards, (my favorite) pieces of wood to create letters and much much more! What a wonderful way to help your emerging writer learn!

Interested Learning in Elementary

2009-01-16T22:07:00.000-05:00

"One thing has been well established in our experience, that facts are of less interest to the [elementary] child than the way those facts are discovered." - Montessori

Quote by Maria Montessori

Apparently, girls can have faith AND fashion

2009-01-14T12:18:00.001-05:00

Ever heard of Faith and Friends dolls?

Here is their item description:
"Let's face it, today's girls love fashion. Now there's a way to combine their love of fashion with their vivid imaginations and their faith journey...Each doll comes with a tiny Bible and blank composition book to get girls thinking and writing about their faith and encourage wholesome role playing. Your daughter will grow developmentally, educationally, and spiritually. And you’ll have a window into her soul like never before! Faith & Friends - it’s fun, faith & fashion!"

Since when did "faith," and "fashion" go together?

(On another note, since when did the doll below look fashionable?)

This doll is called, "Orange You Cute". It gives me the willies everytime I think of a young girl's doll called, "Orange You Cute."

Ok, let me see if I had pause for a minute and say: yes, I believe that girls do want a doll they can enjoy. And writing does allow children and adults alike to explore their thoughts. I mean, there is a good premise to having a doll that comes with a little blank notebook to encourage a child to write.

But I find it ridiculous that the way you convince your daughter to like this doll is by convincing her that the doll is "fashionable". And I find it ridiculous that our girls inherently like fashion. (See the first line of the Item's Description).

We certainly can use clothing to express ourselves. And young preteens do enjoy exploring who they are. But I believe that by believing young girls "love fashion", we are only participating in a system that already exists (LimitedToo, Hannah Montana clothing, Barbie) that teaches our girls that it's what is on the outside that matters. Girls don't just "come" this way - we TEACH them this way.

And these dolls just join right in.

As matter of fact, on the doll's website, there is a FAQ question that asks, "Why Fashion Dolls?"

The company's reply:
"The truth is that today’s girls love fashion–the colors, textures, styles, sparkles, beauty, variety, creativity, novelty. . . and the sheer fun of it all. Dressing in the latest styles and feeling "up to date" builds confidence."

No, I firmly disagree that confidence is built from wearing the latest styles.

They go on to say:
"Faith & Friends is a line of fun and adorable 14-inch vinyl playdolls with a complete collection of chic, mix-and-match clothing and accessories...Up to date fabrics are used throughout the line, and appropriate bits of "bling" and lace and fringe are used to add to the femininity of the wardrobe."

Did you just use the word "Bling" to describe a little girl's Christian doll's clothing??

To end, they say:
"Fashion has the wonderful possibility of being extremely personal. By creating fashion styles for their Faith & Friends dolls, girls will gain confidence about how they can dress in stylish ways that are suitable for their age, their activities, and their faith."

When did fashion have anything to do with your faith?? Except maybe playing with a conservatively dressed doll is being more faithful than playing with a sexually explotive doll?

And I must beg to differ: fashion is often not personal at all. Instead, it tends to create a desire to be like everyone one else. Participating in fashion has the ability to make one feel worse about his or her self, because he or she doesn't measure up to a standard set by someone else.

I'm not against fashion, mind you. But I'm against the idea of using "fashion" and "faith" to sell a secular doll and call it Christian.

Just provide a good quality doll that is wearing simple appropriate clothing and sell the doll as a beautiful doll children can use with which to imagine and enjoy. It should be no more than that.

Here's my alternative:
A simple ("hand embroidered face is simple, allowing your child to project a variety of emotions upon the doll"), handmade with all natural materials doll made in Bangladesh and India using Fair Trade ethics, where the artisans make a fair wage under healthy working conditions.

Isn't this a better toy? A natural toy that children can love, encourages imaginative play and takes in to account the lives of people around the world?

Tuesday Toddler Board Book Review: Big Little by Leslie Patricelli

2009-01-13T22:18:00.004-05:00

One of my very favorite toddler board books is a simple book by Leslie Patricelli. There are very few words to read (easy for a baby to listen to) and darling pictures to look at (for momma and baby to enjoy).

This colorful book goes like this, "Ladies are BIG. Ladybugs are LITTLE. Adults are BIG. Babies are LITTLE. Trucks are BIG. Trikes are LITTLE..., etc."

Other books like this include: "Quiet Loud," "Yummy Yucky," and "No No Yes Yes."

And for those of us who always love an opportunity to teach simple Spanish words to our developing Language Sponges, there is also "Grande Pequeno" and "Silencio Ruido".

Pictures of Montessori

2009-01-10T23:00:00.000-05:00

The best way to understand anything is through pictures. So, I was thrilled to find there are alot of Montessori moms who post pics online. Here's one:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/injust_spring/sets/72157594502542505/

(If you notice the children in the Montessori pictures, they are almost always very concentrated. I just *love* that about Montessori.)

Kerusso: baptizing secular toys into the Christian economy

2009-01-09T20:11:00.003-05:00

I have written several times about industry of making secular toys "Christian". But my recent posts have lead to me one company with which I am unimpressed: Kerusso.

They are behind the Jesus Monster Truck, the Praise Ponies and the Gods Girlz Bratz/Barbie knockoffs. Apparently, at one time, they even had "Faith Beads". See more here.

I believe that most of people who buy these toys are probably good people who truly want to live faithfully. But I don't feel the same way about the people behind the toys. Instead, after researching some of the ridiculous Christian knockoffs they have tried to sell, I believe they are just wanting to make a profit.

I have seriously considered whether, they too, are just trying to be counter-cultural in an effort to follow Christ. And possibly, they are - although very misguided. But from the pattern of toys and gimmick-y items they sell, I'm pretty sure they are people who are exploiting the name "Christian" for their own gain.

For example, in light of cross-marketing (marketing a brand between two mediums, such as a movie and a Happy Meal toy) and marketing to children, Kerusso's "Gods Girlz" dolls are advertised to be wearing a "Kerusso shirt". Kerusso is primarily a T-shirt Graphic company. So, I find their cross-marketing and marketing their brand to children to be tacky and nothing less than secular.

Here's my question to the Kerusso company:
How about instead of baptizing secular toys into the Christian economy, let's consider simple, good quality toys for children that encourage sharing, love for others, an appreciation for God's earth and open-ended play?

"Christian" Barbies

2009-01-04T10:53:00.000-05:00

I don't mean to be "picking" on Christian toys. But when you sell something in the name of God, I think it's even more important to be responsible with your advertising. I don't believe these "God's Girlz" do that.

Here's what the item description says:
"Here’s a fashion doll you can feel good about! God’s Girlz are modest and fashionable 12″ posable dolls. Each doll sports a Kerusso t-shirt with a Christian saying on it, and accessories that’ll provide hours of thoughtful play. Sarah’s name means “Princess,” and she really is a princess because her Father is the King of Kings! She loves dancing and praising God. Recommended for ages 4 to 8."

I don't care what they are named, I don't believe these dolls are any different from Barbies. Fortunately, they have a less pretenious facial expression and more clothes on than Bratz, but overall they aren't much different from them either. (Notice "Girlz" is spelled just like in Bratz")

This doll is described like this:
"Abigail's name means "God of Joy". God's Girlz are modest, yet fashionable, and packed with meaningful content designed to encourage thoughtful play."

I looked closer to find what "meaningful content" that might "encourage thoughtful play" that they were talking about. The "meaningful content" are the Bible verses and Christian phrases on the box that are supposed to influence your child as she plays with the cardboard the doll came in (or the Kerusso t-shirt she is wearing).

P.S. A post on the company Kerusso is coming soon!

Child See. Child Do.

2009-01-02T20:22:00.004-05:00

This is a really great commercial. It shows the impact parents and other adults have on children. (It was made in the UK.)

Cradle to Grave Marketing: McDonalds' Toddler Toy

2009-01-02T09:20:00.000-05:00

McDonald's has done a great job with offering healthier children's options in their kids' meals.

I like the fact that, should we forget our snack while on a trip, we can run by and pick up some apple slices and milk. I wish they'd offer something besides friend chicken nuggets or a burger, but this is fast food.

However, what I am not impressed with is the marketing to children under three:

This is the little "bath toy" we received with Little Bear's Happy Meal. No wonder children under 2 years of age have been shown to recognize the McDonald's logo.

Jesus Monster Truck

2009-01-01T16:37:00.002-05:00

I don't think I could have made this one up: It's a Jesus Monster Truck.

Here's what the Item Description says,
"This 10" Truck has all the features that you'd find on a real monster truck, plus graphics with a powerful message that will encourage thoughtful play. Four wheel independent suspension - Powerful Climbing Action - Super 4 X 4 Friction Power - Authentic Details - Super-sized Tires - Full color Graphics"

One thing I find particularly interesting about this description is how it mentions just what I had previously posted about. It says, "This 10" Truck has all the features that you'd find on a real monster truck (It's the SAME!), plus graphics with a powerful message (...but it's CHRISTIAN!)."

If you look closer, you can see some of what the "graphics with a powerful message that will encourage thoughtful play" say:

"Victory in Jesus"
"Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. 1 John"
"Race to Win - 1 Cor 9:24'
(which, should your child, while playing monster trucks not know by memory, it says, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.")

Daddy Bear said a good tag line for the Jesus Monster Truck could be,
"Jesus Monster Truck: Crush Your Enemies...with the Love of Christ"

I mean - are you serious? This neither depicts Jesus, nor helps children learn about God.

Selling a piece of plastic with Christian stickers and claiming it provides "thoughtful play" is very sad. And it's so sad that it makes it laughable.

The Jesus Monster Truck makes this website even funnier:

http://www.gluck.net/jesus/

Fortunately, they say the truck it's "out of stock" and one website says it's "discontinued". Hmmm...I wonder why??

P.S. This toy is made by the Christian T-shirt/Graphics Company, Kerusso. (I will post on that company soon.)

Toddler Montessori Activity: Pens In A Bottle

2008-12-31T12:13:00.004-05:00

I have recently started working with Little Bear (who is 14 months) on a few first Montessori Activities.

I really like this one: putting pens in a bottle. Of course, it'd be better if I had a glass bottle (that way I wouldn't have to hold the bottom of the bottle like I am in the picture). However, it's safer, at this point, to use plastic as he wants to empty out the pens himself.

I was pretty impressed with his ability to do this activity. I was also impressed at the amount of concentration he brought to it. It's definitely the kind of concentration I've read alot about in Montessori.

Why No TV?

2008-12-31T10:13:00.002-05:00

We've been TV-free for 5 days. I've gone longer - like when I was working 6 weeks at camp (when I was in college). But this is different because I'm without TV while living in my house and while doing our normal life activities. In other words, it's harder now (than when I was away at a Texas campground) because TV has become a daily part of my life...up until now. And we're enjoying the change in pace and still sticking to our plan.

A while back, I shared our family has unplugged the TV for the next six months. However, I didn't really explain why we decided to make such a drastic decision.

If we were to be honest with ourselves, this decision has been years in the making.

It's not that we believe that there is anything wrong with TV. As matter of fact, my affection for TV lead me to a career in TV Broadcasting.

But the unforgiving life of a TV reporter lead me to a career in teaching. And that's when I began to really notice the power of television on children.

Working with children in the classroom and paying attention to the things they loved, I realized that television is negatively affecting our children.

As I began to reconsider television's impact on kids, I began to pay attention to television programming in general. I began to really listen to the commercials, watch the programs more closely and pay closer attention to my own viewing habits.

What I began to realize was that the commercials were misleading and created a previously unwanted desires. I began to notice the obvious sexual innuendos and disregard for authority in primetime TV as well as in children's programming (Disney is the worst)...

And I started to see that the TV was on in our house waaaay too long each day.

There have been alot of "inspiring" moments that have tugged at me, encouraging me to do what I feel is best for me and possibly for my family - either for the short term or longer. Let me list my inspirations as they unfolded:

The decision to live more simply.
Our experience with Pednet.
Daddy Bear's reading of books by Stanley Hauerwaus and Wendell Berry.

The day a Transit Authority manager came to speak to my class of 4th graders and asked if anybody knew what "Rush Hour" was. Almost every child in the room raised their hand and responded: "Yeah! It's that movie with Jackie Chan!"
Numerous conversations with my husband and friends about the importance of living in the present and being present with people.
Being shocked by claims that TV makes young children smarter and watching more and more moms stick their children in front of the TV to teach them.
Reading the book, "Last Child In The Woods."
Continued disgust at the amount of consumerism, sexualization and profanity on TV. Take for example: Jerry Springer, MTV's My Sweet 16, Playboy's Girls Next Door, Cheaters, etc.
Reading the blogs: SouleMama and Unplug Your Kids
Seriously considering implementing the Montessori Method at home
Watching this video: The Story of Stuff
Reading the book, "So Sexy So Soon."

I'm curious...If you have gotten rid of your TV, what inspired you?

Teaching Montessori to a 1 Year Old

2008-12-30T08:16:00.001-05:00

Little Bear is approaching 14 months. Each day, he seems more and more teachable.

Here are six great links about suggestions on teaching Montessori during the 2nd year.

Montessori, The Second Year: http://www.montessori.edu/0-3year2familytext.html

Toys, The Second Year: http://www.montessori.edu/0-3year2toystext.html

Music, Art and Language: http://www.montessori.edu/0-3year2musictext.html

Montessori Mom's Toddler Scope and Sequence Practical Lesson Ideas: http://montessorimom.com/toddler-scope-and-sequence-lesson-ideas-practical-/

Montessori Mom's Toddler Activities: http://blog.montessorimom.com/?p=35

Montessori Baby Blog: http://montessoribaby.blogspot.com/2007/04/13-months-favorite-activities.html

Here are some of the ideas I plan to use with Little Bear from the above website:
-Putting toothpicks into the top of a spice jar / pens into empty bottles with narrow necks
-Putting large poker chips into empty wipes containers/box with a slit in the top
-Shape sorting
-Washing hands in a basin
-Brushing hair
-Putting on sunglasses
-Playing with nested items (blocks, bowls)
-Sweeping or placing the dustpan right in the middle of my pile while I sweep
-Mopping (or really just swishing the mop around in a bucket of water)
-Taking a variety of small balls (ping pong, tennis, rubber, wooden) out of a muffin tin
-Using a spoon and fork to eat
-Walking up and down hills/over rough surfaces and climbing
-Reading familiar books

Tuesday Toddler Board Book Review: Brown Bear, Brown Bear by Bill Martin, Jr.

2008-12-29T10:51:00.004-05:00

The board book I am reviewing today is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

This is another favorite in our house. This book has alot of fabulous aspects to it. For one: the words rhyme and repeat - which toddlers love. It's such an easy book/song/poem that you'll be able to memorize it within a few readings.

Another thing I like about this book is that its created to build anticipation for moving on to the next page. Little Bear is too young now but one day he'll be able to realize that when it refers to a yellow duck, believe it or not, the yellow duck is on the very next page. It can be alot of fun for kids to imagine and anticipate what is coming up next.

Lastly, the illustrations by Eric Carle are really cool. He actually made the illustrations with tissue paper. You can find lots of his other books (Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? and The Very Hungry Caterpillar) illustrated the same way. The board books don't do his illustrations justice but if you look at his children's picture books, you'll find them really interesting.

So Sexy So Soon

2008-12-25T23:29:00.001-05:00

For Christmas, my in-laws gave me a book I have been wanting to read for some time now. It's called, "So Sexy So Soon: The New Sexualized Childhood and What Parents Can Do To Protect Their Kids."

I highly recommend this book. It's written by two very smart and insightful people. Diane Levin works over there at Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. And Jean Kilbourne, someone whom I have personally met, is a very popular speaker and author on the way the media portrays women.

They do an excellent job describing the problem and suggesting solutions in this book. Every parent should read it.

I will say that there are a few ideas I don't tend to agree with them on (having to do with homosexuality). However, overall, I am in full agreement with the issue that so eloquently outline - and like them, am very concerned about our children.

Quotes from the book will be posted here soon. Until then, see if you can read a snippet at Amazon. It's a good book and quick read.

The Story of Stuff

2008-12-25T00:16:00.005-05:00

This is a great little movie to watch online:

The Story of Stuff

It's particularly interesting to watch after having recently bought and opened Christmas gifts.

"From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. The Story of stuff is a 20 minutes, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of enviromental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever."

Favorite Montessori Books

2008-12-21T17:07:00.005-05:00

My friend, Ashleigh, recently asked if I had read any good Montessori books. Although I have not read alot of Montessori books, I have read three *really* good ones that I wanted to share!

Here is my list of favorite Montessori books. I will continue to add to it as I read more.
If you have any you'd suggest, please let me know!

Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius
by Angeline Stoll Lillard
The book is a tad more like a Educational Psychology textbook as it offers alot of studies that confirm the Montessori method. But overall, I love it because is a fabulous book that explains why Montessori is set up the way it is and explains specifics as to where the ideas came from and why they have lasted so long.

Montessori from the Start: The Child at Home from Birth to Age Three
by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen
This is an excellent book for parents who are I wanting to incorporate Montessori into their home. It offers even more practical ideas than the previous book mentioned and outlines how to put them in place. From sleeping to eating, personal care to playing, this book helps with suggestions on how to implement Montessori in the home from the start.

How to Raise An Amazing Child the Montessori Way
by Tom Seldin
This book is one of my favorites because it offers something the previous two books don't: lots of pictures illustrating how the Montessori method is implemented. I have tried a number of different things with Little Bear but I always feel so ackward as I have no example or picture to go from - until now. The book offers less in the way of explanation or research (compared to the books above) but it offers much more in the way of practical ways to incorporate Montessori.

Secret Boxes

2008-12-14T19:01:00.008-05:00

I am a teacher at heart. I'm also a collector of things. I have started collecting things - always small things - that I think Little Bear will one day enjoy.

From what I know about children, they love secrets and they love little things. So, I've created a box that I hope Little Bear and I can come visit every once in a while. I hope to continue to add secret treasure regularly.

[A small colonial "stamp" with a wax stick to open someday.]

This little wooden box, which still needs to be stained, includes memoribilia from recent trips Daddy Bear and I have taken recently on. Inside is a little bag of seashells, a leather ball, items from our Colonial Williamsburg trip and some replica pirate coins. At this point, I'm calling this box our "Learning Treasure Box."

I've tried to put each item inside a small plastic or cloth bag. It's so fun to open one thing and find another hidden thing inside.

I hope, as Little Bear grows, he will begin collecting treasures to put inside as well.Little Bear is too young to enjoy this box or its' treasures yet. But it is wonderfully exciting to add to it and to dream of the day we will open it together!

I also have created a special box just for Little Bear's treasures: A flag from when he met the Vice President of the United States, his first birthday candle, some goodies from his baptism, etc.

I love the idea of small boxes and even smaller goodies hidden away inside.

Child's Prayer

2008-12-11T23:01:00.004-05:00

I have started collecting a few prayers that I'd like to teach Little Bear as he grow ups. Here is one I'd love to teach Little Bear when we visit with animals or play outdoors:

A Prayer For God's Creatures
Dear God most high, hear and bless
Thy beasts and singing birds:
And guard with tenderness
Small things that have no words.
--- Traditional

Guest Blogger: Papa Bear on Advertising to Children

2008-12-10T20:56:00.001-05:00

[This post is written by Guest Blogger, Papa Bear on the topic of advertising to children.]

What’s the danger of marketing to children anyway? Is it just that they’re innocent, that they are so darn adorable with their fat rolls and silly words that marketing threatens to turn them from enjoyable little creatures into Britney Spears? (I’m not that innocent!) If that were our only concern then marketing would merely catalyze the process that is bound to happen sooner or later. We all lose innocence; we all grow up and buy Coke or Pepsi and then argue about which one’s better (unless you’re from the South).

I think the danger is far more insidious. Marketing doesn’t only inform our children’s consumer choices but informs them that they are fundamentally consumers. You are what you buy. It doesn’t matter what you choose so long as it’s your own choice and your own independent personality is being expressed. Clothes, food, , music – each is a reflection of the ‘real’ you.

Of course, marketers don’t sit back in their high-backed chairs, rubbing their wispy goatee asking how they can most effectively corrupt our children into becoming automatons. They are simply part of the system, people who themselves have been taught to see themselves as consumers and who define themselves by the consumer choices they make. Why should there be any moral objection to perpetuating a system that they are a part of. Isn’t that just the way the world works?

My wife and I disagree. We are not defined by our consumer choices. We are not fundamentally creatures of consumption whose main goal in life is to maximize the expression of our inner self with a myriad of labels and flavors and slogans. We are those creatures stamped with the imago Dei; we are the image of God.

Our identity is not shaped by bringing our deepest passions and interests to bear in the products and services we purchase, because those passions and interests are mainly the products of marketing. We find out who we are by losing who we think we are. For whoever holds onto his life will lose it but whoever loses his life will find it. Our identity is revealed in our giving ourselves away.

That is why marketing to children is especially troublesome. They are formed to be a kind of person who finds their identity in choosing, in amassing, in consumption. But that is not who people made in the image of God are – for God is defined by sovereignty, not choice; self-emptying, not hoarding; creation, not consumption. Children subjected to endless mass marketing are trained to ignore that which is most human about them – and then call what replaces it as their true identity.

Our family is by no means immune to the pressures and forces of the world. Our son will eat at McDonald’s at some point in his life. He’ll play video games and want cool tennis shoes. I doubt he’ll like the ten-year old four-door Camry with a big dent in the door I drive as much as a Mustang. We can’t avoid his involvement with consumer culture. But we can teach him that those things don’t define him. Hopefully, we can help show him, however imperfectly, what it means to be human.

Tuesday Toddler Board Book Review: Time For Bed by Mem Fox

2008-12-09T11:20:00.006-05:00

Time For Bed by Mem Fox and Jane Dyer is a very sweet book with wonderful illustrations. It's a book where on each page a Mommy and Daddy animal says goodnight to his/her baby.

The sentences are short and they rhyme, making it pleasant for baby's ears.

I'm sure the hardback version is much more beautiful. But these days, we love buying books in small version form which can weather bending, throwing and chewing.

Understanding the Montessori Way

2008-12-08T23:28:00.005-05:00

I have been reading articles on the Montessori method for some time now. But just recently did I finish the book, "Montessori - The Science Behind the Genuis by Angeline Stoll Lillard. It was a great book that really helped me understand the philosphy and principals behind the Montessori way.

Here are the things I've learned so far. I will continue to update them as I read more about Montessori:
* The brain needs order and sequence to learn.
* Free choice and independence increases the desire to learn.
* While free choice is best, too many choices can be detrimental. Limited choice is preferred.
* Movement is very important to developing understanding.
* In order to prevent children from having learning gaps (failing to choose to learn in some areas), it is recommended that the child give a time and day when they want to work on an activity. In Elementary, a child may be asked to use a checklist or list their daily activities. This allows the teacher to monitor that their learning is well-rounded.
* Certain Montessori activities build on each other and should go in sequence.
* Children who have choices will spontaneously with that which they need to further their development. (In other words, if given an opportunity and an enriched enviroment, children can be internally guided to learn as they need.)

Same...but different! (Part 2)

2008-12-03T23:38:00.010-05:00

Christian knockoffs are hot these days - Guitar Praise, Bibleman action figures, American-Girl look alike Psalm 13 Dolls, I am God's Princess tiara and dressup shoes (yes, seriously).

Walk into a Christian bookstore and you'll feel like you just entered the movie Pleasantville. It's like you were living in color but, suddenly, you entered into the black and white 1950's goodness.

In any other store, you'll find lots of Made in China toys, improve-your-life books and useless gifts. But in a Christian book store, you'll find all of those things...but with Jesus stamped on them.

As matter of fact, most Christian bookstores don't offer all that many books. As there is more and more desire for "encouraging" gifts, there are more companies willing to provide them, even if they are concept ripoffs.

Christian-fied items are so hot that secular stores have started trying to get in on the action with Jesus Bandaids, Grow-a-Jesus and a Jesus bobble head. There's even a screen printed t-shirt resembling a junior classroom note that says, "Jesus totally loves you. Do you love Jesus? [Check the box:] Yes or No?"

So, now you have Christian bookstores selling Christian secular items and secular stores selling secular Christian items. Buy either one and all you get is: a loss of truth.

Yes, David was an amazing Godly man from the Bible - a man we can certainly learn alot about how to live our own lives for Christ. But does he really deserve his own plastic model for kids to use to reenact the David and Goliath situation again and again? And yes, Jesus does love you. But do you need an entire pink and purple heart pad to help you remember this?

The plethora of Jesus items and Christian knock-offs bother me on two levels - as a Christian and as a consumer. As a Christian, I am saddened by the commercialism of my faith and my God. As a consumer, I'm disappointed in the lack of using this opportunity to create really unique alternative items.

When we put the Lord in a trite phrase or make a Bible character into an action hero, we dumb down the power they have to change us and teach us about God. And taking a secular item and baptizing it only confuses our children as to why one thing is bad and another is good (aren't they really the same?).

Some people have criticized the companies for making these items, blaming companies for just wanting to make an extra buck. But my criticism is on us as Christians - especially us Christian women. Companies would not make it if we didn't want it.

There is a genuine desire among Christians, I think, for wholesome items which are also faithful to use in our homes and lives. I know I particularly long for this.

What if there was a place that offered items that weren't just Christian knockoffs but were thoughtful, faithful alternative items that would help me serve God better, love others more and turn my heart towards God?

For example, instead of offering a cheap plastic Guitar (the guitar probably made in China where working conditions are not good) that you hook up to your TV (a TV that offers little in the way of family time), how about offering locally made natural wood guitars along with song books that teach how to play music of all types (God's beauty is in all things).

Or, instead of offering same-oh plastic American Girl-knockoff dolls, offer handmade plush dolls made of the finest material that allows girls to imagine and play until their hearts' content. (God himself must be imagined - why not help children use their imagination?)

Why make the alternative: the same...but Christian?

Why not offer something radically different? (Isn't this most reflective of Christ?)

But before I look to others to offer it, I must look to myself to buy it. I have to be willing not to settle for the cheap items just because they are inexpensive and easy. I have to be willing to pay more and look for the items that might cause me more trouble.

While possibly more faithful, free trade, handmade and all-natural items are expensive. They take alot of time and resources to provide.

And learning how to play a real guitar, imagining with a limp handmade doll and reading the book version to my kids instead of throwing them in front of the movie version is more difficult. But they are better - for others, for my family and for my soul.

To offer something radically different, must mean I have to radically reconsider my buying habits and desires. It means choosing not to buy the secular items or the Christian knockoffs - but choosing to buy things that offer a peak into the beauty, mystery and love of God.

These are the things in which I find Christ (not the secular items simply stamped with his name).

Here are some other websites on the topic of Christian knockoffs:
http://www.slate.com/id/2190482
http://articles.latimes.com/2006/jul/21/nation/na-retail21

Same...but Christian! (Part 1)

2008-12-03T21:08:00.021-05:00

(I alluded to this concept in an earlier post. I thought I might have enough material to give it a post of it's own.)

If you go into any Christian book store, you'll notice something familiar. It's like it's the same but it's not. Here's what I mean:

This is the same as...

this - but it's a Christian version!

This is the same as...

this...but it's a Christian version!

This is the same as...

this...but it's a Christian version!

This is the same as...

this...but it's a Christian version!

This is the same as...

this...but it's a Christian version!

Now, here's my question. How do you make a Christian knockoff version of this:
Click Here

More thoughts to come...

Kids and Cellphones

2008-12-03T14:04:00.001-05:00

Daddy Bear and I have had this conversation a million times but we'll probably have it million more before Little Bear is 10.

We can't fathom - no way, no how - how our kid is getting a cellphone before 16 years of age.

Here are the reason TO give your kid a cellphone:
1.) Safety - child can call parent in case of emergency
2.) Accountability - parent can call child to make sure they are where they say they are
3.) Convenience - parent can call child to have child drop by to pick up that gallon of milk on the way home
4.) Social - child can call friends and speak for hours about nothing

Here are the reasons NOT TO give you kid a cellphone:
1.) Safety - child cannot be solicited by unwanted weirdos or harassed by other kids
2.) Cost - child cannot inadvertently spend hours on cell phone racking up quite a bill
3.) Perception of freedom - child cannot consider themselves independent when they rely on parent or land line for communication
4.) Materialism - it's hard to want to upgrade your phone to compete with the new fads when you don't have one

We clearly lean towards the "NOT TO" list as I'm not concerned about my child gain social status. But I do struggle with the safety issue. If not for them, for me. I want to know they can get in touch with me wherever they are (such as at a ball game or with friends at the mall).

At this point, I think we've solved the problem: a Family Cellphone.

The Family Cellphone can be used by anybody in the family (which really means it's the kids' phone as Mama Bear and Daddy Bear have their own phone). The Family Cellphone is to stay at the house unless being used. Every phone call is monitored and every phone number screened.

So, when to allow a child to have a phone? Right now, we're considering the ballpark age of 15-16. But, really, it will depend on the child's maturity level.

We're bracing ourselves for being "those parents" - the incredibly old fashion restrictive parents. I can almost hear the preteen/parent arguments that will likely ensue.

Tuesday Toddler Board Book Review: Hippos Go Berzerk! by Sandra Boynton

2008-12-02T09:06:00.003-05:00

Hippos Go Berserk! by Sandra Boynton is a fabulously silly book both parents and children can enjoy. The book is fairly non-sensical but does have some pretty cool math in it. The rhyming is fun and the pictures are really cute.

Daddy Bear and I love the fact that, while Little Bear will sit still and listen, it's witty enough to keep us focused as well.

The cool thing is you can find a copy of this book for 32 cents on Amazon. It's one I'd definitely recommend adding to your collection.