When the kids come in and say, "I'm bored!" Maybe take a break from the T.V. and computer to do arts and crafts.
make panted hand prints
make fingerprint animals
make yarn animals
make old sock puppets and have a puppet show
cook a quiet lunch and eat at the table
make a noodle or yarn art
make playdoe
make bubbles
Just have fun
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Thank You Letters
Maybe one day this summer, just sit down and try the lost art of writing a letter. Maybe start with a thank you letter to someone that has helped you in some way.
Saying Thank you in your own words is easy and when it is from your heart and when you act of kindness will extend to the giver and brighten their day. Some ideas to get started:
Your thoughtfulness shows in everything you do.
To thoughtful you.... From thankful me.
How can I find the right words to thank you.
Your kindness and caring mean so much to me.
Thank you for being the person you are.
Thanks for being you.
I appreciate you and the things you do so much.
You always know the perfect thing to do to make me feel special.
These are just a small sample- make up some of your own and write, write, write.
Saying Thank you in your own words is easy and when it is from your heart and when you act of kindness will extend to the giver and brighten their day. Some ideas to get started:
Your thoughtfulness shows in everything you do.
To thoughtful you.... From thankful me.
How can I find the right words to thank you.
Your kindness and caring mean so much to me.
Thank you for being the person you are.
Thanks for being you.
I appreciate you and the things you do so much.
You always know the perfect thing to do to make me feel special.
These are just a small sample- make up some of your own and write, write, write.
Words From Nelson Mandella "Invictus"
I am the master of my fate.
I am the captain of my soul.
How do we inspire ourselves to greatness when nothing else will do?
These lines are from the movie Invictus. The lines inspired me and got me to thinking a little deeper. Hope they will do the same for you. Invictus means undefeated.
I am the captain of my soul.
How do we inspire ourselves to greatness when nothing else will do?
These lines are from the movie Invictus. The lines inspired me and got me to thinking a little deeper. Hope they will do the same for you. Invictus means undefeated.
HUGS
It's wondrous what a hug can do. A hug can cheer you when you're blue. A hug can say, "I love you so." Or, "gee, I hate to see you go." A hug is "welcome back again." And "great to see you! Where've you been?" Hugs are great for fathers and mothers. Sweet for sisters, swell for brothers. That hug! There's no doubt about it. We scarcely could survive without it. So stretch those arms out without delay. And give someone a hug today!!
Author Unknown
I just wanted to share a hug with you.
Author Unknown
I just wanted to share a hug with you.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Today is the first Day!
Today is the first day of the rest of your life.
Remember that sometimes life can give you lemons, so make lemonade.
Here I am again trying to adjust to another new job.
Why is it when you just get settled and find something that fits, someone new comes along and says that it doesn't.
So then you are forced to readjust and make the best of things.
In my case, I seem to always land on my feet just like a cat, but it's the fall that sometimes is scary.
So, when faced with new challenges, always look for the rainbow.
Remember that sometimes life can give you lemons, so make lemonade.
Here I am again trying to adjust to another new job.
Why is it when you just get settled and find something that fits, someone new comes along and says that it doesn't.
So then you are forced to readjust and make the best of things.
In my case, I seem to always land on my feet just like a cat, but it's the fall that sometimes is scary.
So, when faced with new challenges, always look for the rainbow.
Read, Read, Read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Literacy
1. Read in your home. Let your children see you reading; books, newspapers, magazines, mail, e-mails, etc.
2. Have a wide selection of printed materials easily accessible to everyone in the home. Simple materials could be: catalogs, junk mail, newspaper coupons, and free materials given out at community events.
3. Read aloud to your child regularly. Start when they are young and keep reading aloud, even when they are older. Everyone in the family should get involved. Getting your child used to reading out loud in the comfort of your home builds confidence in your child.
4. Create a special place for reading in a commonly shared room of the house. Turn off all distractions, and listen to your child read, this is a fun and exciting thing to do. While listening you can monitor fluency.
5. Get everyone involved and READING!!!!
Some wonderful ways to buy books are at the thrift stores and at the library. You can pick up used books from 25 cents to 1$. It is a fun way to spend the day as a family.
1. Read in your home. Let your children see you reading; books, newspapers, magazines, mail, e-mails, etc.
2. Have a wide selection of printed materials easily accessible to everyone in the home. Simple materials could be: catalogs, junk mail, newspaper coupons, and free materials given out at community events.
3. Read aloud to your child regularly. Start when they are young and keep reading aloud, even when they are older. Everyone in the family should get involved. Getting your child used to reading out loud in the comfort of your home builds confidence in your child.
4. Create a special place for reading in a commonly shared room of the house. Turn off all distractions, and listen to your child read, this is a fun and exciting thing to do. While listening you can monitor fluency.
5. Get everyone involved and READING!!!!
Some wonderful ways to buy books are at the thrift stores and at the library. You can pick up used books from 25 cents to 1$. It is a fun way to spend the day as a family.
Make the Right Choices
In life there are many things that we need to choose. What clothes to wear? What toothpaste to buy. But when it comes to real life issues, such as; should I steal? Should I follow what my peers are doing, when I know that it is wrong? Should I swear in class?
Because we live in a society that deems that we conform, one must make appropriate choices. One must put their own feelings and wants aside and do what society deems appropriate. Such as not stealing. We must always use constraint and common sense.
If we do not, then we must suffer the consequences.
Because we live in a society that deems that we conform, one must make appropriate choices. One must put their own feelings and wants aside and do what society deems appropriate. Such as not stealing. We must always use constraint and common sense.
If we do not, then we must suffer the consequences.
How to Make it all Work Out
The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous, "Yes."
The professor than produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--- Your family, your health, your children, your friends, and your favorite passions, your faith--- and if everything else was lost and only they remained your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter-- your job, your house, and your car.
The sand is everything else-- the small stuff.
"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play with your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your spouse out to dinner.
Eat dinner with the family at the table.
Relax in the front yard.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.
Take care of the golf balls first-- the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."
___________________________________________
I received this story from a special professor, who was wise beyond his years. He shared with me and now please share with someone you care about. And remember, leave the sand behind, unless you'er walking on the beach.
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous, "Yes."
The professor than produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--- Your family, your health, your children, your friends, and your favorite passions, your faith--- and if everything else was lost and only they remained your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter-- your job, your house, and your car.
The sand is everything else-- the small stuff.
"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play with your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your spouse out to dinner.
Eat dinner with the family at the table.
Relax in the front yard.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.
Take care of the golf balls first-- the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."
___________________________________________
I received this story from a special professor, who was wise beyond his years. He shared with me and now please share with someone you care about. And remember, leave the sand behind, unless you'er walking on the beach.
When You Thought I wasn't Looking
A special friend e-mailed me this poem. I thought I would share. I do not know who the author is, but it is a fantastic poem and all credit goes to whom ever wrote it.
When You Thought I Wasn't Looking
A message every adult should read because children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I say you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.
When you thought I wasn't looking, saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from our eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's alright to cry.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."
Remember: Someone is always watching.
When You Thought I Wasn't Looking
A message every adult should read because children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I say you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.
When you thought I wasn't looking, saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from our eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's alright to cry.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."
Remember: Someone is always watching.
On Time For School
What is the importance of being on time for school? Does chronic absenteeism and tardies really upset the flow of the school day? Mr. Paul Sena, a school principal researched and came up with these results.
On national average, children missed five days of school in kindergarten, 4.5 days in first and second grade, and 3.7 days in the third, fourth and fifth grade. Almost 14% of kindergartners, 12% of first and second graders, and 10% of third, fourth and fifth graders were at risk of absentees. They missed an average of 12 to 18 days during the school year. The term used in studies is "chronic absenteeism," but honestly, it should be identified as "habitual offenders." Now, I know that sounds harsh but, as a data-driven society, this too needs to be recognized and improved. We as a team of educators, parents, children and community, need to demonstrate concern and make changes to improve chronic/habitual absenteeism's and tardies in the early grades.
School attendance and punctuality are important factors in school success. Regular attendance and punctuality are expected of all students and necessary for achieving success. Classroom work missed can never be made up in a completely satisfactory manner. The educational value of the class activities is missed forever. Absences for annual reasons such as vacations, hunting and family visiting should be discouraged. Tardies for such reasons as "my alarm clock did not go off," "I couldn't get my children moving this morning," "I'm late most of the time anyway," and any late-night activity during the school week should be discouraged.
Inconsistent attendance and tardies in the early grades usually signal symptoms of possible problems in middle school and high school. Middle school and high school students placed in a chronic category of poor attendance or tardies usually have records indicating problematic behavior in the elementary school years. Parental responsibility is a key element in attempting to prevent student absenteeism and tardies at the primary and secondary level and should be implemented as early prevention and intervention for elementary children. Parents and the community need to not only read about, but speak out about, their concern of absenteeism and tardies. An open dialogue in the work place, home, church, shopping areas and restaurants is essential to reach out to parents who do not have the opportunity to read about prevention and intervention of absenteeism and punctuality in the early grades.
In summary, punctuality and daily attendance are integral parts of the learning experience and are required of all students to receive maximum benefit of the educational program. Absenteeism is a barrier that impedes student learning. Tardiness disrupts classroom routines and begins the day in a negative way for the student. Therefore, we clearly need to be proactive for early prevention or intervention of absenteeism and tardies in students' early school years.
On national average, children missed five days of school in kindergarten, 4.5 days in first and second grade, and 3.7 days in the third, fourth and fifth grade. Almost 14% of kindergartners, 12% of first and second graders, and 10% of third, fourth and fifth graders were at risk of absentees. They missed an average of 12 to 18 days during the school year. The term used in studies is "chronic absenteeism," but honestly, it should be identified as "habitual offenders." Now, I know that sounds harsh but, as a data-driven society, this too needs to be recognized and improved. We as a team of educators, parents, children and community, need to demonstrate concern and make changes to improve chronic/habitual absenteeism's and tardies in the early grades.
School attendance and punctuality are important factors in school success. Regular attendance and punctuality are expected of all students and necessary for achieving success. Classroom work missed can never be made up in a completely satisfactory manner. The educational value of the class activities is missed forever. Absences for annual reasons such as vacations, hunting and family visiting should be discouraged. Tardies for such reasons as "my alarm clock did not go off," "I couldn't get my children moving this morning," "I'm late most of the time anyway," and any late-night activity during the school week should be discouraged.
Inconsistent attendance and tardies in the early grades usually signal symptoms of possible problems in middle school and high school. Middle school and high school students placed in a chronic category of poor attendance or tardies usually have records indicating problematic behavior in the elementary school years. Parental responsibility is a key element in attempting to prevent student absenteeism and tardies at the primary and secondary level and should be implemented as early prevention and intervention for elementary children. Parents and the community need to not only read about, but speak out about, their concern of absenteeism and tardies. An open dialogue in the work place, home, church, shopping areas and restaurants is essential to reach out to parents who do not have the opportunity to read about prevention and intervention of absenteeism and punctuality in the early grades.
In summary, punctuality and daily attendance are integral parts of the learning experience and are required of all students to receive maximum benefit of the educational program. Absenteeism is a barrier that impedes student learning. Tardiness disrupts classroom routines and begins the day in a negative way for the student. Therefore, we clearly need to be proactive for early prevention or intervention of absenteeism and tardies in students' early school years.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Poems From A Great Teacher
Poems from a Great Teacher (Dr. Buscher)
These poems were given to me from a fantastic teacher; read, enjoy, and give some thought:
Desiderata-
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself,
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.Especially,do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;for in the face of all aridity and disenchantmentit is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery,and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful,
Strive to be happy.
Desiderata- Max Ehrmann- 1927
The Bottom Line
Face it.
Nobody owes you a living.
What you achieve or fail to achieve in your lifetimeis directly related to what you door fail to do.
No one chooses his parents or childhoodbut you can choose your own direction.
Everyone has problems and obstacles to overcomebut that too is relative to each individual.
Nothing is carved in stone.
You can change anything in your life,if you want to badly enough.
Excuses are for losers.
Those who take responsibility for their actionsare the real winners in life.
Winners meet life's challenges head onknowing there are no guaranteesand give it all they've got.
It's never too late or too early to begin.
Time plays no favoritesand will pass whether you act or not.
Take control of your life.Dare to dream and take risks.
If you aren't willing to work for your goals,don't expect others to.
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!
I hope you enjoyed reading the poems, they gave me inspiration and food for thought.I hope that you will read them and take what you need from them.
These poems were given to me from a fantastic teacher; read, enjoy, and give some thought:
Desiderata-
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself,
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.Especially,do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;for in the face of all aridity and disenchantmentit is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery,and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful,
Strive to be happy.
Desiderata- Max Ehrmann- 1927
The Bottom Line
Face it.
Nobody owes you a living.
What you achieve or fail to achieve in your lifetimeis directly related to what you door fail to do.
No one chooses his parents or childhoodbut you can choose your own direction.
Everyone has problems and obstacles to overcomebut that too is relative to each individual.
Nothing is carved in stone.
You can change anything in your life,if you want to badly enough.
Excuses are for losers.
Those who take responsibility for their actionsare the real winners in life.
Winners meet life's challenges head onknowing there are no guaranteesand give it all they've got.
It's never too late or too early to begin.
Time plays no favoritesand will pass whether you act or not.
Take control of your life.Dare to dream and take risks.
If you aren't willing to work for your goals,don't expect others to.
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!
I hope you enjoyed reading the poems, they gave me inspiration and food for thought.I hope that you will read them and take what you need from them.
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