Just in case you missed our annual holiday newsletter here it is..
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Category: Education
The Power of Imaginary Play
I love to listen to kids play. Especially when they are playing “pretend”. It often is a treat for me to still hear neighborhood kids yell, “Ships Ahoy”, as they imagine themselves as pirates while traversing the backyards on our street. I can’t help think during this holiday season that the best gifts often are not store bought, but the ones we throw together to help foster a childs’ imagination!
The other night during the 411 VOICES SPOTLIGHT radio show, the guests and I discussed the value of home made objects to be used during play. Here is what we decided were perennial favorites for toddlers up through the elementary years.
A BOX. Nothing beats a box that once held a dishwasher but now becomes a fort! Cut out the sides for windows or the side flaps and you have a spaceship, car, or ship! Add some paint, crayons, string and a makeshift flag, if you want!
Many years ago for our daughter’s fourth birthday party I took computer paper boxes and turned them in to Thomas the Tank Engines. Each child was on the of trains and we made a track out of chalk on our driveway. Add some cheap bells from any craft store and you have a whole fleet of trains chugging around the track! To this day it is heralded by those who attended as one of the simplest parties with the most laughter attended by preschoolers!
Don’t discount a shoebox either! These handy little boxes can be made in to Polly Pocket dollhouses or action hero vehicles with some basic craft supplies and ingenuity!
NOTE: Boxes are also great to use during group exercises by schools and groups (such as scouts) for lessons, team building and more. Think creatively as children can map out stories and integrate ideas from others by using this different writing medium! Ah.. I love boxes.
TUPPERWARE, OLD PANS, PLASTIC KITCHEN TOOLS and a FLOOR! Who needs musical instruments when you can hand a child a set of kitchen accessories to make an orchestra come alive! Key is to not give a child anything that can break and be harmful, nor something you treasure! So, leave the good stuff in the drawers!
DRESS UP- Empty your closet of all the crazy clothes you bought in the 80’s, 90’s and early miellenium and let your child have fun literally walking in your shoes. Let them pretend to be the business person, teacher, parent , etc. Don’t forget the hats, shoes and gloves! (And by all means the camera!!)
In closing, childhood is such a short time in the grand spectrum of things. So, go ahead and let the kids in your lives be just that- kids! And, if so inclined, sneak a peek, a picture and listen carefully to the magic of “KID-dom”.
Personal Finance and other courses which should be mandated for High Schoolers
I believe that we need to get back to basics with some of our educational programming. I don’t mean that we should shun technology or not use innovation. What I truly want to see integrated in to curriculum are the basics of survival in 2012. If I were to write state-wide mandated curriculum it would include the following, even as short courses:
1. Personal Finance. How to balance a checkbook, write checks, keep track of expenditures, make a budget and live within your means. When the credit card is for “emergencies” this means to use when the car breaks down or a fire has happened in your home. Shoe shopping is NOT an emergency! My hope is that if personal finance is taught then the amount of people who have filed for bankruptcy will decline in the future.
2. Nutrition and wellness. How many calories actually are in the fast foods we eat so often? How can you cook from home in a healthy manner. What symptoms should result in calling the doctor?
3. How to use your brain and not your calculator. I swear that if a person can’t make change from $2 for a purchase that is $1.79 without using the automated cash register or calculator then they should stop working in retail. Why? Because, it only takes one power outage or computer glitch to ruin a business due to a whole staff who may be math illiterate.
4. How to put gas in your car and other car service information. Unless you live in New Jersey- you must know how to fill your car. Flat tire.. don’t wait for car service. It can be hours until they arrive.
5. CPR and other basic life saving information. The life you save could be that of your family member or best friend, so take the time and learn the basics.
6. What to do in an emergency weather situation. How many times have we seen people stuck in their cars due to trying to drive through flooded roads?
7. How to answer the phone, make business calls and other ways to interact with people, including public speaking. “Ya know” is not professional language and saying it while chewing gum doesn’t help.
8. Resume writing. There will come a time when many will need this skill. So let’s learn it before it is too late!
9. How to WRITE a note. There are times in your life that a real card expressing thanks, sympathy or congratulations will be necessary. Learn to write more than two lines and be genuine before you graduate from High School.
10. How to volunteer. Some states require that students should have service hours to graduate. What some learn is that you show up to volunteer but don’t really learn anything. To be a real volunteer you should show passion and compassion. This is an art form and apparently for some, needs to be taught and not just acquired.
The True Value of a One Cent Stamp
Today is the Tuesday after Labor Day. This shouldn’t mean much other than the line at the local Post Office was longer than usual. I arrived mid-afternoon only to find a minimum of a ten minute wait. Two elementary school aged brothers stood in front of me, standing patiently until it was their turn. Once they made it to the front of the line the older one simply announced to the clerk, ” I’ll have two one-cent stamps please. One for myself and then my brother wants one, too.”
Slowly he placed a single penny on to the counter. His brother followed suit and then chimed in confidently stating, “I’d like a receipt, too, please!”
Today the ” value” of a US one-cent stamp was priceless. 
What a week! Tommy Jordan, Hunter Spanjer, Clint Eastwood and guest name “Issac” all made the news!
This has been a really strange news cycle week. We started the week with Hurricane Issac wreaking havoc in the gulf (and still is) to stories on ABC NEWS program 20/20 about a father, Tommy Jordan, who decided to discipline his daughter and her “potty mouth” by destroying her computer one gunshot at a time! In between we had the news of Hunter Spanjer, a three year old child who was asked not to use his given American Sign Language name sign in his preschool program because it resembled a “gun” motion. (See video and links to responses from public organizations below). We also witnessed Clint Eastwood talking to the Invisible President during the Republican National Convention. The ONLY thing that seemed to make sense this week was the event that was the most random- a hurricane! The rest just seemed to make me want to shake my head. So, let’s dissect them, briefly.
Hurricane Issac- Glad to see that some lessons were learned from Hurricane Katrina. However, I still have a hard time fathoming why people ignore mandatory evacuations and then end up putting First Responders in harms way when they need to be rescued.
Dad shoots up daughter’s computer. I can fully understand when a parent becomes so frustrated that they act a bit “out of the box” in order to made an impression upon their child/ teen. (I am NOT talking corporal punishment here, let’s be clear)
Such is the case of Tommy Jordan who found out that his daughter had posted a message disrespecting all of her “parental units” with language that may make a sailor blush! Here is the video of how the dad thought that shooting his daughter’s computer was a solution. (Notice that the number of views is in the millions)
I thought about this all night and kept coming to the same conclusion… How did it come to this? Where were all the other conversations of when this child started using “peppered language”? I guess the thing that upset me the most was that there were soooo many guns in his home. Which led me to worry about gun laws in our country. In the wake of the Aurora shootings and so many others, I just couldn’t help thinking that we must find a “happy medium” when it comes to guns and still keep our families safe!
The result of watching the video last night. No sleep and this blog.
NEXT….
Hunter’s Name Sign. Ok, this video (see below) really hit a nerve with me. As a Psychologist who has worked with deaf preschool children for eons, I cannot believe this story! Young Hunter is about to enter a preschool program. His name in American Sign Language alphabet is with the letter H (see below). He uses an adaptive form of his name sign that is wiggling the letter H. The staff at his preschool (Grand Island) determined that this resembled him using a weapon and forbid him from using his own sign language name. HE IS THREE YEARS OLD and DEAF!
Here is the original post I read by the HUFFINGTON POST: Click here to read
National Association for the Deaf’ (NAD) posted the following on their website: Click here to read
I posted this on my SIGNING FAMILIES FACEBOOK page and this is some of what others had to say….
“This is stupid beyond words”
“The administration obviously has no clue what the ADA is about, nor a Least Restrictive Environment.”
“As if he doesn’t have enough obstacles…’
LASTLY….
Clint Eastwood talks to an Invisible Chair – I really am speechless when it comes to this news story. It just makes me want to cringe. But, instead I have now made a decision to not listen, read or view any negative political rhetoric. Enough said.
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So, did this week’s news stories make your head spin, too?
NEW on my shelf and in my KINDLE… ah.. random joys…
Summer is a great time to curl up poolside with a book or magazine. Here is what is sitting on my summer reading bookshelf this month. Note to readers- the list is as random as the writer!
The MOMMY MD GUIDE- GUIDE TO YOUR BABY’S FIRST YEAR
by Rallie McAllister, MD and Jennifer Bright Reich. (Available Amazon. Twitter as @MommyMdGuides)
I had NO IDEA what to expect when this book arrived. I was approached by the authors who thought that my blog may be a great fit for a review. I had a preconceived notion that it would be a traditional parenting guide with some step by step directions of how to care for your baby. Color me WRONG!
This book is clever, unique and educational. Written with the input from the personal experiences of dozens of physicians and other medical professionals, all who write about their own personal journeys into parenthood. These vignettes are then juxtaposed with sound advice on topics ranging from breastfeeding to developmental milestones. The Psychologist in me LOVED THIS BOOK! In fact, it is now on my list of books to give as a baby gift for rookie parents and suggest for early intervention programs to place in to their infant-toddler lending libraries. Wonderfully written. Easy to read. A++ . Bravo!
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THE NEW RICKI LAKE MAGAZINE and RICKI LAKE Book- NEVER SAY NEVER I think it really is awesome that there is a community of people from all over the world who have one common link this year – They are Friends of Ricki – a group based on social media bonding! Banded together as fans of the timeless and quirky actress, Ricki Lake (who I LOVED in HAIRSPRAY ). Her social network groups are genius. Her magazine is engaging. Her book is a must read. Frankly, it is so raw and honest you almost feel guilty for reading it!
Ricki– I love all of the energy your team has built from your groups to your magazine. And, I can’t wait to see you back on the air starting September 10th!
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LITTLE GREEN by Arnold Rudnick is the second book I have reviewed for this author. This preschool – early elementary level book is based on the concept that one should accept themselves for who they are, including their limitations. Beautifully illustrated it is a good conversation starter for parents and children. I can see this book being a wonderful addition on bookshelves of families who have children with special needs or considerations.
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This next book I adored! I love the concept that you can find smiley faces in common objects throughout our natural environment. That is the premise of the children’s book , THE SMILEY BOOK OF COLORS. Children and parents can read about colors on common objects – which make a smiley picture! There is one draw back of this book… it is addictive. Now, I find myself looking for spontaneous smileys EVERYWHERE! Below is a video of my “findings” and the authors, Ruth Kaiser. I also inserted some real kids smiling! As a side note, I recently met Ruth at the premier of the new RICKI LAKE SHOW. She is as wonderful in person as her book! And, she has a beautiful smile!
Autistic Children and Water Safety
H20- Water. A very common element in our world. Often to be admired from a sandy shore used to quench a thirst or to bathe. However, for children with Autism- water represents a much different element. It is soothing. Calming. Therapeutic. Quiet. And, sometimes dangerous.
Children on the spectrum have for years been offered water therapy to help with sensory integration, enhance communication skills, and improve socialization. There is no doubt that water therapy is often essential in helping children with Autism and I have seen for myself the outstanding benefits. Yet, because water is often familiar and a preferred environment for these children, it can pose significant concerns.
Note that it has been reported that over 50% of children with Autism wander, also known as elopement*. This is why if a child is missing in your neighborhood or school- check local pools and other waterways- quickly! Annually, children with Autism who have fled a scene due to curiosity or fear are sadly found on the bottom of pools. For some states, such as Florida, promotions for water safety courses for children with special needs have been implemented. What a wonderful idea! BRAVO!
First Responders, who have attended my presentations are often surprised to learn how a child with Autism may flee. Many are unaware that during an emergency or even something as commonplace as a child pulling a fire alarm by accident, they need to be extra mindful of keeping tabs on children with special needs. Often EMS learn for the first time about the threat water poses to children who have heightened sensory awareness. They often are unaware that Autistic children may use water/pools as a way to seek calm and quiet from the chaos that ensues during school evacuations or other emergencies.
I have found several interesting references and articles. Here are just a few:
Discover the Mission of San Juan Capistrano
Today I spent a glorious morning with a friend at the Mission of San Juan Capistrano. Located in Orange County, minutes from I-5 and the beaches, this is a little slice of heaven. San Juan Capistrano is known for the annual flight of the swallows, but also for this distinguished mission which dates back to 1775. The Mission itself has a deep history which you can read on their website. I love a great historical site, but for me today was all about the photography.
What fascinates me about this Mission is how the architecture, including the famous bells, are juxtapose with sublime gardens. A photographers dream landscape. Also, the gardens are tended by volunteers , aptly named Gardening Angels – who today were especially helpful in teaching me the names of flowers and plants indigenous to my new Southern California home.
If you have a few spare moments, walk the rest of the town and check out the coffee shop near the train tracks and petting zoo.
Lastly, don’t forget your camera!
To learn more about the Mission of San Juan Capistrano click HERE
For information about the mission throughout California, click HERE
DOGGLES
I don’t usually post about canine products. But, after our dog was diagnosed with panus, an autoimmune condition that effects the eyes, we were sent to locate DOGGLES. Basically, groovy eyewear for dogs!
Most people are astonished, as were we, that our White German Shepherd, Tess, would tolerate them, let alone keep them on. But, she did and seems to sport them proudly.
The most interesting part of her having to wear DOGGLES is the reaction of others. Some just laugh, others are curious and full of questions and a few thought we were being way to “indulgent”.
DOGGLES are easy to locate at DOGGLES.com
By the way- I received ZERO compensation for this blog or mention of DOGGLES. I just thought others may learn and need such information.
