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Challenge your students to read millions of words!

Register today for the Million Word Challenge:
www.millionwordchallenge.org

How Can a School/Agency Participate? Register your school/agency online at www.millionwordchallenge.org today.  The Campaign  launches on February 1, 2012.  There are limited spaces available so schools/agencies will be registered on a first-come, first-serve basis.        Implement the challenge in your school/agency following the guidelines. Schools/Agencies will have access to an online handbook to help with implementation.         Submit the name of your school/agency’s Million Word Challenge Winner by logging back onto www.millionwordchallenge.org in April 2012.         Each student winner receives a $50 gift certificate to purchase books at the Target Book Store at Festival of Books, which will take place at USC April 21 – 22, 2012. Students unable to attend Festival of Books will be able to use their gift card to purchase books at any Target store.  For additional information, please contact Colin Meng at (213) 201-3907 or at ctmeng@familiesinschools.org. Million Word Challenge participant challenges you to read outside of school!

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• Getting Ready for Read with Me: A 2-hour Read with Me training for new staff.
• Read with Me Again: A 2-hour Read with Me refresher training for staff already trained in the Read with Me program
• Read with Me Literacy Backpack:  Replace your Read with Me backpack with or without books.
• Read with Me Backpack Tags:  Replace you lost tags for your backpacks.
• Storysharing Tips:  Replace lost Storysharing tips for your Read with Me backpacks.

I have attached a Read with Me brochure for your information.  Please feel free to contact me at (213) 201-3905 or at lmiranda@familiesinschools.org to expand your Read with Me/Lea Conmigo program today.  I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Best Wishes,

Lupe Miranda

Lupe Miranda Program Assistant, Early Education and Family Literacy Families In Schools Web: www.familiesinschools.org Direct Number: (213) 201-3905 Main Office Number: (213) 201-3900 Email: lmiranda@familiesinschools.org

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Thank you for supporting literacy through Read with Me/Lea Conmigo, a family engagement program designed to improve the early literacy skills of infants and toddlers, preschool children, and students in kindergarten through 1^st grade. Expand your Read with Me program today for the low, one-time cost of $100 per student. Also, please feel free to contact us for other support services including:

• Getting Ready for Read with Me: A 2-hour Read with Me training for new staff.

• Read with Me Again: A 2-hour Read with Me refresher training for staff already trained in the Read with Me program
• Read with Me Literacy Backpack:  Replace your Read with Me backpack with or without books.
• Read with Me Backpack Tags:  Replace you lost tags for your backpacks.
• Storysharing Tips:  Replace lost Storysharing tips for your Read with Me backpacks.

CLICK HERE to Read with Me brochure for your information. 

Please feel free to contact me at (213) 201-3905 or at lmiranda@familiesinschools.org to expand your Read with Me/Lea Conmigo program today.  I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Best Wishes,

Lupe Miranda

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Tantrums are a normal part of development. Tantrums usually get fewer as the child matures. As children get older they learn to control their emotions and so do not have the frustration which can spark off a tantrum. Some children will have more tantrums than other children.

Tantrums can often be called temper tantrums but there can be other emotions that may cause your child to behave this way.

Things that may cause tantrums

Anger — is the one that is usually associated with tantrums. Your child is overloaded with anger and the tantrum is the pressure valve.

Frustration — either by not being understood as language skills are still being learned, or not being able to do a particular activity like tying buttons.

Not getting his or her own way — being refused something is a classic trigger. Whether it is sharing a toy or getting a snack too near to dinner time.

Lack of independence — your child may want to do things for himself and get upset when he is overruled. Things like tying your child into his car seat will often start a tantrum.

Attention seeking — this can happen when you give your child too much attention when he is having a tantrum. This teaches him that having a tantrum will get him your attention, avoid this situation! Give praise and attention for good behaviour.

Tired, uncomfortable or hungry — there is more chance of a tantrum when your child is already upset.

Tips on Avoiding Tantrums

Here are a few things to try to cut down on this type of behaviour -

Praise good behaviour — this one really encourages your child to behave well.

Be a good example — if you get angry quickly you are setting an example that your child will follow.

Offer alternatives — so your child feels that he has some control in his life. Ask what he wants to eat (for example, “Do you want peas or carrots with your lunch?”) or what outfit he wants to wear today.

Redirect your child’s attention — you will probably be able to tell when your child is getting worked up and will have a tantrum, divert his attention to something else before he gets too upset. Children of this age have a short attention span.

Avoid known triggers — avoid situations that start tantrums when you can. Try the 5 minute warning method of saying “It will be bedtime in 5 minutes, so you’ll need to think about tidying up.” That way the child knows that playtime is almost over.

Use age appropriate games and toys — this will allow your child to succeed and avoid tantrums caused by frustration of not being able to do an activity.

How to Deal with Tantrums

Sometimes you will be unable to avoid tantrums; here are a few ideas to help you deal with the situation.

Keep calm — the most important one, even if you are not calm try to appear that you are — it really does help.

Ignore the behaviour — works best at the very start of a tantrum. Walk away and pretend not to notice, avoid giving attention to this undesirable behaviour.

Redirect his attention — often you can distract a toddler before the tantrum is full on, try “seeing something very interesting” somewhere else.

Hold your child — and talk with a calm, quiet voice. Again this only works at the start, once the tantrum is in full flow it can make things worse.

Time out — once the tantrum is really going and you feel that you may lose your temper it can be a good idea to move your child somewhere safe where you can leave him for a few moments (not for longer than 2 minutes and only once the child is over 18 months). For school age children you can send them to their rooms and they can come out when they have cooled down and are ready to behave. This gives them some control too. Time out works best for children who understand why it is being used.

Do not try to reason with a child who is having a tantrum.

Top Tip — once the tantrum is over do not hold a grunge. Cuddle your child and make up.

Be consistent. So that your child understands that having a tantrum does not get him what he wants and you will not change your mind because of it.

by Catherine Calder

Catherine Calder has compiled an amazing course that brings together all the best parenting information. Proven techniques which are easy to use. Have successful, happy kids and be a relaxed, confident parent!

For more information visit http://www.LearnAndDo.com

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Kids are always wanting to make mom a gift for Mother’s Day. They want something that is all their own, without much help from anyone, so here are some ideas that are both inexpensive and easy for them.

A home-made jewelry box: Give the child a small paper mache box – sort of like a jewelry box, any shape with a lid. Now, put down some newspaper, put acrylic paints, brushes, glitter, buttons, charms, ribbon or lace, glue, colored markers or crayons down on the paper, and let your child do the work. You will be surprised what they can come up with.

They can also use the same materials to make a card for Mom on Mother’s Day. Just get a thick card stock to fold in half so they can decorate it. You can also use poster board and help them make a big “Happy Mother’s Day” sign, to greet her in the morning with.

Another idea is to get some cheap plastic beads with big holes, some string and let them make a matching set of bracelets and a necklace for mom.

Decoration: Cut out hearts of red, pink, lavender paper or poster board, color it, put glitter on it and hang them all over the house.

Modeling clay is always a nice medium to play with. There are clays that only need to dry in the air and need no baking at all. Modeling clay allows your child to form anything that comes to mind. They can use their imagination with no limits, except for the limits of the clay. Once the project is dry, your child can paint it or dress it up any way they want. It is an inexpensive way and fun way of letting your child make and give of their heart to their mom on Mother’s Day.

Check your local craft shop for other project ideas that are appropriate for this age group. Take your little one to the store and let them decide what they want to make for mommy. Just remember to read the age group limit on the outside of the box.

Always remember to supervise the children, especially with glue, paint and scissors around.

About the Author

Writer Bio: Nicola Kennedy has enjoyed some great Mother’s Days, both as a grateful mom and a loving daughter. She can help you get the best out of Mother’s Day with tips and news, information and views at http://www.I-Love-My-Mom.com.

Article From: A&CNet Art & Craft Article Directory

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Preschool education also provides an ideal platform for your child to excel in school. There are numerous ways to impart preschool learning to your child. Before starting the lessons, learn about your child’s personality and select a method which is ideal for your child’s personality.

1) Never ignore the doubts of your child.

Your child will have numerous doubts during the preschool years. In fact, through these doubts your child is indulging in preschool learning. Sometimes the questions your child asks may well irritate you. Never get irritated. Try to answer all the questions in a simple way. Remember, if your child is asking questions then he/she is learning. Never fool your child, always provide the right answers.

2) Talk with your child.

When you are talking to your child you are unknowingly imparting the basic lessons in language. Always talk about the activities in which your child indulges. The child will be more interested in listening to them. For example, your child plays with a doll daily but never knows that it has a name. When you talk to the child and use the word ‘doll’ the child starts to think and then understands that things have a name.

3) Providing books with pictures.

Providing your child with books having large print and pictures are an important aspect of preschool learning. Your child begins to relate words and pictures through these books. When you talk about the pictures the child understands more so read the book to your child and show the pictures relating to the story.

4) Buying alphabet letters.

For your child the alphabet letters in the beginning will be a toy. But when you make words with them the child starts to understand the link between spoken word and written word.

5) Physical activity.

Preschool learning is not all about gathering information and developing skills. Researchers have shown that a child’s physical activity is linked to academic education.Play with your child and allow he/she to chase you. Give the child something to pull. These physical activities aids the childs brain developement.

6) Educational videos.

Simple and fun filled educational videos provide the opportunity to gather information and to acquire skills. Introducing the child to a foreign language through videos and CDs helps in acquiring different language skills.

7) Computers.

Providing your child with computers can help in getting accustomed to keyboards and monitors. Fun filled educational software can be used to impart simple skills.

While indulging preschool learning, try to avoid the use of violent games and scenes as this can corrupt the mind of a child. There are numerous organizations providing information on preschool learning but, it is always wise to take the advice of professionals as preschool education is crucial in a child’s development.”

Author Description

Thomas Hobbs is a parent of two children who has written a poweful preschool handbook that will enable parents to light up the eyes of their eager,creative and thinking children. Find out how the children in your life can expand their horizons. For a free report visit http://mykidspreschool.com now

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Years ago, simply asking a friend or neighborhood teen to babysit for you was as easy as picking up the phone. Or you might have found an advertisement in the local newspaper. But with day care centers and providers springing up like daisies, the choices today are far and wide.

Don’t worry! Finding the right day care provider need not be an insurmountable task. References from friends are still a great way to locate a reputable center. Local newspaper classifieds will have ads run by small family-type childcare providers. The internet provides access to informative websites posted by larger entrepreneurial day care providers which will have information on their qualifications, licensing, pricing, etc. Your local chapter of CCR&R (Child Care Resource and Referral) is a free service that provides guidance by phone, in person and on the internet to assist you in locating a childcare provider, based on your zip code.

Once you determine what type of day care you need – in-home, drop-in, part time or full time – there are several guidelines to follow. We all know that a picture is worth a thousand words, and in this case, a visit to the prospective center is highly recommended. If possible, make it a surprise visit. You’ll see how they treat the children, how discipline and cleanliness issues are handled and how crowded the various areas are. Even a short visit will give you a sense of how the center is run.

In addition to visiting the facility (or while you’re there), obtain references and find the answer to as many of these questions as possible.

Qualifications:

Is the facility licensed? Is it up to date? Are the Director and teachers qualified to run a day care facility? Do they have bachelor’s degrees in a child related field? Have the teachers worked in child care for at least one year? Has the Director worked in child care for at least two years? What level of training or experience do the aides have? Does the staff show a genuine love for children or is this just a job?

Supervision:

Does the provider or center have enough supervision? Are the children supervised even when they are sleeping? How many caregivers are there at all times? Have the caregivers had background checks? Is there a high turnover of teachers and/or aides? What is your standard method of discipline? What do you do if the discipline doesn’t get the desired result?

Schedules:

Is there a daily schedule of activities? Are there structured activities as well as play time? Is there scheduled nap time or quiet time for those who don’t sleep? How often are children taken to the bathroom? What kind of foods and snacks are offered?

Inside Facilities:

Are the tables and chairs generally clean and not sticky? Is there a bathroom available for older children to use to wash their hands after toileting and before meals? Are the diapering areas clean and the diapers disposed of in a proper manner? Are the children up to date on their immunizations and are these records available? Are toxic materials locked away and poison information posted? Are medications kept safely out of reach of the children?

Outside Facilities:

Are the playgrounds and play areas kept clean and in good repair? Is the sandbox clean? Is the playground surrounded by a fence? Are the toys age-appropriate?

Emergencies:

Is there an emergency plan in place if a child gets hurt or lost? Is there a first aid kit on the premises? Does the staff know CPR and first aid? Do they practice fire drills? Is there a program in place for disasters such as earthquake and/or tornado?

This list may seem excessive at first, but a visit to the day care center or family home will tell you a lot about the surroundings, and the answers you get to your questions will tell you whether this is the place for your child. Follow your instincts! A concerned parent must take care to ensure the safety and well being of her child, even if it means asking some uncomfortable questions of the day care provider.

Karen Fusco is the co-author of “Busy Moms: The Heart and Soul of a Home“, an ebook filled with time-saving and stress-reducing tips and ideas to help build a stronger home, a stronger family and a stronger you. Karen can be reached at karen@busymombook.com.

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Elementary School math can be a challenge for students. This is especially true when kids are taught how to get the right answers to problems, but aren’t taught why their answers are correct. That’s why math manipulatives are a fantastic tool for teaching the basic mathematical operations in a way that makes sense to kids. Place value, number sense, addition, subtraction, multiplication and long division are just a few examples of mathematical concepts that can be better taught, and understood, using a hands-on approach.

Hands-on math tools are a “must have” for anyone who’s trying to teach elementary school math. Without an understanding of the mathematical processes involved in problem solving the correct answers are meaningless. A teacher should try their best to help kids understand their answers. Math should make sense.

Some parents and educators don’t know where to begin when it comes to teaching kids what to do with a math manipulative. Luckily, this is a hurdle that is easy to get over in today’s information age. Activity books, guides, lesson plans and practical application for hands-on math are readily available. They help guide any teacher though many activities that can accompany great hands-on resources. All the work is already done for you. All you need to do is round up the materials, copy the lesson plans and worksheets and follow the instructions. You’ll be amazed at how quickly kids begin to understand how to get the right answers. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to teach math better than you were likely taught.

The internet is another valuable resource when it comes to figuring out how to teach with math manipulatives. A simple internet search will uncover lesson plans and valuable suggestions that incorporate hands-on tools for teaching mathematics. You’ll also discover a wide selection of products including Base Ten Blocks, math games, fraction circles, Cuisennaire Rods and much more. A simple search will open up all the possiblities you can explore when using these, and other, hands-on math resources.

When I was a child I was lucky if my text book included an illustration for the mathematical process being taught. Now, the materials available for understanding the mathematical processes are excellent and varied. We can teach so much more than our math teachers taught us when we use math manipulatives.

If you’re trying to uncover the best way to teach elementary school math you want to invest in some good math manipulatives. This investment should include the best possible resources. My favorite hands-on resource for teaching elementary math is a set of Base Ten Blocks. So many math concepts can be taught efficiently and easily with the investment in this inexpensive, easy to use set of materials. You’ll use them all year long and for many years to come. They’ll make you a better teacher. They’ll make learning easier and more meaningful for your students.

When learners have the chance to understand basic mathematic principles they will experience greater success when it comes to computation and math reasoning. You’ll get real results that reflect true understanding. Check out the ways you can teach math better using hands-on materials. Explore the possibilities with an eager mind that’s ready to learn. It’s an investment you won’t regret.

Author Description

By Alisa Clark. Alisa E. Clark, an educator for over 10 years with a Master’s Degree in Reading Education, reviews and consults with companies and schools districts about the latest tools and programs to enhance student learning. Her web site is at http://www.basetenblocks.com.

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