Make Writing Fun

Wow, that can be a tall order.  So often kids get caught up in telling the "right" story, i.e. the story they think we adults want to hear.  Or the act of writing, forming letters with enough clarity that others can actually read them, trips them up.

This article lists some important things parents can do to help their children become good writers: http://www.pbs.org/parents/experts/archive/2013/01/a-recipe-for-raising-great-wri.html

It's important for all of us to remember the developmental progression, as the author outlines.  One other important consideration is to remember where each child is developmentally, regardless of their age and/or intelligence.  If we push too much or expect results too quickly, that will turn what should be an interesting and fun activity into just another chore to be gotten through as fast as possible.

This is another reason toys that build imagination are so critical, stories are full of rich meaning and children understand this at a young age.  They are so much more than recitation of facts.  Stories help children make inferences as to what is happening beneath the surface, so that they can better understand the subtleties of human interaction and thus build their social-emotional skills.

By breaking down writing into its smaller stages and helping children achieve competence and mastery at each stage, we can give them skills which will enhance their relationships over a lifetime.

Hooray for Recess!

"Safe and properly supervised recess offers children cognitive, physical, emotional and social benefits," the statement said. "It should be used as a complement to physical education classes, not a substitute, and whether it's spent indoors or outdoors, recess should provide free, unstructured play or activity. The AAP recommends that recess should never be withheld as a punishment, as it serves as a fundamental component of development and social interaction that students may not receive in a more complex school environment."

The above quote appeared in the American Academy of Pediatrics' policy statement that was recently released.  (A link to the full article on the CBS News website is here:  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57561430/recess-a-crucial-part-of-school-day-says-american-academy-of-pediatrics/ ) 

I could not agree more.  Play is so fundamental to who we are as human beings and to how we learn.  It forms the basis for physical ability, mental acuity, social competence and emotional intelligence.  

That being said, schools often cut recess when their budgets are cut.  While many families are able to supplement recess time with adult directed activities such as swimming, martial arts, sports, dance, gymnastics, music, etc., the crucial skills that recess builds are not always addressed during these activities.  Other families, due to work schedules, limited family funds, or other reasons, are not as able to provide these activities.  It has become such an issue in this country that even entities such as the National Football League are promoting their "Play 60" advertisements.  When I was a kid (okay, here I go on the way back machine), it was never a question whether we would go out and play, it was only a question of when, for how long and with whom.  When Mom said "don't come in unless it's dark or you're bleeding", she wasn't kidding.  

We need recess.  It allows kids to develop their motor skills and physical fitness, but also their social/emotional fitness and ability to cooperate, develop relationships with others, and come up with and develop their own ideas of play.  

Thank you, American Academy of Pediatrics, for advocating for this crucial time! 

Processing the Unthinkable

Ever since the tragic events at the elementary school in Connecticut we have been attempting to make sense of what happened and, more importantly, to figure out how to help our children maintain their sense of self and safety.

It's often difficult to know what to say, especially to young children.  Here are a couple of links to sites that offer ideas for how to talk with the children in our lives:

http://www.sesameworkshop.org/assets/1192/src/HereForEachOther_vEng2012Modified.pdf

This was developed by the people who bring us Sesame Street, with characters that your child may be familiar with.  Elmo's voice may be a good counterpoint to the 24 hour news cycle.

Another resource comes from the Unitarian Universalist Association and has links to a number of sites:

 http://uua.org/safe/response/117164.shtml

There are many other resources available to us.  The most important thing is to begin the discussion, and thus the healing.

Much love to you all.