A woman was complaining one day that when she arrived to pick up her four year old, she was “just dancing.” We think that the following poem by Anita Wadley is the perfect response to this statement. This is a favorite among teachers of young children for sure! Thank you Anita!
JUST PLAYING
When I’m building in the block room, please don’t say I’m “Just Playing.”
For you see, I’m learning as I play about balances and shapes.
Who knows, I may be an architect some day.
When I’m getting all dressed up; setting the table, caring for the babies,
Don’t get the idea I’m “Just Playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play;
I may be a mother or father some day.
When you see me sitting in a chair, reading to an imaginary audience.
Please don’t laugh and think I’m “Just Playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play;
I may be a teacher someday.
When you see me combing the bushes for bugs,
Or packing my pockets with choice things I find; don’t pass it off as “Just Play.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play:
I may be a scientist someday.
When you see me engrossed in a puzzle or some “plaything” at my school,
Please don’t feel the time is wasted.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play. I’m learning to solve problems and concentrate.
I may be in business some day.
When you see me cooking or tasting foods,
Please don’t think that because I enjoy it, it is “Just Play.”
I’m learning to follow directions and see differences.
I may be a cook someday.
When you see me learning to skip, hop, run and move my body;
Please don’t say I’m “Just Playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play; I’m learning how my body works.
I may be a doctor, nurse or athlete someday.
When you asked me, what I’ve done at school today,
And I say “I just played”; please don’t misunderstand me.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning to enjoy and be successful in my work;
I’m preparing for tomorrow.
Today, I am a child and my work is play.
Hope you enjoyed the poem, and for you adults too…………..take some time to “Just Play” today!
~ Jackie & Jo-Jo
On a recent episode of Dr. Phil, there was a discussion on stay at home moms vs working moms. The point coming out of this whole show was that you have to do what is right for you and your family, everyone has their own unique set of circumstances. Basically, there is no right or wrong and people on both sides of the issue should feel good about what they’re doing.
The old saying “it takes a village to raise a child” has taken on a new meaning these days. The “village” has now expanded to include daycare providers, babysitters, and nannies. Families are not in close proximity like they used to be and people don’t know their neighbors as well.
We have written the book Dear Daycare Parent to help those parents who have decided to go the daycare route be more informed and hopefully feel more comfortable with their choice. It’s our hope to find a publisher soon so we can share our many years of experience with you!
~ Jackie & Jo-Jo
Many parents have asked for recipes that we’ve made in the classroom. Since it’s apple picking season here in New England, we thought we’d share this apple dumpling recipe that’s always been a big hit with the kids.
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Bisquick
- 1/3 Cup Whole Milk
- 6 Apples, peeled and cut up (not too small)
- 3/4 Cup Water
- 1/4 Cup sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
Topping:
- 1 Tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Mix the Bisquick and milk and set aside. Put the apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon in a large saucepan and cook on medium high. Before the apples get too “mushy”, drop the dumpling mixture on top by tablespoons. Cook on low 10 minutes, uncovered. Then cook another 10 minutes covered. The dumplings should rise.
When done, melt the butter and stir in the nutmeg and sugar. Spread on top of the dumplings and ENJOY!!!
MMMMMMMMMMMMM! Think we’ll go make some!
- Jackie & Jo-Jo
So here we are coming upon flu season again, this year in particular we are concerned with the H1N1 strain. One of the biggest preventative measures being stressed is “wash your hands frequently!” A reader recently sent me information about the dangers of the alcohol-based hand sanatizers to children. Upon researching this, it appears that good old soap and water is by far the most effective and safe method. The hand sanitizers should only be considered an adjunct. It is also best to keep the sanitizers away from young children as swallowing or licking the ingredients in them can be harmful. You can check out more about this at www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/sanatizer.asp as an e mail has been circulating about the harmful effects of hand sanatizers on small children.
So, here’s what we tell the children in daycare. When washing your hands, use plenty of soap and sing the HAPPY BIRTHDAY song to yourself twice while washing. When they are done singing , they should have had enough time to sufficiently cleanse. Hands are washed before snack and lunch, upon coming in from outdoor play, and of course after using the bathroom.
Wishing you all a healthy season!
- Jackie & Jo-Jo
It’s picture time at school and it brings to mind a very cute story. Children go through phases with things that catch their interest, they can even get quite obsessed at times. An example of this was seen in a four year old who totally idolized his older brother and wanted to be just like him. Big brother had a helmet he wore for football and whenever he would leave it lying around, little brother would wear it. When his brother entered high school, he passsed the helmet on to him. Well, this little four year old was thrilled and wore it everywhere! If an adult asked him to remove it, he would have a tantrum. Knowing it was a phase, the school chose to ignore it and the mother was grateful for their patience. The child wore this helmet everyday taking it off only to eat and rest.
When picture day rolled around, his mom tried to reason with the child asking him to take the helmet off for his photo. The child refused. When his turn came, there he was sporting the helmet. After a few shots, the photographer asked the child if his brother had his picture taken with his helmet on too. The child paused and said “Oh no! He took it off and held it in his arm like this.” Taking off the helmet, he held it under his arm. The photographer quickly snapped the picture. Many years have gone by now, but that picture in particular is still a family favorite. Not only did it show the little boy’s true character, but how much he loved and idolized his brother!
It’s a reminder to us all, that we need to be more open and patient and show more appreciation for the unique qualities in each of us.
- Jackie and Jo-Jo
Several years ago a mom and her daughter stopped in to visit a year after they had left the program. Her daughter was in Kindergarten. She asked us to pass along some very interesting advice to the newer parents of children in preschool. We’d like to share her thoughts on teaching children self-reliance.
While pointing to her child she said, “If I knew then what I know now, I would have done things totally different her last year here at preschool!”
She felt she had done her daughter a big injustice by doing everything for her at the end of the day. She recalled all the times she came in and collected all her child’s things, packed them up, and even carried them out. Of course many parents do this as a means to move things along and save time. She felt she should have taken the time to encourage her child to be responsible for her own stuff.
She went on to say that now that her child is in public school, she has forgotten everything from her coat to her lunchbox. Through her own frustration, she said, “You’ve got to tell parents not to do it all for their children the last year of preschool!”
Her thought was that if they could initially at least put their lunchbox in their backpack and gradually progress to do a little more, it will make them more self-sufficient. These words of wisdom have been passed along to other parents through the years. All agreed it was advice well taken and it made pick up time a lot easier. That guided self-reliance also lead to an easier transition to the public school years.
- Jackie & Jo-Jo
There was a disturbing article on MSNBC called Tutoring Tots? Kids Prep for Kindergarten. Why on earth are four and five year olds being tutored? Preschool should be setting them up for the academic learning that should begin in kindergarten. Preschool is a time for nurturing personal, social, and emotional development as well as communication, creative, and physical skills. Allowing children to dsicover and freely explore within these areas is the foundation for developmental learning. It is sad that kindergarten classrooms are more structured strictly for academics with materials such as blocks, water tables, and dramatic play areas slowly disappearing. Even preschoolers as young as two are being evaluated for what they can and cannot do!
Why are children being hurried along so? An excellent book on this subject is called the Hurried Child by David Elkind. It gives a good review of child development and discusses how children are now being hurried along by parents, schools and the media. As the parent you need to make an informed decision when picking a preschool facility. Is it based on a nurturing approach with developmentally appropriate activities or are they stressing academics? Which is right for your child?
You have to decide for yourself, but we ask……………what’s the hurry?
- Jackie & Jo-Jo
Turns out our parents demands of “get out and play!” were not only wise, but good for us too!
In an article in the Washington Post, it talks about how millions of children are lacking Vitamin D which causes an increase in health risks such as heart disease, diabetes and bone problems. This isn’t surprising considering sun exposure is the best source of this vitamin. Children are increasingly engaged in indoor activities and can be found in front of t.v. and computer screens. And let’s not forget the popularity of the Wii! Then there are the companies making a fortune off of sunscreen who have us all believing that if we don’t slather that lotion on constantly we’ll end up with skin cancer! Note, of course you should protect your child against prolonged time in the sun.
The whole point is, if you have a child enrolled in daycare, outside time should be part of the daily program. Outside time, it does a body good!
- Jackie & Jo-Jo
Hey Parents! Here’s a tip from our book.
Parents can get frustrated when asking their children what they did that day and all they get is a shoulder shrug and “I don’t know.” To you, it’s a simple question, but to your child it’s too broad a question and they don’t know how to answer. So many things happen that they find it hard to narrow it down to just one thing!
In order to get your child to talk about his/her day, you have to be more of a detective. Come in a few minutes earlier to have a quick chat with the teacher and be sure to look at the bulletin board to see what the planned activities for the day were. You will then be armed with information to help the child recall his/her day. Then later , after you’ve greeted your child and let them unwind, you can ask more specific questions such as “I heard you played pirates, did you find a treasure?” or “Your teacher told me you liked the book she read today, it was about sharks, right?”
By asking more direct questions, you are helping them focus on one aspect of their day and encouraging conversation.
- Jackie & Jo-Jo
Much attention has been directed at the story of Alexander Draper, the 14 year old weighing in at 555 pounds (see the article). Because of this, his mom is being investigated on claims of child neglect. This brings up the point - should obesity be considered a form of child abuse? It’s up for debate.
Unfortunately, some parents tend to just “give up” when it comes to nutrition. Before a child even tries something it is assumed that he or she won’t like it because it’s healthy! While it’s common for children to be fussy, new foods need to be introduced. A nutritionist at a children’s hospital stated the importance of presenting foods over and over even if the child did not initially care for it. They may eventually try it again and it could become a favorite.
It is a fact that children will eat what is visually appealing. On a recent episode of The View a woman named Susie Cover was sharing recipes for healthy and appealing meals for children. You can check out her website at www.susiessupperclub.com
So the next time your ready to head out for the fast food, why not try something new? The cookbook called Deceptively Delicious is full of great recipes children love. Go to www.deceptivelydelicious.com for more information. It may even improve your eating habits too!
- Jackie & Jo-Jo
