Thursday, January 31, 2013
Reblogged: When Is Federal Intervention Okay?
From: http://dianeravitch.net/2013/01/31/when-is-federal-intervention-ok/
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WEIRD CIRCLE
That is sort of unfair, to complain that only 2% of the Federal budget goes to Education. After all, education is a responsibility that, under our Constitution, has been delegated to the states and is under local control.
Also unfair, however, is leveraging that 2% of the federal budget — about 7% of education outlays overall — and forcing states to comply with unproven methods to transform our schools... http://dianeravitch.net/2013/01/31/when-is-federal-intervention-ok/
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Flash Back 27th March 2012
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| Four kids getting lunch |
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| Nutella face |
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| Licking the nutella off her nutella face |
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| Still licking nutella off her nutella face |
TV as a babysitting device
My children were babysat not too long ago but long ago enough for me to recall the circumstances. And the consequences.
They were allowed to watch 3 hours of television straight. To keep them 'occupied', 'out of the way'.
The following days resulting in a continuation of bad attitudes, boredom and wanting to sit in front of the screen.
I've watched several kids sitting in front of the TV for hours for the same reasons.
You can't speak to them, when mum calls for jobs to be done not one will listen OR obey.
Having a husband addicted to the screen has meant deadened relationships and lack of intimacy.
Watching a bro-in-law addicted to the screen has resulted in a breakdown and separation of marriage.
What is wrong with sending a bunch of kids outdoors to be wild and creative and play? Or to their rooms to read books? Or to the lounge to play a game? Or to the hallway to build with blocks?
Is it that difficult to set up a play area/station for children to get creative without the need for electronic devices?
But what if mum is really tired? Or needs 'time out'? You know what? I get that! I get these questions and I'm often wondering the answers myself.
Here's my answer to you: (my children are currently homeschooled, 6, 4, 3 & 18 months)
# separate the children to different areas for quiet time - often. Regular quiet time results in children knowing what is expected of them and do so happily. SOME even NEED the quiet time, the time away from others.
# give each child an activity or set of activity with instructions to stay in that area. Activities I give my children are school books/coloring in books to my academic lover, blocks or cars or both to my car lover, books or science stuff to the oldest.
# practice often. It doesn't take them long to get the drift of staying in an area playing with what they've got
# observe how they learn to play and interact on a deeper level without the need for electronic entertainment
I get the whole 'you can't bubble wrap your kids' and 'when they leave home they will do everything they couldn't do' thing, but remember this...
One day I will stand on the judgement seat before Jesus Christ, my life and decisions and choices will be displayed, they will be judged, if I were to allow my children to develop screen-addictions with many negatives attached to that then I'm accountable. But if I don't allow those things to occur and they go for them when they leave my home that becomes THEIR choice! And not mine!
Which is what THEY are held accountable for, not me.
My role as a parent isn't to try bubble wrap them or expose them to negative practices of the world.
My role is to raise moral God-fearing believers to the best of my ability and allow them to make their own choices. Good or Bad.
Please Note:
This was written sometime in 2012, when my children were a bit younger than they are now. And I still agree with it!!
[Continue Reading]
They were allowed to watch 3 hours of television straight. To keep them 'occupied', 'out of the way'.
The following days resulting in a continuation of bad attitudes, boredom and wanting to sit in front of the screen.
I've watched several kids sitting in front of the TV for hours for the same reasons.
You can't speak to them, when mum calls for jobs to be done not one will listen OR obey.
Having a husband addicted to the screen has meant deadened relationships and lack of intimacy.
Watching a bro-in-law addicted to the screen has resulted in a breakdown and separation of marriage.
What is wrong with sending a bunch of kids outdoors to be wild and creative and play? Or to their rooms to read books? Or to the lounge to play a game? Or to the hallway to build with blocks?
Is it that difficult to set up a play area/station for children to get creative without the need for electronic devices?
But what if mum is really tired? Or needs 'time out'? You know what? I get that! I get these questions and I'm often wondering the answers myself.
Here's my answer to you: (my children are currently homeschooled, 6, 4, 3 & 18 months)
# separate the children to different areas for quiet time - often. Regular quiet time results in children knowing what is expected of them and do so happily. SOME even NEED the quiet time, the time away from others.
# give each child an activity or set of activity with instructions to stay in that area. Activities I give my children are school books/coloring in books to my academic lover, blocks or cars or both to my car lover, books or science stuff to the oldest.
# practice often. It doesn't take them long to get the drift of staying in an area playing with what they've got
# observe how they learn to play and interact on a deeper level without the need for electronic entertainment
I get the whole 'you can't bubble wrap your kids' and 'when they leave home they will do everything they couldn't do' thing, but remember this...
One day I will stand on the judgement seat before Jesus Christ, my life and decisions and choices will be displayed, they will be judged, if I were to allow my children to develop screen-addictions with many negatives attached to that then I'm accountable. But if I don't allow those things to occur and they go for them when they leave my home that becomes THEIR choice! And not mine!
Which is what THEY are held accountable for, not me.
My role as a parent isn't to try bubble wrap them or expose them to negative practices of the world.
My role is to raise moral God-fearing believers to the best of my ability and allow them to make their own choices. Good or Bad.
Please Note:
This was written sometime in 2012, when my children were a bit younger than they are now. And I still agree with it!!
Banana Smoothie
Got too many bananas? Peel them and pop them in the freezer for such a time as a banana smoothie (or banana ice cream or banana sorbet or banana muffins or anything really).
For 4 of us:
4 frozen bananas
4 big scoops ice cream
Around 2-3Cups milk (more for a thinner smoothie.
Blend frozen bananas until resemble ice cream, add ice cream and blend until mixed well, add milk until reached desired thickness.
Enjoy xx
[Continue Reading]
For 4 of us:
4 frozen bananas
4 big scoops ice cream
Around 2-3Cups milk (more for a thinner smoothie.
Blend frozen bananas until resemble ice cream, add ice cream and blend until mixed well, add milk until reached desired thickness.
Enjoy xx
All CSD Incumbents File for 2013 School Board Elections
Candidates
Nominating District "A": Term expires June 30, 2015
George E. Evans - January 8, 2013
Nominating District "C": Term expires June 30, 2018
Frederick W. Polaski - January 25 2013
Nominating District "E": Term expires June 30, 2018
Elizabeth Scheinberg - January 8, 2013Appo
One Seat: At-Large - Term expires June 30, 2018
Matthew A. Brown - January 17, 2013
Brandywine
Nominating District "A" - Term expires June 30, 2018.
Nominating District "B" - Term expires June 30, 2015.
Nominating District "C" - Term expires June 30, 2018.
Colonial
Nominating District "A" - Term expires June 30, 2018
Nominating District "C" - Term expires June 30, 2018
LaVee T. McCrea - January 28, 2013
Red Clay
Nominating District "A" - Term expires June 30, 2018
Nominating District "D" - Term expires June 30, 2018
Nominating District "E" - Term expires June 30, 2014
DIY Baby Rattle
For centuries, the humble baby rattle has been one of the first toys that babies play with.
They benefit babies because they are a source of stimulation.
They provide entertainment as well as helping to fine tune their senses.
Here is a rattle that a talented friend made.
She simply added a few decorative pieces to a clean bottle and sealed the top with glue.
Simple!
Good tip is to keep the rattle light and not weigh it down with heavy items.
_______________________
Thank you to Amanda from The Surgeon's Life for allowing me to post this image.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Pencader! Are You Serious???
From the Pencader Wire -
Seriously, the school has a budget problem, low enrollment, and is fighting for its life! So the Board of Directors decides to host a planning meeting and buy refreshments at the local Seasons Pizza? This has to be a joke! If not, is some of worse judgement calls I have ever seen.
PENCADER CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL
WEDNESDAY, February 6, 2013
6:00 pm
[Continue Reading]
Seriously, the school has a budget problem, low enrollment, and is fighting for its life! So the Board of Directors decides to host a planning meeting and buy refreshments at the local Seasons Pizza? This has to be a joke! If not, is some of worse judgement calls I have ever seen.
Good evening. The Pencader Board would to invite you to a Formal Review Workshop, February 6, 2013 at 6:00pm. We are holding a meeting in Newark at the Seasons Pizza-Bear on Pulaski Highway in their 2nd floor banquet room.
I have attached the agenda for the workshop and would greatly appreciate any input from students, parents and staff. We hope to see you there. Refreshments will be served.
Have a wonderful evening.
Judi Kennedy
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OPEN WORKSHOP
SEASONS PIZZA-Bear
2ndFloor Banquet Room, 1460 Pulaski Highway , Newark , DE 19702
Agenda
· Call to order
· Discussion of Formal Review
o Data Collection - who’s in charge of what and how to contact them
o Plan for Public Hearing
o Speaking strategies
§ Students, Staff & Parents-Designate a person to organize
o Other strategies before hearing
o Allotting time for Frank McIntosh to speak longer (if the meeting date is changed)
o Getting outside speakers, particularly with influence
o Alternative strategies to physically showing up - letters, email, calls, etc.
o Who will do what between now and the meeting
· Committees-Update
· Adjournment
Frenchman's Peak - April 2011
When our baby was just 5 or 6 weeks old I had this *amazing* idea.
To climb frenchman's peak. Frenchman's peak is not too close by but it IS high up.
Signage says 45 minutes up and 45 minutes back - from memory.
With a 5 year old, 3 year old, 20 month old and a 5-6week old we walked and climbed.
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| Most of the way up to the top :) Check out the shadows! |
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| Trooper kids with their boot camp trainer Dad |
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| At times when we look out at our lives all we see is darkness or the shadows over the beauty of our rock but in the distance the shines brightly and the water flows freely |
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| You can tell who loved this treck the MOST right!! |
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| Showing off his muscles and skills and taste testing stagnant water |
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| Proof I was involved and there was a baby present. I made it up easily by using a tie-wrap which isn't tied properly here because we stopped to have a feed and I hadn't put it back on properly. But, I WAS THERE! |
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| View from the top, the horizon, the space, the shadows. All represent things in our lives if we stop long enough to view it. |
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| Sometimes all of life is shadows, but somewhere amongst the shadows is the glorious sun |
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| Checking out one of the caves half way up the top. |
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| Here is another cave, the children loved this, especially Isaiah (5). |
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| Sun setting over the ocean while we are at the very top |
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| At the top, holding hands with two toddlers so tightly so they don't walk off the edge |
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| Michael, Isaiah (5), Jarah (20 months), Amalia (3) made it to the top with little problems. Energy plus from toddlers! |
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| Here is one of my favourite photos of our fourth with her Daddy. And that Sun!! ha ha |
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| As we walked, I thought about how children follow their Daddy, how their Daddy leads them and how they walk altogether. |
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| Second leg of the journey, kids still traipsing with their Daddy. Headed right up the top to that nobby bit at the top there! |
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| The shadows that the peak makes upon the landmass is incredible isn't it! |
Monday, January 28, 2013
Dealing... with lots of little kids...
I am often asked how I do it, where I get my patience from, and told I am crazy/nuts for wanting more.
I don't know how I do it, I just do.
I practice with patience, some days I have tons, some days I have none!
& I agree. I am crazy/nuts for wanting more - and yet that doesn't bother me at all - ever!
So here are a couple of things you can do:
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I don't know how I do it, I just do.
I practice with patience, some days I have tons, some days I have none!
& I agree. I am crazy/nuts for wanting more - and yet that doesn't bother me at all - ever!
So here are a couple of things you can do:
- Breathe deeply - I don't know how or why this works but it does, on my way over to deal with a child dispute is a great time to breathe deeply.
- Remain calm - Under all circumstances. A calm mother is nicer, kinder, gentler mother and apparantly more effective. Oh so when things are not going 'calmly' it is probably better to walk away and deal with them when you are a bit calmer. Kids know wrong and right! They just try get away with wrong. No different to adults!
- Be patient - Patience is such a wonderful thing. I love having it and I am sure my children love me having it also. Patience is hardest when your pressed for time, and when your sooo grrrrr'd up with yourself.
- Tell them you {love} them - LOTS - Speaking it out affirms it to the children, reminds you that you love them and somehow makes a lot of that tension disappear as you are reminded that you love them.
- Practice gentleness/kindness - Purposely setting out to behave in a particular way will (usually) mean that you actually set out to act in that certain way.
- Savor the moment - time flies - There are have been several deaths 'around' us in the past few months/weeks (no body close to us) which have made me think about how we tell FB how wonderful that person was and I wonder 'do we tell those people before they die or wait til afterwards when we can't actually use the words TO them'.
- Be wise - out door play is great
- Sing & Dance - little kids love it, singing puts a lightness in our spirits making us more cheerful from the inside. Dancing is just sillyness being acted out.
Crayon Art
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| Glue crayons in place |
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| Glue crayons in place |
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| Use a hair dryer to melt the crayons. We had to hold the board up to allow the melted crayons to run |
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| Finished :) |
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| Finished :) |
Dear Avigail - 7 months
@ 7 months
Already my darling you are crawling, climbing, pulling yourself to a stand, walking along furniture, and balancing on your knees. You sat unaided for the first time just the other day. Quite remarkable really.
You are true to your name. "Fathers Joy"
Already my darling you are crawling, climbing, pulling yourself to a stand, walking along furniture, and balancing on your knees. You sat unaided for the first time just the other day. Quite remarkable really.
You are true to your name. "Fathers Joy"
So do you actually like home schooling your kids???
was the question I was asked just the other day to which I responded over-enthusiasticly with such great emphasis with the nod of my head I think I may have whip lash.
But just in case said question asker didn't get the hint I also announced I absolutely love it just about more than anything else.
See, homeschooling is one of the things in my life that gives me joy on the inside.
My children are another. Adding them together and it is one giant joyful learning experience.
It has been a year. A year since we 'started' official book work type schooling.
It's funny though. Because I started 'official' schooling when I decided my temper tanty extra-strong-willed-child had too much free time and needed more 'direction' on what kind of activities were less messy and more suitable for all involved. He was 4years old. His sister was 2yrs old.
I had all sorts of 'work' ready and found my 2yr old stealing his worksheets out of his file. So I had to get her things to do. She sat up at the table next to him and in front of me drawing away.
Schooling became a new challenge in my life to which surprisingly only days later I found that I was enjoying my children so abundantly that I didn't *WANT* to put them to bed!! I know right?!
We did puzzles, played games, did Rod & Staff A-B-C series, we painted, we drew pictures, we glued, we talked, we made things and were creative. Other times we listened to songs, sang and watched valuable DVDs.
I had seasons where I was positive my child needed some sort of medication or extra-help or a diagnosis of somesort... But it always turned out that I was trying to 'control' the learning instead of just letting learning come as it did. Each time after I gave up my theories were proved wrong and the child new what I had shown or taught him. Some days he didn't 'want' to learn and so we would fight or I would do games, activities or circle time. Other days he would be so eager for me to show him something I learnt that I would need to always have things prepared and ready for the spontaniety that that type of learning brings.
As I was trying to find my groove that season would end and we would begin another one to which I would have to discover how to work it all. In the end I discovered the natural learning was best including conversations about anything and everything. The children learnt more about digging, mud, water, gardening and worms then they did colours and shapes.
I found that the season would vary in length anything from a day to a week to a few months. At their ages and stages they don't last long.
During a particular difficult period in my life just recently it was the homeschooling that gave to me what I needed the most. Peace. Joy, Love.
I guess we need to embrace those seasons for what they are worth and go with the flow.
Please Note:
This post was written somewhere in 2010/2011but never published.
Because it holds clues to homeschooling for me I've chosen to now publish it.
I had no idea it was sitting in drafts until just now.
[Continue Reading]
But just in case said question asker didn't get the hint I also announced I absolutely love it just about more than anything else.
See, homeschooling is one of the things in my life that gives me joy on the inside.
My children are another. Adding them together and it is one giant joyful learning experience.
It has been a year. A year since we 'started' official book work type schooling.
It's funny though. Because I started 'official' schooling when I decided my temper tanty extra-strong-willed-child had too much free time and needed more 'direction' on what kind of activities were less messy and more suitable for all involved. He was 4years old. His sister was 2yrs old.
I had all sorts of 'work' ready and found my 2yr old stealing his worksheets out of his file. So I had to get her things to do. She sat up at the table next to him and in front of me drawing away.
Schooling became a new challenge in my life to which surprisingly only days later I found that I was enjoying my children so abundantly that I didn't *WANT* to put them to bed!! I know right?!
We did puzzles, played games, did Rod & Staff A-B-C series, we painted, we drew pictures, we glued, we talked, we made things and were creative. Other times we listened to songs, sang and watched valuable DVDs.
I had seasons where I was positive my child needed some sort of medication or extra-help or a diagnosis of somesort... But it always turned out that I was trying to 'control' the learning instead of just letting learning come as it did. Each time after I gave up my theories were proved wrong and the child new what I had shown or taught him. Some days he didn't 'want' to learn and so we would fight or I would do games, activities or circle time. Other days he would be so eager for me to show him something I learnt that I would need to always have things prepared and ready for the spontaniety that that type of learning brings.
As I was trying to find my groove that season would end and we would begin another one to which I would have to discover how to work it all. In the end I discovered the natural learning was best including conversations about anything and everything. The children learnt more about digging, mud, water, gardening and worms then they did colours and shapes.
I found that the season would vary in length anything from a day to a week to a few months. At their ages and stages they don't last long.
During a particular difficult period in my life just recently it was the homeschooling that gave to me what I needed the most. Peace. Joy, Love.
I guess we need to embrace those seasons for what they are worth and go with the flow.
Please Note:
This post was written somewhere in 2010/2011but never published.
Because it holds clues to homeschooling for me I've chosen to now publish it.
I had no idea it was sitting in drafts until just now.
Book: We're Going on a Bear Hunt
My kids LOVE this story! Have you read it? Do you know it off by heart?
One of the AMAZING things I find about this book is the simplicity of words making memorization a breeze, especially for little ones. The amount of times I have witnessed my children 'reading' this book to their younger siblings, word for word. Its great.
But more than that! This book turns into a game, a game using the imagination, mud, long grass and some hysterical laughs all round.
I especially love the morning where I looked out the window to see my front yard completely flooding, children traipsing through mud and laughs all round. That day was a sight for anyone!
I wrote this post early 2011, as a reminder of the links that i used to create our first (& last) unit study. Unit studies don't work for me, and don't interest the children. So we don't do them. We do what DOES work. But I still want to include these links in my post, and the reminder of the book.
If nothing else watch the You Tube clip ;)
Lots of Links:
Felt Board Story
AWESOME BLOG POST HERE - My Inspiration came from here. In case you missed the links at the bottom I've added ones I used here:
I used the Story Sequencing Cards from here
YOU TUBE clip by Writer - Very COOL!
Lap Book
Story Pack
[Continue Reading]
One of the AMAZING things I find about this book is the simplicity of words making memorization a breeze, especially for little ones. The amount of times I have witnessed my children 'reading' this book to their younger siblings, word for word. Its great.
But more than that! This book turns into a game, a game using the imagination, mud, long grass and some hysterical laughs all round.
I especially love the morning where I looked out the window to see my front yard completely flooding, children traipsing through mud and laughs all round. That day was a sight for anyone!
I wrote this post early 2011, as a reminder of the links that i used to create our first (& last) unit study. Unit studies don't work for me, and don't interest the children. So we don't do them. We do what DOES work. But I still want to include these links in my post, and the reminder of the book.
If nothing else watch the You Tube clip ;)
Lots of Links:
Felt Board Story
AWESOME BLOG POST HERE - My Inspiration came from here. In case you missed the links at the bottom I've added ones I used here:
I used the Story Sequencing Cards from here
YOU TUBE clip by Writer - Very COOL!
Lap Book
Story Pack
Cooking with Kids - January 2013
This month we have done a LOT of baking and cooking in our *new* kitchen. We've moved house recently and our kitchen bench has grown 5-6 times bigger than our old home, which means cooking with kids is way easier and relaxing.
We've made:
Pancakes
Apple Muffins actually THREE batches in bulk but used chopped dates instead of raisins
Tacos
Pizza
Chocolate cake
Zuccinin Slice - I LOVE Zuccini slice & Quiches but some of my kids don't seem to like the 'eggy' tastes :( but I didn't put bacon into it
"Pumpkin Cake" - ha ha so this is a Quiche recipe with left over roasted pumpkin. Did you read the comment just above? I called it pumpkin cake and miracuously heard "I want some" "Uhm Okay" *grins*
Vanilla Milk (not for the kids! The vanilla essence I had has colour 160b which is a no-no)
Hot Chocolate (Made in the Thermomix hence the strange ingredient quantities)
600ml milk
60grms sugar
40grams cocoa
20grams cornflour (this thickens it)
heated at 80degrees for 8minutes
Raw Organic Hot Chocolate - Above recipe using eco raw caoco powder instead of cocoa
Raw Green Smoothie
4 handfuls spinach
2-4 frozen bananas
3 handfuls frozen mixed berries
3-5 cups of water
Wizzed until blended through
Cinnamon pastry scrolls This is a spin off of vegemite scrolls and cinnamon toast. Lay a piece of puff pastry down, sprinkle with sugar and sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll up, slice into rings, place on a baking tray and cook. Kids loved these but it's not a daily food, its a treat food!
Garlic Bread
Salad wraps
Fruit salad
Chicken Kebabs (Michael calls them ke-blacks)
Porridge
Hmmm, now that some are listed it doesn't look that great :(
But I have been feeding the kids. Honest!
I've been showing the children how to make different dinner meals also, which they are then able to do on their own (just about).
Actually it feels like I am in the kitchen quite a lot.
I havn't done my menu plan for next month or decided what we can bake yet but Im sure we will come up with something good ;)
[Continue Reading]
We've made:
Pancakes
Apple Muffins actually THREE batches in bulk but used chopped dates instead of raisins
Tacos
Pizza
Chocolate cake
Zuccinin Slice - I LOVE Zuccini slice & Quiches but some of my kids don't seem to like the 'eggy' tastes :( but I didn't put bacon into it
"Pumpkin Cake" - ha ha so this is a Quiche recipe with left over roasted pumpkin. Did you read the comment just above? I called it pumpkin cake and miracuously heard "I want some" "Uhm Okay" *grins*
Vanilla Milk (not for the kids! The vanilla essence I had has colour 160b which is a no-no)
Hot Chocolate (Made in the Thermomix hence the strange ingredient quantities)
600ml milk
60grms sugar
40grams cocoa
20grams cornflour (this thickens it)
heated at 80degrees for 8minutes
Raw Organic Hot Chocolate - Above recipe using eco raw caoco powder instead of cocoa
Raw Green Smoothie
4 handfuls spinach
2-4 frozen bananas
3 handfuls frozen mixed berries
3-5 cups of water
Wizzed until blended through
Cinnamon pastry scrolls This is a spin off of vegemite scrolls and cinnamon toast. Lay a piece of puff pastry down, sprinkle with sugar and sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll up, slice into rings, place on a baking tray and cook. Kids loved these but it's not a daily food, its a treat food!
Garlic Bread
Salad wraps
Fruit salad
Chicken Kebabs (Michael calls them ke-blacks)
Porridge
Hmmm, now that some are listed it doesn't look that great :(
But I have been feeding the kids. Honest!
I've been showing the children how to make different dinner meals also, which they are then able to do on their own (just about).
Actually it feels like I am in the kitchen quite a lot.
I havn't done my menu plan for next month or decided what we can bake yet but Im sure we will come up with something good ;)
Really? Toilet Paper? Maybe it's defective!
From the NJ:
Toilet Paper??? Some PROTESTING PARENTS need to pack a roll or two in their kids backpack!
Maybe it's not the kids - maybe it's defective toilet paper??? Never heard of defective toilet paper? Well, the University of Colorado has. They are suing a toilet paper manufacturer.
http://mikesflyingpigs.wordpress.com/2011/05/06/university-of-colorado-sues-manufacturer-over-defective-toilet-paper/
[Continue Reading]
MAHANOY CITY, Pa. — An eastern Pennsylvania high school says vandalism forced it to create a policy in which toilet paper has been taken out of the boys' bathrooms.
Boys at Mahanoy Area High School now must go to the school office to request toilet paper and sign it out. Principal Thomas Smith says that's helped solve a major problem of intentionally clogging toilets that's been going on for two years.
Smith says boys must sign out the toilet paper and then sign it back in. But the Republican-Herald of Pottsville reports some parents are protesting the policy. http://www.delawareonline.com/viewart/20130128/NEWS/130128011/Students-Pa-school-must-ask-toilet-paper
Toilet Paper??? Some PROTESTING PARENTS need to pack a roll or two in their kids backpack!
Maybe it's not the kids - maybe it's defective toilet paper??? Never heard of defective toilet paper? Well, the University of Colorado has. They are suing a toilet paper manufacturer.
http://mikesflyingpigs.wordpress.com/2011/05/06/university-of-colorado-sues-manufacturer-over-defective-toilet-paper/
YELLDELAWARE: a slow-growing voice for teachers
When yelldelaware.wordpress.com quietly crept into the blogosphere last week, I wondered how effective it would be - an anonymous blog created to rival the DOE/DSEA TELL Delaware survey.
Apparently the blogger wasn't that far off... Comments are starting to pick up steam.
These two struck me as quite poignant:
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Apparently the blogger wasn't that far off... Comments are starting to pick up steam.
These two struck me as quite poignant:
- I see the turnout rate is low. Not really a surprise with the DOE and DSEA collaborating with Rodel, trust factor is at an all time low. I am actively telling my building to NOT take it. They will find you.
- Wow, how can any teacher, after taking the TELL survey not think anything other than we are going to be ignored again! I closed out of it halfway through. My union rep knows the truth and that will just have to be good enough for me. No way I’m letting my principal know to her face, that would be instant retaliation and I know for sure the DOE not only cannot help, they do not care
Homeschool tips
Planning and recording in order to prove to a moderator that a child is learning and progessing.
I bought a diary for 2013 where I can write down activities and educational works that have taken place within our home. Naturally and as a seated lesson.
This way it is noted what is ACTUALLY done rather than what should/needs to be done.
When it comes time to get a portfolio happening all the info is written in one place, the info of what WAS achieved rather than what was not.
As an addition everything done that was spontaneous or natural or fell upon our laps can be included if it applies and was recorded.
I can always add in a sticky note of any activity on the to do list and on e done add it into the book :)
[Continue Reading]
I bought a diary for 2013 where I can write down activities and educational works that have taken place within our home. Naturally and as a seated lesson.
This way it is noted what is ACTUALLY done rather than what should/needs to be done.
When it comes time to get a portfolio happening all the info is written in one place, the info of what WAS achieved rather than what was not.
As an addition everything done that was spontaneous or natural or fell upon our laps can be included if it applies and was recorded.
I can always add in a sticky note of any activity on the to do list and on e done add it into the book :)
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Amalia - Flashback
{Photo taken 28th February 2011} This is the journey of unschool child. Actually this is a picture depicting a regular child. Interested in books, interested in learning. Naturally...
Toilet Training #4
As Miss 21 months is getting near to age two I've begun to think of the dreaded 'toilet training' thing.
I asked Hubby how he thinks I should get her toilet trained. His reply? "Sit her on the potty and tell her to do a wee" *rolls eyes* yeah right! Obviously he spends too much time away from the family home, and obviously he's not an avid reader online.. in parenting issues.
So I sat Miss 21 months on the potty and told her to do a wee.
So she did.
...
...
...
She's been doing so ever since.
A week on she's still going, but only if asked or prompted. She will go for her siblings if they ask (Because she has more than just one mum? Or rather we have a 5yr old in the house who likes playing the role of Mum).
At nap time after lunch I will put her into a cloth nappy for 2 reasons.
[Continue Reading]
I asked Hubby how he thinks I should get her toilet trained. His reply? "Sit her on the potty and tell her to do a wee" *rolls eyes* yeah right! Obviously he spends too much time away from the family home, and obviously he's not an avid reader online.. in parenting issues.
So I sat Miss 21 months on the potty and told her to do a wee.
So she did.
...
...
...
She's been doing so ever since.
A week on she's still going, but only if asked or prompted. She will go for her siblings if they ask (Because she has more than just one mum? Or rather we have a 5yr old in the house who likes playing the role of Mum).
At nap time after lunch I will put her into a cloth nappy for 2 reasons.
- So she can feel the wetness
- I contemplated buying more disposables and decided to follow through with toilet training as much as we can before bub comes in around 3 months time hence no more disposables
If we go out I will put her in a cloth nappy incase she wets, Yeah I know, Im just not game enough to do without it yet. Perhaps this week? Maybe next week.
Accidents are rare and she will ALWAYS do a wee on the potty for me when asked/told to. Straight away most times. Because she knows what she's doing.
Next step? Work on her telling me she needs to go to the potty.
Then working on her going to the big toilet.
Her cuteness says that the potty is YUK and I have to tell her it is not yuk I washed it. Why? Because she's been told the potty is yuk on the inside with wees in it. Her favourite word atm is yuk and she wont sit on it if it is yuk which means no potty training.
Her potty sits in the lounge room on our slate floors. We have slate floors throughout most of the house so accidents are not an 'end of the world' event for me (blessing of the new house). The potty is in plain sight so we are all prompted to remind her. Even though it just doesn't work with the decor I know it is not a long-term plan.
I have not used any rewards or systems to get this going. Why? Because I haven't needed to! Is it wrong to use rewards? I hope not because that's how I got my two boys going ;)
So here's my tips:
- Wait until summery months
- Keep potty in view to remind everyone
- Listen to the husbands advice
- Keep it simple, if it takes too long for them to do something wait and try again later
- Keep all toys and distractions away
- Just go for it, if they've got it you've done it.
- Wait longer for boys, girls are easy. Okay so MY two girls are EASY ;)
- KEEP AT IT! No point doing a bit here and a bit there if they've got it
- Keep underwear closeby (if your modest like me and prefer dressed babies)
- A dress will keep the girls covered without the necessity of properly fitting underwear or when the undies disappear your still good to go
- Try not to dread it, if it doesn't happen now it will later. It is unlikely that your 6 year old will be in full time nappies.
- If training a boy pants/shorts they can pull on themselves are best, elastic band waists over jeans or thick materials with buttons, and definitely no overalls.
6 months on - September 2011
I can hardly believe that its been half a year since my little one was born. I've known about this little life since she was 4 weeks gest. That was 15 months ago.
In that time a lot has happened. We've moved towns. Had no home or place to go, had no money, no job, barely any friends. We've lost hope, tried, tried again and failed. We've 'lost' thousands of dollars and dealt with rebellion. Lots. Of. Rebellion.
Above all this I think depression has been the longest, hardest, most hideous part.
For long agonising months with seemingly no end I laid in bed barking orders at our more-than-capable kids to do things I usually had to do. Finding their clothes to wear, picking up dirty washing, dressing them, picking up bath room toys, etc etc.
It was during this stage that the children were trained daily in what has become our morning jobs. Getting dressed, cleaning bed rooms, breakfast and cleaning the kitchen. Just about everything is set up so children can do these things with little to no help from me. And I like it.
We don't have set jobs to set kids. We have a list of jobs and help each other. I find this works better than set jobs to set kids. If one child is mucking around the jobs still get done by our end time (9am).
I found this sitting in my Drafts, and wanted it published. Now this baby is 21 months old and the children are well trained. What a (horrible) memory! But that was our life, the one as we knew it.
In that time a lot has happened. We've moved towns. Had no home or place to go, had no money, no job, barely any friends. We've lost hope, tried, tried again and failed. We've 'lost' thousands of dollars and dealt with rebellion. Lots. Of. Rebellion.
Above all this I think depression has been the longest, hardest, most hideous part.
For long agonising months with seemingly no end I laid in bed barking orders at our more-than-capable kids to do things I usually had to do. Finding their clothes to wear, picking up dirty washing, dressing them, picking up bath room toys, etc etc.
It was during this stage that the children were trained daily in what has become our morning jobs. Getting dressed, cleaning bed rooms, breakfast and cleaning the kitchen. Just about everything is set up so children can do these things with little to no help from me. And I like it.
We don't have set jobs to set kids. We have a list of jobs and help each other. I find this works better than set jobs to set kids. If one child is mucking around the jobs still get done by our end time (9am).
I found this sitting in my Drafts, and wanted it published. Now this baby is 21 months old and the children are well trained. What a (horrible) memory! But that was our life, the one as we knew it. Saturday, January 26, 2013
The Month of January 2013 - picture less
Saw: (in no particular order)
# Bell family settling into the giant-ness of a new home
# Isaiah do a two week stint in level 3 swimming lessons
# Amalia do a two week stint in level 2 swimming lessons
# Isaiah go to the pontoon for the first time... ever
# Amalia go to the pontoon for the first time... ever
# Take nature walks through the bush at the back of our new home
# Deliver junk mail
# Categorizing a gazillion photos for 2012
# Amy work and bring home HEAPS of food. So blessed!!
# A tighter financial month, paying two lots of rent + moving expenses
# Increase of independence in all FOUR children
# Dr’s visit, all is going well. Week 25-29.
# Planning and preparation in progress for the fifth addition to the family
# Receiving of a multitude of new toys and equipment from a friend
# Purchasing a years supply of girls dresses on clearance
# Shopping buddy in a 5 year old. She’s so independent given the groceries! Pushes trolley, decides what (healthy) foods we need to buy, looks at the shelves for the stuff we need to buy and when I tell her what we are looking for she happily finds it
# Gardening, pulling out of trashy plants, planting lovlies
# My first home grown cucumber. So healthy, fat and fresh! Juicy! Yum
# A daily cleaner, catching me up on all my washing
# Not having to be out running errands and such as much as usual, or seemingly usual
# Home days and lots of them
# Relaxing & Chilling at home
# Showing children how to cook different foods without the annoyances of a tiny kitchen. So much freedom
# Finding a patch of garlic growing in the bush :D
# Consistently clean and tidy home :) (with the exception of the learning room - which needs some organisation & furniture)
# Purchase of a giant desk (Thanks Hubby) for $10
# Isaiah (7) decides to start washing dishes, and does a great job at it too!
# Kids can now independently wash their hands by standing on an upside down crate
# Introduction of ‘bath crayons’ I wrote notes on the shower wall to the hubby
# Watering the front garden and grass - daily. Its getting greener :)
# Being given a huge bountiful of chocolate :)
# Enrolled 3 kids into dancing
# Bruising easily and needing blood tested for low platellete levels and dealing with first possible pregnancy and labour complications.
# Connection to the internet for the first time in 3 years!! We usually use only mobile devices
# A snake being stood on in our backyard -- thankfully it was dead
# growing up of children. All four children. Suddenly seem so much older
# Avigail toilet training, easily.
# Avigail choosing to be in a 'big girl bed' rather than in her usual cot. Wasn't planned and I wasn't ready for it! But she was!!
# Discovery of Answers in Genesis having a Video Download of certain DVDs I've wanted to purchase *yay*
# Early start back at school :) (teaching two official kids is actually quite fun!)
# Amalia being only 4 months ahead in Maths... Only *rolls eyes* (I promise I will just have to add to her work)
# Library visits
# Sudden interests in Fire Engines
# Abundant toys and other stuff being given, that fit into our home. So Blessed.
# Playing Maths games with TWO children
# regular tea drinking with one or more children
# Avigail toilet training, easily.
# Avigail choosing to be in a 'big girl bed' rather than in her usual cot. Wasn't planned and I wasn't ready for it! But she was!!
# Discovery of Answers in Genesis having a Video Download of certain DVDs I've wanted to purchase *yay*
# Early start back at school :) (teaching two official kids is actually quite fun!)
# Amalia being only 4 months ahead in Maths... Only *rolls eyes* (I promise I will just have to add to her work)
# Library visits
# Sudden interests in Fire Engines
# Abundant toys and other stuff being given, that fit into our home. So Blessed.
# Playing Maths games with TWO children
# regular tea drinking with one or more children
A lot of changes in so very very many ways. I've been busy at home mostly, and loving it.
I forgot how much of a home body I really am.
The Blog
In other ways I have been thinking about my blog, what I want it for and where I want it to go. I have a few ideas banging around in my head, I am just trying to figure out the logistics of it all. And whether it is God's Will for my life.
I have a ton of blog posts banging around in my head, written on notes and note books and sitting in my feed awaiting publishing. Some I may just get published so the memory is recorded for the purpose of my children.
Jarah Josiah (3 1/2yrs) peels his OWN orange. Even *I* don't peel oranges! So glad he has this skill and is developing it more and more.
Isaiah experiencing a range of birds at the local markets, they even climbed on his shoulder :) Avigail likes animals too so she had a good look too, without touching :)
The children turned my front yard into a private water fun park complete with slide, and then the 'jumping jetty' and used the water to water my grass. Bonus!
Allowing children to choose activities freely results in indirect homeschooling. Known as unschooling or natural learning.
Avigail chose to be OUT of the cot and into a 'new big girl bed'. She kept climbing out and not being happy in the cot. I suggested to hubby giving it a try with the mattress on the floor and she was and has been immediately happy ever since. My guess is she's been 'trapped' in the cot for so long she now wants freedom. It is going well.
I often say to the children 'let me take your picture' which results in them putting the object near their face. This time Miss Avigail (21 months) put the honey jar she had been trying to break into near her face as I took the picture. Hubby has it as his screen shot ;)
Disclaimer: I often blog with no/limited photos because I know if I don't click publish it will never be published and the memories lost in cyberspace. So no apologies for doing what I am able in the spare time I have stolen.
P.S. I just uploaded these pics via the laptop (Im blogging properly this time) and it was so fast and so easy. Shows how long Ive been away from the computer and real internet!!
and just because a lots of little kids post is barely a post without 5 things to be thankful for here they are:
5 Things to be Thankful for:
1. Peace of being in His Will
2. That He has given me EVERYTHING I NEED
3. Blessings that have been bestowed upon our family
4. Our new and improved much larger home
5. God's Grace, that carries us through everything
I forgot how much of a home body I really am.
The Blog
In other ways I have been thinking about my blog, what I want it for and where I want it to go. I have a few ideas banging around in my head, I am just trying to figure out the logistics of it all. And whether it is God's Will for my life.
I have a ton of blog posts banging around in my head, written on notes and note books and sitting in my feed awaiting publishing. Some I may just get published so the memory is recorded for the purpose of my children.
Disclaimer: I often blog with no/limited photos because I know if I don't click publish it will never be published and the memories lost in cyberspace. So no apologies for doing what I am able in the spare time I have stolen.
P.S. I just uploaded these pics via the laptop (Im blogging properly this time) and it was so fast and so easy. Shows how long Ive been away from the computer and real internet!!
and just because a lots of little kids post is barely a post without 5 things to be thankful for here they are:
5 Things to be Thankful for:
1. Peace of being in His Will
2. That He has given me EVERYTHING I NEED
3. Blessings that have been bestowed upon our family
4. Our new and improved much larger home
5. God's Grace, that carries us through everything
Friday, January 25, 2013
Pencader Churns Through Another Assistant Administrator
via the Pencader Wire:
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Dear All,
On Thursday evening the Board voted to accept the resignation of Tami Koss, Interim Assiatant School Leader. Tami joined us in a temporary capacity and she has accepted a new, permanent postion at another school. Tami provided me with invaluable assistance during the past few months and I hope you will join me in thanking her for her service to the school and wishing her well in her new endeavor.
The Board has already received contacts from very qualified candidates for the position and we hope to have a repalcement named in the very near future.
Sincerely,
Steven Quimby
School Leader
Thursday, January 24, 2013
YELL blog getting traction, first comments coming in!
http://yelldelaware.wordpress.com/2013/01/24/yell-delaware-is-a-better-choice-no-questions-just-unvarnished-truth/#comments
Delaware's teachers have started responding on the YELL Delaware blog - a forum that rivals the DOE/DSEA TELL survey project funded by RTTT. YELL invites readers to be unabashedly honest in sharing the needs respondents have identified as helpful to creating successful educational outcomes in the classroom.
So, Teachers, after you complete your TELL survey, take a gander at the YELL blog and make your NEEDS known to the public!
YELL Delaware Comment Rescues:
[Continue Reading]
Delaware's teachers have started responding on the YELL Delaware blog - a forum that rivals the DOE/DSEA TELL survey project funded by RTTT. YELL invites readers to be unabashedly honest in sharing the needs respondents have identified as helpful to creating successful educational outcomes in the classroom.
So, Teachers, after you complete your TELL survey, take a gander at the YELL blog and make your NEEDS known to the public!
YELL Delaware Comment Rescues:
- Our principal is great, he helps us with the parents and defends us when we do the right thing for kids.The kids are a challenge in our school and trying to use Common Core not always the best way to deliver curriculum. The lessons are stale and scripted. Mr. Bedford gives us freedom to craft better plans, so for now everything is OK.
I also did my survey today online for the state. It was not very pertinent to my duties. - I like my PLC on the off weeks from the data coach. I think we get to help kids more when it’s just us teachers doing the planning. the data coach asks us to review old data for things we have already completed with the kids. Usually, it’s a waste of our time.
- We learned a long time ago to be self sufficient. That TELL Delaware survey isn’t going to help us, no matter what the DSEA or the DOE say.
YELL & TELL, DE Teacher Survey Has Competition
TELL (Teaching, Empowering, Leading and Learning) Delaware will be open to all school-based, licensed educators - including administrators. By Jan. 22, every school will receive a packet of letters that contains the individual seven-digit, anonymous access codes for educators in the school. These will be sent to each school's representative with the Delaware State Education Association (DSEA), the state's largest school employee union. For buildings without union representation, the packets will be sent to the principals. Principals and DSEA representatives then will distribute the letters randomly at a faculty meeting. http://www.doe.k12.de.us/news/2013/0108.shtmlIt appears that TELL Delaware has already spurred some IRE. Here's a grand 'ole C&E 1st WELCOME to YELL Delaware - a blog with a mission - to become a public repository of anonymous teacher comments, concerns, and needs. Not all that different than the DOE/DSEA venture - but seemingly much more transparent and accessible!
So, let's put some support behind YELL Delaware - get the address out to all teachers so that they can finally say what's really on their mind to a truly captive and listening audience - http://yelldelaware.wordpress.com/
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Chicago, Denver to pilot ELL Common Core Lessons
Seventh and 8th grade English-learners in selected urban schools will soon dive into some of the most celebrated speeches in U.S. history. They'll dissect, for example, Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream," and Robert F. Kennedy's "On the Death of Martin Luther King." Education Week
Called "Persuasion Across Time and Space," the five-lesson unit is the first major classroom resource produced by the Understanding Language team, a group of English-language-learner experts led by Kenji Hakuta, an education professor at Stanford University, to help educators grasp the central role of language in the rigorous Common Core State Standards and to give teachers resources for providing higher levels of instruction and demanding content to ELL students.
The efforts are underwritten by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Seattle-based Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. (Carnegie and Gates help support coverage of business and innovation in Education Week.) Education Week
More HERE
How Meal Planning Can Help Picky Eaters: Guest Post at Super Healthy Kids!
Many of you following along here at Your Kid's Table or on our Facebook page know that I love meal plans. Wonder how it might help a picky eater or problem feeder in your life? Well, I got the scoop on that over at Super Healthy Kids today. I am thrilled to be guest posting there, as many of you know it is an amazing site full of wonderful resources related to healthy eating for the whole family. Don't be shy when you hop over, leave me a comment and let me know what you think!
How Meal Planning Can Help Picky Eaters!
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