Child Sensitive Communication Grid

A Child's World: Sometimes Overwhelming

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0000

There's a lot about the adult world that children don't understand. So children may have fears that seem unreasonable to adults. Some children won't sleep without a light. Some children are afraid of dogs. Some children are afraid of water.

The physical scale of a child's world is much bigger to him than our world is to us. Do you remember what it was like to sit in chairs when your feet wouldn't touch the floor? Do you remember not being able to see the top of the kitchen counter? Do you remember standing in a group of grown-ups and looking them squarely in the belt?

Imagine how it would feel if stairs were proportioned to you the way they are to a child. How high would you have to step? Think of the energy it would take to go up a flight of stairs if they were almost knee high to you. A child spends much of his time getting around, over, past or through the physical obstacles that surround him every day.

But the physical world isn't the only thing that's overwhelming. Along with the rest of us, the child is bombarded every day by all sorts of things vying for his attention. The average American is confronted with 3,000 advertisements a day. That's 1,095,000 ads a year. By the time a child is 15, he's seen more than 16,425,000 ads (source: Zillions, Oct./Nov 1993). Each ad tries to be more lively or colorful, louder or brighter in the competition over who can catch the public's attention.

One spring, a symphony gave a children's concert that took listeners on a tour of music from the beginning of time up to the last years of the 20th century. The first "music" heard was from nature: a brook gurgling, birds singing, wind stirring leaves in the trees, a dog barking.

As each period of music went by, there were more and more instruments, more and more sounds. It progressed until listeners heard avant garde music, a cacophony of machine and traffic sounds accompanied by instruments. The symphony conductor made the comment that in these days, we learn to block out sounds. All day, we shut out peripheral sound in order to focus on what we're doing.

Perhaps this is why a mother can stand three free from a child, call his name and get no response. Maybe the child is shutting out sound so he can focus and concentrate on what he's doing.

Adapted from Child-Sensitive Teaching by Karyn Henley. Used by Permission.

Sunday Funny

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0000

There was a knock at the door. It was a small boy, about six years old. Something of his had found its way into my garage, he said, and he wanted it back.

Upon opening the garage door, I noticed two additions: a baseball and a broken window sporting a baseball-sized hole. "How do you suppose this ball got in here?" I asked the boy.

Taking one look at the ball, one look at the window, and one look at me, the boy exclaimed, "Wow! I must have thrown it right through that hole!"

Courtesy of jokebarn.net

What's Your Love Language?

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0000


www.FiveLoveLanguages.com

The 5 Love Languages is a book that has been around nearly 20 years. The author, Dr. Gary Chapman has done a lot of counseling and began to notice a pattern: everyone he had ever counseled had a “love language,” a primary way of expressing and interpreting love. Of the countless ways people can show love to one another (and this is not limited to spouses), five key categories, or five love languages, proved to be universal and comprehensive—everyone has a love language, and we all identify primarily with one of the five love languages: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch.

This website offers a free assessment test so you can find out what your love language is. They also offer specific assessments for parents of teens, children, and singles. This test can offer some great insight into how you relate to others and it could sharpen your parenting skills too. See what your love language is by taking the free assessment.

A Child's World: Full of Curiosities

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0000

A child is very aware that there are lots of thing she does not know, and she has a natural curiosity to find out about them. If she doesn't burn out on learning, that desire to discover can stay with her into adulthood.

Four-and five-year-olds are at a prime time in their lives for discovering and learning about their world. At this age, they ask lots of questions. One teacher was on a field trip with her class of fours and fives when she pointed out an interesting sight to a little boy sitting beside her. A flatbed truck was carrying an old house which was being moved to another location. Curious about seeing such a thing, the little boy watched in awe, then asked, "Where are the roots?"

As parents and teachers, we often get tired of hearing the endless "Why" questions. We don't have time to explain or perhaps it's a difficult explanation. At times like that, you may consider telling the child that you'll look up the answer together later. With all the information available on the internet in this day and age, it would be fairly simple to do a little research and find an age-appropriate explanation. Plus, you're making the explanation on your time and creating a learning opportunity.

As an adult, I find that I am still curious about many things and love to continue learning. I have a lot of those "why" questions too. Learning should never end.

You can teach a student a lesson for a day;

but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity,

he will continue the learning process as long as he lives. ~Clay P. Bedford

I am learning all the time. The tombstone will be my diploma. ~Eartha Kitt

It's what you learn after you know it all that counts. ~Attributed to Harry S Truman

Adapted from Child-Sensitive Teaching by Karyn Henley. Used by Permission.

Sunday Funny

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0000

A little boy was waiting on his mother to come out of a store. As he waited, he was approached by a man who asked, "Son, can you tell me where the post office is?"

The little boy replied, "Sure, just go straight down the street a couple of blocks and turn to your right."

The man thanked the boy kindly and said, "I'm the new preacher in town, and I'd like for you to come to church on Sunday. I'll show you how to get to Heaven."

The little boy replied with a chuckle, "Awww, come on; you don't even know the way to the post office!"

Courtesy of jokebarn.net

A LEGO Family Game

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0000

I ran across this post on another blog and thought it would be a great idea to share. Practically every home with children also has LEGO blocks. This is a very creative way to combine the fun of playing with LEGOs and also incorporate some learning. Very creative! Check out this homemade game at Quirky Momma Kids Activity Blog.

A Child's World: Less Inhibited than an Adult's

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0000

When a child is born, he is completely egocentric. He doesn't worry about what people are going to think of him. He doesn't worry about social conventions or about what's proper in front of others. He is very uninhibited. More than one preschool teacher has heard family secrets blurted out in class.

The younger the child, the less inhibited he tends to be. If young children don't know a word to describe something they're not inhibited. They just make up a word. One four-year-old said, "I got cookie stuck in the top of my mouth, so I took my tongue and thwooshed it out."

The author relates a funny story about an uninhibited child:

I stood in line at the post office, passing the time by watching a little girl who was about 18 months old. Everyone else was watching her too. While her mother waited in line, the little girl climbed on top of and into everything. She pulled large mailing envelopes out of their display and tugged on the ropes that kept the rest of us in line. This little one was full of energy and was using as much of it as her mom would allow. When it was time for the little girl to leave, she waved goodbye to everyone in line. All of us waved back, except for one man. He was engrossed in his piece of mail. Undaunted and uninhibited, this little girl walked right up to him and waved at his face.

I love that story. Very typical of the toddler/preschool age. We expect children to be uninhibited like that. But, if an adult ever walked up to my face and waved at me I believe I'd be shocked and more than a little concerned. We could all take a cue once in a while from these uninhibited toddlers--perhaps not quite as "in your face," but freely and unashamedly enjoying life. Kids are great, aren't they?!

Adapted from Child-Sensitive Teaching by Karyn Henley. (c) 2008. Used by permission.

Sunday Funny

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0000

A kindergarten teacher was walking around observing her classroom of children while they were drawing pictures. As she got to one girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was.

The girl replied, "I'm drawing God."

The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what God looks like."

Without looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, "They will in a minute."

Courtesy of SwapmeetDave

Valentine Coloring Pages and Crafts

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0000

If you need any last-minute Valentine activities for the kiddos, be sure to check out these websites:

Kaboose.com is a place to find Valentine coloring pages, recipes, and kid-friendly crafts.

Check out Apples4theteacher for more Valentine coloring pages. (If you need President's Day activities, you can find those at this website, too!)

Finally, visit KinderArt for an entire month of February activities and craft ideas.

A Child's World: Fantasy and Reality

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Continuing in this series about A Child's World, this week we look at how the child's world is a mixture of fantasy and reality. I featured this topic from Child-Sensitive Teaching by Karyn Henley back in June of 2010, the early days of my blogging. Below is a portion of this article.

Thinking anything is possible stems in part from a child's active imagination. Until a child is about five years old, she has a hard time distinguishing fantasy from reality. As far as she's concerned, Big Bird is a real friend of hers. Curious George can come over and play in the back yard. At night when everyone is asleep, the tea cups and saucers come out of the cupboards to sing and dance like they do in Disney movies. Animals can talk and action figures can have real adventures.

To read the rest of this article, follow this link.

Sunday Funny

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Courtesy of SwapmeetDave

Easter Musicals for Preschoolers

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Major Plug Alert....

So, some of you who have been following this blog for more than a year will know that once upon a time I worked for Karyn Henley, author, writer, and recording artist. She has some fantastic products for kids, including these simple musicals for preschool-age kids. I'm giving this item a free plug today. If you've never tried one of these musicals, what are you waiting for? Check them out today.

'Tis the season for planning your Easter programs, and nothing could be more age-appropriate for your preschoolers than Karyn Henley's PLAYSONGS Musicals. They have 2 titles that are specifically geared for Easter:

L-O-V-E, The Easter Story Fairest Lord Jesus

based on John 3:16 based on I John 4:19

audio sample audio sample

script sample script sample

These are Bible-based and include optional age-appropriate activities, making it a mini-curriculum - very handy when the kids attention spans have had enough of rehearsing. The included CD has the performance tracks as well as a demo performance you can duplicate and send home with the kids. To learn more, click on the links above to hear the and read samples.

Or go to the website for more information or call toll-free in the U.S.A 1-888-573-3953.

A Child's World: Possibilities

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0000

A Child's World is Full of Possibilities

In the 1940's, Shinichi Suzuki, a violinist from Japan, developed a method of teaching young children how to play musical instruments. He said, "The potential of every child is unlimited." Another Japanese teacher, also named Suzuki, said, "In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities; in the expert's mind there are few." Children believe almost anything is possible. They will often say, "I can do it" when we have great doubts about whether they really can or not.

Have you ever let a preschool child help you in the kitchen? It's an interesting experience to say the least. It's so much easier to cook alone. I can get it done faster by myself. Less mess because I can clean up as I go. But when a young child looks at me and asks if he can help me make the banana bread, how can I turn him down? I have my doubts whether he really can help or hinder my efforts. But he's very sure that he can do it. I relent and allow him to help, with careful supervision. I give him tasks that are definitely challenging but he is able to accomplish. In the end, yes, it took much longer to make the banana bread. Yes there was more mess to clean up than if I'd done it myself. But, we had a whole lot of fun in the process. While thinking "anything is possible" sometimes gets children into trouble, it's also one of the motivators that helps children learn and accomplish difficult tasks. And the banana bread tasted wonderful!

Adapted from Child-Sensitive Teaching by Karyn Henley. Used by Permission.

Sunday Funny

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0000

One afternoon while I was visiting the library, a woman noticed a group of preschoolers gathered for story time. The book they were reading was THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY.

After the librarian finished the first page, she asked the children, "Do you think she'll die?"

"Nope," a little girl in the back said. "I saw this last night on FEAR FACTOR."

Agriculture Games & Resources

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0000

I recently heard about this website from the American Farm Bureau Foundation. Anytime someone combines fun with learning, I'm interested!

MyAmericanFarm.org

This website is called MyAmericanFarm.org. Here's a brief description from their website:

The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s My American Farm

project teaches agricultural literacy to consumers and the public through an

interactive computer game. Players learn where food comes from and how those

products get from the farm to their dinner plate. My American Farm is an online

educational game that lets students learn about agriculture while having fun.

The games and activities are geared toward the elementary-aged child. A few of the games start at the Kindergarten level. Each game is fairly short in duration, focuses on a different farm-related topic, and incorporates learning subjects such as math, science, and languages arts. If you're a teacher, you'll find resources available for your lesson plans. They also have a Family Fun Activities page where you can find printable activity sheets.

A Child's World: Logic

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0000

In the past, I have briefly touched on the topic of looking at the world from a child's perspective. For the next few weeks, I am going to begin a series of brief articles that will dig a little deeper into this topic.

A Child Views the World with His Own Logic

David Elkind says, "Children are most like us in feeling, least like us in thinking." (A quote from The Hurried Child.) Children are relatively new in the world. They try to make sense of the world the best they can. They respond in ways that are logical to them. But many times, their logic stems from their imagination. All it takes is listening to a child to see that his thoughts are not like yours.

When I say "pant legs," you can immediately picture what I'm talking about. But one child looked at the pant legs and called them "leg sleeves." While we might not refer to pant legs as "leg sleeves," his guess was very logical. Here is another example: A three-year-old was fascinated by a pair of sewing scissors. Because they were sharp, the mother kept them in a plastic sheath whenever the child was around. One day as the child was looking at the scissors in the sheath, he asked, "Can it sizz?" Why would a child ask that? Well, if washers wash, clippers clip, then scissors must sizz. Of course. It makes perfect sense.

As we interact with children, it's important that we remember what it was like to be a child. We've already been there. But it's easy to forget that. We have a much larger database of information and experiences from which to draw. The next time you hear a child say something or do something that seems illogical to you, take just a moment to consider the situation form his point of view. You might be surprised how much it makes sense--to him. Then you can laugh about it, extend mercy, and expand his database with helpful information in the learning process.

Adapted from Child-Sensitive Teaching by Karyn Henley. Used by Permission.

Sunday Funny

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0000

While working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly shut-ins, one woman would take her four-year-old daughter on the afternoon rounds.

The curious four-year-old was unfailingly intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and wheelchairs.

One day the little girl was found staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. The mother braced herself for the inevitable barrage of questions. Instead, the little girl merely turned and whispered, "The tooth fairy will never believe this!"

Make Your Own Sun Catchers

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0000

There's nothing better than sunshine during the winter months. Catching the sun and adding colors can certainly make it more festive. Today I thought I'd feature instructions for making your own sun catchers at home. This activity is simple enough for young children to help. When you're done, these sun catchers will have the look of stained glass and brighten any room.

Supplied you will need:

Plastic wrap
Plastic or paper cups
All-purpose, white household glue
Food coloring
Several thick, black pipe cleaners in 12-inch lengths
Ribbon or cording

First you will need to decide what shape your sun catcher should be. You may want to make a heart for Valentine's Day, a shamrock for St. Patrick's Day, an Easter Egg or spring flower.

Bend and attach pipe cleaners into the desired shape. Then glue that shape onto a sheet of plastic wrap, making sure it's flattened. You can even add some extra details inside the larger shape by cutting and gluing smaller lengths of pipe cleaner on the inside of the design. Your design should look similar to the outlines found on a coloring book page. Let the shape dry completely. Hint: You may want to add a small circle at the top of your design and leave that free of glue so that it gives you a place to hang your sun catcher.

Pour 3-4 tablespoons of glue into a cup, add 5-10 drops of food coloring and stir. If you decide to use more than one color, use separate cups to combine the glue and color. Pour the colored glue inside the pipe cleaner shape. If you added details, pour different colors in the additional sections. Allow this to dry about one day.

Once this is dry, the colored glue will appear translucent. Carefully peel away the plastic wrap. Hang your new sun catcher in a window using the cording or ribbon. That's it! Enjoy your new sun catcher.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0000

On this day in which the people of these United States of America officially recognizes the life and accomplishments of Martin Luther King, Jr., we take a moment to honor this brave man's memory. He was a godly man who sought to call attention to injustice and paid a price for his actions. Below are a few links which can help you explain this special holiday to children.

A simple and brief history of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Crafts and Activities.

Sunday Funny

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0000

A Toddler's Rule of Possession:

1. If I like it, it's mine.

2. If it's in my hand, it's mine.

3. If I can take it from you, it's mine.

4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.

5. If it's mine, it must NEVER appear to be yours in any way.

6. If I'm doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.

7. If it looks just like mine, it's mine.

8. If I saw it first, it's mine.

9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.

10. If it's broken, it's yours.

author unknown

Indoor Activities

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Winter weather is so unpredictable around my neck of the woods. One day it may be 50 degrees and two days later we may have ice or snow! Suddenly schools are closed and parents need a plan to keep the kids busy.

If you find yourself in this predicament this winter, I recommend you bookmark today's recommended website. HANDS ON: AS WE GROW is another blog I've been following for a while. They really emphasize play and I'm all for that. Last week this blog posted a number of indoor activities and hosted a link for other bloggers to share their own ideas. Wow! What an assortment of things to choose from. If you need some fresh ideas this winter, check out this website: It's Playtime! Indoor Activities [hands on : as we grow]

The Needs of Childhood: Wrap Up

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Over the past several weeks we have examined the various needs of childhood. These needs are:

Security
Optimism
Significance
Belonging
Exploration
Appreciation of Childhood
Relationship.

If you look closely, the first letter of each of these needs forms an acrostic. The words spell "S.O.S. BEAR." So what does this mean? When a child's needs have not been met, very often he will send an S.O.S. signal by his behavior. For example, a child may do everything right but not get the attention he requires so he tries misbehavior. Woah! That gets our attention. The child finds that works well and suddenly we're pulling our hair out wondering what happened. This is only one example and behavior issues have been covered before.

Of course, only God can completely satisfy all the child's needs. So sensitive adults act as guides to lead the child to his Heavenly Father, who can and will meet every need, although perhaps not according to our agenda or on our timetable. But God loves perfectly, and Perfect Love is faithful.

Our own needs are very similar to those of the child. So we teachers and parents continue to rely on God to meet our needs, too. God keeps us secure in His love. We can be optimistic, because He is in control and works out His plans for our good and His glory. We are significant to him, counting our worth by the great price He paid for us. Now we belong to God the Creator as His precious children. He has given us a whole world of sensory experiences and ideas to explore, including His own rich, limitless store of wisdom and knowledge. He accepts and appreciates each of us individually right where we are in our development. And He has invited us to enter into an intimate relationship with Him He delights in our relationship and gives us opportunity daily to fall deeper in love with Him.

God's love is our greatest treasure. As we share this treasure, it multiplies like the loaves and fish (Matthew 14: 13-21). Let's continue to look for the best way to share it.

Portions of this article adapted from Child-Sensitive Teaching by Karyn Henley. Used by permission.

Sunday Funny

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0000

A little girl, dressed in her Sunday best, was running as fast as she could to get to Sunday School. As she ran, she prayed.

"Dear Lord, please don't let me be late. Dear Lord, please don't let me be late" .... at this moment she tripped and fell, getting her clothes dirty.

She got up, brushed herself off and started running again, praying, "Dear Lord, please don't let me be late...but DON'T SHOVE me anymore!"

Smartest toys for kids can be the simplest

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Have you heard about this recent study from Temple University?

Smartest toys for kids can be the simplest

Toys like blocks can help young children years down the road with subjects like match, science, and engineering. I love the classic, simple toys. Don't you? Now there's even more reason to love them!

The Needs of Childhood: Relationship

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:29:00 +0000

Relationship in itself is neither positive or negative. The link between two things could be strong or weak, good or bad. What children want and need are good, strong relationships with wise, caring adults.

In our society, generational links of relationship have broken down. God originally made the older to teach and train the younger. When the world began, and for thousands of years after that, families were intergenerational groups that worked and played together. Children lived not only among parents and siblings, but also grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles. The older generations were revered for their experienced, wise counsel.

Our present day culture centers around youth. People are separated into age-segregated peer groups that often look down their noses at the younger and mistrust and ridicule the older. But for children, a good, warm relationship with a caring adult can be a foundation for growth in every area of development. This type of relationship is a critical component to building faith and moral values.

Sometimes circumstances will take us away from the generational links. Deaths or moving our family across country for a job are just two examples or these broken links. What to do? Actively seek people who you trust to be part of your child's life. Invite the older neighbors down the street for a barbecue and encourage your children to interact with them. At church, look for substitute grandparents, aunts, or uncles who want to be part of your family and love your kids. I've been blessed to see this happen in my own church--older adults and younger families interacting on a regular basis.

Next week I will wrap up this series on the Needs of Childhood. I've enjoyed this journey so far. What about you?

Portions of this article adapted from Child-Sensitive Teaching by Karyn Henley. Used by permission.

Child Sensitive Communication Grid

A Child's World: Sometimes Overwhelming

Sunday Funny

What's Your Love Language?

A Child's World: Full of Curiosities

Sunday Funny

A LEGO Family Game

A Child's World: Less Inhibited than an Adult's

Sunday Funny

Valentine Coloring Pages and Crafts

A Child's World: Fantasy and Reality

Sunday Funny

Easter Musicals for Preschoolers

A Child's World: Possibilities

Sunday Funny

Agriculture Games & Resources

A Child's World: Logic

Sunday Funny

While working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly shut-ins, one woman would take her four-year-old daughter on the afternoon rounds.

Make Your Own Sun Catchers

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sunday Funny

Indoor Activities

The Needs of Childhood: Wrap Up

Sunday Funny

A little girl, dressed in her Sunday best, was running as fast as she could to get to Sunday School. As she ran, she prayed.

"Dear Lord, please don't let me be late. Dear Lord, please don't let me be late" .... at this moment she tripped and fell, getting her clothes dirty. She got up, brushed herself off and started running again, praying, "Dear Lord, please don't let me be late...but DON'T SHOVE me anymore!"

Smartest toys for kids can be the simplest

The Needs of Childhood: Relationship

"Dear Lord, please don't let me be late. Dear Lord, please don't let me be late" .... at this moment she tripped and fell, getting her clothes dirty.

She got up, brushed herself off and started running again, praying, "Dear Lord, please don't let me be late...but DON'T SHOVE me anymore!"