A roll of the dice
I equate gambling to life. They are both a game of odds and most of the time, they are against me but there is that element of luck that keeps me in the game or in life for that matter. Then, they are times in life that I wonder if it isn’t luck at all, if its fate.
Belleville Times Article – Bringing up Bebe
They say that first-year teachers should write a letter to their first group of students, apologizing for not teaching them as much and as well as they could. I am starting to think that first-time parents, me in particular, should do the same. Continue reading »
Examiner.com Article – National Teacher’s Day
National Teacher’s Day is May 8th. Take a look at the article I contributed to Examiner.com. Continue reading »
Playborhood – Turning Your Neighborhood Into a Place for Play,Written By Mike Lanza
I was asked to read and review this book and I am sure glad I did. Can you say “aha moment”?
Examiner.com Article
Mother’s Day is in less than two weeks. I long for the day where I was in elementary school, making a homemade gift for my mother. She loved all of my place mats, weaved coasters and pot holders and personalized pencil cups. Long gone are the days of crafty art projects turned treasured gifts. Continue reading »
Getting off track
It’s been a while since I have posted an entry … or tweeted on Twitter …. or added much to my Facebook account. And, I don’t have an excuse.
When I finally sat down and got focused enough to write something worth publishing, I realized that I didn’t need an excuse. We over schedule ourselves, over schedule our children, rush to nowhere and have to be everywhere. It is exhausting. It is detrimental.
This is my lesson and I am passing it along to you. If we do not stop and take a breathe, we burn out. We don’t put forth our best selves, whether you are a parent or a child. It may sound cooky or corny but it is also the truth. Remember this when you get off track or you think your child(ren) are getting off track. Sometimes this is a good thing. It is a hint that you need to slow down.
Children are worse at telling us that they need a break, they need us to see it for them. I noticed this all the time when I was in the classroom. My students would get a glazed look over their faces, their look of defeat was obvious. It was my job as their teacher to notice this and do something about it. As parents, it is our job as well.
If it is possible, have a quiet night at home with your children. Turn off the TV, turn off the computers and turn on some relaxing music and quiet down. Read books, do puzzles, just be. There is nothing better than quieting our minds and those of our children. My son is active, “spirited” as it described in a book I recently read. He is “on” as soon as he wakes up. I try to play music, have some quiet time as much as I can. He needs it and he responds to it very quickly. It is good for me too.
With the summer coming, there are so many ways to take a break. The days get longer, children love to be outside as much as possible. Foster this by having a picnic outside – there is no better way to relax than over good food and great scenery. No cell phones, ipods, ipads, portable video games allowed. Just talk, share stories, eat and enjoy each others company.
There’s a novel idea – a family winding down and enjoying each others company just for the sake of enjoying each other. How about that?!
Examiner.com Article
If I say the name Anne Frank, what comes to your mind? What comes to the minds of your children or students?
This year, the week of April 15-April 22 is a week-long tribute to the 11 million lives lost during the Holocaust. In particular, Thursday, April 19 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. I, however, think every day should be a remembrance day. We should never forget what happened, who was affected and the people that suffered throughout this time.
What would you do?
I would pay off our mortgage, my parents mortgage, separate Jack’s college tuition and buy my husband the best seats in the house for Wimbledon. What would you do? Continue reading »
Belleville Times Article – The Three Questions
Before motherhood: Parenting and teaching are one in the same.
After motherhood: Parenting and teaching are only the same in the respect that both involve children.
I am sure this is a familiar sentiment for other teachers who became parents. At least, it is for those who will cop to it. I am not afraid to admit. I’m having a child, no problem, I teach elementary school. I know how to teach, I know how to plan a lesson, and I know kids. Turns out, I know nothing. Continue reading »
It IS easy being green
I don't want to argue with one of The Muppets but ... I think Kermit was wrong when he said it isn't easy being green. St. Patrick's Day is tomorrow and no matter what religion or nationality you are, celebrate this day with your children! At the very least, it's an excuse to wear green (a great color on everyone!) Continue reading »
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