Book Review: You're Strong, Smart, and You Got This!

 Disclaimer: I received a book to review. All opinions are my own. 

I guess anxiety runs in my family. I have bad anxiety, as does my mom. Several members of my husband's family do as well. My daughter was diagnosed at 3 with an anxiety disorder. The thing I've learned over the years is that you don't always need medication. Sometimes a friendly and encouraging word will do the trick. That's why I now keep You're Strong, Smart, and You Got This handy.

When my daughter is down and her anxiety starts taking over, she often feels that nothing is "good enough," although all I want is for her to try her best. When this happens, we find a quiet place, chat together, and flip through this beautiful book. She loves the pictures too!

You can check out the flip through on my Instagram Stories. 

One thing that I love about this book is that in addition to the cute illustrations and quotes there are letters throughout the book that are encouraging as well. 

If someone in your life has anxiety, this book would be a great gift for them. 

I'm Sorry Mama! If I knew Then What I Know Now

 My mama is in the hospital right now and although I know she's going to be okay, I have her on my mind constantly and I am so worried about her catching COVID. There are some things I've wanted to say to her and so here goes!

Dear Mama. 

I laugh sometimes when the kids call me mommy because you never could stand being called mommy, mother, or mom. You have always been mama, now Grani. I laugh because I used to call you the names you can't stand just to annoy you. Guess what?! It came back to bite me. Tbomb likes to ask me pointless questions just to get on my nerves. 

I think often of something I said to you when I was about 15. I remember the hurt I saw in your eyes, but didn't understand why you were hurt. I said: "I want to be more than just a mom." I'm so sorry I said this to you and I'm so sorry that I was so insensitive. I want to blame it on being young and dumb, but even then, I knew to take people's feelings into account. 

I understand now why it hurt so much. I understood before, but when Koda told me that she wants to be a mom when she grows up, it really hit me exactly why it hurt you. There is no such thing as "just a mom," all moms- work at home, stay at home, work away from home, homeschool- we are all so much more that "just mom." In that one title holds everything else- nurse, teacher, maid, confidante, friend, counselor, cook, and everything else. A mom does everything every day. Even when dad is very present and helps out all the time, mom is still the mortar of the family. 

I'm so sorry I said that to you in that way. I'm proud to be "just a mom." and I strive every day to be more like you- patient, creative, kind, wise, and to instill the wisdom in my children that you shared with me and my brothers each day. 

I also want to say that I cherish our friendship. I have always been able to talk to you about anything without judgement and you were always so open with me about everything. I hope to be that way with my own daughter. I really feel that is the reason I didn't get into trouble and go wild as a teenager. You talked with me and were honest with me about experiences and outcomes. Thank you for that! 

I love you and I am looking forward to many more years of a wonderful friendship with you that has blossomed so much over the last few decades. Thanks mom, for being "just a mom." I love you.

Love, 

Your Favorite Daughter!!!

Book Review: The Tuttle Twins Series

 Disclaimer: I received these books to review. All opinions are my own. 

My kids love to learn by listening to stories. When it comes to social studies, we do not use a traditional curriculum, we read books and do activities as our interests steer us in that direction. I think it helps the kids retain what they are learning. Plus, if they are interested, they focus better. 

We received the Tuttle Twins books and I was so very excited to start these with the kids. They are a conservative approach to American law and economics with a focus on freedom. They teach both the good and bad parts and what happens when it is taken to far (like when social help is taken too far).

We actually started reading these before we started our homeschool year back and read a couple at night with our devotional and bible question book. I really loved the way they teach from a child's point of view and not a teacher's. Tbomb and Snapper really engaged with the books and had a lot of questions. We had some really great conversations that spawned from reading together. 

How do you describe economics to a 7-year-old? Should your preteen care about the government? Are your kids learning about the free market in class?

For too long, parents have been at the mercy of professional curriculum developers to instruct their children. History is watered down, key principles omitted altogether, and time and attention given to things of lesser importance. Freedom-loving parents have long been left alone to shoulder the burden of educating their children and passing down a love of liberty.

While there are many books to teach these ideas to adults, there has been a profound void in the children’s literature market. The Tuttle Twins series close the gap, helping parents convey the principles of freedom to their kids in a fun way.

Each book in this series focuses on a different aspect of the principles of a free society: free markets, competition, individual rights, the non-aggression principle, personal responsibility, protectionism, and a variety of other issues—all boiled down to core concepts that children ages 5-10 can easily grasp.

Buy your own copy today for the children in your life. Understanding liberty is a gift that shouldn’t be reserved just for adults!

Even better?! Right now, there is a special back to (home)school offer that you cannot pass up!!

Just go to this page and add it to your cart!

 

Free Printable: Backpack List

 Being at home all the time has been strange. Sometimes I'm not in the mood to accomplish anything. I kind of do the mom thing and veg out. Other times, I've been in organizing/ project mode. That's been my thing in the last few weeks. I have tackled the kids' room, purged toys and stuffed animals, organized them and completely redone their beds. However, there are some projects I've been dying to tackle. 

I've been wanting to get our "on the go" stuff organized. I guess I haven't done it because we can't go anywhere and that is kind of depressing. However, I'm also wanting the kids to get excited about when this is all over. I've listed the things I want to do and I'm getting started. First, I needed a printable!

I'm going to print and fill these out and then laminate them. I'm going to hang them with their backpacks and let them work on packing them. Until now, I've always done that, but they will start. I read Snapper's list to her and I'm hoping that will also help her learn to read. 

I'm sharing them with you. Just right click on the image and save!

Enjoy!!

Back to School or Not Back to School? For Pre-School, What are the Options?

 Think Tank is Changing Early Education in Spite of and WITH Remote Learning

 

 

New York, August 19th, 2020

 

Struggling with whether your child is going to be able to go to school in the Fall? Are you worried about the quality of online academic learning? Do you want to have access to the most up to date and proven methods for teaching your child? Are you concerned about your child losing out on the most crucial intellectual development that occurs during the early childhood years? If physical attendance is not possible, how do you justify the cost of preschool?

 

Dawn Lesley Stewart founded Perry School in 2001. Through her ongoing research into Early Childhood Development, Dawn created Think Tank in 2008. Think Tank is a unique learning system that combines small group online academic instruction with one-on-one sessions with each individual child as well as parent/caregiver coaching.

 

If remote learning is the only option, educational technology has not been a strong point for preschoolers. Think Tank was originally created with the idea in mind to make it accessible not only to the current Perry School community, but to families outside the walls of the school as well—-through an online/Zoom based curriculum. In the era of online learning, Dawn offers these tips for “best practices:”

 

“At this age, focus is always a challenge, whether it is online or in person education. In your home, set up an area that is conducive to learning, ie., reduce distractions. Kids need structure. Set a schedule, set one up each day and stick to it. We really encourage movement as it is a type of play, very important and actually helps their focus.”

 

Since Think Tank’s inception, parental participation has always been key. The structure is such that the number of hours parents are involved in their child’s learning each week is minimal yet allows parents to be active participants in their child’s learning process. Think Tank’s parental involvement is not to have them help “teach”, but have them help their kids “understand”.

 

Parents are currently grappling with what makes sense for their child from a health and safety as well as an academic perspective. Throughout the current times, the goal is for children to thrive in a highly engaging online learning environment.

 

“Think Tank is a program that is unique to Perry School. The children who are enrolled in the program are being taught at a very high level—-children as young as two are learning 200 written words. Children who go through all four levels of Think Tank are much better prepared for their future education. Our “graduates” are getting into the best schools in New York. With our online presence, Think Tank grads will get into the best schools in the rest of the country as well.”

 

Think Tank has been years in the making, resulting in a multitude of success stories. Up until now, you had to go to Perry School in NYC to get this education. As a result of the lockdown and the challenges of Zoom meetings for preschoolers, Think Tank provides a customized live experience for part of the process, and a complete website with level specific lesson plans including videos and slideshows.

 

From a parent: “My 3yr old and 5yr old are learning to read via Zoom with Dawn and her Think Tank class, and already know over 120 vocabulary words using her ‘whole word’ method. She not only educates the children but she educates parents, grandparents and caregivers. This enables more flexibility for parents so that they can better juggle their own work. and effectively help their children learn remotely. The energy and excitement she brings truly makes learning something the children look forward to and they haven't missed a beat - even with the classes on Zoom.”

 

Online learning is the “new normal.” Children will be continuing to be educated this way until we have a vaccine.

 

For more information, go to www.dawnlesleystewartmethod.com.

 

About Dawn Lesley Stewart – Dawn is the Founder/Director of Perry School. She started Perry School in the West Village neighborhood of NYC in 2001. She has been at the forefront of early childhood education for 20 years. Dawn is thrilled to have the opportunity to impact more lives through the online Think Tank program. Think Tank provides high quality academic programming in which children thrive and it helps instill the joy of learning for a lifetime.

 

Get Your Kids Outside During the Pandemic!

 Cincinnati, Ohio based Jeff Alt, adventurer, teacher, and author of Get Your Kids Hiking and the young adult national park time travel series, The Adventures of Bubba Jones, is on a mission to help parents and kids of all ages get outside and stay in shape having fun safely during the pandemic. 

Researchers agree that the risk of COVID transmission is lower with outdoor recreation activities. Scientific evidence proves that time spent in nature increases your creativity, helps prevent depression, improves your overall health, and is a great way to spend time together. 

Why are walking, hiking and camping among the best activities you can do during the COVID19 Pandemic?

Due to the pandemic, students, parents, and teachers are having to study and work remotely indoors this fall and maybe into the winter.  But excessive screen time is being associated with increased childhood obesity, mental health issues, and even social skill problems. On top of that, many sport activities have been cancelled this fall due to the COVID pandemic. 

All of this points to the importance and the advantages of walking, hiking and camping as a great way to stay healthy physically and mentally.

How do you stay safe from COVID19 exposure while camping and hiking?

• Stay local!  Explore your local area. Avoid popular trails and destinations.  Take the trail less traveled. Hike and camp at times and days when the park is not busy. 
• Be prepared! Bring your own toilet paper, hand sanitizer and travel wipes.  Restroom facilities may not be open and this will allow you to be self-sufficient and sanitary.
• Keep your distance! When you encounter others, step off the trail and let them pass.  Make sure to stay six feet apart and don a mask during the close encounter.  Turn your face away from others and don’t stop and chat!
• Be extra cautious in public restrooms. Wear your mask if you go in a park restroom. If you touch a surface, wash and sanitize and keep your hands away from your mouth. Wash your hands and use your travel wipes and hand sanitizer frequently.

Planning for Outdoor Recreation and Fall Family Hikes

A big part of making a fall hiking and camping adventure fun and safe is to stay warm, dry, hydrated and fed.  Fall can offer some brilliant leaf peeping opportunities, but you may also experience adverse weather conditions. Here are a few tips:

• Plan ahead. Study your area and identify the best places to go in advance.
• Bundle Up for the Season and Stay Dry: Make sure everyone is wearing layered non-cotton clothing.  Pack along hats, mittens, and a waterproof outer shell.
• Map, Compass & GPS: Bring a topo map, compass and GPS (if you have GPS) and know how to use them. Know how to signal for help if you’re lost (three loud whistle bursts, bright colored clothing item placed in open clearing; etc.).
• Bring a hiking stove and some Cocoa: Pack along a hiking stove, hot cocoa and soup packets. Most kids never turn down a cup of piping hot cocoa after a cold romp in the snow and this will also help warm your inner core.
• Pack Extra Snacks & Enough Water. You burn more calories in cold weather and the added snacks will keep your kids energized. Be sure to bring your kids favorite foods to encourage everyone to eat. Stop often for water breaks.

Start’em Young: Ergonomically designed baby carriers make it easy and fun to carry your infant and toddler with you wherever you hike. Walk to your favorite park or beach.  Stop often and let your little one explore. Make your hike a routine your kids will look forward to.

Let the Kids Lead!: Follow the leader! Hike at your child’s pace and distance. Whatever your child takes interest in, stop and explore that bug, leaf, or rock with them. Tell them about the animals, rocks, trees, and flowers. Getting to the destination is less important than making sure your kids have so much fun, they will want to go again and again.

Count Down to the Adventure: Psych the kids up with pictures, videos, and highlights of the places they will go and the things they will see. Use books, magazines, maps, and the Internet, especially park websites and videos showing the spectacular wildlife and locations they will see. 

Bring Water and Food Kids Love: Hand out needed extra energy snacks and water as needed on the trail. Pack their favorite snacks and bring plenty of water. Stop often for a drink and a snack. 

Pack Fun Items: Let young children fill their adventure pack with a bug catcher, magnifying glass, binoculars, a camera, a map and compass, whistle, or flashlight. Let your little adventurer take ownership and pack a few items of his own; even if it’s not hiking-related. 

Play Games and Bring a Friend: Play I Spy using your surroundings as you walk along. Create your own scavenger hunt in search of animals, plants, and views along the way. Make up rhymes and sing songs as you walk. Pack a plant and animal identification guide for your older child. Let your social butterfly bring a friend, with parental permission. Intrigue your computer-savvy child with the high-tech hiking gadgets like a GPS, headlamp, flashlights, and pedometers. Use your GPS and take your kids on a geocaching adventure. 

Suit Up in Comfort, Style, and the Latest Technology

• Footwear: Make sure everyone is wearing trail shoes or boots with a sturdy sole. A Vibram sole with a waterproof breathable liner is preferred. Wear non-cotton, moisture-wicking, synthetic or wool socks.
• Clothing: Dress for the weather! Wear non-cotton synthetic, wool & fleece clothes and dress in layers. Wear multipurpose clothes like pants that zip off into shorts or shirts with roll-up sleeves. Pack a waterproof breathable rain parka. Dress for the season with a fleece hat & gloves or a hat with a wide brim for sun protection.
• Packs: Get age- and size-appropriate backpacks that fit each hiker comfortably with hydration hose capability.
• Trekking Poles: Get a pair of adjustable, collapsible poles with an ergonomically designed handle for each person.
• Fresh, Clean Water: You can get a hydration hose system for your pack or just use bottles. Disinfect wild water using hi-tech portable treatment water systems such as a UV wand or micro-straining filter.
• Communication: Bring a smartphone so you can take lots of pictures and if there’s connectivity, email to family or upload to your online blog or Facebook page. Carry a GPS unit to keep you located on the trail and for geocaching.
• Other Must Haves: Suntan lotion and bug repellent containing Deet or Picaridin; First aid kit that accommodates the whole group & first aid knowledge to go along with the kit. Bring a compass & map and brush up on how to use them. Learn how to make a shelter to keep you warm and dry. Keep matches and a lighter in a dry place and know how to make a fire to keep warm. Carry a whistle and a signal mirror in case you get lost. Pack a survival knife with a locking blade. Bring a headlamp flashlight, extra batteries, 50 feet of rope or twine, and always have several feet of duct tape for that unexpected repair.

Jeff’s Newest Book

The Adventures of Bubba Jones: Time Traveling Through Grand Canyon National Park was just released on August 3^rd, 2020.  It is the fourth book in time traveling national park series designed for young adults ages 8 to 12, which combines education with entertainment in a thrill packed journey through time loaded with fun facts about history, ecology and science about the park and its inhabitants.