Easy craft ideas to decorate a party.

This one is an old glass jar with hairspray or spray adhesive (make sure outside with good ventilation and do it yourself if young children involved.  Then ask child to sprinkle glitter into jar and shake with a lid over it and you have a glitter jar to store items in for the party, like these glow sticks or wands etc.  You could also add stickers for effect.

 

 

My daughter came up with this one.  It is a paper folding craft she learnt at school and it would great on the table at her birthday.  She did it with napkins and they can also be used as coasters.

 

I do advocate more for art activities for children, rather than crafts.  But, I also believe if the craft has a purpose and is seen as an interest for your child, particularly for over 6's , then it has value.  The young child can learn and recall a series of steps to come to a pre-planned result and learn perseverance and enhance cognitive skills.  They will feel a sense of achievement when completed by themselves.  your children will show you where their creativity lies as they get older and it could be in a number of different ways, eg. music, dance, crafts, art or writing.

 

Stretching and strengthening yoga poses for sporty children.

1.  Easy Sitting Pose.  Here the child can focus on their breathe and centre themselves for the yoga they will begin. Bringing their arms down through the centre of their chest and resting on legs.
2. From seated pose, soles together and move into 'Baddha Konasana: Bound Angle Pose.
Keep back straight as you breathe into pose and tighten stomach and chest.
3. Standing in Mountain Pose exhale and let the arms fall backward by relaxing shoulders.  Concentrate on exhaling.
4. Stomach Lift: Lift the knees up and keep balance on the elbows and hold stomach tight.  Look down at toes and breathe for 8 counts or as much as you can do. You need to be strong to manage this one.
5. The locust:  Probably better to try this one before stomach lift. Exhale and lift arms and legs off the floor.
6. Take a rest in Corpse pose.
7. Full Forward Bend pose. Only as far as you can go, breathing all the time without bending legs.
8. Bow pose: If you can lift your upper body from the floor and take four breathes.  If this is too hard, inhale and only lift feet up to buttocks.

4th,5th,6th entry: diary of a soldier's wife

My new job in Brisbane is ok. Up and down days as always in childcare.  I thought about what I had suggested to my mum for my son's Christmas present form his Uncle in Sydney and I suggested a football.  As family is interstate it was not a good gift idea and I called myself an idiot for suggesting it like I always do, then tell myself to stop.  Mitchell has been good with Jarrod until the weekend, then problems on the weekend.  It usually ended with Mitchell walking one way and saying, "I can't handle it anymore", and Jarrod walking off the other way saying the same thing.  Jarrod keeps saying that he feels like he doesn't want to do anything for him anymore.  They just can't seem to communicate well a lot of the time.  Jarrod can be like his blood father and very head strong, even at 8 yrs old! Jarrod getting fed up and is cranky a lot of the time.  I suggested we find someone to talk to.

22/01/01
Mitchell seemed to have a good day when I picked him up from vacation care..  vacation told us there were only one or two incidents that he had to be spoken to.  Mitchell jumped off a ledge and hurt his arm.  Mitchell complained about her reaction, as she said it was stupid! I didn't reply.

At dinner Mitchell asked if I could put his sun top in his bag.  I was tired and I went on about having
 a  hundred things to remember, not a 'superwomen' blah, blah, blah.  Not a good reaction as he didn't need to hear that.  I sounded like my mother.  Anyway, Mitchell said, "will you stop it already!"  .  Made me think that I should be encouraging him to be more independent, not whine
 when he isn't and act like a mater. Later Mitchell is asked to go to bed and he whines himself and gets angry in a second.  We threaten with taking star chart down.  Mitchell goes to star chart and rips it off wall in a rage and he his sent to his room.  We didn't give him a warning that bedtime was coming up and this is the reaction we get.  Later I found number of a psychologist.  Family counsellor in practice is $85.00 an hour! but I leave a message.

24/01/01
Too tired to write last night to write.  Mitchell again did not want to go to bed at agreed time, even with a warning.  He said to Jarrod, "That's it, I've had enough!" and walked out of house in his pyjama bottoms! He came back a few minutes later and asked if we heard him.  We said, 'yes' and continued to watch television and I reminded him it may get cold outside.  He went out the door again.  Jarrod went out to him a few minutes later and Jarrod went to bed.  I had a bit of an absent minded afternoon today.  A plant tipped over in car that I didn't secure properly, also forget about appointment with the person giving a quote for some blinds and I went to the shops twice!  Maybe I am starting to worry about Jarrod going away for work soon to east Timor.  Spoke to mum on the phone in Adelaide.  Her and her new boyfriend might go to Sydney at Easter. Rang my girlfriend, Nicky and asked if she wanted to go to the movies tomorrow night.  I think I need some time out.

Creativity: how to enhance it in your child.

Creativity can be enhanced in several different environments.  It doesn't matter where you live or where your heritage lies you can bring out the creative side of your child/ten even if you feel you don't have a creative bone in your body(which you would have but haven't tapped into it yet).      
Firstly start by role modelling 'thinking outside the box' with your children. If on holidays or on a road trip, make comments about your environment and role model 'wondering' about what you see, hear, smell, taste. Allow your children to think of possibilities to your questions and take advantage of their preferred learning styles. That is, for example if a child likes to touch things and learns by doing then allow them to go for it when appropriate, eg. A hands on museum or a flower garden, farm etc.
Listen to your child's play and discover their interests. Let them experience those interests in different ways, eg. Trains: visit a train museum, a train Lego exhibition, model train display, use technology in relation to interest eg. Take photos, google different types, offer boxes of different sizes and craft materials eg. Milk bottle lids and make trains. What about investigating together questions you have on the topic via the net and the library. You could also investigate science ideas on the topics of interest together like steam engines and electric trains. Always ask open ended questions with your child and the list of avenues can be never ending eg. Art, music and movement. The world needs more creative minds who think outside the square and only look at one answer to solve a problem and are blinded by narrow mindedness and fear of failure. So get out in the world and wonder with your child/ten. You don't have to have all the answers to their questions, you just need an open mind and a willingness to look into all options to learn alongside your child. The world is yours and your child's oyster: open it together and see what you can discover !

Timetable checklist: ready for school.

Teaching children how to be organised can be difficult, but it is vital that we guide the to learn this vital skill. Not only for their future independence but as parents; for our own sanity! Here is am example of one that you can use throughout the week. See photo upload.

Getting ready for starting school tips.

 

As we are getting close to the end of the Kindergarten year following your child’s interview with the Kindy teacher take home your child’s portfolio with you and look at it together with your child.  Notice how they have represented what they know and have built on their knowledge:  represented through  drawings, art work, constructions and documented conversations in the play based environment.  Talk with them and compare this to what they might be doing at school.

The most important thing you can do for your child when beginning school is to be involved with the school and your child’s learning as much as you can.  Talk to the teacher and trust in their knowledge and experience, but advocate when you feel strongly on an issue.

 Listen to your child and how they are feeling before starting school and after the first day.

Don’t put any pressure on them or compare your child to others, as they are all unique and will find their way with your unconditional support and....

..

 

don’t forget to be brave, have fun, laugh, breathe and encourage your child to do the sameJ

 

Kidscreative.

 

 

Diary of a soldiers wife 3rd entry.

Sunday 14/01/01
Lazy day today.  Stayed home only to walk dog.  Dig a few things with Mitchell like puzzles.  Second day it was 96 pieces and he finished it whilst watching cricket.  Mitchell is showing an interest in cricket.  Jarrad and Mitchell played cricket for a bit and had a swim in the pool.  Mitchell had a good day.  Still says 'no' to everything, but now gets it done straight away most of the time.

Monday 15/01/01
I'm back at work in childcare. Day went quite quickly.  No money to buy petrol and used card.  Don't know why we are both working and I have no money until my pay day.
Mitchell had a good day with Jarrad.  Happy this evening, well most of it.  Our dog Ash caught a bird, still alive.  Jarrad told Mitchell he would have to kill it as it was nearly dead.  Jarrad was upset and concerned.  We had a talk and I tries to distract him by making him laugh, which he did.  Jarrad came back in a brought up subject of bird again and I quickly asked him to stop.  I went for a bike ride with Mitchell.  At one stage Mitchell veered out onto the road to avoid people walking.  He really doesn't think things through sometimes.  Mitchell announced at dinner that he wanted to be a 'zookeeper' or a bushranger.  He asked me to note it in my diary so he won't forget.  He cracks me up!

Easy yoga poses for children

Listed are the ones demonstrated in photo gallery.
1. Cobra - the posture strengthens and aligns the spine.  Deep breathing assists blood flow.
2. Mouse- stretches arms and back, relaxation.
3. Lord of the dance- the pose develops balance and leg muscles and stretches the spine.
4. Lord of the dance 2.
5. Ragdoll- releases tension.
6.Lion1- raised kneeling position- strengthen throat and releases tension in body and mind.
7.. Lion pose2- opening mouth wide let out a mighty roar. Empty your lungs. Repeat 4 times.
6. The Bear- Creative play pose- stretching muscles, including shoulders and hips. Smell the air and move around the room.
7. Sitting starfish

8. Crocodile
9. Cat
10.Butterfly- opens the hips, stretches the groin.
11. Child Pose- stretch arms as you inhale- then relax.
12. Half lord of the Fishes Pose- Spinal twist- Flexibility and strength in spine (good for computer uses).
13. Bow Pose- Flexibility in spine and releases pain in back and legs.
14. Mountain pose- Visualise a mountain, strong and sturdy.  Remain in posture 3-5 minutes- good for posture.
15. Tree pose- improves balance and coordination. Focus on a point or a feather on ground ahead for balance.  Can play a ball game with children in circle and others on outside and roll ball to knock tree over at ankles.
16. Triangle pose- strengthening and stretching chest and shoulders.
17. Upward facing cat or cow pose- keeps back flexible and releases tension.
18. Froggie- stretches back, hips and engages balance.
19. Forward stretch- stretches back and legs for flexibility.
20. Downward dog- stretching muscles, releases tension, builds strength, aids in digestion.

NB forgive me if photos are all over the place, just learning how to do all this!

Diary of a soldier's wife 2nd entry

Sat 13/01/01
Cleaned the house in my own special way; start something,switch to something else midway through and then realise I had not finished what I started.  Now I'm aware of this behaviour I am concentrating on finishing one job before starting another!
Jarrad's mum called and told me Little Athletics was starting back.  Mitchell outside talking to neighbour friend over fence.  Jarrad's mum suggested to 'tell him' it was on rather than ask him to go today.  Jarrad cleaning pool.  Told Mitchell it was starting back and he let out a big whine.  He complained he wanted to play with his friend at that time.  I suggested he play earlier with friend.  Jarrad whined louder.  Jarrad intervened and Mitchell was rude to him.  Jarrad sent him to his room.  Later Mitchell went with Jarrad to Little Athletics and enjoyed it!

Evening: went to Jarrad's work mates place for BBQ.  Talking to two wives I have met before.  Often lost track of what they were saying.  Had some drinks and felt better.  Mitchell played well with other older child.

children and yoga

As an aside to my diary I would like to post information relating to my interests.  One being yoga for children.  I have been teaching yoga to children in early childhood settings at home for several years with my own children. 

I began motor skills training with my son to assist him with his diagnosis of ADHD 15 years ago and then moved into 'Brain gym' and Yoga with my two daughters.

These are some of the benefits I have witnessed come to fruition:

"Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself".
Chinese proverb on learning.

Benefits for children with additional needs: ADD, ADHD, autism and others.  Helps children to 'centre themselves' calm their thoughts and engage socially with others, assisting auditory processing.

Anxiety and obesity is on the increase in children within Australian society.  Through stretching and breathing anxiety can be curbed. Visualisation and positive inner speech can also help, along with relation and meditation techniques.

Yoga gives children greater awareness of  their body, physical strength - strengthen core muscles and tones, inner strength, flexibility, better blood flow and oxygen flow.

The creative side of children can come to life as they pretend to be animals and natural objects as they practice yoga postures.

Children can learn positive virtues that can take them through life and assist them in building resilience.  For example: 'non-violence' , 'truthfulness', 'non-stealing', less envy, greed and materialism.

The joy of movement, music, games and socialisation can all be experienced during a yoga session with children.

Yoga can be tailored to individual learning styles (see Gardner's Learning Styles).

Yoga encourages listening:  listening to others, listening to your own heart and mind and focusing attention in the present; giving clarity to thoughts.

Yoga can increase concentration and restore energy.

Children can become confident and benefit from a non-competitive form of fitness and well-being.

(References: Lark.L (2003) Yoga for kids, Firefly Books Ltd.  Reidy, D (2011) Angel yoga for kids - teacher training for kids, Level 1).

"It is little short of a miracle that modern methods of instruction have not already completely strangled the holy curiosity of enquiry, because what the delicate little plant needs most, apart from initial stimulation, is freedom; without that it is truly destroyed".  Albert Einstein.

Diary of a soldier's wife and mother.

Hi, I am an Australian mother of three and Early Childhood Teacher.  Back in 2007 I was married to a soldier, our daughter was 5 and son 14 when he went on his last tour.  He'd been on two tours before for 6 months since before we were married.  I will share parts of my diary from different times he went away, in the hope that other mothers and wives of military men might find solace in my story and some tips on dealing with feelings and children diagnosed with A.D.H.D on your own.  I will give an exert each week when I have time.

Sat 12/01/07
"It's like daddy is dead", said a little voice from the backseat of the car as we drove home from daughter's prep class on a Friday at the end of her first week at school.  The words hit me in the back of the head like a lightning bolt.  This was the way my daughter was expressing her feelings towards her daddy's leaving to do a six month stint overseas with the Army.  He had left a few weeks earlier and previous to this she had a very tight bond with her daddy, who although worked long hours and had been away before for a few weeks, was her hero.
 I held back tears and tried to use words that would soothe my daughter and explain why she may be feeling this way, but it wasn't easy.  "Jeez, this is hard!" I said to my mum later.  Although I knew it wasn't going to be as hard for me as it now was for Amber 'daddy's girl', as I had done this before when I was working, studying and caring for my young son, who had been diagnosed a year before with ADHD and Dyslexia.

The army issue booklets for families for when a loved one goes away describe the feelings you may have as if you going through a grieving process with different stages: sadness, frustration, anger and finally acceptance.  I'm not sure how my senses have survived three doses of this, but I am not unlike many women and men around the world every day who's partners go away with the forces and in comparison my job at home is nothing compared to what they deal with every day as well as missing home.

My next blog will outline a time in my life when I was home with my young son and the time before Jarrad goes away and then managing his second tour overseas.  We had been together only 10 months and living together for 6 or so.