Love and such things

To love is to be selfless
He who isn't selfless
Cannot endure long term love
Maturity and life experience brings
Selfless love.
Love is not totally blind but
All-seeing to truly behold beauty.
To maintain love is too never
Loose the art of cuddling and kissing
Which brings you closer to your love
And keeps love alive.
In stillness alone and with a love
You can find clarity and listen
To our own intuition.
Make an effort to re-connect mentally
And physically often.

T. Ashdown

12days of Xmas for 2013

On the first day of Xmas my true love gave to me ..... Peace on earth and no more bloodshed.
On the second day of Xmas my true love sent to me..... A cure for all cancers
On the third day of Xmas my true love sent to me...... An end to abuse in all forms
On the fourth day of Xmas my true love sent to me...... An end to pedaphilia
On the fifth day of Xmas my true love sent to me....... An end to crime and violence
On the sixth day of Xmas my true love sent to me........ An end to global warming
On the seventh day of Xmas my true love sent to me...... An end to starvation and poverty in the third world countries
On the eight day of Xmas my true love sent to me........ An end to senseless animal abuse and killing
On the ninth day of Xmas my true love sent to me ......... A end to human
 trafficking
On the tenth day of Xmas my true love sent to me........ Allowance for all children to be educated regardless of gender  or wealth
On the Eleventh day of Xmas my true love sent to me ......... An end to neglect in all forms
On the twelfth day of Xmas my true love sent to me......... A marriage proposal..... And I excepted
Because it was the best Xmas I'd ever had!  

Kidscreative.

Yoga for teens to help with exam stress.

With exams on at the moment these stretches with proper breathing and doctor's clearance could help teens during exam times whilst studying.  Helpful for body tension: stress and leaning over computer and used with proper breathing techniques could be something they need.

Full Forward Bend Pose.

Inhale and bend over the legs keeping back straight. Only stretch as far as you can go and bend knees if necessary.  Stay there and take 6 deep breathes.

relax shoulders whilst breathing into it.

Sama-Sthiti: Concentration Pose.  This picture shows the last stage of the pose.  Prior to that you must inhale and lead the arms upward and outwards.  Exhale and put palms together above head.  Relax shoulders. Stretch the arms up horizontally then inhale and bend knees,  pelvic forward, tighten stomach and let arms fall backward.  Look at point of ceiling. Don't drop back or arms.

Don't forget the benefits of meditation and its central part in yoga practice.  Good Luck!

Namasta.

Kidscreative.

Quote RELEASE.

                                                     When life gets you down

try to find somewhere that soothes your sole.....

 

 

 

 

 

Kidscreative.



 

Art appreciation for young children.

In kindergarten we had been looking at great artists in history. Sunflowers by Van Gogh was a favourite so we offered them to do their own still life of sunflowers with great results !

child's example.

Art Appreciation and related art activities for children.

next entry: diary of a soldier's wife 1/11/13

17/01/02

I've sent Jarrod the box with food he requested and the little booties with "Guess what" on them,  ha ha, can't wait for reply.  Iv'e started studying again.  It's pretty full on, but a lot I did in my Diploma in this first subject so I think I'll do ok. I forgot to mention that we did go to Sydney for a few days over xmas to visit my brother and family and had a good time. 
This is the email I sent Jarrod last week:

Jarrod- .  Mitchell played at friends until midday.  I watched Pearl Harbour.  What a shocker! put me in a real good mood......  Just received a video of Christmas from my brother's, will mail later.  They bought us heaps of presents!  ...... This is sad having to write to you about Christmas here.  In a sad mood tonight and no plans tomorrow.  I bought some bar stools.  Good for Jarrod to eat at the bar.  Although tonight he moved one right over in front of the TV. 
It's so hot a fire broke out across the road in neighbours tree!  Another neighbour grabbed a backyard hose and another rang the fire brigade and two came!  Bit scary!  I feel vulnerable on my own here sometimes when things like that happen.    Please don't say that you understand how I feel.  I don't think it was a good idea to volunteer yourself on this trip with all that's going on and you know I felt that way, but anyway, stay safe, love youxx

Value of pets in young children's lives.

We recently moved to a house where no dogs, cats were allowed.  We managed to get permission for some budgies. My daughter,8 gets up every morning to take the two of them out of the cage and train them to sit on her finger, even the 11yr old had one perched on her finger today.  My eight year old always showed an interest in animals from a young age and we now call her the. 'Bird whisperer'.

Here are some of the qualities I feel she is developing as she cares for our birds:
. Perseverance; as she repeats the same strategies each day to train the birds to sit on her finger and one on her shoulder.  She never gives up, even when they inevitably fly to a mirror on a bench in the bar area.   She made it all the way to our room this morning to show us!
. Responsibility; as she is reminded but expected to tick off on a chart of jobs that she has feed the pets.  ( although cleaning out cage seems to be too much for her due to their droppings!
. Caring for a living creature other than herself.
. Learning to look up information on budgies when she is unsure what to do or what the possibilities are for training budgies, eg next she wants to train them to talk!
. Learning about living creatures and their needs.
. Being gently and kind and patient.

So if you have no room for large animals, then consider a small addition to the family, particularly if the child shows an interest in caring for animals.

Value of real 'Art' in children's lives.

 

 

Kidscreative.

Next entry diary of a soldiers wife 16feb2002

I am feeling excited now about being pregnant.  I've been thinking of sending Jarrod a pair of booties with the next box of snacks that he has asked for with a note attached saying,'guess what'.  Thought that was more novel than just another email.  I've been thinking about asking to cut my hours back at work too because I'm pregnant and because I will be starting uni again soon to do my teaching degree.  Hope I can work it all out.

Quotes parenting.

'the best way to deprogram our over scheduled children is to deprogram ourselves.' (Steve Biddulph).

'We tell children to 'stop,look and listen' to cross the road.  We should 'stop, look and listen' to them as well as often as possible. (Kids creative.)

yoga teacher plan for young children 2

Lesson Plan for Yoga with circle mats.

Move children into a circle with you as part of the circle.

Begin in Easy Sitting Pose.  Let children talk about their day so far and how they are feeling.

Simple breathing exercise through mouth or nose and mouth.

Encourage children to straighten their spine- pull head up with string and tie a bow.

Rest hands on knees. Breathe deeply for 3-5 minutes.

Do Baddha Konasana- Butterfly Pose

Hold feet with hands lean forward chest toward feet, wave legs up and down.

Do Tadasana- Mountian Pose.

Vrksasana- Tree Pose; balancing on one foot on inner thigh or as high up as they can go, raise arms overhead or out to side.

Trikasana- triangle pose; can sing “I’m a little teapot”

(gentle music playing throughout this lesson).

Marjaryasana- Cat Pose

Down into Cobra Pose

Up into Downward Dog pose

Bring each foot forward and into slight back bend backwards.

Down into Froggie Pose.

And Forward stretch.

End lying on front or back with Shavasana- Corpse or ‘Do Nothing’ pose

Speak to relax their minds.  Feel their tummy moving up and down- pretend a boat on it, moving up and down on waves. Tense face then relax and move down entire body doing the same, close eyes.

Wait for teacher to come around and gentle roll student to one side. Gently use a feather to wake with a gently waving on ear, shoulder and pull up like on a piece of string to kneeling then sitting. 

Say Yoga verse: All of God’s beautiful treasures am I

Second verse: 

I am a mountain

I am a tree.

I am the ocean, as wide as can be.

I am a hill on the earth so strong.

I am a river that flows along.

I am a rainbow, up in the sky.

All of the (god’s) or earth’s treasures am I.

 

In sitting position say, “Namasta”. Hold palms of hands together, bring down to centre – heart centre at the same time.

Baddha Konasana: Bound Angle Pose

(poem: Gowan S. The Children’s book of Shanti Yoga, 2006).
Kidscreative.

Is is necessary to know how to write your name as a pre-requisite to school?

I don't think so..
Have a look at this list below, nowhere does it say: learn to write your name independently.

 Overall Goals.

School readiness.

Implications for practice:  Intentional teaching practices: (Background)

Emotionally supportive.

Fosters social, emotional and regulatory skills.

Promotes early literacy and maths skills. (Rethinking school Readiness.  www.rch.org.au/ccch/policybriefs.cfm 2008).

‘The key factor in promoting children’s school readiness in all environments… is the nature of the relationships they experience’. 

Intentional Teaching Practices :

. encouraging children’s participation in group games and experiences.

.talking positively to children about starting school.

.encouraging independence in all areas of self care.

. helping children to use pencils, crayons, textas, scissors and glue unassisted.

. reading with children.

. ICT skills. 

(www.ncac.gov.au Australian Government, 2008).

Kidscreative.

Next entry Diary of a soldiers wife.

15/02/02

Last night I told Mitch that he couldn't go to neighbours to swim tomorrow as he lied to me about putting sunscreen on and got sunburnt.  Mitch accepted this consequence without question, which was good.  Today whilst looking for something in garage I complained about Jarrod putting things away where I can't find them before he left.  Mitch said, "I don't like you complaining about him when he isn't here and you make such a mess that he has to stack it up all again."  I thought fair enough call for my eight year old.  Mitch has also remembered lately to speak to me about his complaints in a respectful manner instead of losing his temper.  He said last night, " "Could you please put the remote back near the television next time when your finished so I can find it."  He was mimicking me when I've asked the same way.  I should acknowledge these improvements more possibly as he is acting a lot better than he was a few months ago. 

3/03/ 2002
Email finally from Jarrod!  It read, "This is a picture of where we live.  It is attached to this email.  I have booked a place called the Voyager which is across from the beach, 200 m from Cafes at Broadbeach.  At this stage it is a one bedroom unit with balcony facing the ocean.  It is on the first floor, however we could be moved if other people don't confirm.  You can still see up and down the coast and beaches but not directly in front.

Love you..

Well he is "a matter of fact man."  Explained to me holiday on his return and that's it!  oh well, thought that counts.

..... I just did a pregnancy test and it came up positive!  I suppose I can email him the news??

Things I wish someone had told me as a young women

Extreme behaviours in men shouldn't be tolerated, particularly aggression
You need to know that you are not qualified to help them
Learn to hold your tongue in life. Two angry dogs never solve anything
This is purely using the primitive part of your brain. Let go of those angry animal instincts
Breathe and look at the facts. Learn to dodge the arrows.
Respect your parents but don't let them control your life as an adult. Learn something called ' emotional differentiation'.
Ask yourself, ' do you want peace of mind or conflict.'

Kidscreative.

Parenting- something to live by.

Walk the talk, stand for something with integrity and make sure you have the capabilities to see it through to be successful and dependable. (Stephen Covey, The speed of trust 2006, Free press).

Kidscreative.

Quotes

L

Invitations to play: Are they just a guise for themes?

I see many 'invitations to play' on-line set up by the parent or early childhood educator, which I do not interpret as 'play' .  They are in actual fact; adult made, adult led, adult thought out, pre-planned by educator= 'traditional themes', which is what we know does not relate back to our knowledge of improved neurological activity and the way children build on knowledge. 

Things to ask yourself before setting up an 'invitation to play'
* was the activity based on interests displayed or verbalised by the child/ren or the majority of children?
*did you consult with the child/ren and give them a sense of agency in the planning of the activity in a democratic way to improve child/ren's self-esteem and positive attitude towards the play?
* Are the children being actively involved in finding out about the subject or are they just being told?
* Could educators present the activity in a more open-ended way in collaboration with children in planning to provide a more effective play-based integrated curriculum?
* Did you take into account the child's prior learning, knowledge of the experience prior to presenting the experience?
* Does the activity 'dictate' to children the play or is it open to accommodating learning styles and abilities, able to be built on and emerge into deep inquiry learning?

This approach does not mean just standing back and letting the children go for it, but finding a balance between child-centred and adult led play.

For parents at home, an activity set up for your child is better than non at all, however, if we blindly set up an activity that has no real relevance to the child's life or experiences and consequently no meaning to them, then it will not promote deep learning or creative flexibility in thinking.  As a result the child may go to preschool and not know how to play and be overly dependent on the adult to show them how.

Kidscreative.

yoga for children- lesson plans

Yoga and Literacy Learning.

Terms to remember:

Asanas- yoga postures

Pranayama- breathing

Meditation – relaxation.

 

Lesson plan.

Gentle yoga practice for releasing tension from the day and to promote sleep.

E is for Easy pose card.

Sit in easy pose. Cross legged with hands together, close your eyes- 5 cycles of slow breathing.

Hands on tummy for five more breaths, in through nose out through mouth, if possible.  I is for inhale.

Twist to one side of the body, hand on left knee then alternate side.

P is for Pretzel.

Then lift arm to bend to one side then the other.  Sing ‘Bend with the wind’

‘Bend with the wind

Bend with the wind

Swaying…

Swaying…

And bend,

Bend with the wind’

then go to other side.

Up onto all fours into cat stretch.  C is for cat stretch.

Then down into Child’s pose.

Hands in under legs towards buttocks for Mouse pose.  M is for Mouse card.

Lie on your back and bring knees up to chest for windscreen wiper pose.  W is for Windshield Wipers.

Feet and arms down beside you. Knees bent and up into a bridge pose.  B is for Bridge card.

Press into your shoulders and raise body a little more.

Sit back up in a circle for candle gazing and to rest mind for five breaths.  Stare at the flame or pretend candle, for as long as you can without blinking and block out the rest of the room.  After a minute close your eyes, “can you still see the candle in your mind’s eye?”

Finally lie in ‘do nothing pose’ on back.  Take 10 breaths and move back away from floor and back again as in ‘Fish Pose’. (Fish poem can be read).

Relax, then slower wiggle hands and feet, move to side.

Slowly into sitting and say ‘Happy Day’ poem.

Namasta.

(Resources: The ABCs of YOGA for KIDS: Mariel Hemingway. 2010 www.StaffordHouseBooks.com)  Shanti Gowans, ‘The Children’s Book of Shanti Yoga’ 2006. Inner Peace Publications.

Kidscreative.

quote for parenting.

A baby‘s Love is unconditional.

As long as you feed her, shelter her and meet her basic needs, she will show you love in her eyes. 

A mother’s love often has conditions, which can darken her life and

Put a veil over her child’s eyes so they no longer show love.

 

 

 

 

diary of a soldiers wife:next entry10/10/13

10/11/01
Jarrod hasn't replied to last email still.  There must be a problem with system or busy or maybe doesn't know what to say as I sound grumpy.  Mitchell wandered around house again bored, not easy.  A friend is hopefully coming over tomorrow.  I'm still feeling sick and a sore throat.  I will go to doctors.  A guy came selling paintings tonight, then came back again at 9pm. I told him he had been here and he told me my light was on in my car.  It was and I locked up the house and car whilst he was at neighbours.  Mitchell must have been spooked too as he got alarm and set it off accidently.  Luckily I remembered right code to switch it off.  He asked to sleep in my bed again tonight.

12/11/01
43 degrees today!  Mitchell and I went to shops, then bowling, then shops, then pool.  I won by one point twice at bowling.  Mitch took it better than on other occasions.  Last time we took a friend and he cried because he lost.

Finally heard from Jarrod and to my whines about his not being able to be contacted he replied, "he had to stand it too" and I seem to think he has no feelings.  I feel annoyed still as I know he had a choice weather to go or not but I know he is doing something important. 

School Readiness- Helping all children and children with Additional Needs.

Additional Needs.

School readiness.

Implications for practice:  Intentional teaching practices: (Background)

Emotionally supportive.

Fosters social, emotional and regulatory skills.

Promotes early literacy and maths skills. (Rethinking school Readiness.  www.rch.org.au/ccch/policybriefs.cfm 2008).

‘The key factor in promoting children’s school readiness in all environments… is the nature of the relationships they experience’. 

Intentional Teaching Practices.

. encouraging children’s participation in group games and experiences.

.talking positively to children about starting school.

.encouraging independence in all areas of self care.

. helping children to use pencils, crayons, textas, scissors and glue unassisted.

 

 

 

Additional Needs Further support:

Sensory integration activities:

Managing reactions to emotional overload: “The behavioural outbursts that result when children are overwhelmed by sensory input are an educational issue, not a behavioural one.”

Therefore: Punishment won’t work.

What could work:

Calming activities: jumping activities, possibly over a rope back and forth on the ground or on a small trampoline.  Giving deep pressure massage.  Perform heavy work tasks like sweeping or wheeling a wheelbarrow.  Placing a wheat bag on their laps  during quiet activities; or using headphones for those who over react to auditory input .  Continue to use “fidget toys”; a favourite small toy or sensory object.

Sit child to outer edge of group so they are not jostled by others.

If the child becomes overwhelmed then they need permission to withdraw to calm themselves.

These are useful activities are for children overwhelmed by sensory input.

 

For those that underreact to sensory input:

Extra exposure to a range of physical and tactile experiences so they learn to discriminate different sensations.  Identifying unseen objects in a Feely bag.  Massage, messy play, swinging by their arms. 

For those who overreact to sensory input, eg touch.  Finger-painting or paint in a zip lock bag, clay work and covering with plastic wrap until child becomes used to it.

 

(Porter L. (Third ed.) Young Children’s Behaviour. Practical Approaches for Caregivers and Teachers.)

 

 

. reading with children.

. ICT skills. 

(www.ncac.gov.au Australian Government, 2008).

Kidscreative.

6 ways to encourage creativity in young children.

1.  Be open to new ideas and suggestions relating to play.  Be supportive of the children and their unique way of looking at the world.  This will also assist you to identify children's preference for learning styles.

2. Let the children have enough time and space to finish what they have started or leave it to continue on with the next day or take a photo of what they have achieved.  Imagine if you were in your kitchen and you had laid out the ingredients to make a cake and poured in the dry ingredients then someone said, "stop, it's time to pack up", and you had to put it all away until tomorrow.  Would you try again tomorrow? or would you be disheartened and unsupported and not try.  We want engaged learners who feel supported.

3. Choose materials that are open ended and easy to access.  Some creative materials may be boxes of all shapes and sizes, plain shirts and dresses, ties, hats etc that can be dressed up to become anything they choose.  Tins of all shapes and sizes, tubing, paints to mix and natural materials.  Scarfs and pieces of material.

4.  Never discourage daydreaming in early childhood.  It's a time when your mind can be free for problem-solving and relaxation.  Lay down and look up at the clouds with the children, follow an ant on its path through the garden.

5.  Encourage 'wondering' in children.  Ask them questions like, "I wonder what is making the wind so strong today?" Listen to their questions and 'wonder' about the answers together.  As a teacher you don't need to know all the answers, just how to encourage looking for them and where the answers might be found to start the process.

6.  Deep learning from inquiry based learning only comes from narrowing down the creative play experiences offered by adults and being supportive of those of most interest to them.  A
assisting children to build on those ideas by providing open ended questioning and props.

Kidscreative.

06/10/13 next entry diary of a soldier's wife

24/02/02
I'm getting spooked every night by cars racing up and down our winding street from a main road.  They stop out the front a few houses up and rev up and back, rolling back and between yard next door and front of our yard.  Then take off loudly around the corner.  I took note of the type of car and colour.
25/02/02
10:30pm and 10:35 two cars went up and down the street loudly again.  Will I ever sleep!

Its two days later and the nose of cars keep happening between 10pm and 1pm.  I spoke to my neighbour across the road and she thinks house next door might be selling drugs.  When we bought here a year after we married and settled in Queensland, Simon told me this was a good area, but I suppose this can happen anywhere.  I just don't like being in house alone with my son with all this going on outside and not really having anyone to call.  But I have made friends with lady across road so that is making me feel better.

( Six months later we found out that one of the 'Bali nine" drug traffickers lived around the corner, no wonder all the action every night.  We had television crews parked out the front near our house for months.)

12/03/02
Mitchell and I fought this morning.  I could not understand what he was asking for and I ascertained it was something about not wanting to take his pill at a certain time at school.  I wrote him a note for Monday and he screamed at me that it wasn't right.  I called him an idiot under my breathe and he came at me with fists. I held him and told him to calm down.  I banned him from tv for a week.  Later he apologised and so did I.

Mum rang and said she had left her job because she hated it., she will meet us in Sydney after all at my brother's at Easter.  Mum also said someone ran into her open car door on the street and ripped it off almost.  It was actually her boyfriend's car and he wasn't impressed.  I think he drinks too much but I'm not sure. 

Jarrod and my anniversary in a few weeks and it isn't easy to organise a babysitter.

01/04/02
My pa would have been a 100yrs old today so my mum tells me.  He died 27 yrs ago when I was 3.
I tried to call Jarrod again as was feeling lonely with no family around.  It was the third time since Wednesday and it is now Sunday.  I can never speak to him when I need to, it's so frustrating. That's why I usually don't try and put him out of my mind to cope.  I just wanted to tell him that Mitchell scored a goal at soccer on Saturday and that they won. I took Mitchell to psychologist last Monday and she told me his aggression and social problems are part of his ADD ( no news to me!)  She said it could be under maturation of his brain.  So she suggested we see her five to six more times and we will devise strategies to try and help him. 
Mitchell would not go with Jarrod's mum Saturday night so I could go to a party with work friends.
He had a big outburst because it was a change of plans.  I actually took him as he was hysterical but I said he was not going to his friend's house today.

Mitch and I had a good day today although I was grumpy to start and Mitch picked up on my feelings and became grouchy too.  He asked what was wrong and I said honestly that I missed Jarrod.  He was then better as he seemed to understand.  He is sleeping in my bed tonight.  I don't mind, he's still only 8yrs old, nine next month.  I hope he doesn't move around a lot like last night and our dog doesn't bark half the night.  He's fidgety now.  We have an early start tomorrow as I'm on early shift at work ad he has to go to before school care. 

13/02/02
Mitch was bored today and I felt a bit sick.  Combination of too much of one thing probably.  I had noodles for lunch and dinner, not good.  I should start looking after myself.  I threw up too.  I finished a book in a week and that's a record for me.  It was about a bored woman at home who has an affair.  I think it just brings a bit of passion into my lonely life at the moment.  No call from Jarrod and I haven't replied to his last email yet.  I feel bad, but I have nothing to say.  I must be up to the 'anger' stage of when men in the forces go away, especially when he volunteered, we really didn't need the money, but he loves it.  Next stage is meant to be 'resolution' and I think, "the courageous acceptance of life".

next entry of diary of a soldiers wife

04/02/01
Jarrod is back now.  Over weekend Mitch had many angry outbursts.  At me, Jarrod and his friend who he wanted to come over.  We ended up taking the friend home after an hour.  Mitch seems to like the stimulation of an argument.  We are seeing a paediatrician on Friday.  Jarrod can't wait.  We will see psychologist shortly.  I feel depressed today and run-down and did not do a lot.  Jarrod was really helpful.  I'm glad he is back from his week away.  Hope to feel better this coming week.  Mitch has a chipped tooth.  I spoke to principal and Mitch had started a fight.  He is having capped tomorrow.

14/02/01
Jarrod left for overseas work assignment a few days ago.
I'm so tired from work that I am in bed at 8pm.  Mitch hasn't showered yet, so I'll be up again to remind him.  It was good to work though as it stops the boredom.  One young mum at work said it was good for her to work as she didn't 'just feel like someone's mum' and has another identity at work too.  I feel that way too at the moment, although a balance is hard to find.  Mitch came with me today and was a good helper.  The last two hours he got bored though and smart towards other children.  Paediatrician suggested one tablet in  the mornings and half at lunch, which wears off after four hours, sometimes you can tell.  I don't like the thought of medication but we were really at breaking point and wanted to help him as well as the family.  May for the short term until we get more help.

18/02/01
A few emails ago to Jarrod, I complained about being lonely.  He replied he could not put his words down in writing so he would call.  He called later and as a man, he did not speak of feelings, just solutions to problems.  He thinks I should go to Adelaide at Easter to spend 2 weeks with mum as she is not going to my brother's now.  Mitch and I were asked to dinner at Jarrod's parent's place, which was odd, but good as I was feeling lonely.

Mitchell makes me laugh.  On the way home today he was in one of his chatty moods and he commented on how he would like to have cake and fireworks on the day before his birthday to celebrate 'Appendix Day'.  He meant 'Independence Day', on the fourth of July which is the day before his birthday.  He added, then he could have another birthday on the fifth of July!  Mitch has behaved fairly well lately, except one angry outburst at Nicky and husband as they helped me move some furniture in and scratched it a bit.  I sent him to his room.  I warned him to behave for his grandparents tonight.  I read somewhere that you shouldn't really warn children to behave, but it's hard not too sometimes.  At least tonight he didn't reply, "Don't you expect me to behave?" in a harsh tone.  Which may be fair as I am probably sending him the wrong messages, that I don't trust him to behave.  Tonight though I gave a few examples and he was quiet then.

Jarrod sent me flowers.  I emailed and thanked him.  He does try to understand, but it's hard to be nice when I am hurting inside so much.  At least it's peace time where he is and he is unlikely to be in any danger, I hope.  I especially get lonely on the weekends when my diary is blank and Mitch gets up and gets dressed and follows me around looking glum and waiting for me to come up with ideas to free him from his boredom also.

 

creative play. Let the children decide.

Here one child decided the cellophane, that was available in a tray at the collage table, would look good in this bowl shaped trough with the sea creatures.  Later the children wanted to take it outside and a few children decided it would be fun to see the world through the cellophane!  They are so clever.  If you have the tools available for creative play it can often just happen without the teacher's interference.

The 'bubble wrap' was also chosen as the river.  Lots of fun to pop and uses fine motor skills, strengthening fingers.

 

Last photo is of children helping in the garden to clear leaves.  You don't need a great garden to get the children involved.  Just a clean up with sand equipment can be fun!

next entries for diary of a soldier's wife

26/01/01
Feeling a bit tired today.  Went out with Nicky last night, movies and out to a few clubs.  I did not drink as I was driving.  Today I have snapped at Jarrod a bit.  We all went to Australia Day celebrations at South Bank today.  Mitchell wanted to buy everything he saw!  I bought him one snake puppet.  Sometimes he couldn't sit still during performances and would wonder off.  During fire works we said he could move a bit closer where we could see him.  He moved from where we said to stand and Jarrod and I couldn't see him for the rest of the fireworks display.  When it had finished Mitchell emerged from the crowd and I wasn't pleased.  Jarrod and I started to argue over the incident.  Jarrod said that I didn't seem to listen sometimes.  I said, "yes probably, ADD maybe, must be hereditary!" I was half being sarcastic and half truthful.  I feel I too can't keep my attention on what people are saying, particularly lately. 

28/01/01

Jarrod went away with Army yesterday.  Will be away a few days before going overseas for six months.  I spent the day at home, then took Mitchell to Little Athletics.  Later we swam in the pool and played cricket and I worked around the house.  Went to Jarrod's parent's place to say goodbye as they are leaving tomorrow for a two month holiday.  Jarrod rang tonight and all is well and staying in the barracks.  Mitchell back at school tomorrow.  He has mixed feelings about it, but mostly positive.  Jarrod couldn't get to sleep tonight and complained about the heat as it was 35 degrees.  I went out later to check on him and he was asleep on the kitchen floor!  I read two books today about children with ADHD.  Both advocated for different ways to deal with 'my kind' of child.  One against taking medication to treat it and one for, now I am really confused!  One book I read said it could also be referred to as 'DDD' in some cases: 'dad deficient disorder'.  This could be true too as Mitchell seems used to his step dad going away, but maybe not.

29/01/01
Work was good today and I even remembered messages I needed to pass on by putting elastic bands around my wrist to remind me of them.  I'm very tired again.  Mitch's day sounded good.  I met the teacher and told her he had been diagnosed with ADHD.  She sounded like she wasn't very happy and signed, then said, "Oh, I've had one of those before, he couldn't sit still".  Silly women, how dare she lump my child in with all other children, maybe I shouldn't have said anything because now he wears the label.  Jarrod rang and said my brother said we could stay at his place at Easter in Sydney.

The connection between creativity and resilience.

Creativity and Resilience.

 

I’ve recently had some time on holidays and whilst children were playing, I was thinking about the connection between creativity and resilience.  There definitely has to be a connection between encouraging creativity in young children and at the same time encouraging resilience.  Children are very influenced by feedback given to them by adults, everyone should know this. So if being creative means thinking outside the box and being able to look at options from all angles and problem solving, then this must also affect a child’s ability to face challenges in life with a stronger ability to not crumble under tough times, to think about the pros and cons of options and decide to resolve to follow a path that is difficult, but must be taken in order to achieve the desired outcome.  I’m sure all the inventors of this world were in-tune with this idea, they wouldn’t have given up when they didn’t first find the answer. This shows their ability to never give up in the face of failure, but to continue for the greater good of all and to feel a sense of achievement for themselves.  Therefore, I feel the best way to create more resilient children in our unpredictable environment, whether man-made or natural disasters or more personal crises, then we have to encourage creative thinking in the early years and value children’s effort and ability to solve their own problems with our guidance, but not to take over.  Allow their natural ability to problem-solve evolve by giving them time to think, experiment and come up with their own conclusions with our open-ended questioning to encourage confident, courageous adults.  With adults and children looking at failure  as a setback, but not an end to a dream.

KidscreativeAshdown

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.