tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14816651448098358202024-03-13T13:42:41.856-06:00big ideas 4 little peopleMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-1142755190618758102012-12-05T09:00:00.000-07:002012-12-05T09:00:05.943-07:00Super Simple Christmas Crafts<div style="text-align: center;">
This is an accumulation of some incredibly easy Christmas crafts that could keep you and your kids entertained through these cold December days. They are all pretty self explanatory:</div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Candy Cane Rudolph</span></b></span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-doxu0rhlo-c/Tp4FmbI1ahI/AAAAAAAAD64/hVo2DKLmahI/s1600/Candy+cane+rudolph.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-doxu0rhlo-c/Tp4FmbI1ahI/AAAAAAAAD64/hVo2DKLmahI/s400/Candy+cane+rudolph.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Paper Cup Christmas Tree </span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G7OsHC8Tuxk/Tp4HQeoYVRI/AAAAAAAAD7A/VjwcTYmO86E/s1600/12-20-2010+Cannon+Christmas+Tree+Picture+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G7OsHC8Tuxk/Tp4HQeoYVRI/AAAAAAAAD7A/VjwcTYmO86E/s400/12-20-2010+Cannon+Christmas+Tree+Picture+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This one was made into a photo/card holder:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MzE5WRBwPBE/Tp4HUce3UFI/AAAAAAAAD7I/iutZs4HHIzA/s1600/12-20-2010+Cannon+Christmas+Tree+Picture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MzE5WRBwPBE/Tp4HUce3UFI/AAAAAAAAD7I/iutZs4HHIzA/s400/12-20-2010+Cannon+Christmas+Tree+Picture.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wu1VR-9Ksf0/Tp4HYzSHlvI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/cSFuSfQsiCE/s1600/12-20-2010+Cannon+Christmas+Tree+Picture+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wu1VR-9Ksf0/Tp4HYzSHlvI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/cSFuSfQsiCE/s400/12-20-2010+Cannon+Christmas+Tree+Picture+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pine cone Ornament</span></b></span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZ2t5CNq77I/Tp4HfLmla2I/AAAAAAAAD7Y/IT3XohRhpmY/s1600/2010-12+Cannon+Christmas+Ornament.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZ2t5CNq77I/Tp4HfLmla2I/AAAAAAAAD7Y/IT3XohRhpmY/s400/2010-12+Cannon+Christmas+Ornament.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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(with gold glitter glued to the edges)</div>
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<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Felt Stocking</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E0AiixfgiNQ/Tp4FTWDRHpI/AAAAAAAAD6U/qwI1Ks39aAU/s1600/12-2010+Cannon%2527s+felt+stocking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E0AiixfgiNQ/Tp4FTWDRHpI/AAAAAAAAD6U/qwI1Ks39aAU/s400/12-2010+Cannon%2527s+felt+stocking.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J56zEDaIDKg/Tp4FWnjLgeI/AAAAAAAAD6c/V5I-o1CKdtM/s1600/12-2010+Cannon%2527s+felt+stocking+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J56zEDaIDKg/Tp4FWnjLgeI/AAAAAAAAD6c/V5I-o1CKdtM/s400/12-2010+Cannon%2527s+felt+stocking+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-89979538400519355922012-02-08T09:00:00.000-07:002012-02-08T09:00:03.437-07:00Egg Carton Glasses<div style="text-align: center;">
Yet another quick craft idea!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YXb4Een21Q4/Tp4idFFRMJI/AAAAAAAAD78/vx7Nn74eOhg/s1600/05-16-2011+Cannon+egg+carton+glasses.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YXb4Een21Q4/Tp4idFFRMJI/AAAAAAAAD78/vx7Nn74eOhg/s400/05-16-2011+Cannon+egg+carton+glasses.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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No explanation needed for this one!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AqsqUCFAyS0/Tp4iZ68t00I/AAAAAAAAD70/0pPnUo577vw/s1600/05-16-2011+Cannon+egg+carton+glasses+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AqsqUCFAyS0/Tp4iZ68t00I/AAAAAAAAD70/0pPnUo577vw/s400/05-16-2011+Cannon+egg+carton+glasses+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-51924357458029103682011-12-21T09:00:00.000-07:002011-12-21T09:00:06.537-07:00Paper Christmas Tree Decorating<div style="text-align: center;">
Yet another idea that came from the classroom.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WL7a2eAQNvY/TuE2qUf81bI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/UcsMYMkdkQc/s1600/2011-12+Lincoln+Handprint+Tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WL7a2eAQNvY/TuE2qUf81bI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/UcsMYMkdkQc/s640/2011-12+Lincoln+Handprint+Tree.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
(Don't you just LOVE the handprint design??? SO adorable...)<br />
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The possibilities are pretty much endless. Here are a few that the boys have done: <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TNCDMevq_PI/AAAAAAAAC8c/FZQ77pC6N2s/s1600/2008-12-15+Christmas+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TNCDMevq_PI/AAAAAAAAC8c/FZQ77pC6N2s/s400/2008-12-15+Christmas+Tree.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--Wf9Nn6ISbo/TXleMC1sUXI/AAAAAAAADpw/X11j2xNseTc/s1600/2010-12+Cannon+popcorn+Christmas+tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--Wf9Nn6ISbo/TXleMC1sUXI/AAAAAAAADpw/X11j2xNseTc/s400/2010-12+Cannon+popcorn+Christmas+tree.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-63014672978353140702011-12-14T09:00:00.001-07:002011-12-14T09:00:01.031-07:00Milk Carton "Ginergerbread" Houses<div style="text-align: center;">
Every year in preschool around Christmas time Cannon would come home with a simple house he had made. I thought the idea was too great not to share.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F_wpmn0isAs/Tp4Ayb1MKGI/AAAAAAAAD54/7jVk-o7qBw0/s1600/12-17-2010+Cannon%2527s+graham+cracker+house+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F_wpmn0isAs/Tp4Ayb1MKGI/AAAAAAAAD54/7jVk-o7qBw0/s400/12-17-2010+Cannon%2527s+graham+cracker+house+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Using graham crackers instead of actually making gingerbread sounds like something way more realistic, doesn't it? </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZncDYNtRAjA/Tp4A1cMrM3I/AAAAAAAAD6A/NWjNz0CFD-c/s1600/12-17-2010+Cannon%2527s+graham+cracker+house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZncDYNtRAjA/Tp4A1cMrM3I/AAAAAAAAD6A/NWjNz0CFD-c/s400/12-17-2010+Cannon%2527s+graham+cracker+house.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So if you are looking for a quick and easy Christmas craft with your kids, give this a try. Cannon is so proud of his every time! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEc_qr2YNFk/Tp4A4-6YOCI/AAAAAAAAD6I/d_3xHV3Ozuw/s1600/12-17-2010+Cannon%2527s+graham+cracker+house+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEc_qr2YNFk/Tp4A4-6YOCI/AAAAAAAAD6I/d_3xHV3Ozuw/s400/12-17-2010+Cannon%2527s+graham+cracker+house+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-71840696671802912482011-12-07T09:00:00.001-07:002011-12-07T09:00:05.933-07:00Cotton Ball Snowman<div style="text-align: center;">This is a fun (and easy) activity for the snowy months.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cannon brought this home from pre-school last year after they had spent a few months talking and reading books about snow.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cotton Ball Snowman </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jwJw78N890A/TXlcC5BkAdI/AAAAAAAADpo/WWXszTpxg1M/s1600/DSC06078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jwJw78N890A/TXlcC5BkAdI/AAAAAAAADpo/WWXszTpxg1M/s400/DSC06078.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Materials Needed:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Cotton Balls</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Black Pipe Cleaners</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Google Eyes</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-51068693180526687692011-11-30T17:05:00.000-07:002011-11-30T17:05:00.161-07:00Hand and Foot Reindeer Prints<div style="text-align: center;">
Last year Lincoln's fabulous nursery leaders made us these cute Reindeer Prints for Christmas.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Gzm3dE_pdc/Tp4FbejCgyI/AAAAAAAAD6k/uUAXIUvshlg/s1600/12-2010+Lincoln+hand+and+foot+deer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Gzm3dE_pdc/Tp4FbejCgyI/AAAAAAAAD6k/uUAXIUvshlg/s400/12-2010+Lincoln+hand+and+foot+deer.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Brown and white paint, a red pompom or button, and your little ones prints are all you need!</div>
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Such a cute idea...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAIael-Ka5s/Tp4FghwhfPI/AAAAAAAAD6s/xagt8IfnWBA/s1600/12-2010+Lincoln+hand+and+foot+deer+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAIael-Ka5s/Tp4FghwhfPI/AAAAAAAAD6s/xagt8IfnWBA/s400/12-2010+Lincoln+hand+and+foot+deer+2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-43235520357504576742011-11-16T09:00:00.000-07:002011-11-16T09:00:07.407-07:00Turkey Hats<div style="text-align: center;">
Turkey hats are a fun Thanksgiving craft that your kids can wear around and show off.<br />
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FPua8EYwbvo/TXlWHrt4rZI/AAAAAAAADpM/RK7vY_pMgS8/s1600/DSC05662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FPua8EYwbvo/TXlWHrt4rZI/AAAAAAAADpM/RK7vY_pMgS8/s640/DSC05662.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This particular one is SUPER ADORABLE and fairly easy to make.<br />
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ciz68mYAk5E/TXlV7Kw7zFI/AAAAAAAADpI/2PDie4cw15o/s1600/DSC05672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ciz68mYAk5E/TXlV7Kw7zFI/AAAAAAAADpI/2PDie4cw15o/s400/DSC05672.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here is what you will need: </span></b><br />
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mfAk0BG9gRg/TXlWvJ4A9RI/AAAAAAAADpg/hDRGpgEJYlA/s1600/DSC05667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mfAk0BG9gRg/TXlWvJ4A9RI/AAAAAAAADpg/hDRGpgEJYlA/s400/DSC05667.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I didn't measure anything; I just sort of eye-balled it: <br />
- two brown strips (to measure around the child's head<br />
- one brown circle (for the turkey head)<br />
- 4 colored feathers<br />
- one set of eyeballs<br />
- one red waddle thing (whatever it is called)<br />
- two red feather 'hands'<br />
- one yellow diamond (for the beak)<br />
- one sturdy strip of cardstock (for the neck)<br />
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Putting it all together is pretty self explanatory:<br />
Measure the brown strips around the child's head, and tape/glue everything else together:<br />
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Fold the diamond in half so the beak can open and close, and use the cardstock "neck" to make the turkey's head wobble:<br />
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vJ32BHxsarM/TXlWhy9lSVI/AAAAAAAADpc/8Fzffi2nVxM/s1600/DSC05664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vJ32BHxsarM/TXlWhy9lSVI/AAAAAAAADpc/8Fzffi2nVxM/s400/DSC05664.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And that's it!<br />
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If this seems a little too ambitious for you:<br />
They can be as easy as you'd like.<br />
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tai-iYTUntE/TORmF7hutaI/AAAAAAAADek/q_RRlYdzboI/s1600/11-17-2010+Cannon%2527s+Turkey+Hat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tai-iYTUntE/TORmF7hutaI/AAAAAAAADek/q_RRlYdzboI/s400/11-17-2010+Cannon%2527s+Turkey+Hat.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This one was made by my friend while she was watching Cannon for a playgroup. She had him tell her 3 things he was thankful for and wrote them on the feathers.</div>
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aw6epx6UwAk/TORl4CWVyeI/AAAAAAAADeg/U33ocH-8nVA/s1600/11-17-2010+Cannon%2527s+Turkey+Hat+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aw6epx6UwAk/TORl4CWVyeI/AAAAAAAADeg/U33ocH-8nVA/s400/11-17-2010+Cannon%2527s+Turkey+Hat+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Either way my kids have enjoyed them.</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-2563955947293936132011-11-09T09:00:00.000-07:002011-12-08T15:05:35.728-07:00Paper Turkeys<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are some quick craft idea's for making your own paper turkeys: </div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2nEfjpXh-WI/TXmZa3XifRI/AAAAAAAADqE/OKLWdVeVFus/s1600/DSC05700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2nEfjpXh-WI/TXmZa3XifRI/AAAAAAAADqE/OKLWdVeVFus/s640/DSC05700.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q8yL0lnG9Is/TuE0ZuFSctI/AAAAAAAAEEA/bFPonbalnR0/s1600/2011-11+Lincoln+Turkey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q8yL0lnG9Is/TuE0ZuFSctI/AAAAAAAAEEA/bFPonbalnR0/s640/2011-11+Lincoln+Turkey.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A1bEh1CCyMQ/TXmZM9dmtSI/AAAAAAAADqA/U0LoOzBDZ20/s1600/DSC05701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A1bEh1CCyMQ/TXmZM9dmtSI/AAAAAAAADqA/U0LoOzBDZ20/s400/DSC05701.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-35258961460760334662011-11-02T09:00:00.000-06:002011-12-08T15:10:37.981-07:00Turkey Handprints<div style="text-align: center;">
The turkey hand print idea has been around forever.<br />
At least I was doing it when I was a kid...<br />
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This particular one came from Cannon's pre-school last year.</div>
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The poem makes it perfect to give as a gift:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TNCEmCAXhMI/AAAAAAAAC8g/hmU6j1esnR4/s1600/2009-11-17+Cannon+Turkey+Handprint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TNCEmCAXhMI/AAAAAAAAC8g/hmU6j1esnR4/s640/2009-11-17+Cannon+Turkey+Handprint.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Poem Reads:</div>
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This isn't just any turkey,</div>
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As anyone can see.</div>
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I made it with my hand,</div>
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which is a part of me.</div>
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It comes with lots of love,</div>
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Especially to say - </div>
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I hope you have a very</div>
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Happy Thanksgiving Day!!!<br />
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Or try this one:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C-amtPBuJ4U/TuE1IZLGysI/AAAAAAAAEEI/llvLuZtbIz4/s1600/2011-11+Cannon+handprint+turkey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C-amtPBuJ4U/TuE1IZLGysI/AAAAAAAAEEI/llvLuZtbIz4/s640/2011-11+Cannon+handprint+turkey.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And of course just your plain old hand dipped in paint!<br />
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YG_ka4VrVOM/TXlUp8IZtKI/AAAAAAAADpE/35EHZRf-b-g/s1600/DSC05673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YG_ka4VrVOM/TXlUp8IZtKI/AAAAAAAADpE/35EHZRf-b-g/s640/DSC05673.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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If you are afraid of letting your kiddo dip the entire palm of his hand in paint you can always just trace it on colored paper or let them color it in themselves.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-48892740537757339252011-10-26T09:00:00.000-06:002011-10-26T09:00:07.733-06:00Painted Paper Plate Fish Craft<div style="text-align: center;">
This is an incredibly easy craft that requires hardly any materials (or time).</div>
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Pretty self explanatory...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Materials Needed:</span></div>
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Paint</div>
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Paper Plate</div>
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Google Eye</div>
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Brad</div>
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Scissors</div>
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<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Painted Paper Plate Fish Craft</span></b></div>
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Use the brad to hold the tail on so it can 'swim'.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-uSet47oiI/TpYZukvBFuI/AAAAAAAAD4o/2r6Pd5kxabI/s1600/11-11-11+Painted+Paper+Plate+Fish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-uSet47oiI/TpYZukvBFuI/AAAAAAAAD4o/2r6Pd5kxabI/s400/11-11-11+Painted+Paper+Plate+Fish.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-76907594082303117742011-10-12T09:00:00.000-06:002011-10-12T09:00:12.090-06:00Bibliotherapy<div style="text-align: center;">
I recently went to a self-reliance seminar that had a great class about helping to instill confidence and self esteem in your children. The instructor is a counselor in a local school district and has worked with kids for years. She presented a great lesson, followed by some excellent handouts. This particular handout focuses on using books to help teach (with some excellent recommendations if you or your child are struggling with a specific scenario).</div>
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<a href="http://www.svhsmustangs.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Books_1400185c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://www.svhsmustangs.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Books_1400185c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>What is Bibliotherapy?</b></span></div>
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According to Wikipedia.org, "<b style="color: #990000;">bibliotherapy" is an expressive therapy that uses an individual's relationship to the content of books and poetry and other written words as therapy</b>.</div>
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Bibliotherapy is an old concept in library science. In the U.S.it is documented as dating back to the 1930s. The basic concept behind bibliotherapy is that <b style="color: #990000;">reading is a healing experience</b>. It was applied to both general practice and medical care, especially after WWII, because the soldiers had a lot of time on their hands while recuperating.</div>
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At its most basic, bibliotherapy consists of the selection of reading material that has relevance to that person's life situation. The idea of bibliotherapy seems to have grown naturally from the human inclination to identify with others through their expressions in literature and art. The concept of bibliotherapy has widened over time, to include self help manuals for adults. Still, the phrase is most often used in reference to children.</div>
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Bibliotherapy can give children the confidence they need to deal with anything that comes their way. It also gives parents an opportunity to discuss it with their children and find out what is going on. Bibliotherapy can consist solely of reading, or it can be complemented with discussion or play activity. A child might be asked to draw a scene from the book or asked whether commonality is felt with a particular character in the book. The book can be used to draw out a child on a subjuect she/he has been hesitant to discuss.</div>
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Basically, bibliotherapy can be a way for parents to open communication with children about problems their children may be having. Books chosen for bibliotherapy should be developmentally appropriate for the child and shared with the child in a caring way.</div>
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In my opinion, reading scriptures is the highest form of bibliotherapy!! Certain stories either told or read in the scriptures can be "likened" to our own children's experiences (see 1 Nephi 19:23). Other resources for bibliotherapy may include personal histories of ancestors or often told stories about meaningful experiences that family members have had, etc. You may already have been using bibliotherapy in your family and didn't even know what it was!!</div>
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Here are some book titles that are recommended for certain scenarios (along with a link so you can look them over at Amazon.com).</div>
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<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Anxiety / Fear</span></u></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Youve-Got-Dragons-Kathryn-Cave/dp/156145284X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317526635&sr=8-1">You've Got Dragons</a>, by Kathryn Cave</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wemberly-Worried-Kevin-Henkes/dp/0061857769/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317526663&sr=1-1">Wemberly Worried,</a> by Kevin Henkes (kids refusing school)</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kissing-Hand-Audrey-Penn/dp/1933718005/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317526711&sr=1-1">The Kissing Hand</a>, by Audrey Penn (kids refusing school)</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Smile-Lot-Nancy-Carlson/dp/0439805880/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317526772&sr=1-1">Smile a Lot</a>, by Nancy Carlson (school problems)</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thank-You-Falker-Patricia-Polacco/dp/0399237321/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317526796&sr=1-1">Thank You, Mr. Falkner</a>, by Patricia Polacco (learning disability)</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Shark-Wears-Tennis-Shoes/dp/1416967265/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317526829&sr=1-1">What if the Shark Wears Tennis Shoes?</a>, by Winifred Morris</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knight-Afraid-Dark-Picture-Puffins/dp/014054545X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317526863&sr=1-1">The Knight Who Was Afraid of the Dark</a>, by Barbara Hazen</div>
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<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Anger</span></u></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Are-You-Grumpy-About/dp/0316065897/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317526894&sr=1-1">What are You so Grumpy About?</a>, by Tom Lichtenheld</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/If-Youre-Angry-You-Know/dp/0439690005/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317526939&sr=1-1">If You're Angry and You Know It</a>, by Cecily Kaiser</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/When-Feel-Angry-Way-Books/dp/0807588970/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317526990&sr=1-1">When I Feel Angry</a>, by Cornelia Maude Spelman</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Andrews-Angry-Words-D-Lachner/dp/1558587691/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527014&sr=1-1">Andrew's Angry Words</a>, by Dorothea Lachner</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Feeling-Exploring-Emotions-Althea-Braithwaite/dp/0836821165/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527063&sr=1-1">Feeling Angry</a>, by Althea Braithwaite</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Not-Going-Chase-Cat-Today/dp/0688176364/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527088&sr=1-1">I'm Not Going to Chase the Cat Today</a>, by Jessica Harper</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/When-Sophie-Angry-Really-Really-Angry/dp/B002VKVHD6/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527116&sr=1-2">When Sophie Gets Angry - Really, Really Angry</a>, by Molly Bang</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alexander-Terrible-Horrible-Good-Very/dp/0689711735/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527142&sr=1-3">Alex and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day</a>, by Judith Viorst</div>
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<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bullying / Friendships</span></u></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lose-Your-Friends-Picture-Puffins/dp/0140558624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527183&sr=1-1">How to Lose All Your Friends</a>, by Nancy Carlson</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Some-Dogs-Do-Jez-Alborough/dp/076362201X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527210&sr=1-1">Some Dogs Do</a>, by Jez Alborough</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Caterpillar-Dom-Deluise/dp/0671796070/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527249&sr=1-1">Charlie the Caterpillar</a>, by Dom De Luise</div>
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A Bad Case of Stripes, by David Shannon</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/King-Playground-Phyllis-Reynolds-Naylor/dp/0689718020/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527271&sr=1-1">King of the Playground</a>, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rotten-Redheaded-Brother-Aladdin-Picture/dp/0689820364/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527296&sr=1-1">My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother</a>, by Patricia Polacco</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/I-Like-Myself-Karen-Beaumont/dp/0152020136/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527321&sr=1-1">I Like Myself!</a>, by Karen Beaumont</div>
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<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Feelings</span></u></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Today-Feel-Silly-Other-Moods/dp/0060245603/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527350&sr=1-1">Today I Feel Silly & Other Moods That Make My Day</a>, by Jamie Lee Curtis</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Are-Peeling-Joost-Elffers/dp/0439104319/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527377&sr=1-1">How Are You Peeling? Foods With Moods</a>, by Saxton Freyman & Joost Elffers</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Many-Colored-Days-Fancher-Seuss/dp/0679875972/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527405&sr=1-1">My Many Colored Days</a>, by Dr. Seuss</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Feelings-Book-Todd-Parr/dp/0316012491/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527448&sr=1-3">The Feelings Book</a>, by Todd Parr</div>
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<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Honesty / Tattling</span></u></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ruthie-Not-Teeny-Tiny-Lie/dp/B001NMTH44/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527478&sr=1-1">Ruthie and the Not So Teeny Tiny Lie</a>, by Lara Rankin</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Edwurd-Fudwupper-Fibbed-Storyopolis-Books/dp/0316144258/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527501&sr=1-1">Edward Fudwupper Fibbed Big</a>, by Berkeley Breathed</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Squeal-Unless-Its-Deal/dp/1591472407/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527527&sr=1-1">Don't Squeal Unless It's a Big Deal</a>, by Jeanie Franz, Ransom</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tattlin-Madeline-Carol-Ph-D-Cummings/dp/0961457449/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527585&sr=1-1">Tattlin' Madeline</a>, by Carol Cummings</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Case-Tattle-Tongue/dp/1931636869/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527527&sr=1-2">A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue</a>, by Julia Cook</div>
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<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Miscellaneous</span></u></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Poop-Initiative-Kirk-Weisler/dp/1932280839/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527743&sr=1-1">The Dog Poop Initiative</a>, by Kirk Weisler (boy taking initiative)</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paper-Bag-Princess-Classic-Munsch/dp/0920236162/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527801&sr=1-1">The Paper Bag Princess</a>, by Robert Munsch & Michael Martchenko (assertive girl)</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Queen-Bees-Wannabes-Boyfriends-Realities/dp/0307454444/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527837&sr=1-1">Queen Bees and Wannabes</a>, by Rosalind Wisement (for teenage girls)</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Feeling-Good-Handbook-David-Burns/dp/0452281326/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527879&sr=1-1">The Feeling Good Handbook</a>, by David D. Burns, M.D.</div>
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**<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_tc_2_0?rh=i%3Astripbooks%2Ck%3APatrick+K.+Hallinan&keywords=Patrick+K.+Hallinan&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527910&sr=1-2-ent&field-contributor_id=B0034PP5FI">Patrick K. Hallinan</a> has a whole series of social skills books for very yound children called: My first Day of School, My Teacher's My Friend, That's What a Friend Is, etc.</div>
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**<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_tc_2_0?rh=i%3Astripbooks%2Ck%3ACheri+J.+Meiners&keywords=Cheri+J.+Meiners&ie=UTF8&qid=1317527953&sr=1-2-ent&field-contributor_id=B000AQTP6O">Cheri J. Meiners</a> has a whole series of social skills books for young children called: Listen, Follow Instructions, Share and Take Turns, Talk and Work it Out, I'm Afraid, etc.<br />
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Personally, we read a lot at our house, and I am excited to try some of these books I haven't heard of before. I'd love feedback if any of you have great book recommendations! </div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-7728537582736595602011-06-24T09:00:00.000-06:002011-06-24T09:00:13.537-06:00Helping Your Child Attend and Intend to Communicate<div style="text-align: center;">This article from Kids on the Move talks about how treating your child like they are a born communicators helps train them to become just that! It also discusses ways to help children develop these abilities if it doesn't seem to come naturally. A good read if your child struggles with communication skills.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Helping Your Child Attend and</span></b></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Intend to Communicate</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://veronicaplace.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/parent-child.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://veronicaplace.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/parent-child.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Do any of the following characteristics describe your child?</span></b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">- My child doesn't pay attention when I talk to him or try to show him things.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- My child doesn't enjoy playing with toys with me or showing me what she's playing with.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- My child doesn't try to get my attention to notice what he's discovered or what he sees.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- My child won't listen and doesn't seem interested when I try to read a storybook.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- My child's attention span seems short, and she moves quickly from one toy to another as if she doesn't know what to do with them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These behaviors are all related to <i>joint attention</i> and <i>communicative intent</i>. <b>Join attention</b> <b>is the ability to share interest in the same object or event with another person</b>. It includes looking at, pointing to, talking about, or playing with the same objects or events. <b>Communicative intent is the ability to communicate about these interesting objects or events.</b> These communications include asking questions, making comments, requesting turns, rejecting objects or turns, and commanding others. <b>Joint attention and communicative intent both begin to develop during the first days of life.</b> Poor development in these areas may cause children to have many language and learning problems.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>How Do Joint Attention and Communicative Intent Develop?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">At birth, infants and their parents spend many hours establishing joint attention. Their attention is focused on each other. Parents look into the infant's eyes, and the infant gazes back. Parents focus attention on the one thing that the child is able to attend to at this age: they attend to the child's body. Parents encourage the infant to touch, to grasp an adult's finger, and to respond to their voices by talking in a high pitch with exaggerated vocal changes. The adult's attention on the infant's body helps the infant learn how to share attention.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">At the same time, parents treat infants as if they are born communicators. If the infant hears a noise and widens her eyes, the parent considers that to be a comment about the sound. The parent answers saying "Did that noise scare you?" or "Yes, your brother dropped the block." Parents know that the infant was only reacting to the sound, but they <i>behave</i> as if the child communicated something meaningful and intentional. Every burp, cry, hiccup, or sigh is reacted to as if it were communicating a comment, a request, a protest, or a command.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Three-month-old infants are able to attend to things other than their own bodies. They begin to look at rattles, stuffed animals, colorful toys, and other interesting things their parents show them. The joint attention now focuses on these objects. Parents show and talk about objects, encouraging the child to look at and to try to touch, hold, or explore. Every smile, hand movement, wiggle, or reach is treated as if it were a sentence requesting, commenting about, asking for, or rejecting the object. The bond between the parent and the child increases during these mutually enjoyable "conversations."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Because they are treated as intentional communicators from the first day of life, infants become intentional communicators before the first birthday, usually about 10 months of age. But some children have difficulty establishing these bonds. They don't seem interested in watching their parents or looking at and talking about the things parents show them. They show resistance, throw temper tantrums, leave, or attend to something else. Their attention spans seems very short. These behaviors are confusing to parents, who may feel hurt, frustrated, and even angry at times. Parents know that the child isn't learning very much about objects used by people or the language used to talk about them, but their attempts to teach the child don't seem to work.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What Can Be Done?</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can help. There are strategies you can use if your child has not learned how to attend jointly to objects with you or to communicate intentionally about them. Play simple games that establish joint attention and communicative intent at the same time. <b>Follow the suggestions and guidelines outlined here:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">-<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><b style="color: #38761d;">Select interesting toys.</b><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span> Your child will attend to things that are interesting. Interesting things are usually colorful and textured, make interesting sounds, or do interesting actions. Children typically enjoy puppets, stuffed animals, music boxes, wind-up toys, and toys with push buttons and levers. You will soon discover which things are interesting to your child and which are not.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- <b style="color: #38761d;">Share the toy.</b><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span> If your child is holding an interesting toy, then there is no reason to include you. To get joint attention, you must hold the toy and bring it to your child for a turn. During this turn, the puppet might kiss the child or nibble on fingers and toes. Or your child might turn the dial or push the button on a toy. During this turn, you should talk about what your child is doing ("Push the button all the way," "Turn the dial") or about the toy ("The puppet's getting your toes!" "The music sounds pretty").</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Withhold the toy</span>. </b>The turn should last only a few seconds. Then hold the toy just out of the child's reach to encourage your child to indicate he wants another turn to play.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- <b style="color: #38761d;">Give and take away.</b> Bring the toy back to your child for another turn. Then, after a few seconds, hold the toy at a distance once again and encourage another request for a turn. You might say things like "Now what?" or "What do you want?" Continue playing the game through cycles of encouraging the child to communicate, interpreting some behavior as a request for a turn or providing a turn with the toy while you jointly attend to and talk about it, then holding the toy at a distance to set up another cycle.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- <b style="color: #38761d;">Respond to requests.</b> Indicating the desire for another turn is one type of communicative intent. During early stages of this play, you may have to respond to a random hand or foot movement or other unintentional behavior. Treat these behaviors as if they are requests for a turn. Respond to these random movements just as parents respond to hiccups and burps. If you <b>behave as if your child is communicating</b> (even when the child isn't), your child will begin to learn how communication works.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Be patient and continue.</span> </b>If your child at first resists and fusses, don't give up. This new way of interacting may seem different and confusing to your child. Patiently continue to play the game, choosing some behavior to treat as a communicative intent and then jointly attending to your child's play with the toy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- <b style="color: #38761d;">Recycle.</b> Your child should start to enjoy the game and should start to do something the keep the game going. Your child might purposefully hold out a foot if you have been reacting to foot movements. Or your child might purposely hold out a hand to request a turn with the toy. As soon as you see these behaviors, provide a turn and continue the cycle. If your child does not give you a purposeful communication on the next turn, then respond to a random movement again. Your child is just learning to communicate, and it may take quite awhile to figure out how it works.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- <b style="color: #38761d;">Combine action of toys.</b> Once your child starts to play the game very successfully, add more complexity. For example, during the child's turn, put a puppet on the child's hand and then bring over a second toy, such as a cup, a plastic apple, or a hairbrush. Encourage your child to feed the puppet or brush its hair. Your child is now learning to attend to objects away from her body.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Continue cycles. </span> </b>Continue the cycles: wait for your child to signal a request, present the puppet and other objects for a short turn, and talk about the objects and actions, then hold the toys at a distance to encourage another turn.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Model language. </span> </b>Use language yourself that your child can use to request a turn. Point to the hairbrush and say, "Let me brush his hair" or "Give me the brush." Model other communicative intents, such as having the puppet protest ("Ouch! That hurts!"), comment ("My hair is pretty now"), or command ("Brush behind my ears").</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- <b style="color: #38761d;">Add steps.</b><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span> Continue to increase complexity by adding more steps to the play. During one turn, brush the hair of several puppets, stuffed animals, and dolls, or dry their hair with a towel before brushing it and then looking in a mirror. Talk about and encourage your child to talk about these events.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- <b style="color: #38761d;">Talk about details.</b> Begin to focus on parts of objects, talking about the same object or event in detail. Talk about these details as you point to them. Talk about the ears or nose of the stuffed animal as they are brushed. Refer to their length, color, size, shape, spots, smoothness, and so on. Encourage the child to talk to and about the animals and the ongoing actions.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Introduce storybooks.</span> </b>As you look through story-books with your child, talk about the pictures as outlined in the previous step. If your child has difficulty attending to pictures, demonstrate the depicted actions using similar stuffed animals and objects. Invite your child to point to parts of the picture, and then talk about what is seen. Point to parts of the picture, and ask your child to talk about them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Summary</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can establish joint attention and communicative intent through enjoyable play and storybook reading with your child. You can also use the same cycles of communication and attention during dressing, eating, and other daily routines. These interactions teach children how to focus attention and communicate. Soon children become independent learners who can talk about their world.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Janet A. Norris, Ph.D., CCC-SLP</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Copyright 1995 by Communication Skill Builders, a division of The Psychological Corporation / 1-800-866-4446</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This page may be reproduced for instructional use. / Catalog No. 3073</span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-18952475988212507012011-06-10T09:00:00.000-06:002011-06-10T09:00:06.618-06:00Sugar Daddy Father's Day Gift Idea<div align="center">This was what our ward handed out last year for Father's Day. Perfectly simple.<br />
<div align="center"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TEDXDSfdj6I/AAAAAAAACQQ/F0zTEdsgt3E/s1600/DSC04550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TEDXDSfdj6I/AAAAAAAACQQ/F0zTEdsgt3E/s400/DSC04550.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Sugar Daddy</b></span></div><div align="center"><i>by Roberta Stephenson</i></div><div align="center">Some daddies are short and some dads are tall,</div><div align="center">Some fish and some hunt and some like to play ball.</div><div align="center">Some chase a ball 'round a golf course,</div><div align="center">Some dads work as actors and some ride a horse.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Some dads like to fix things when they are broke</div><div align="center">Like dishwashers, sprinklers and bicycle spokes.</div><div align="center">Some daddies teach school and some work at the mall,</div><div align="center">Some dads are policemen and some dads are on call.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Some dads work on computers all day 'till they're tired,</div><div align="center">Some dads have gray hair and now they're retired.</div><div align="center">Some dads are adopted and some are not,</div><div align="center">But however we got them we love them a lot.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">So whether you fish or unt or play ball,</div><div align="center">Whether you're short or even quite tall,</div><div align="center">Whatever your role as a Daddy may be,</div><div align="center">Today you are a SUGAR DADDY.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TEDXFmmrryI/AAAAAAAACQY/o62lJ2p6i24/s1600/DSC04548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TEDXFmmrryI/AAAAAAAACQY/o62lJ2p6i24/s400/DSC04548.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-56004154246981596512011-05-20T09:00:00.000-06:002011-05-20T09:00:06.570-06:00Promoting Oral Motor Skills at Home<div style="text-align: center;">Another handout from Kids on the Move.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is great if you suspect your child is having issues with oral motor; it gives you signs to watch out for, and several exercises that you and your child can do together at home to strengthen the muscles in and around the mouth. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Promoting Oral Motor Skills at Home</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://deschenelaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ChildBlowingBubbles1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://deschenelaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ChildBlowingBubbles1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If your child experiences oral motor difficulties, you may see <b>some or all of the following problems</b>: drooling, poor lip closure, mouth breathing, inability to suck a straw or blow out candles, chewing with mouth open, or the tongue protruding outside of the mouth. If your child has developed speech, you may be hearing poor articulation of sounds, a nasal quality to the voice, or speech that sounds slushy or slurry.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The <b>oral structures (lips, tongue, jaw, and throat)</b> are made up of many muscles that must work closely together to produce clear, well-articulated speech and safe swallowing. If weakness or poor muscle coordination exists, the exercises listed below can improve strength and coordination. Much like exercising to keep our bodies fit, the oral structures can also "work out" to become stronger and more coordinated.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You and your children probably work closely with a speech-language pathologist. In addition, it is important to continue to practice at home to help your child more quickly learn to control the oral structures and increase muscle strength.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There are two types of exercises you can do with your child. <b>Active exercises involve your child performing oral movements. Passive exercises are exercises that you do for or to the child.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Passive exercises work well with infants who are too young to follow directions. They can be used as warm-up exercises to "wake up" muscles before you begin active exercises. Also, if your child has been diagnosed as "orally defensive" (very sensitive to touch), these exercises can help to desensitize the child's mouth area to touch and various textures.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #38761d; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Passive Exercises</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Stimulate the outside of the lips, chin, and cheeks with various textures such as cotton swabs, a toothbrush, a small vibrator, a warm or cold cloth, or a cold spoon (do not use ice because it is numbing). Lightly touch or rub the area to be stimulated.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Tap firmly on closed lips with two fingers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Rub firmly downward on cheeks toward lips and upward from chin to lips.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Use an index finger and thumb on the corners of the mouth and stretch them outward, then release.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Stimulate the inside of the cheek and gums with a soft toothbrush or cotton swab, rubbing gently.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Rub downward firmly on the upper lip and upward firmly on the lower lip.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Push down firmly on the tongue with a toothbrush or frozen-pop stick several times. Then tickle the roof of the mouth. Push down on the tongue several times.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Alternate placing a small amount of food on the upper lip, the lower lip, and the roof of the mouth; then have the child reach for it and lick it off. Use foods of different temperatures. For example, applesauce can be warmed or refrigerated so that the child can "feel" it better.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Hold an ice cream cone or frozen juice pop just outside the mouth and let the child lick it several times.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your child may not be able to perform these last two exercises until later in his development.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other Exercises Specific to Swallowing and Eating</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Rub firmly from the chin down along the throat to encourage swallowing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Feed the child with your finger to encourage chewing and biting.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Place food on alternate sides of the mouth to encourage chewing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #38761d; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Active Exercises</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Children usually develop the ability to do these active exercises between the ages of 18 months and three years. Use language your child can understand when giving directions to do these exercises. It is helpful to use a mirror so your child can see the mouth and the way it is supposed to move. Set a big mirror on the table or use the one in the bathroom so you can be side by side with your child and watch each other making "funny faces." Do each exercise ten times and all least two to three times per day. If your child is unable to perform a certain movement, try it once or twice, then move onto the next exercise so as not to discourage your child. You can use your hand to help guide the tongue or lips into the proper position. Make these exercises fun for your child, not a frustration.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Open your mouth as wide as you can, hold for 3 seconds, then close it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Pucker your lips like a kiss, and push them forward as far as you can.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Make a big smile and hold it for 3 seconds. Then relax.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Now alternate smile and pucker.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Purse lips together hard. Hold for 3 seconds.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Puff up your cheeks by blowing with your mouth closed. Hold for 2 - 3 seconds. Try to make a tight seal so air doesn't escape.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Stick out your tongue. Make sure that you push it out in the middle of your mouth, in line with the tip of your nose.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Try to touch your chin, then your nose, with the tip of your tongue. (To help guide the tongue, you can use jelly, peanut butter, or other food on the upper and lower lip as a guide to the target.) Repeat this exercise with the corners of the mouth.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Lick your lips in a circle. Start in one directions, then switch and go the other way.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Put a spoon or tongue depressor against your lips and push hard against it with the tip of your tongue. Push for 3 seconds, then relax. Push again. Relax.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Drink liquids through a straw to improve lip strength. (Check with your speech-language pathologist if swallowing problems are also present.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Sucking on frozen juice pops or lollipops is good for strengthening.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Practice whistling.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Play "blowing games" with feathers, cotton, plastic foam chips, and bubbles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Summary</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">The rates at which children show improvement vary widely. Progress depends on the severity of the problem, the nature of the disorder, and the amount of time you are able to invest in practice. The key is to be patient and work at a speed that suits your child's needs. You may even find that your child enjoys doing these exercises and will practice without you! Remember, exercising can be fun!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kathryn Morrell, M.A., CCC-SLP</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Copyright 1995 by Communication Skill Builders, a division of the Psychological Corporation / 1-800-866-4446</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This page may be reproduced for instructional use. / Catalog No. 3073</span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-77160120832496614162011-05-06T09:00:00.000-06:002011-05-06T09:00:00.620-06:00Handprint Craft and Poem<div style="text-align: center;">Every year Cannon's pre-school class sends him home with some adorable Mother's Day card / craft that they made.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a simple and cute reminder if you have a small class/playgroup - just in time for Mother's Day!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">(This would also be a cool gift for grandma)</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VtE6A7eKHY0/TXmJPS9ZxMI/AAAAAAAADp4/Z6fBr5V_C-o/s1600/DSC04265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VtE6A7eKHY0/TXmJPS9ZxMI/AAAAAAAADp4/Z6fBr5V_C-o/s640/DSC04265.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mother's Day Hand-print Poem</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-18mmp5k-FlA/TXmJDZBBZKI/AAAAAAAADp0/aLkHrMPY3Bo/s1600/DSC04266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-18mmp5k-FlA/TXmJDZBBZKI/AAAAAAAADp0/aLkHrMPY3Bo/s640/DSC04266.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-60810964020973074752011-04-29T09:00:00.000-06:002011-04-29T09:00:05.182-06:00Hand Print Flower and Poem<div style="text-align: center;">9These would be fun for your kids to make any time, but can also double as a Mother's Day card/gift.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hand Print Flower</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pZvvyGakF5Q/TXmKuF4TcqI/AAAAAAAADp8/PofsK7uFGeQ/s1600/2009-05-10+Mothers+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pZvvyGakF5Q/TXmKuF4TcqI/AAAAAAAADp8/PofsK7uFGeQ/s640/2009-05-10+Mothers+Day.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hand Pint Poem</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes you get discouraged</div><div style="text-align: center;">Because I am so small</div><div style="text-align: center;">And always leave my fingerprints</div><div style="text-align: center;">On furniture and walls.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But every day I'm growing -</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll be grown some day</div><div style="text-align: center;">And all those tiny handprints</div><div style="text-align: center;">Will surely fade away.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So here's a little dandprint</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just so you can recall</div><div style="text-align: center;">Exactly how my fingers looked</div><div style="text-align: center;">When I was very small.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>If you are afraid of what can happen with paint smeared all over your child's hands, just trace it on colored paper and cut it out.</i></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-83658590103496375342011-04-14T09:00:00.009-06:002011-04-14T09:00:23.990-06:00Helping Your Child Listen to Learn<div style="text-align: center;">Another handout from Kids on the Move:<br />
<br />
<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Helping Your Child Listen to Learn</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.emubeads.com/wp-content/media/children_whispering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://blog.emubeads.com/wp-content/media/children_whispering.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="color: #38761d; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Why is listening important?</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Children learn in many ways. As infants, they touch, smell, and watch others. When they are learning to talk, listening becomes even more important. Understanding what someone says is called <i>auditory comprehension.</i> As children hear and understand words, they develop their own speech and language skills.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">As children approach preschool age, they learn to play together. Sharing simple conversations and listening to each others ideas become more important as children develop friendships and language.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In school, children need to listen for longer periods of time, tuning out other noises and distractions in the classroom. In fact, students spend more time listening in school than doing anything else. If they develop good listening skills, they will have a better chance at succeeding in school.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #38761d; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>What can a parent do to help?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Be absolutely sure your child hears normally</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Make sure your child's hearing and fluid level in the ears are tested periodically, particularly after a cold or ear infection. If the doctor suggests ventilation "tubes," have them inserted to prevent further disruption in your child's critical developmental years.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Speak in a way your child can understand.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Turn down the TV, radio, and other noise sources so your child can hear you without competing noise.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b>- Get your child's attention before speaking to them.</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Wait until your child is looking at you (gently turn their head if you need to).</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Stand close to your child, squatting at eye level if possible.</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Speak slowly.</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Pause between thoughts.</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Give one direction at a time.</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Give your child time to think after a question.</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Say your message again, another way.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Avoid:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">- long explanations or complicated directions</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b>- using "adult-like" idioms (such as, "Try to put yourself in my shoes")</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Help your child be an active listener.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Even at an early age, children can learn what helps them listen. Here are a few suggestions:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Eliminate Distractions: </b>When beginning a conversation or giving instructions, make sure the TV and stereo are off. If the dishwasher or washer/dryer is nearby and making noise, move to another room. Explain that you are doing this because it is "time to listen", and you need quiet to do so. Discuss how hard it is to think about what someone is saying when there are other noises to think about or things to see.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your child needs to learn to do this independently. Give feedback and praise when he does so: "What a good idea! That music from the video game will make it hard for us to listen to each other. I'm glad you turned it off. Now we can listen better."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Practice good listening behaviors: </b>When we listen to another person speaking, we make eye contact. It is also socially polite to stop what we are doing (reading, writing, and other activities) while listening. Many children with listening difficulties need practice doing this. And because they may be highly distractible, these behaviors often take their focus away from what is being said. Social language behaviors are called <i>pragmatic skills<b> </b></i>by speech-language pathologists.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Talk about how looking at the person speaking helps keep your eyes away from other things (such as a colorful poster or a squirrel running up a tree). Discuss how looking at the person who is talking makes that person feel as though what he is saying is important to the listener.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Practice this throughout the week as a family. It is a good habit for everyone to practice, and it reinforces the concept.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After <b>Eye Contact</b> is practiced successfully, begin to work on the rest of the body. When a person is listening, the body should be relatively still. Hands should be relaxed and not tapping pencils, pulling paper clips apart, and so forth. Feet should be quiet and still. Practice this as a family as well. Teach your child to be aware of what her body is and isn't doing when she is listening.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">(In some cases, a child with hyperactivity may need to be allowed some non-interfering motion when listening. Talk to a special education teacher, a psychologist, or a speech-language pathologist for individual suggestions.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Give feedback</b>. Encourage your child to ask you to explain words or phrases he doesn't understand: "I don't understand that." Sometimes children understand short phrases but get confused when they are put together in conversation. This is called a <i>language-processing</i> or <i>auditory-processing </i>problem.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For children with listening problems, long directions are hard to remember. Remembering what people say is called <i>auditory memory.</i> By making listening a successful experience, your child will avoid "tuning out".</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Talk together about how hard it is to remember so many things sometimes. Brainstorm what to do if someone says too many things at one time. Encourage your child to say, "I can't remember all that. Can you tell me one thing at a time?"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Give positive praise whenever your child lets you know that she has forgotten something you've said or is trying to understand it: "I'm glad you told me this. This time I'll tell you one thing at a time. Are you ready?"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Use strategies to help remember. </b>What if your spouse wanted you to pick up four items from the supermarket? Most of us reach for a pen, because writing the items down ensures that we will be able to follow through on the request later. Because children are even less able to remember multiple items or directions, they too can benefit from learning to write things down. But what if they don't know how to write yet?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- You can help your child learn to draw a simple sequence of pictures to remember the steps. For example, suppose the directions are to "go upstairs, brush your teeth, wash your face, and put your pajamas on." Together, you can brainstorm how to draw several pictures to remind your child what to do. Listening and putting pictures in order is also a good way to prepare for taking notes in later school years.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Help your child make a mental picture of what is being described (sometimes closing our eyes helps us block out distractions.) Describe a scene, such as a farm: "I saw a farm with a white, wooden fence around the pigs. Some of the pigs were rolling in mud. Nearby a farmer was feeding some chickens." Have your child draw a picture of the farm on paper. Talk about what we "see" in our minds.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Help your child learn to listen for "important" information during story time. Ask simple <i>who, what, where, </i>or <i>when </i>questions, then read the next sentence or two from the story. See if your child can remember the answers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Patricia McAleer Hamaguchi, M.A., CCC-SLP</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Copyright 1995 by Communication Skill Builders, a division of the Psychological Corporation / 1-800-866-4446</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This page may be reproduced for instructional use. / Catalog No. 3073</span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-14392110356285480932011-03-31T09:00:00.000-06:002011-03-31T09:00:10.279-06:00Sign Language<div style="text-align: center;">Sign Language is the perfect way to help the communication process along with your children.<br />
Many kids are able to sign long before they can speak!<br />
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This post will cover tips on using sign language with your children, instructions on how to sign some early and everyday signs, and my recommended home video's.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tips on Using Sign Language</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Keep these tips in mind as you and your child begin using signs.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #e69138; text-align: center;"><b>Use signs that are useful for your child and a part of his life.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">If the signs aren't useful, your child won't learn them or use them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #e69138; text-align: center;"><b>Be sure that you have your child's attention when you sign to him or show him signs.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #e69138; text-align: center;"><b>Use the sign and word(s) together.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Repeat words verbally after your child signs them to reinforce the spoken word.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #e69138; text-align: center;"><b>Use the signs that your child is learning in as many situations as possible.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Your child needs to see a sign many times and understand them before he will try to sign them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #e69138; text-align: center;"><b>Accept your child's signing attempts and try not to over-correct.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">As your child begins to use signs, he may have difficulty making the sign because he can't form his hands in the shape of the sign.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #e69138; text-align: center;"><b>Try not to anticipate your child's needs before he does.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Leave enough time for your child to recognize and express his need to communicate.<br />
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<div style="color: #e69138;"><b>Start teaching as early as 6 months.</b></div>You can start signing when your baby is between 6 and 8 months and holds your gaze for a few seconds.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">How to Sign Early and Everyday Signs</span></b></div><div style="color: #990000;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.letterstosg.com/d/3172-1/milk_sign_only_20smalll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.letterstosg.com/d/3172-1/milk_sign_only_20smalll.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><b>Milk:</b> Hold your hand out in front of you - open and close in a squeezing motion (like milking a cow).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mykidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/eat-food.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://mykidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/eat-food.png" width="320" /></a></div><b>Eat/Food: </b>close your fingers to your thumb and tap fingertips against your lips<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ssl37.pair.com/inksp3c1/signbabies/images/more_sign_only%20small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://ssl37.pair.com/inksp3c1/signbabies/images/more_sign_only%20small.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><b>More: </b>close your fingers to your thumb (on both hands) and tap fingertips together.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mykidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/drink.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://mykidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/drink.png" width="238" /></a></div><b>Drink: </b>Position hand like it is holding a cup, and "take a drink"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mykidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/finished-post.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://mykidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/finished-post.png" width="400" /></a></div><b>Finished / All Done: </b>Hands out with palms facing you - then turn them over so palms face away<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mykidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/please-post.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://mykidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/please-post.png" width="290" /></a></div><b>Please:</b> Palm rubs on chest in circle<br />
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<b style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thank You</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.baby-sign-language-academy.com/image-files/thank-you_cac.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.baby-sign-language-academy.com/image-files/thank-you_cac.png" width="302" /></a></div><br />
<b>Thank You / Your Welcome: </b>Move open hand from your chin, going down</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mykidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/play2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://mykidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/play2.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Play: </b>Both hands with thumb and pinkie outstretched, and shake</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ball</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/80/196980.image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/80/196980.image1.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ball: </b>Claw hands to form a ball shape. Rotate hands alternately.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mykidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/stop1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://mykidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/stop1.png" width="208" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Stop: </b>One hand moves down and is stopped by the other hand (palm up)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mykidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/help.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://mykidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/help.png" width="219" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Help: </b>Thumbs up on top of one hand, and move them both up</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mykidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/mother-mom-post.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://mykidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/mother-mom-post.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Mom: </b>Outstretched hand, thumb taps your chin</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mykidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/father-dad-post.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://mykidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/father-dad-post.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Dad: </b>Outstretched hand, thumb taps your forehead</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Signing Time</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are unfamiliar with the <a href="http://www.signingtime.com/">Signing Time</a> Series, it is definitely worth checking out (see the links to Amazon on the right hand side bar as well).<br />
They are 30 minute dvd's that teach children how to sign.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My boys LOVE them, and they were an absolute life saver with Cannon - if they impact Lincoln half as much as they did him I will be a happy mama.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-17553597127843730432011-03-17T09:00:00.000-06:002011-03-17T09:00:01.686-06:00How to Make a Dinosaur Cake<div style="text-align: center;">I am just going to give a warning before you read this post.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is simply how to MAKE a very easy dinosaur cake,</div><div style="text-align: center;">NOT how to DECORATE the cake.</div><div style="text-align: center;">For Cannon's 5th Birthday I let him decorate his own cake.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Which if you ask me was the best part of the whole thing!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the finished result:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">How to Make a Dinosaur Cake</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e8_beHdrhZY/TXmbbOqFXsI/AAAAAAAADqU/NYQAaj9jp-w/s1600/02-09-2010+Cannon%2527s+Cake+16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e8_beHdrhZY/TXmbbOqFXsI/AAAAAAAADqU/NYQAaj9jp-w/s400/02-09-2010+Cannon%2527s+Cake+16.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And here's how to do it:</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">You will need:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cake mix (I used one from a box)</div><div style="text-align: center;">- One 8 or 9" cake pan</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Muffin Tin</div><div style="text-align: center;">- 1 small - medium glass (ovenproof) bowl</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Prepare the cake according to the package directions.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thoroughly spray the bowl, cake pan and 4 muffin cups with cooking spray.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Use half of the batter to fill up the 8-9" cake pan.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fill 4 muffin cups with batter</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pour the remaining batter into the ovenproof glass bowl (make sure you use a bowl that is large enough - you don't want cake flowing over the edge. I put mine on a cookie sheet just to be safe).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It should look something like this:</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-leaHT-2hG8Y/TXmboXeYUxI/AAAAAAAADqY/o-P7nv7phJQ/s1600/02-09-2010+Cannon%2527s+Cake+01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-leaHT-2hG8Y/TXmboXeYUxI/AAAAAAAADqY/o-P7nv7phJQ/s320/02-09-2010+Cannon%2527s+Cake+01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now put those all in a 350 degree oven.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>** Note that the cooking times are going to be different for each. Check the cake box for cooking times for the cupcakes and round.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I put them all in at the same time, and took the cupcakes out as soon as they were done, and then took the cake pan out when it was done, and finally took out the bowl.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The bowl is going to have to cook for the longest amount of time, since it will be the thickest. I had to cook mine for about <b>40 minutes</b>. Just poke a butter knife in there and make sure that it comes out clean (same as the toothpick concept).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Let everything cool completely.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Now for the assembly:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">The bowl cake is going to go down first, and will be the main body of the dinosaur. I used frosting to hold it in place.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(**You may have to cut the top of the cake to ensure that it is flat) </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-odxbVUXlZvo/TXmb45Mix7I/AAAAAAAADqc/rY_6tJxXK4o/s1600/02-09-2010+Cannon%2527s+Cake+02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-odxbVUXlZvo/TXmb45Mix7I/AAAAAAAADqc/rY_6tJxXK4o/s400/02-09-2010+Cannon%2527s+Cake+02.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cut the tops off of the cupcakes, leaving them in-tact and set aside.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now cut each cupcake in half, making a moon shape so it will fit around the body (they are going to be the hands and feet):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Zic4BTVsnl8/TXmcIW3RfuI/AAAAAAAADqk/grQ4mZ_7t-k/s1600/02-09-2010+Cannon%2527s+Cake+03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Zic4BTVsnl8/TXmcIW3RfuI/AAAAAAAADqk/grQ4mZ_7t-k/s400/02-09-2010+Cannon%2527s+Cake+03.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now use the cupcake tops to form the head and the neck:</div><div style="text-align: center;">One top is cut in half to form the neck.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The other half of that piece connects to the neck to hold up the head (the 'nose' and 'head' are each one cupcake top).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gfOaN9RR-Q8/TXmcYSf5qFI/AAAAAAAADqo/-HXPWGo_lXA/s1600/02-09-2010+Cannon%2527s+Cake+04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gfOaN9RR-Q8/TXmcYSf5qFI/AAAAAAAADqo/-HXPWGo_lXA/s400/02-09-2010+Cannon%2527s+Cake+04.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now use your round cake and cut out a tail. I followed along the edge so the tail would curl around, like so:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gExUWWKRw2M/TXmcm21TGHI/AAAAAAAADqs/erKQ3JXheqE/s1600/02-09-2010+Cannon%2527s+Cake+05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gExUWWKRw2M/TXmcm21TGHI/AAAAAAAADqs/erKQ3JXheqE/s400/02-09-2010+Cannon%2527s+Cake+05.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And there you have it!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cannon wanted it blue with green, so we used blue frosting with green sprinkles:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YHaXvcADd94/TXmc2kMOx_I/AAAAAAAADqw/Sr_61yJ3kso/s1600/02-09-2010+Cannon%2527s+Cake+09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YHaXvcADd94/TXmc2kMOx_I/AAAAAAAADqw/Sr_61yJ3kso/s400/02-09-2010+Cannon%2527s+Cake+09.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He also informed me that it needed "spikes", which ended up being chocolate covered almonds.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He went a little spike crazy but he had a great time doing it and he LOVED the end result!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o_B63u8puFQ/TXmhuAyfw5I/AAAAAAAADq4/8mR5Fle2HeM/s1600/02-09-2011+Cannon%2527s+Birthday+08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o_B63u8puFQ/TXmhuAyfw5I/AAAAAAAADq4/8mR5Fle2HeM/s400/02-09-2011+Cannon%2527s+Birthday+08.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He spent a long while admiring his work...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VOquFCBdjZE/TXmh7xMPdAI/AAAAAAAADq8/NaPQkYvbUTE/s1600/02-09-2010+Cannon%2527s+Cake+19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VOquFCBdjZE/TXmh7xMPdAI/AAAAAAAADq8/NaPQkYvbUTE/s400/02-09-2010+Cannon%2527s+Cake+19.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday Cannon!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-69435044554276410502011-03-03T09:00:00.068-07:002011-03-03T09:00:01.864-07:00Sensory Activites and Ideas<div style="text-align: center;">This is another handout that follows up with what I posted about last week (Tactile, Vestibular and Proprioceptive Sensory Integration).</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is basically a list of activities that are good for causing awareness to the 3 senses listed above (a lot of them are just great ideas for kids activities in general!) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sensory Activities and Ideas</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tactile (touch):</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Texture bucket:</b> fill it full of rice, beans, cheerios, uncooked pasta, beads, cream of wheat, sand. Very similar to the <a href="http://bigboredombusters.blogspot.com/2010/02/bean-box.html">Bean Box</a> idea.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Touching a variety of textures</b>, such as: pieces of carpet, soft cloth, sand paper, scouring pad, sponge, koosh toys, bean bags, paint brush, feather duster, turkey baster,finger puppets, stress ball, Gak, sand, rice, beans, egg-crate mattress, fake fur, foam pieces, grass, sand/dirt, corduroy, cotton, wool.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Massage:</b> hands, arms, feet, and cheeks as tolerated.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Water play: </b>indoors or outdoors.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Lotion: </b>rubbing lotion (scented) on arms, hands and feet.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Finger paint: </b>use pudding, Jell-O, whip cream, shaving cream, warm and cold pudding, etc.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Gluing textures</b> as part of a craft project: glue rice, beans, fabrics, sand, macaroni, etc.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Hidden Objects: </b>hide toy in foam beans, rice, Easter grass, etc. and have the child dig around and look for it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Playdough/theraputty: </b>roll putty into snakes, garlic press, cookie cutters, squeeze, pull apart to find hidden objects.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Cooking</b> with various ingredients and mixing the foods.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Popping Bubbles</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Vestibular (movement):</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>- Therapy Ball Activities: </b>bouncing with as much support as needed, rocking in prone and supine; always do it on top of a mat for safety.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Rocking Board: </b>Sitting, prone and supine.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>General Playground Activities: </b>climbing, swinging, sliding, crawling, etc.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Swinging: </b>use a variety of swings and positions to vary the stimulation.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Rolling down a hill or incline.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>- Rolling on the mat or floor.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>- Blanket Swinging</b>, or being pulled on a blanket.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>- Scooterboard activities: </b>either pushing/pulling the resident or doing it themselves.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>- Rocking </b>on lap or in a rocking chair.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>- Bouncing</b> on lap.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>- Slides: </b>for residents with enough strength and sitting balance<b>. </b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Swimming</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>- Riding </b>in a stroller or wagon</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Bouncing/jumping</b> on a trampoline or mattress</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Sit n' Spin</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>- Riding</b> a bicycle/trike</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Proprioceptive (deep pressure):</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>- Brushing and Joint compression program </b>(trained by OT or OTA).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>- Deep pressure massage</b> to various body parts.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Scooterboard Activities: </b>either pushing/pulling the resident or doing it themselves.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Weighted vest or blanket</b> (to be worn no longer than 20 minutes at a time).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Wrist or ankle weights</b> for body awareness.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Steamroller games </b>with bolster.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Pushing/pulling heavy objects, </b>such as wagons, carts, boxes, furniture</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Wheelbarrow walk</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>- Trampoline: </b>jumping or being gently bounced.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>- Kicking</b> a medium-sized ball.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Beanbag games </b>(catching / throwing).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Squeezing </b>sponges in water.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Squeezing</b> playdough</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Bean bag chair</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>- A safe haven </b>(small tent with pillows) to self-calm.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>- Arm wrestling</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>- Bike or Tricycle</b> riding</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Visual:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Always darken the room when working with a lighted activity to increase the contrast. Avoid rapid, flashing lights and strobe lights as they can induce seizures.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Light Box Activities: </b>use different colors, shapes, patterns, etc.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Suspend a ball </b>over child's head while lying on back. Child follows lateral, vertical, diagonal, and circular movements of the ball.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Flashlight </b>- move flashlight around a darkened room. Have children follow it by pointing or stepping on it. Place a colored cloth over the flashlight for variation.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Glittery </b>and <b>shiny</b> objects / toys.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Mirror Games: </b>have the child look at themselves and other objects in the mirror.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Encourage </b>playing with puzzles, mazes, dot-to-dot pictures, hidden-picture games, and picture books, one page at a time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Auditory:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>- Reading </b>stories out-loud to the residents (great group activity)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>- Cordless Headphones </b>for group auditory stimulation / activities.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Playing copy-cat: </b>try to get the residents to imitate sounds you make; copy their noises first to get it started.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Soft Music </b>and <b>Nature Sounds </b>(cd's)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Upbeat, fast music. </b>Find music that each resident enjoys.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Smells:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Always describe and talk about the scents as they are presented.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>- Scent bottles: </b>present just 2-3 different smells over one session to avoid over-stimulation.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>- Scented markers</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>- Cooking Activities,</b> discussing smells of foods at mealtime.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Compiled by Paul Daybell, OTR<b> </b> </div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-29461221073297732402011-02-24T15:24:00.000-07:002011-02-24T15:24:02.468-07:00Sensory Integration<div style="text-align: center;">This handout was VERY interesting to me. It touches on points that I had never thought of, like how we all have 2 other senses in addition to the 5 we normally talk about; vision, hearing, taste, smell and touch.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sensory Integration</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What is sensory integration?</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Sensory Integration:</b> the neurological process that organizes sensation from one's own body and from the environment and makes it possible to use the body effectively within the environment (Ayres, 1988). We constantly receive input through our various senses, our brain then registers and interprets the input and we then act accordingly.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Sensory Processing:</b> the process of the brain receiving, interpreting and organizing input from all of the active senses at any given moment.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What sensory systems do we use everyday, all the time?</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">- The "usual" 5 senses, which are: vision, hearing, taste, smell and touch (tactile)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- The 2 other less-known senses: Vestibular (movement) and Proprioception (deep pressure)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- All of the different senses can have difficulties; however, the majority of "sensory integration" problems come from the Tactile, Proprioceptive and Vestibular senses.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Tactile: </b>the sensation of touch, allows people to manipulate objects in a refined manner, feel input throughout our body through receptors in the skin.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Vestibular: </b>is basically the "equilibrium" system that allows people to detect movement and is comprised of 3 semi-circular canals which detect and register movement and gravity receptors (utricle/sacule).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Proprioception:</b> this is usually subconscious information the brain receives from our muscles and joints. This information tells us where our body parts are in space. It allows us to walk, run, jump and generally move in a coordinated manner.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What happens when there are problems in these areas?</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">- With each of these senses, there is "normal" range of functioning. Problems occur when people interpret the information they receive through their senses either too highly (hypersensitive) or too lowly (hyposensitive).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Hypersensitive</b> or <b>over reactive systems:</b> the individual's body and/or brain interprets incoming sensory stimulation as overwhelming or way too much and they become resistive or defensive to this input.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Hyposensitive </b>or <b>under reactive systems:</b> the individual's body and/or brain interprets incoming sensory stimulation as under arousing or way too little and they don't register it or feel it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Typical sensory integration difficulties:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Tactile: </b>when there is a problem, usually people are hypersensitive to the feeling of being touched or certain textures touching their skin. Many times, people are more sensitive on their hands, feet and around and in their mouth (orally-defensive).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Vestibular:</b> with movement, problems can arise on both extremes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> 1. <b>Hypersensitive:</b> intolerance to movement or a fear of falling/heights (gravitational insecurity). This can lead to becoming resistive and defensive to movement activities and having their feet off of the ground. They may become physically sick/nauseated with normal amounts of movement. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> 2. <b>Hyposensitive:</b> the brain fails to register the movement appropriately; therefore, the individual will then seek additional movement by initiating excessive movement, such as rocking, spinning, swinging, etc. The individual may also have difficulty with postural responses, balance and bilateral coordination.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Proprioceptive:</b> The brain has difficulty registering the deep pressure input appropriately (hyposensitive); therefore, these individuals seek additional deep pressure by bouncing, jumping, rocking hard in a chair, "crashing" into objects, seeking tight spots in which to squeeze themselves, etc. Treatment includes setting up a variety of deep pressure activities (sensory diet) that fulfill this need in an appropriate way and hopefully decrease the "seeking" behavior.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- Children can be hyper or hypo-sensitive to <b>visual, auditory, tastes, smells </b>also. These are more obvious by the behavior they exhibit, either seeking or avoiding the specific sensory stimulation.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Dyspraxia </b>or <b>"motor planning":</b> difficulty with the ability to conceive, organize and execute a sequence of actions that are new and unfamiliar. The ability to execute a new motor action is accomplished through the coordination of the tactile, vestibular and proprioceptive senses. Individuals with dyspraxia are often clumsy and uncoordinated.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Treatment:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">- To provide sensory stimulation in an active, controlled and safe manner to allow the person to learn to experience these sensations with success. The individual must first trust the situation and actively participate in the activity and then gradually work through a variety of sensory experiences and increase their tolerance to the activity and sensory input.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- Find out what the individual tolerates and does not tolerate in each sensory area and then set up a plan to work on those items/activities tolerated first and then gradually vary the input. Go slowly and make sure the person is comfortable before taking the next step.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- Many individuals with physical disabilities are unable to move and experience various sensations. Therefore, often they enjoy being assisted in experiencing vestibular (movement), proprioceptive (deep pressure), tactile and other sensory input.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- For those children that seek or crave sensory input, give it to them as part of their "sensory diet" in a hope that it will decrease the inappropriate "seeking" behavior. This is a good time to work on more appropriate social interaction, eye contact, requesting and vocalizations.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Compiled by Paul Daybell, OTR</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Next week I will post an article on <b>Sensory Activities and Ideas</b>.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-88450745297766343542010-12-09T09:00:00.025-07:002010-12-09T09:00:00.722-07:00Yarn Octopus<div style="text-align: center;">I have a box in my office, and I try to keep it stacked with bagged activities in case I am ever in the need of something instantly.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, the other day Cannon asked to play with an octopus.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I didn't have one of those lying around.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But I did have the materials to make one in my handy little box:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TP1zBbqWukI/AAAAAAAADho/_OWL5GsdC8E/s1600/DSC05684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TP1zBbqWukI/AAAAAAAADho/_OWL5GsdC8E/s640/DSC05684.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Materials Needed:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Yarn</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Ribbon (to tie around neck)</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Two small buttons (for the eyes)</div><div style="text-align: center;">- String (for the smile)</div><div style="text-align: center;">- small ball (ping-pong or golf ball size)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Step 1:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cut 24 pieces of yarn into equal lengths (about 1 1/2 - 2 feet long)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Make them into a spider web.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TP1zvGZM1cI/AAAAAAAADhs/eSEpb8qQcMA/s1600/DSC05681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TP1zvGZM1cI/AAAAAAAADhs/eSEpb8qQcMA/s400/DSC05681.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Wrap the middle section around your ball and tie the neck off with your ribbon:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TP1z-6yfzVI/AAAAAAAADhw/D5iiNQwRb7k/s1600/DSC05682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TP1z-6yfzVI/AAAAAAAADhw/D5iiNQwRb7k/s400/DSC05682.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Glue the eyes and mouth on.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You should have enough strings to make 8 braids (6 strands per braid).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TP1zBbqWukI/AAAAAAAADho/_OWL5GsdC8E/s1600/DSC05684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TP1zBbqWukI/AAAAAAAADho/_OWL5GsdC8E/s400/DSC05684.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I pretty much won the "awesome mom of the day award" for actually producing an octopus upon request.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was pretty easy, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TP10KUuVufI/AAAAAAAADh0/pHXxsTOp8JM/s1600/DSC05688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TP10KUuVufI/AAAAAAAADh0/pHXxsTOp8JM/s400/DSC05688.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-62122517856659967062010-12-02T09:00:00.000-07:002010-12-02T09:00:04.992-07:00Developmental Ages for Sound and Speech Development<div align="center"><br />
http://communicationconnects.com/parent.htmHere are some helpful resources to let you know all about speech and language development pertaining to your young one(s).<br />
This post will go over what sounds come first, what to expect by certain ages, as well as examples that will help you understand what kind of sounds and words they should be saying.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">What Sounds Come First?</span></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Elaine L. Hicken, MS, CCC-SLP (2/96)</span></i></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">The first vocalizations a child makes are vowel-like sounds. These are the easiest sounds to produce.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">The respiration needed for speech is much different from quiet breathing. Quiet breathing is easier than breathing for speech, because fewer muscles are required. For speech, the diaphragm and muscles of the rib cage and between the ribs pull the ribs out and up to draw air into the lungs then the muscle of exhalation push the extra air that is needed for speech out of the lungs. Respiration for speech develops as the child learns to push up with their arm, sit, crawl, stand, and walk. Newborns breath from their "belly". By about 12 months they primarily use chest breathing as they begin to stand and walk.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Consonant sounds are made by either stopping the air in the oral cavity (p, b, t, d, k, g) or letting it glide through restricted areas formed by using the lips, tongue, teeth, and palate (f, v, s, z, th). Some consonant sounds require a stopping and a gliding action (j, ch).</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">There are three sounds that are made by forcing air through the nasal cavity and out the nose. Air is prevented from coming out the mouth with the lips to form the /m/ sound. The air is stopped with the tongue and palate to produce the /n/ sound. The air is blocked in the back of the mouth with the base of the tongue and palate to form the /ing/ sound.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Some of the sounds used in English are voiced (vocal cords vibrate) and some are unvoiced (vocal cords remain open). There are several consonant sounds that are made exactly the same way with the exception of voicing. These are called pairs. Some examples of pairs for consonant sounds include /p/ and /b/, /t/ and /d/, /d/ and /g/, /f/, and /v/, /th/ and /th/, /sh/ and /j/, /s/ and /z/.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Our brains have to program all of the necessary structures to preform simultaneously in order for a sound to be made correctly. There are some sounds that are easier to make than others. These sounds develop first, with the more complex sounds developing later. It is not uncommon for a child to substitute an easier sounds for a more complex sound until he or she learns the correct sound.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">This chart shows the sounds that should be mastered by the given ages. If a child is not able to produce the sounds listed at his or her age level they may need some extra help.</span></div><div align="center">A speech language pathologist may be contacted to offer help and suggestions.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Developmental Ages for Sound Development</span></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Utah Office of Education, <u>Comminucation Disorders Guidelines</u>, December 1991)</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TLP2x0rG3BI/AAAAAAAACzc/uOtezFvrFuo/s1600/Age+in+years+makes+this+sound.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="417" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TLP2x0rG3BI/AAAAAAAACzc/uOtezFvrFuo/s640/Age+in+years+makes+this+sound.gif" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Speech Development: What to Expect</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">A toddler's mother is often the only person who understands much of what the toddler says. The ability to correctly articulate the sounds in the English language develops at a varying rate in typical children.</div><div align="center">The following describes the range of ages for mastery of consonant sounds.</div><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TMdLsZruPNI/AAAAAAAAC64/qpZ8MZZC3Rc/s1600/what+to+expect+with+speech+development.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TMdLsZruPNI/AAAAAAAAC64/qpZ8MZZC3Rc/s640/what+to+expect+with+speech+development.bmp" width="608" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Acquisition of Consonant Sound</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TNFthsbJnxI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/JVoRvXhrAOI/s1600/Aquisition+of+Consonant+Sound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TNFthsbJnxI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/JVoRvXhrAOI/s640/Aquisition+of+Consonant+Sound.jpg" width="481" /></a></div><br />
This chart shows the average age estimates and upper age limits of customary consonant production. The solid bar corresonding to each sound starts at the mediam age of customary articulation; it stops at an age level at which 90% of all children are customarily producing the sound.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(From Templin, 1957: Wellman et al., 1931.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Sander, Eric K. When Are Speech Sounds Learned? <u>JSHD</u>, 37(1), 55-62, February 1972.</span><br />
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<div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For more specific inquiries, try the following links:</span></div><br />
<a href="http://www.ldonline.org/indepth/speech">LD Online: Speech & Language</a><br />
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<a href="http://communicationconnects.com/parent.htm">Communication Connects </a><br />
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</div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-53544993820549508042010-11-18T09:00:00.025-07:002010-11-18T09:00:06.692-07:00Thankful For Turkey<div style="text-align: center;">This is an excellent idea that will help bring the 'spirit' of Thanksgiving to your house all month long (or however long you would like).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TORk4smxL3I/AAAAAAAADec/0qW7UVivyMg/s1600/DSC05655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TORk4smxL3I/AAAAAAAADec/0qW7UVivyMg/s640/DSC05655.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The idea is to put a picture of a turkey up on a wall in your home. We put ours on the front door, so the boys would be reminded of it often.<br />
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You could draw your own, or just print one from the internet. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
We colored our printed turkey, then we cut out several feathers, in coordinating colors.<br />
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Once a day, we would talk about things that we are grateful for. We would then pick one blessing, and write it down on a feather.<br />
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We started at the beginning of the month, and had Cannon do one feather per day, but this could easily be done in a single day or over any amount of time.<br />
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This would also be a good Thanksgiving Day activity; especially if you were having a large group of people. Everyone could have a feather and write down something that they were thankful for.<br />
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I think this is going to turn into an annual tradition at our house. I am really enjoying it so far!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1481665144809835820.post-23132458474420565122010-11-11T09:00:00.000-07:002010-11-11T09:00:03.281-07:00Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly Puppet<div style="text-align: center;">Cannon's preschool class focuses on one book each month, and coordinates their activities around it.<br />
They just finished There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly.<br />
The main concept they were teaching was size.<br />
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He came home with this puppet, and told me the story over and over (and over) again.<br />
I was amazed at how well he had picked up the details.<br />
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I've included the story, if you don't have the book.<br />
Either way it would be a fun craft to recreate at home, and a great way to teach small vs. big, big vs. bigger, etc.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">I Know an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TNCGRefIisI/AAAAAAAAC8o/kbaQZaikzws/s1600/DSC05201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TNCGRefIisI/AAAAAAAAC8o/kbaQZaikzws/s640/DSC05201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
They decorated paper bags by adding a head, cotton balls for hair, and tiny decorative balls for earrings (which were my favorite part).<br />
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On popsicle sticks they attached the individual animals: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TNCGEfd1NoI/AAAAAAAAC8k/lFjYM8GGE7I/s1600/DSC05203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TNCGEfd1NoI/AAAAAAAAC8k/lFjYM8GGE7I/s400/DSC05203.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TNCGeinXbNI/AAAAAAAAC8s/YYeoZO0a1yc/s1600/DSC05202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TNCGeinXbNI/AAAAAAAAC8s/YYeoZO0a1yc/s400/DSC05202.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
You will need a fly, spider, bird, cat, dog, goat, cow and horse.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TNCIV-QlB6I/AAAAAAAAC8w/TtCuvQQIPEg/s1600/DSC05198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TNCIV-QlB6I/AAAAAAAAC8w/TtCuvQQIPEg/s400/DSC05198.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Like I said, it was easy to practice sizing them up... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TNCIlDSjeUI/AAAAAAAAC80/HIdEoduoYtQ/s1600/DSC05183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TNCIlDSjeUI/AAAAAAAAC80/HIdEoduoYtQ/s400/DSC05183.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> The little old lady's head was only secured to the front of the bag, so the animals could be eaten.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TNCJDGGPzAI/AAAAAAAAC88/mAfQxtYjUgo/s1600/DSC05186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TNCJDGGPzAI/AAAAAAAAC88/mAfQxtYjUgo/s400/DSC05186.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> He loved loved loved this!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TNCJfkF229I/AAAAAAAAC9E/OM0VtCxPD8c/s1600/DSC05193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhdhX19pm60/TNCJfkF229I/AAAAAAAAC9E/OM0VtCxPD8c/s640/DSC05193.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I did some researching online, and found <b><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.preschoolprintables.com/felt/oldlady/feltoldlady.shtml">this website</a></span></b> that has some printables if you want to make your own. <br />
Here is the<b style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.preschoolprintables.com/felt/oldlady/feltoldladybw1.shtml">story</a></span></b>, if that is all you need.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328863059864128058noreply@blogger.com0