Sunday, November 21, 2010
congrats to all our winners
Congrats to all the winners! Please come by the office to collect your prize!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Hot Air Balloon Ride for one from - Tucson Ballon Rides - New Minumum bid is $75
A gift certificate for a hot air balloon ride for one person including a champagne brunch and a digital photograph from Tucson Balloon Rides. Valued at $229. Gift certificate expires 11/1/11.
http://www.tucsonballoonrides.com/
New Minimum bid $75
Increase increments by $5
bidding starts Nov. 15th @10am and end Nov. 21st @ 1pm (the highest bid at this time will be the winner)
bid in the comment spot below
Put your first and last name plus bid amount
http://www.tucsonballoonrides.com/
New Minimum bid $75
Increase increments by $5
bidding starts Nov. 15th @10am and end Nov. 21st @ 1pm (the highest bid at this time will be the winner)
bid in the comment spot below
Put your first and last name plus bid amount
Phoenix Coyotes Hockey Tickets - New minimum $40
Two Phoenix Coyotes hockey tickets for Wednesday December 29th, 2010 at 7pm plus parking in lot J. The Coyotes will be playing the Los Angeles Kings. The seats are section 229 Row C and Seat 11 and 12. The tickets are valued at $36 each.
New Minimum bid $40
Increase increments by $2
bidding starts Nov. 15th @10am and end Nov. 21st @ 1pm (the highest bid at this time will be the winner)
Bid in the comment spot below
Put your first and last name and your bid amount
New Minimum bid $40
Increase increments by $2
bidding starts Nov. 15th @10am and end Nov. 21st @ 1pm (the highest bid at this time will be the winner)
Bid in the comment spot below
Put your first and last name and your bid amount
University of Arizona Basketball tickets - Minimum bid $40
Three University of Arizona basketball tickets for January 6th, 2010. Arizona verse California - Sections 101B Row 35 and seat 9, 10 and 11. Valued at $19 a ticket.
Minimum bid $40
Increase increments by $5
bidding starts Nov. 15th @10am and end Nov. 21st @ 1pm (the highest bid at this time will be the winner)
bid in the comment spot below
Put your first and last name plus bid amount
Minimum bid $40
Increase increments by $5
bidding starts Nov. 15th @10am and end Nov. 21st @ 1pm (the highest bid at this time will be the winner)
bid in the comment spot below
Put your first and last name plus bid amount
One new patient dental visit - New Minimum $75
One gift certificate for a new patient visit with Dr. Wexler. This includes a comprehensive exam, full-mouth set of x-rays and regular adult cleaning (this does not include deeper scaling and root planing if necessary). This gift certificate expires April 2, 2011. This is a $275 value.
http://www.888-smile.com/
New Minimum bid $75
Increase increments by $5
bidding starts Nov. 15th @10am and end Nov. 21st @ 1pm (the highest bid at this time will be the winner)
bid in the comment spot below
Put your first and last name plus bid amount
http://www.888-smile.com/
New Minimum bid $75
Increase increments by $5
bidding starts Nov. 15th @10am and end Nov. 21st @ 1pm (the highest bid at this time will be the winner)
bid in the comment spot below
Put your first and last name plus bid amount
One Feldenkrais Functional Integration Session - New minimum bid $25
One gift certificate for Feldenkrais Functional Integration Session with Tammy Rosen Wilbur. This is a hands on private session that uses the nervous system and principles of bio mechanics for pain relief, injury recovery or prevention, stroke recovery, better posture, improved athletic performance, and increased mobility/ flexibility. This is a $50 value.
http://www.tucsonfeldenkrais.com/
New Minimum bid $25
Increase increments by $2
bidding starts Nov. 15th @10am and end Nov. 21st @ 1pm (the highest bid at this time will be the winner)
bid in the comment spot below
Put your first and last name plus bid amount
http://www.tucsonfeldenkrais.com/
New Minimum bid $25
Increase increments by $2
bidding starts Nov. 15th @10am and end Nov. 21st @ 1pm (the highest bid at this time will be the winner)
bid in the comment spot below
Put your first and last name plus bid amount
Signed UofA basketball - Minimum bid $105
Minimum bid $105
Increase increments by $10
bidding starts Nov. 15th @10am and end Nov. 21st @ 1pm (the highest bid at this time will be the winner)
bid in the comment spot below
Put your first and last name plus bid amount
ESPN GameDay Crew Autographed Home Depot helmet - Minimum Bid $50
Minimum bid $50
Increase increments by $5
bidding starts Nov. 15th @10am and end Nov. 21st @ 1pm (the highest bid at this time will be the winner)
bid in the comment spot below
Put your first and last name plus bid amount
1 hour massage - Minimum bid $40
A gift certificate for a 1 hour massage from Pamala Joosten. This gift certificate expires May 2011. This is an estimated $65 value.
http://www.essentialholistictherapy.com/
Minimum bid $40
Increase increments by $2
bidding starts Nov. 15th @10am and end Nov. 21st @ 1pm (the highest bid at this time will be the winner)
bid in the comment spot below
Put your first and last name plus bid amount
http://www.essentialholistictherapy.com/
Minimum bid $40
Increase increments by $2
bidding starts Nov. 15th @10am and end Nov. 21st @ 1pm (the highest bid at this time will be the winner)
bid in the comment spot below
Put your first and last name plus bid amount
Custom Teeth Whitening System at the office of Dr. Derek Schop - Minimum
A gift certificate for a custom teeth whitening system at the office of Dr. Schop. This is a $400 value. The recipient must be at least 18 years of age and the gift certificate expires Oct. of 2011.
http://www.brookfieldsmile.com/
Minimum bid $200
Increase increments by $5
bidding starts Nov. 15th @10am and end Nov. 21st @ 1pm (the highest bid at this time will be the winner)
bid in the comment spot below
Put your first and last name plus bid amount
http://www.brookfieldsmile.com/
Minimum bid $200
Increase increments by $5
bidding starts Nov. 15th @10am and end Nov. 21st @ 1pm (the highest bid at this time will be the winner)
bid in the comment spot below
Put your first and last name plus bid amount
4 tickets to the Fiesta Bowl - Minimum bid $650
This is a gift certificate entitles the bearer to 4 Fiesta Bowl 2011 tickets generously by Golden Eagle distributors. This is an estimated value of $940.
Minimum bid $650
Increase increments by $20
bidding starts Nov. 15th @10am and end Nov. 21st @ 1pm (the highest bid at this time will be the winner)
bid in the comment spot below
Put your first and last name plus bid amount
Minimum bid $650
Increase increments by $20
bidding starts Nov. 15th @10am and end Nov. 21st @ 1pm (the highest bid at this time will be the winner)
bid in the comment spot below
Put your first and last name plus bid amount
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Get your holiday presents early! Our Silent Auction is coming!
Want to get your holiday shopping out of the way? Get ready to shop at our silent auction. There are two different auctions that will be going on at the same time starting on Monday Nov. 15th, 2010. One will take place at the ECE in the hallway. There will be baskets set up for you to bid on. We have some fabulous baskets to bid on; date night, spa, coffee and tea, sports, games, toys, books and more. This auction will end on 9:15am on Friday the 19th.
The second auction is on this blog. It will begin Monday at 10am on Nov. 15th and will end Sunday Nov. 21st at 1pm. We have items such as a 1 hour massage, teeth whitening system, an autographed UofA basketball, an autographed ESPN game day helmet, 2 Coyote hockey tickets plus parking, hot air balloon ride and 4 Fiesta Bowl tickets.
Items will be posted here. To place a bid, put your first and last name in the comment spot below the item with the bid amount. Be sure to follow the directions on minimum big and increasing increments. The highest bid on Nov. 21st @1pm will be the winner.
Check back soon for auctions items!
The second auction is on this blog. It will begin Monday at 10am on Nov. 15th and will end Sunday Nov. 21st at 1pm. We have items such as a 1 hour massage, teeth whitening system, an autographed UofA basketball, an autographed ESPN game day helmet, 2 Coyote hockey tickets plus parking, hot air balloon ride and 4 Fiesta Bowl tickets.
Items will be posted here. To place a bid, put your first and last name in the comment spot below the item with the bid amount. Be sure to follow the directions on minimum big and increasing increments. The highest bid on Nov. 21st @1pm will be the winner.
Check back soon for auctions items!
Monday, October 11, 2010
How to incorporate Judaism into your every day family routine
When I was younger (about ages 12 to 19) Judaism was very important to me and I incorporated into my daily life. There was a time I even kept Kosher and possibly wanted to be a Rabbi. From my 20s to 30s I lost some of my Jewishness and now that I have children I am feeling it coming back. It is important to me to instill Jewish values and rituals into my children; and later what they decide to do with that is up to them.
The Jewish religion is full of routines. In raising young children you almost have to have some routines in order to function; even if they are not planned routines. In order to get out the door and to work/ school we must get up, get dressed, eat breakfast, make lunches, brush teeth and hair, gather all our stuff together and get everyone buckled in car seat and on our way and hopefully arrive on time. This getting out the door routine can be a real crazy especially if there is a meltdown or two, a diaper explosion or projectile vomiting which may or may not require a change of clothes for me and the baby; which happens quite often in our house. Routines are healthy for you young children. It establishes habits such as washing hands. Routines that are predictable and consistent give children a sense of security. But what I feel is especially nice about incorporating Judaism into my daily routine is that it gives me and hopefully those around me a sense of peace.
Here are a few things you can do:
Morning:
1. Say a quick morning prayer or read a morning book such as Boker Tov! Good Morning. By Joe Black and Rick Brown
*This gets you ready to start a new day and gives every appreciation for the day.
2. Say the blessing over bread before eating (Motzi)
* This forces everyone to wait a moment after the food is in front of you to gain appreciation for the food. It also stops you for eating so quickly, which is better for your digestion and you tend to just eat what you need.
Afternoon:
1. Say the Shema before nap.
* This signals your body that it is time to rest. It is a daily remember that we are Jewish.
2. Listen to Jewish music as they are napping.
* It is peaceful to sleep to soft music and Jewish music can also teach your child Jewish concepts.
Night:
1. Wash hands before eating; say the blessing and don't talk until you say Motzi. (ahh...a moment of silence in your day would be nice)
* Washing you hands is important to do before you eat to protect yourself against germs. The blessing is a reminder that you are putting your hands on a higher level by washing them.
2. Say the blessing over bread before eating (Motzi)
3. Say a blessing after you eat (Birkat Hamazon)
*Saying the blessing after you eat is a reminder to be thankful for everything we have.
4. Before bed talk about what everyone was thankful about in their day.
*It is a great closure for the day. It teaches children appreciation and as a parent it is also nice to hear the things that your child are appreciative for.
5. Say the Shema
6. Play Jewish music to fall asleep too.
Shabbat (Friday night and Sat)
1. Have a Shabbat dinner or say the Motzi.
* Separates out the week and make this night more special than any night in the week.
2. Light the Shabbat candles.
*The light welcomes in the Sabbath.
3. Have a no TV day on Sat.
*Another way to make the Sabbath different and creates more family time.
There are many things you can do to enrich your family's life with Judaism. Even adding a just a few things you will add a sense of peace in your family.
If you are interested in gaining more ideas or details please join Lyn and I for a brown bag lunch and a free class about incorporating Jewish rituals into your daily routines on Oct. 20th for 12pm - 1pm in the religious school auditorium.
The Jewish religion is full of routines. In raising young children you almost have to have some routines in order to function; even if they are not planned routines. In order to get out the door and to work/ school we must get up, get dressed, eat breakfast, make lunches, brush teeth and hair, gather all our stuff together and get everyone buckled in car seat and on our way and hopefully arrive on time. This getting out the door routine can be a real crazy especially if there is a meltdown or two, a diaper explosion or projectile vomiting which may or may not require a change of clothes for me and the baby; which happens quite often in our house. Routines are healthy for you young children. It establishes habits such as washing hands. Routines that are predictable and consistent give children a sense of security. But what I feel is especially nice about incorporating Judaism into my daily routine is that it gives me and hopefully those around me a sense of peace.
Here are a few things you can do:
Morning:
1. Say a quick morning prayer or read a morning book such as Boker Tov! Good Morning. By Joe Black and Rick Brown
*This gets you ready to start a new day and gives every appreciation for the day.
2. Say the blessing over bread before eating (Motzi)
* This forces everyone to wait a moment after the food is in front of you to gain appreciation for the food. It also stops you for eating so quickly, which is better for your digestion and you tend to just eat what you need.
Afternoon:
1. Say the Shema before nap.
* This signals your body that it is time to rest. It is a daily remember that we are Jewish.
2. Listen to Jewish music as they are napping.
* It is peaceful to sleep to soft music and Jewish music can also teach your child Jewish concepts.
Night:
1. Wash hands before eating; say the blessing and don't talk until you say Motzi. (ahh...a moment of silence in your day would be nice)
* Washing you hands is important to do before you eat to protect yourself against germs. The blessing is a reminder that you are putting your hands on a higher level by washing them.
2. Say the blessing over bread before eating (Motzi)
3. Say a blessing after you eat (Birkat Hamazon)
*Saying the blessing after you eat is a reminder to be thankful for everything we have.
4. Before bed talk about what everyone was thankful about in their day.
*It is a great closure for the day. It teaches children appreciation and as a parent it is also nice to hear the things that your child are appreciative for.
5. Say the Shema
6. Play Jewish music to fall asleep too.
Shabbat (Friday night and Sat)
1. Have a Shabbat dinner or say the Motzi.
* Separates out the week and make this night more special than any night in the week.
2. Light the Shabbat candles.
*The light welcomes in the Sabbath.
3. Have a no TV day on Sat.
*Another way to make the Sabbath different and creates more family time.
There are many things you can do to enrich your family's life with Judaism. Even adding a just a few things you will add a sense of peace in your family.
If you are interested in gaining more ideas or details please join Lyn and I for a brown bag lunch and a free class about incorporating Jewish rituals into your daily routines on Oct. 20th for 12pm - 1pm in the religious school auditorium.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
May you have a sweet New Year!
As many of you might have heard this year the Tot congregants at Temple Emanu-El of Tucson got to share Yom Kippur with Adam Sandler. This was a pleasant surprise. Sitting in the Tot service I was surrounded by many young children and their families. Rabbi Holtz called up two children to open the ark. I watched as these two children excitingly had a part in the service and parents proudly took videos and pictures on their phones. I looked over at one proud dad and thought, "that looks like Adam Sandler." Turns out; it was.
He later went into the Strauss ECE classrooms where he talked with our teachers and played with his children. Our teachers, who were trying to stay cool were awe strucked; while the children just went on playing. The truth is, to children teachers are the 'movie stars.' Sometimes I am fortunate enough to teach one of the classroom while a teacher is out on vacation. My daughter is so excited and proud that I am a teacher. She is excited to tell everyone (when I am in the office, it does not count). What a role model our teachers are for our children. I am extremely proud of the teachers we have at the Strauss ECE. Sandler also told the teachers what a hard job they had and was very appreciative of them. I think that there are times that parents are 'movie stars' too in their child's eye. Parents are also wonderful examples for their children.
I wish everyone a sweet and happy new year. I hope that in a child's eye you are 'movie star' even if it is just a moment.
He later went into the Strauss ECE classrooms where he talked with our teachers and played with his children. Our teachers, who were trying to stay cool were awe strucked; while the children just went on playing. The truth is, to children teachers are the 'movie stars.' Sometimes I am fortunate enough to teach one of the classroom while a teacher is out on vacation. My daughter is so excited and proud that I am a teacher. She is excited to tell everyone (when I am in the office, it does not count). What a role model our teachers are for our children. I am extremely proud of the teachers we have at the Strauss ECE. Sandler also told the teachers what a hard job they had and was very appreciative of them. I think that there are times that parents are 'movie stars' too in their child's eye. Parents are also wonderful examples for their children.
I wish everyone a sweet and happy new year. I hope that in a child's eye you are 'movie star' even if it is just a moment.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Rainy day activities
 |
| Josie feeding cake to the dinosaur. |
This week I got to spend some time in Egooanot; our three year classroom. I always love when I get to be in the classroom! First we had circle time, then snack and then they were playing at the different centers. At the beginning this playing was going great; then I could see the children were starting to get restless. I then pulled out the floam. That stuff is magical. Slowly, one by one the whole class came to the table and was playing with the floam. Piper, Bella and Eloise were making ice cream, Josie fed a dinosaur cake that Ilana and Jana helped her to make. Marshall pretended to put cotton balls in a cup for his mother (I had to promise to take a picture to show her when it came time to clean up) and Jack and Sam were driving cars over it the floam like it was a road. I enjoyed watching the children in their play. They went and gathered items from all over the room to help with what they were doing. I think they would have been content playing with the floam for hours. But, sure enough it was Egooanot's classroom turn to go outside so we cleaned up. |
| The red cup is the cotton balls for Marshall's mommy. |
This activity seemed like a great rainy day activity and with monsoon season still here I thought I might share a few more ideas with you.
1. Keep a stash a never seen objects (party favors are great to stash away). An object that has never been played with can occupy a child for a while.
2. See how long you can keep a balloon in the air or toss it around depending on the age.
3. Playdough is another good one.
4. Have a dance party and dance to music.
5. Cook something together.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
The more books the better!
My husband constantly tells me, "don't we have enough books!" My answer is always, "No!" It is true we have many, many, many children's books in our house, and I will confess that I do have a book compulsion; but in terms of books I don't think you can have too many.
Each one of our classrooms is full of books. There is a reading center as well as related books in every center. These books are also rotated out from our very own library. We are very fortunate to have some of our books donated by families when their children has out grown some books, or from when families buy books from scholastic book orders and as well as when they our bought off of a classroom wish list from our annual book fair. We have also gotten a good bulk of our books from Makeway For Books. It is a great organization who came into our school and looked at what books we needed and brought in some fabulous books to our center at no cost to us. Their website is also a great resource about reading books to young children http://makewayforbooks.org/. I am always happy see lots and lots of reading going on in our school thanks to all our many books and our wonderful teachers.
When talking to someone about my book compulsion they said me, "how are children going to learn to read without having books around?" I realize that children will probably learn to read if they aren't surrounded by books, but I think it comes more natural when those books are around you and apart of your daily routine. There are some great ways to fill your house with books without spending a great deal of money.
1. Did you know that PJ Library is another great organization that your child can receive some fabulous Jewish books. There are some great programming that goes along with this. Both my children look forward to every month when they receive their book in the mail and we look forward to reading it that night. This is a grant funded program, so the books are free to you for two years. Check them out here and sign up http://www.pjlibrary.org/communities/southern-arizona.
2. Have your checked out the scholastic book orders? You can find the book orders in your child's mailbox. There are some great books for reasonable prices. There is a $1 book in every book order. Check it out.
3. When I take my children to the pediatrician they always receive a book there through another organization called Reach Out and Read. http://www.reachoutandread.org/
4. You can always borrow books from our classrooms or school library.
5. There is always the our public library!
6. There are the bargain sections at books stores as well as bookmans.
I feel so happy that there are so many organizations that feel books our important in young children's hands. So I will continue to fill my house with books and as well as our classrooms.
Each one of our classrooms is full of books. There is a reading center as well as related books in every center. These books are also rotated out from our very own library. We are very fortunate to have some of our books donated by families when their children has out grown some books, or from when families buy books from scholastic book orders and as well as when they our bought off of a classroom wish list from our annual book fair. We have also gotten a good bulk of our books from Makeway For Books. It is a great organization who came into our school and looked at what books we needed and brought in some fabulous books to our center at no cost to us. Their website is also a great resource about reading books to young children http://makewayforbooks.org/. I am always happy see lots and lots of reading going on in our school thanks to all our many books and our wonderful teachers.
When talking to someone about my book compulsion they said me, "how are children going to learn to read without having books around?" I realize that children will probably learn to read if they aren't surrounded by books, but I think it comes more natural when those books are around you and apart of your daily routine. There are some great ways to fill your house with books without spending a great deal of money.
1. Did you know that PJ Library is another great organization that your child can receive some fabulous Jewish books. There are some great programming that goes along with this. Both my children look forward to every month when they receive their book in the mail and we look forward to reading it that night. This is a grant funded program, so the books are free to you for two years. Check them out here and sign up http://www.pjlibrary.org/communities/southern-arizona.
2. Have your checked out the scholastic book orders? You can find the book orders in your child's mailbox. There are some great books for reasonable prices. There is a $1 book in every book order. Check it out.
3. When I take my children to the pediatrician they always receive a book there through another organization called Reach Out and Read. http://www.reachoutandread.org/
4. You can always borrow books from our classrooms or school library.
5. There is always the our public library!
6. There are the bargain sections at books stores as well as bookmans.
I feel so happy that there are so many organizations that feel books our important in young children's hands. So I will continue to fill my house with books and as well as our classrooms.
Friday, August 20, 2010
In The Car
It is no secret that we do not live real close to the school. In fact, we drive 30 minutes to school and then back every day. I feel like I am always in the car! There was a point when my oldest was a baby (and all the way until she learned to talk) when riding in the car was torture because all she did was cry the whole way. When most babies loved the car; she hated it! I would sing songs or do whatever I could to block it out because I knew she was ok and there was not much I could do. We have no choice, we have to go from here to there.
Those days are behind us and now I actually enjoy being in the car. My youngest thankfully does not mind the car and my oldest has come to enjoy the ride. Our rides are spent with stories, songs and games. Here are a few suggestions to make a longer car ride with young children manageable:
1. Have familiar songs/ Cd's in the car. You could play the same CD over and over again so it becomes more familiar to them. Don't be afraid to sing-a-long with them
2. Have a basket of toys and rotate them out on occasion. I try to stick to only what fits in the baskets or toys can take over my car. (a book, two toy animals or people; two, so they can play together, a magnetic drawing board, something cuddly, a toy phone are some good suggestions)
3. Have a water cup and a small snack.
4. A mirror for an infant is helpful; especially when they are at the age where they like to see themselves.
5. If your child uses a pacifier; have it available where they can reach it. A binky leash is always good.
6. If at all possible for an infant, have them feed and changed before getting in the car.
7. We like to change the words to songs and sing them. For example; we sing BINGO, but change the name of the dog to any dog we know. It gets to be pretty silly and fun.
8. I also like talking to my daughter about her day or what we are going to do. We also like to reminisce about things she has done in the past or when she was a baby.
9. Play Eye spy. You might have to change it a little for example; I say, "I spy with my little eye something that is real tall, it is brown on the bottom and green on top."
10. For an infant, a toy that rattles and one that they can chew on are helpful to have when they are old enough to play or grasp.
Although I really do enjoy interacting with my children. Sometimes I just enjoy the silence in the car when Ellie is zoned out and Nate is sleeping and I can just think in peace. Sometimes I even get to have a turn listening to my own music; pony music we call it.
Those days are behind us and now I actually enjoy being in the car. My youngest thankfully does not mind the car and my oldest has come to enjoy the ride. Our rides are spent with stories, songs and games. Here are a few suggestions to make a longer car ride with young children manageable:
1. Have familiar songs/ Cd's in the car. You could play the same CD over and over again so it becomes more familiar to them. Don't be afraid to sing-a-long with them
2. Have a basket of toys and rotate them out on occasion. I try to stick to only what fits in the baskets or toys can take over my car. (a book, two toy animals or people; two, so they can play together, a magnetic drawing board, something cuddly, a toy phone are some good suggestions)
3. Have a water cup and a small snack.
4. A mirror for an infant is helpful; especially when they are at the age where they like to see themselves.
5. If your child uses a pacifier; have it available where they can reach it. A binky leash is always good.
6. If at all possible for an infant, have them feed and changed before getting in the car.
7. We like to change the words to songs and sing them. For example; we sing BINGO, but change the name of the dog to any dog we know. It gets to be pretty silly and fun.
8. I also like talking to my daughter about her day or what we are going to do. We also like to reminisce about things she has done in the past or when she was a baby.
9. Play Eye spy. You might have to change it a little for example; I say, "I spy with my little eye something that is real tall, it is brown on the bottom and green on top."
10. For an infant, a toy that rattles and one that they can chew on are helpful to have when they are old enough to play or grasp.
Although I really do enjoy interacting with my children. Sometimes I just enjoy the silence in the car when Ellie is zoned out and Nate is sleeping and I can just think in peace. Sometimes I even get to have a turn listening to my own music; pony music we call it.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Parenting Styles
When I was little I always wanted to be a 'mommy.' I also had idea of how I wanted to parent. Ohh...how quickly my ideas changed as I acaully become a mother. And even parenting beliefs I had with my first child have changed with the second.
Why are things so different? I am the same person. Have a compromised anything making these changes? Is my first child better off than my second? Is my friend's child going to be a more well rounded than mine? Of course not! Every child is different and our lives are constantly changing. We need to make choices based on our children's individual needs as well as what works best for our family. As our children change and our family's lifestyle change; we should accommodate our parenting style accordingly.
We have all kinds of parenting styles at the Strauss ECE; neither good nor bad; just different. When becoming a parent, I have gained appreciation for the different styles. I realize that different things work for different families.
Today I gave a tour to a prospective family where a parent asked if we would honor her parenting style and beliefs. This got me thinking about how much we are constantly thinking about parenting. Truly we are just guessing our way through each stage and each phase and hoping we are making good choices for our children. We might read articles and blogs, talk with other parents and teachers or even our mothers. Then we take this information we have learned and go with our gut. We always want to do what we feel is right for our children and truly; in the end, if they are happy; we have succeeded.
The Strauss ECE will always support you in your parenting beliefs. We enjoy collaborating with you in helping your child succeed.
Why are things so different? I am the same person. Have a compromised anything making these changes? Is my first child better off than my second? Is my friend's child going to be a more well rounded than mine? Of course not! Every child is different and our lives are constantly changing. We need to make choices based on our children's individual needs as well as what works best for our family. As our children change and our family's lifestyle change; we should accommodate our parenting style accordingly.
We have all kinds of parenting styles at the Strauss ECE; neither good nor bad; just different. When becoming a parent, I have gained appreciation for the different styles. I realize that different things work for different families.
Today I gave a tour to a prospective family where a parent asked if we would honor her parenting style and beliefs. This got me thinking about how much we are constantly thinking about parenting. Truly we are just guessing our way through each stage and each phase and hoping we are making good choices for our children. We might read articles and blogs, talk with other parents and teachers or even our mothers. Then we take this information we have learned and go with our gut. We always want to do what we feel is right for our children and truly; in the end, if they are happy; we have succeeded.
The Strauss ECE will always support you in your parenting beliefs. We enjoy collaborating with you in helping your child succeed.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Saying Goodbye...dropping your child off at school
Recently our the new school year started at our Early Childhood Education Center. Many new families joined us, as well as children moved up in classrooms. It is interesting to observe during drop off times, especially on 'first days.' There is always a lot of excitement and nervousness all at the same time. To be honest...it seems much harder for the parent than the child.
Each child is different. Some are ready to socialize and enjoy new environments; with new toys and fun things to do, while others are more hesitant. Also if you have stayed home with your child for a while; it could be harder for both of you to separate. There are ages that are harder for a child to separate as well. These are about 9months and 18month. This tends to be a phase that will pass overtime.
I have also seen that many times a child might cry for the benefit of the parent and as soon as they are out of sight, the child is happy and playing (nice of them).
Here are a few suggestion for a smooth transition in dropping off your child at school (you may need to adapt some of these suggestions depending on their age):
1. Talk to them about going to school for a couple of weeks before they go. Always use positive words and talk about all the exciting things they might do.
2. Take the child to visit the school before they go. This will give them a picture of what it looks like as well giving them a sense of familiarity.
3. Bring all supplies and paperwork to the school ahead of time so on the first day you can concentrate on your child and not feel so overwhelmed.
4. When taking your child to school for the first day; if you decided to stay with your child; try to limit it to 30 minutes. We have found if you stay longer the child might a get the sense that you are always going to be with them at school. This can make it harder and more confusing for them when you do leave. (please note: we do have an open door policy at our school and you are welcome to come and go and you please)
4. Read the story The Kissing Hand to your child or other books about going to school.
5. Say goodbye to your child at the door; sneaking away when they are happy does not always benefit you in the future. We have windows on our doors where it is nice to touch hands through the window and say goodbye or through the gate at the playground.
6. Remind your child that you will be back to get them; or if someone else is getting them, let them know that too.
7. Make your goodbye short and sweet. Lingering most of the time does not help anything.
8. If your child seems upset, you can always hand them straight to a teacher who will comfort them as you leave until they are ready to play.
9. Drop off at the same time each day when possible.
10. You can feel free to call any time and check up on your child for you peace of mind.
11. Talk about their day after school. Don't be surprised if they don't share much with you; use their 'my day' reports or their weekly letters to talk with them about what they did or what they might be doing.
I always tell parents that the first two days of dropping off your child is the hardest and then it is down hill from there. Just wait until you have the opposite problem and you can't get your child to go home because they are having so much fun; it will happen!
Each child is different. Some are ready to socialize and enjoy new environments; with new toys and fun things to do, while others are more hesitant. Also if you have stayed home with your child for a while; it could be harder for both of you to separate. There are ages that are harder for a child to separate as well. These are about 9months and 18month. This tends to be a phase that will pass overtime.
I have also seen that many times a child might cry for the benefit of the parent and as soon as they are out of sight, the child is happy and playing (nice of them).
Here are a few suggestion for a smooth transition in dropping off your child at school (you may need to adapt some of these suggestions depending on their age):
1. Talk to them about going to school for a couple of weeks before they go. Always use positive words and talk about all the exciting things they might do.
2. Take the child to visit the school before they go. This will give them a picture of what it looks like as well giving them a sense of familiarity.
3. Bring all supplies and paperwork to the school ahead of time so on the first day you can concentrate on your child and not feel so overwhelmed.
4. When taking your child to school for the first day; if you decided to stay with your child; try to limit it to 30 minutes. We have found if you stay longer the child might a get the sense that you are always going to be with them at school. This can make it harder and more confusing for them when you do leave. (please note: we do have an open door policy at our school and you are welcome to come and go and you please)
4. Read the story The Kissing Hand to your child or other books about going to school.
5. Say goodbye to your child at the door; sneaking away when they are happy does not always benefit you in the future. We have windows on our doors where it is nice to touch hands through the window and say goodbye or through the gate at the playground.
6. Remind your child that you will be back to get them; or if someone else is getting them, let them know that too.
7. Make your goodbye short and sweet. Lingering most of the time does not help anything.
8. If your child seems upset, you can always hand them straight to a teacher who will comfort them as you leave until they are ready to play.
9. Drop off at the same time each day when possible.
10. You can feel free to call any time and check up on your child for you peace of mind.
11. Talk about their day after school. Don't be surprised if they don't share much with you; use their 'my day' reports or their weekly letters to talk with them about what they did or what they might be doing.
I always tell parents that the first two days of dropping off your child is the hardest and then it is down hill from there. Just wait until you have the opposite problem and you can't get your child to go home because they are having so much fun; it will happen!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The joy in child's face!
Today I got to witness pure joy.
This morning the Soosim children read the story of The Gingerbread Man. The children then went on a gingerbread horse (because they are the horse room) hunt. First they baked a big gingerbread horse cookie. While it was in the oven it "ran away" but left them a clue. They followed the clues until they found their gingerbread horse safely in their room.
The Soosim children came galloping into the office looking for their gingerbread horse and I got to have the pleasure of reading them their next clue, "gallop, gallop, gallop of course, you can't catch me I am the gingerbread horse." The excitement in the office with all the children gathered around was electric. Their smiles were gigantic and you could feel their energy and curiosity as they were reenacting their own story from the book The Ginger Bread Man.
It reminds me that we need to take advantage of young children's imaginations while they still have them and how a simple activity can leave a lasting impression in our children.
This morning the Soosim children read the story of The Gingerbread Man. The children then went on a gingerbread horse (because they are the horse room) hunt. First they baked a big gingerbread horse cookie. While it was in the oven it "ran away" but left them a clue. They followed the clues until they found their gingerbread horse safely in their room.
The Soosim children came galloping into the office looking for their gingerbread horse and I got to have the pleasure of reading them their next clue, "gallop, gallop, gallop of course, you can't catch me I am the gingerbread horse." The excitement in the office with all the children gathered around was electric. Their smiles were gigantic and you could feel their energy and curiosity as they were reenacting their own story from the book The Ginger Bread Man.
It reminds me that we need to take advantage of young children's imaginations while they still have them and how a simple activity can leave a lasting impression in our children.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Diversity
Tonight 25 of our teachers took a class with Rabbi Cohon on Judaism. At the beginning of the class we went around and talked about our own religious background. I was amazed to hear of the religious diversity of our teaching staff. We have teachers with Jewish, Mormon, Catholic, Muslim, and Protestant backgrounds. I am really proud that we have this diversity, yet we are a Jewish school where children learn about Judaism from this unique group.
In our school we have many Jewish families as well as a wide diversity in both religious and cultural backgrounds. It is exciting to me to know that not only all of our children graduate from our school knowing a lot about the Jewish religion and having an appreciation for it; so do our teachers (and parents for that matter).
In our school we have many Jewish families as well as a wide diversity in both religious and cultural backgrounds. It is exciting to me to know that not only all of our children graduate from our school knowing a lot about the Jewish religion and having an appreciation for it; so do our teachers (and parents for that matter).
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
My very first 'blog'
Here goes...My very first 'blog.'
In creating this blog I am in awe of technology. I can personally remember when we got our first computer. It had simple games and simple programs. My sister and I enjoyed watching all the colored lines on the computer when a page printed out. We watched for about ten minutes as it said, "printing, printing, printing." Then came the world wide web, email, chat rooms, message boards; the things we can do with computers just change and change.
I recently got an Ipod touch for a birthday present. The technology in that is amazing; although I don't use it for music. I can track my weight, look us the nutritional values from any restaurant, track where I parked my car(so I don't have to wander forever), check my email, update my facebook page, play scrabble with my mother who lives in another city, do yoga exercises (or contemplate it), look up Shabbat times all in a hand held little computer that I can carry in my pocket.
This got me thinking of what technology will be like when Ellie and Nate are in High School. There are already virtual classrooms and amazing things we can do with computers. I wish I had an eye into the future.
For now I try to limit some of that technology while I still can.
In creating this blog I am in awe of technology. I can personally remember when we got our first computer. It had simple games and simple programs. My sister and I enjoyed watching all the colored lines on the computer when a page printed out. We watched for about ten minutes as it said, "printing, printing, printing." Then came the world wide web, email, chat rooms, message boards; the things we can do with computers just change and change.
I recently got an Ipod touch for a birthday present. The technology in that is amazing; although I don't use it for music. I can track my weight, look us the nutritional values from any restaurant, track where I parked my car(so I don't have to wander forever), check my email, update my facebook page, play scrabble with my mother who lives in another city, do yoga exercises (or contemplate it), look up Shabbat times all in a hand held little computer that I can carry in my pocket.
This got me thinking of what technology will be like when Ellie and Nate are in High School. There are already virtual classrooms and amazing things we can do with computers. I wish I had an eye into the future.
For now I try to limit some of that technology while I still can.
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