What Teachers Know About Routines
Throughout the past two months I have had the privilege of guest teaching in nearly two dozen classrooms at five different schools. I enjoy interacting with the children, ranging in age from 3 to 12, and I constantly marvel at the amazing things they are learning and producing in class, led by their competent and well prepared teachers. Last week I noticed this poster prominently displayed in a Preschool classroom. I love the fact that teachers keep this sentiment in mind as they work day in...
Read MoreThe Gift of a Good Start
When browsing through TED talks related to child development and parenting, one may not expect to find a speech given by Colin Powell, but here it is. General Powell presents a compelling argument for maintaining structure within family life. “Once structure is developed, you would be amazed at what you can do.” Powell maintains that structure leads to respect and that structure resides in people’s hearts and souls. When children learn to “mind” (follow...
Read MoreRoutines as Patterns
Some people may perceive routines to be rigid, repetitive and boring. Others may consider routines to be organized, orderly and helpful. What about routines for children and families? Are they necessary, and if so, why? Infants enter the world as completely dependent on others to care for and meet their every need. As they grow and develop muscle control, mobility and communication skills they slowly make their way towards interdependence. During this time young children are not only...
Read MoreImplementing Summer Routines
Beautiful. I hear beautiful sounds coming from my daughter’s room. Her voice sings beautiful words, and somehow, she has learned (taught herself by trial and error?) some simple chords to accompany her singing, singing the song, “Beautiful.” I thought I was paying attention and knew what the kids have been doing, but somehow this slipped my attention. She has been practicing. Who knows how long she’s been sitting at the keyboard. I am tempted to go in and help her fix a few chords, adding...
Read MoreSummer Routines
I am a creature of habit and I thrive in routine. As a matter of fact, I crave routine, and not having it leaves me feeling decidedly uncomfortable. Hence, summer vacation, although sounding luxurious with it’s promise of sleeping in and days with no plans and less pressure, causes me no small amount of anxiety. This morning was our first non-weekend morning of summer vacation 2013. Due to our busy weekend, I hadn’t thought through my plan for the summer, nor had I had the...
Read MoreCelebrating Handwashing
“Did you wash your hands?” “With soap?” I wonder how many times I ask those two questions in tandem. I sometimes feel as though I sound like a broken record, asking them over and over again all the live-long day. But now, it seems that research is backing me up even more than I had thought and that my incessant nagging might be paying off, without me even noticing. According to an article I just read, the CDC now states that up to a million deaths a year could be...
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