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Poetry for Kids

Roses are red Some orchids are green I love you so much Except when you’re mean I wrote that little ditty when I was in the fourth grade. I’m a poet, and ya didn’t even know it! Unfortunately, poetry is not fully embraced by the American school system. Consequently, many youngsters these days don’t get the chance to fully appreciate the many benefits of metrical composition. According to top researchers for early childhood education, “poetry should be included as an integral part of the language and literacy curriculum because it enriches students’ lives as they discover words, sound, and rhythm … Continue reading →

Shel Silverstein Poetry Books

If you are looking for a good read aloud book, or a great book for gifts, consider There’s A Light in the Attic, Falling Up, or Where the Sidewalk Ends. All three are written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein. I like to read a poem or two to the kids before their bedtime stories. I also use the poetry in my job as instructional coordinator for a literacy program. Learning how to recognize and make rhymes is an important part of learning to read. A lot of poetry doesn’t interest young children. The themes are too advanced for them. The … Continue reading →

Poetry From Adoptive Mother’s to Their Child

There are several adoption related poems that are special to me. I didn’t write them, but feel the words very deeply and thought I would share two of them here. Legacy of An Adopted Child Author Unknown. Once there were two women, who never knew each other. One you do not remember, the other you call mother. Two different lives, shaped to make yours one. One became your guiding star, the other became your sun. The first gave you life, and the second taught you to live in it. The first gave you a need for love, and the second … Continue reading →

A Caution to Single Parents

Today in class we read a book called The Spider and the Fly based on a poem by Mary Howitt and beautifully illustrated by Tony DiTerlizzi. The poetry portrays a cunning spider who is deviously trying to persuade a dear fly into his home. At first the fly refuses saying she knows what happens to those who give in to the spider’s persuasions. The next day when the fly comes by the spider lures her in with his flattery words and she never returns. As I sat in class thinking about this tragic tale I likened it to us as … Continue reading →

Preschool Primer Part 2 – What Kind Of Preschool Is Right For Your Toddler?

When you are trying to decide which preschool is the best fit for your toddler, keep in mind that not all preschools are created equal. There are multiple types of preschools, each with its own underlying philosophy. Here are a few examples of the different types of preschools that are out there. Montessori preschools have a philosophy that is centered around the interconnectedness of all living things and helping the child to discover his or her unique place in the world. Teachers are called “Guides” and they help each child to learn at his or her own pace. Life skills, … Continue reading →

Momnesia

“Momnesia”: A rare, or maybe not so rare, form of amnesia contracted by women as a result of having children. Before I had Logan I never had too much trouble remembering things. Now, well that’s a different story and I’m afraid it’s gotten even worse as a single mother! There is just so much going on in our lives all the time that I can barely keep anything straight anymore. I’m lucky if I can remember my own name some days, let alone doctor appointments, school schedules, or play dates! At least when I was married there was someone else … Continue reading →

Weekend Bonding

Tis the season for purging junk from your home and having strangers pay you to get it off your property. See it, hear it, love it or hate it; the rummage sale season is in full swing. In our city, you can’t go a single block without being blinded by dozens of neon-colored signs fighting for space on the corners of busy intersections. Suburbia is littered with trash, treasures, and teamwork. Yes, teamwork. For many families, hosting a rummage sale requires a combined effort by all of its members regardless of age. At least that’s what my neighbors tell me. … Continue reading →

Are You Giving Affection and Support Conditionally?

Unconditionally love—we all know that this is at the root of good parenting. We know intellectually that our children need to feel our unconditional love regardless of what is going on but in the world of the single parent, we may get so wrapped up in some of the trials and challenges of every day life, that we start to use the withholding of love and affection as a way to try to motivate and manipulate our children. Yesterday I wrote about how we need to watch out for using manipulation and controlling behaviors to try to get our kids … Continue reading →

12 Suggestions For Raising Godly Children

So you want to bring your children up in God’s ways so that they will follow Him. Here are some suggestions for ways you can help achieve this. 1. Pray for and with your child. Let them see the reality of your faith as you turn to the Lord in prayer when problems or hard times come, or just for God’s help with decisions each day. Encourage them by your example to praise God for the blessings of life every day. 2. As you pray for your children, pray for those they will grow up to marry. From the time … Continue reading →

Teaching Today’s Children Differently

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I enjoy poetry, card sayings, and quotes from others. Some are very interesting, some are funny, and some are very clever. Recently I came across a quote that caught my attention and greatly touched me. The quote was made by John Dewey and said the following: ?if we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow This quote is so true. Everything in our world is continuously changing. We cannot expect the methods and topics of the past to meet the needs of our children today and prepare them for the future. However, there are some … Continue reading →