I ask, " Why are you not finishing your classwork honey?"

If you find yourself saying to your children "focus! focus! focus!" then you have been sounding a lot like me for the past few weeks.  Needless to say I am beginning to sound like a broken recording.  The wonderful Mrs. Peters the teacher of my daughters kindergarten class sent home a note the other day.  Mrs. Peters like any good teacher went on to express a concern and wanted to know if everything was okay with Sade.  Unfortunately, Sade had not completed the listening and writing assignment of the day.  I was so grateful she took the time to inform me of her observations.  I immediately started to think about what could I do to support her and help Sade be more successful in the classroom.

 

 

Keep Calm and Complete Classwork

 

I sat down with my little student and had a discussion about why she had not completed her class writing assignment.  Her response was simple she tried so hard to complete her work and she did her best. I thought to myself what can we do to improve your focus in class?  After considering what I know about my child pretend play is very important to her.  I give her 15 minutes upon arrival from school to unwind.  So I decided to move that around to the evening.  After reading a few articles to get some helpful ideas I have devised a next plan of action to help my little student focus throughout the day.

 

 

Family Planning requires a few tools and resources.

 

 

 Tool Box:

1. How does the environment affect a child's brain development?                                             https://www.sharecare.com/health 

2. How to Improve Attention Spans:                   http://www.parents.com/kids/development

3. Dietary plan:                                    http://www.multivitaminguide.org/

• I wanted to make sure that my daughters diet was supplementing those very important minerals that she would need to help with her brain development and function.  We I researched her multivitamin it was not even in the ranking 100.  Needless to say if your child has the type of diet that includes all the right amounts of the food pyramid then you beating half the battle.  Unfortunately, I am that parent that has to seek alternatives and supplement those nutrients that are  to the development of a healthy child with a developing brain.

4. Book Recommendation YOU-Raising-Owners-Manual

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5. Calendar of events:

• Depending on what region of the world you live in like me you have to consider that the winter season has required a few snow days and necessary indoor activities.  My child is probably experiencing a great deal of cabin fever.  So with the upcoming winter recess I will schedule activities with an opportunity to get out and socialize.  For example the movies, bowling and indoor ice skating.

 

Bowling is for everyone!

Lego Movie

 

 



       

It is always a great idea to reevaluate your family plan and to consider how personal lifestyle, academic goals and weather may or may not be affecting your child and their progress.  Please share your thoughts and any other ideas for me. Good luck!

Our Tools Equals Our Success

Its a new year and as much as we would like to start fresh we are still in the middle of quarterly grades, standards and goals.  After the holidays we can regroup and renew our approach to succeeding in school.  We are four months into the school year and whats so great is we should have a better understanding of what its going to take for our child to succeed in this year. For example,  we know homework patterns and we can support our children in building a stronger relationship with their teachers.   

Tool Box:

Great books to read for new ideas that are buzzing around the world!

I was talking to a fellow mom and she shared an important observation.  She thinks each year is going to be a great opportunity to teach our little scholars "Time Management Skills".  She thinks that teaching little students effective habits of successful people is the start to utilizing time efficiently and effectively.  By exposing our little scholars to new and effective ways of managing schoolwork and extra curricula activities we are building a strong foundation for success in the classroom and life.   It should create accountability, an awareness of what it takes to complete goals,  and how to prioritize.

Visual mapping:

Faithfulprovisions.com

Momstoolbelt.com

You might think what age is too young to get started? As I watch my daughter grow and stretch as a person I have learned their is value in good practice and an occasional challenge.   To my surprise my daughter is well suited to meet most of those challenges.  What a great confidence booster!

Time for Action

So, reflect upon what is working and what to enhance as you think with the end in mind.  Aim higher for a balance and effective lifestyle.  As parents we should model and or learn these new skills we are trying to encourage.  It absolutely renews my life and my ability to reinvent myself in all these wonderful areas that I'm trying to nurture in my child.  So lets make it a family affair by setting goals, broadening our interest levels, exploring new learning styles and becoming life long learners.  What a gift and a legacy to share with our children.  Good luck!

The Benefits of Video Games

Imagine that if you give them the tools their curiosity will take over.

       

I enjoy being a parent and always thinking about what is going to be the next idea to help my little girl grow and stretch. My daughter was given a beautiful +Nintendo DS for Christmas at the age of 4. Needless to say at the time I felt she is still too young for games but her uncle +Joseph insisted.   He is a game connoisseur he wanted her to get started in developing her motor skills.  Personally, I have never put full value into video games but when challenged I will try my best. I can also become frustrated by my lack of hand and eye coordination but I'm not shy.

Well now as for my daughter she is 5 years old and plays games like "Let's Draw" , "Team Umizoomi" and attempts to play "Monster High". I figured why not mix up her selection with games that have more learning themes.  After a discussion with a fellow mom +Angelica Taylor got excited by my ideas and immediately considered how her child who is now in third grade would benefit from a variety of themes in his collection of games. She decided she will be purchasing a few of these titles as well. 

It can't hurt to incorporate games that stretch their understanding.

It doesn't matter what age you start but imagine if you catch them early... ?

A recent study from the Education Development Center and the U.S. Congress-supported Ready To Learn (RTL) Initiative found that a curriculum that involved digital media such as video games could improve early literacy skills when coupled with strong parental and teacher involvement. Interestingly, the study focused on young children, and 4- and 5-year- old who participated showed increases in letter recognition, sounds association with letters, and understanding basic concepts about stories and print.       

Video Games in Moderation

Their are many reasons to be concerned about all the different types of interactions that our children may encounter throughout the day.  I would heavily consider that everything they do must be done in moderation but more importantly with purpose.  As parents we should consider the advantages of technology in our lives and how this technology can impact our children's lives in a positive way.  

On purpose these products can encourage independence, critical thinking and problem solving skills.  Don't shy away from games that seemed to be challenging just utilize the time to support your child.  Give them words of encouragement and show them what they can do when they practice by modeling a few moves.  The chances are high that your little one will go off and try to hurdle their own little challenges on the screen.  Every moment is a teachable moment so on purpose take advantage of those moments.  

Its a Family Affair

Moreover, the benefits of video games on children and adults are endless.  Let's reshape your thinking or doubts about them if any.  Did you know that these game products are fun, exciting and interactive?  There is a game for every type of personality or interest. Just keep an open mind and embrace new concepts and technology.  This would be an valuable lesson to share with your children and a fun idea to incorporate into family time. 

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) indicates that video games can help adults process information much faster and improve their fundamental abilities to reason and solve problems in novel contexts. In fact, results from the ONR study show that video game players perform 10 percent to 20 percent higher in terms of perceptual and cognitive ability than non-game players.

Finally, keep in mind that as your child is learning and growing you can be too.   These activities are also great when shared by the whole family.  Its a great time to socialize and model positive and encourage good manners and behaviors.  Here are a few suggestions:

1. Make Wednesday nights "Game night" after homework of course. (2 game maximum)
2. Definitely consider all the other activities that fit into your child's schedule. So I often suggest reading, tablet games or her personal game console for extra curricular activities. For example: car rides, in between time or the doctors office.
3. Have a "Game Night" with friends and or family.  Everyone is involved and the kids love it.
4. Join the PTA and recommend a Family Game Night where it is possible to encourage other parents who are not sure or reluctant to embrace technology at home. 

I'm taking this opportunity to share what is working for me and my little scholar. Knowledge is power and sharing is giving.  So I hope this will encourage you to utilize your time with your family on purpose.  Its all about the kids and what will encourage growth and success in their lives.  Good Luck!
Benefits of Video Games ABC