Growth Greats!

Last Spring, I found an excellent way to record the accomplishments of my 3 year old and 5 year old.
While looking on education.com, a website that provides educational worksheets and activity ideas, I came across the explanation of a "Growth Flower."  From construction paper I made the center and stem of a flower for each of my girls.  Every time they accomplished something new, we'd add a petal to the flower with the accomplishment written on it.

We hung the flowers on the wall as constant reminders of all of the girls' achievements.  They were eager to add new petals to their flowers each time a personal goal was met.  In addition, their self-confidence and pride shined as they showed all that they were capable of doing to interested family members and friends!

With Summer at its end, I thought of a new way to record my girls' new feats.  To coincide with the beautifully colored leaves of Fall, I created the "Growing Tree."  With each new accomplishment a leaf will be added to the branches.

Is there anything better than celebrating the growth of a child?! 

Enjoy watching the self-esteem and smiles of your young ones blossom and grow as you record each milestone.  Not only is this project something for your children/students to get pleasure out of now; a nice little piece of artwork has been created for them to reflect upon and appreciate later in life.

Below are some suggested titles to read with your young ones to accompany and enhance this project.

All By Myself, by Mercer Mayer

The Little Engine That Could, by Watty Piper

I Believe in You, by Marianne Richmond

I Think, I Am!, by Louise L. Hay and Kristina Tracy

Incredible You!, by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer with Kristina Tracy

On My Way To A Happy Life, by Deepak Chopra with Kristina Tracy

Seeds of Knowledge

Seeds are everywhere!
Everyday, my girls and I encounter seeds.  Yes, we have planted them in our garden and have experienced the joy of watching them grow, Asters - Zucchini.  However, my 5 year old and my 2 year old were quick to point out every seed we came across during each meal of the day:  flax seeds, sesame seeds, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, orange, lemon, kiwi, cucumber, pepper, seeds...the list goes on and on!  So, we decided to collect the seeds we came across until we could fill an old egg carton.  (The girls were amazed to learn that pits, such as in nectarine, avocado, cherry, etc. were seeds as well.)

Once we collected the 12 seeds, we sorted them from biggest to smallest.  Then, the girls examined the seeds under magnifying glasses to better notice each seed's details.  Finally, the girls created a poster drawing each seed as they saw it in relation to the others.

This exercise got them focused on a subject and made them eager to learn more - they wanted to plant each seed to see what would happen next!  While we were collecting the seeds, they had to exercise some patience...it took us a few days to collect 12 seeds.  Also, it sharpened their observation skills; while eating a meal, they would search for seeds among their fruits and vegetables.  In addition, it served as a review for counting, sorting, and making comparisons and contrasts.  Finally, it gave my five year old a chance to act as teacher to my 2 year old!

There are so many other possibilities for learning with this activity.  The seeds could be sorted alphabetically, school aged children could write the name of each seed, and if the seeds are planted students/children could make observations as the seeds grow and sketch what they see on a "growth chart."  

Seeds are not the only option:  you could use rocks, seashells, flowers, bugs, buttons, etc. to accomplish the activity.  It doesn't matter what you use, or exactly how you do it, as long as some seeds of knowledge are getting planted and your young ones are excited about learning!

If you do choose to work with seeds, the following books are great extensions of the topic:

How Groundhog's Garden Grew, by Lynne Cherry

-Squirrel teaches groundhog how to grow and care for his garden through each of the seasons.

The Pea Blossom, by Amy Lowry Poole

-Five peas inside a blossom all what different things.  Follow each pea's unique journey.

Seed by Seed, by Esme Raji Codell

-This book highlights the importance of Johnny Appleseed.

For more book suggestions, check out this blog's "Suggested Reading" list.  

Enjoy learning! 

Motivating and Celebrating Learning

We motivate our children, and students, to do their best and celebrate those milestones that they accomplish. We see how proud they can be at these moments and want to bottle up the feeling

for them. However, as proud as each child can be at certain times, each child at some point experiences a feeling of not really being "into it" or not really feeling that he/she is making progress in the direction he/she would like to. Thankfully, there are many ways to motivate and celebrate learning!

"Word Wall"

The "Word Wall" works well because it is a constant visual, almost becoming a piece of artwork. It grows and changes as the learner does. It quickly becomes personal if he/she is the one physically putting the words onto the word wall. (This could also be done with magnets on a fridge, digitally through photographs, cut out word from magazines/newspapers, etc.)

For this word wall, I printed most words on card stock paper, then cut them to size.
Some words are hand-written on card stock as well.

• For emerging readers...
• as child is able to sound out word independently, post word onto word wall
• words can be grouped by rhyming families, or other logical categories (i.e. irregular words, number of syllables, etc.)
• For elementary spellers...
• as child is able to independently spell words, post word onto word wall
• words can be grouped by weekly spelling lists, or other logical categories (i.e. nouns, adjectives, etc.)
• For elementary/middle/high school students...
• as child is able to define content-area vocabulary in his/her own words, post word to word wall
• words can be grouped by subject area, or other logical categories (i.e. ABC order, root of word, etc.)
• For anyone learning a second language...
• post matches of words from two different languages (i.e. "el gato" = "cat")
• use the word wall to show verb conjugations
• sort nouns by the feminine and masculine definite and indefinite articles
• sort words by parts of speech

The options and ideas are endless, but the process gives such a visual for learners on their growth! (It also gives the teacher/parent a great jumping off point for other ideas and activities, based on what is or is not on the wall.) It is a great way to celebrate the learning and to watch it grow!

"Reading Around the Room"

(This idea was taken from a "Helping Hands" display that was used in my daughter's classroom. In her classroom, a hand was posted on the wall each time there was a good deed in the classroom. The good deed was written on the hand and it was posted on the wall. These hands continued to go up one-by-one around the classroom throughout the year, with a special celebration planned if the hands made it all the way around the room by the end of the school year.)

I loved this idea so much that I wanted to find a way to connect it to reading. Instead of hands, we've been posting books around the room. Each time my daughter independently reads a book aloud, she gets a book to post on the wall. She loves to draw and has chosen to draw an illustration from the book on her paper book to be posted. This activity automatically increases confidence as she sees the number of books quickly making their way around the room. 

This activity can be used in so many ways, but if we focus on just reading, it can be used to...

• track number of books read independently
• show books read to a young child
• demonstrate chapter books read by child just starting with chapter books
• display books read with a whole class
• note literature books that have content-area connection (i.e. literature books read in science class)

The list can go on and on, but no matter how it is used, it is a visual representation of hard-work and accomplishment. It can be used as a group challenge, or individually. It can be use for reading, or for good deeds as I had originally seen it. No matter how it is used, if it involves the learner and is on display, it will motivate the learner to keep learning!

What are some ways that you have motivated and

celebrated learning with your child(ren) or student(s)?

Please feel free to add to this post in the comment section!

FAMILY TREE

About a year ago, a friend told me about the "Thankful Tree."  This is a small tree, or in our case collection of branches, to be displayed in the home.  Everyday, or when able, each family member writes something for which he/she is thankful.  With Thanksgiving in mind, we created our Thankful Tree in November.  My daughters (4 and 2) cut out small white hearts and poked a hole in the top of each one.  When we got the chance, usually during meal time, we'd discuss everything for which we felt thankful.  Each person would then have his/her thought written onto a heart which was then placed onto the tree.  By mid-November, my girls were asking, "Can we do the Thankful Tree now?" and it was full of hearts.  At the end of November we took all of the hearts off the tree and read each one, reflecting on what we had said and written.

When I began to disassemble the tree at the beginning of December, my 4 year old said, "Oh, don't take down the tree Mommy.  Let's do another one!"  So, we decided on the theme of giving and called it our "Giving Tree."  I cut mittens out of construction paper for this tree.  We discussed all the ways we could be giving, generous, kind, or in some way offer a helping hand to others.  We came up with such things as "donating food to the local food pantry" and "giving more hugs" and "being a better listener".  In addition, this tree was the catalyst for us taking action and doing what we had discussed, like actually donating food.

When January rolled around and we had reflected on our Giving Tree, once again my girls said, "Let's do another one!"  In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we created the "Changing Tree."  Since Dr. King was inspired by Ghandi who said, "Be the change you want to see in the world," we decided our focus would be positive changes we'd like to make for our world / home / selves.  My daughters wanted hearts again for this tree, so I cut out a bunch of construction paper hearts and we got right to work on letting our tree of change bloom.  We came up with a variety of things that, once again, lead to great family discussions and lessons.  For example, my oldest daughter came up with "doing things the first time I'm asked" and my youngest was proud of "no more yelling."

We were all held accountable; if my youngest yelled, she was gently reminded that she had put "no more yelling" on the Changing Tree.  If I was running late getting my oldest to preschool, she reminded me "Mommy, you put "be on time" on the changing tree.

In addition, several learning opportunities flourished from this exercise.  For example, my oldest daughter checked 4 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. books out of the library.  She wanted to learn all about the person after whom a holiday had been named and influenced the creation of our tree.
Because we liked to hang 1 "change" per family member a day on the tree, we created a banner to hang by the tree to act as a constant reminder of our goal.  It said, "Be The Change."

For February, we're doing a "Love Tree."  On our hearts, we're writing all the ways we can show / feel love as well as listing all the people / activities / things we love.  We're currently working on a banner that says, "Be Love."
For March, we're thinking about a "Spring Tree" and hanging on the tree all the signs of Spring.  The possibilities are endless...you could do a tree once a month, once a season, once a year.  Try a sports tree, song tree, birthday tree.  No matter what you choose, there will no doubt be room for learning by all family members involved.  Enjoy watching your family grow!
Below, check out some book titles that correspond to the trees mentioned above.

Thankful Tree Books

Let's Be Thankful, by P.K. Hallinan
This book reinforces the concept of gratitude by acknowledging people/activities that bring joy to a child's life.

Give Thanks for Each Day, by Steve Metzger
Delightful illustrations of happy animals and rhyming verse help children remember to give thanks for life's simple pleasures.

Giving Thanks, by Jonathan London
In this story, a young boy learns to show his gratitude for nature when on a walk with his father.

Giving Tree Books

Just Critters Who Care, by Mercer Mayer
Follow "Little Critter" as he and his friends rally together and volunteer to help a neighbor in need.

Rabbit's Gift, by George Shannon
Based on a folktale that's been shared for centuries among many cultures, this book illustrates the reward of generosity.

Changing Tree Books

On My Way To A Happy Life, by Deepak Chopra with Kristina Tracy
Use the ideas found inside this book to help teach your child lessons that will help him/her on his/her way to a happy and successful life.

Incredible You! 10 Ways to let your Greatness Shine through, by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer with Kristina Tracy
This book lets children know that they're unique and powerful beings, and that they have everything they need within themselves to create happy, successful lives.

Note:  If creating a Changing Tree, don't forget to check out the biography section at your child's local library to find a selection of books about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or Ghandi.

Love Tree Books

A Sick Day for Amos McGee, by Philip C. Stead
This is a story of friendship and dedication as told through an experience of zookeeper "Amos McGee."

Love is a Handful of Honey, by Giles Andreae
A little bear finds his world a secure and happy place as he realizes love is everywhere.

Care Bears All for You!, Frances Ann Ladd
Two bears brighten their friends' day as they find out what makes each friend smile.

Winnie the Pooh's Valentine, by Bruce Talkington
The charming characters of the Hundred-Acre Wood learn there are many ways to say "I love you" on Valentine's Day.

Spring Tree Books

Are You Spring? by Caroline Pitcher
This story follows a young bear on her search for spring.  In addition, it offers many child friendly activities that celebrate spring.

Springtime on the Farm, by Kristine Lombardi
"Bunny" and "Duckling" journey around a farm discovering the wonders of spring.

Here are some of the ways we've used the ABC's at home:

"Kind" was the word one of my daughters chose for "k" to help represent words
that communicate thoughts, emotions, and feelings at school.
We have been working with her to build a vocabulary that helps her accurately
communicate thoughts, feelings, and emotions with peers, her teacher, and us at home.
This also becomes a good starting point for self-awareness conversation.

"Elephant" was a word my other daughter helped choose to learn  "e" sounds.
She has been working on identifying letters and their sounds.

Each child is working on a different skill, but by following the same format of one card
per letter, they can proudly display their work side-by-side.

For both children, the one letter a week concept has led to many extension activities. Some of the activities they have done:

• Reading books with titles or topic of the given letter/word
• Art projects (making nests for "n", making owls for "o", etc.)
• Practice new words/sounds/information with other children via play and/or conversation
• Reflective thinking
• Curiosities and questions about new words, ideas, and concepts

ABC Activity Extension

The ABC's take us well beyond pre-reading skills

and simple songs. Once our children and students know the ABC's, the options are endless!

Let's explore ways in which we can

use a basic concept to branch across

multiple learning opportunities!

The ABC's works as a great place to start a new topic, or break a large unit of new information into smaller pieces. Forming an ABC list for a subject area can serve as an inspiration for the teacher, or a brainstorming session for students. Use it to explore a new culture, learn a new language, or dig a little deeper into a subject area of interest! 

(I find myself going back to the ABC's each school year as I work with my children at home to build vocabulary, write, read, and understand new concepts.)

What we have below is just barely the tip of the iceberg as to what you can do with the ABC's. However, the concept transcends itself across ages, content, and meaning. Enjoy! Be inspired and share what direction you have or will take this in!

“ABC's of Community” - (first month of school? new words to use at home with the family?)

A – attitude, acceptance

B - believe

C – communicate, communication, compassion

D – diversity, determination

E – expression, excitement, empathy

F - faith

G - gathering

H - honesty

I – individuality, independence, interdependence, include

J - joking

K - kindness

L – laughter, love

M – meaningful, mindful

N – nonviolent

O – optimism, outgoing

P – patriotism, passion, persevere

Q – quest

R – respect, reassure

S – support, strength

T – trust

U – understanding

V – value

W – worthiness

X -

Y – yin-yang

Z – zen

“ABC's of Emotions/Feelings” - (self expression? vocabulary building? used in conjunction with community building?)

A – anger, agree, anxious, angry, admirable

B - brave

C – cautious, cooperative

D – dismal, dishonest, disappointed, determined

E – embarrassed, exhausted, empathy

F – frustrated, friendly

G – gitty, generous

H – happy, honest, humor

I – invaded, included, intuition

J – joking, joy, jubilent

K – kind

L – loved, lonely

M – mad, mischievous, mindful

N – nervous

O – optimistic, outgoing

P – patient, powerful, pessimistic, proud, persistent, passionate

Q – quiet

R – relaxed, respected

S – silly, serious, sad, small, scared, strong, selfish

T – tired, teased, thankful, truthful

U – unsure, unaware

V – victorious

W – weak, worrisome

X -

Y – yearning

Z -

More possible ABC directions:

“ABC's of Literacy”

“ABC's of Japanese”

“ABC's of Spanish”

“ABC's of Algebra”

“ABC's of US History”

“ABC's of Meteorology”

“ABC's of Music”

The Alphabet and Everything!

My daughters are 2 and 4.  Sometimes finding learning activities they can both enjoy can be a challenge.  Here, we've developed ideas for working with the alphabet that apply to both age groups.

We are creating an alphabet wall.  Every week, my girls and I focus on 1 letter of the alphabet.  My 2 year old lists all the words she can think of starting with the letter of focus.  She's working on letter sounds and pre-reading skills.  My 4 year old lists a personality trait she thinks a good person would possess that starts with the letter of focus.  She's working on recognizing feelings and social/emotional skills.  We gave the title "The Alphabet and Everything List" to this project and the girls decorated a sign (they chose glitter!).

Next, I added each girl's name to the wall.  Then we began with the letter A.  My 2 year old listed several words starting with A.  I wrote 1 word using a capital A and the other words using the lower case.  My 4 year old was given a choice of 4 emotions/traits/actions beginning with the letter A and she chose 1.  Since she's also working on letter writing, she wrote the the letter A at the start of the word.  Then, she provided me with a personal experience of hers that exhibited that emotion/trait/action.  I wrote the experience under her word.  Naturally, we did the same the following week for the letter B, and so on.

      (2 year old list)                                                                                        (4 year old list)

Every week I've seen each daughter's progress.  My 2 year old wants to add more and more words to her list each week.  My 4 year old draws a greater connection to the word she chooses each week and is able to provide me with more elaborate experiences demonstrating the word.  In addition, she's been using these words more and more in her vocabulary.  Looking at the pictures below, you can see the growth when comparing them to the pictures above taken at the start of the list.









      (2 year old list)                                                                                         (4 year old list)

Of course, I try to reinforce the skills by discussing words or letter sounds and acknowledging  when they're spoken or read.  In addition, we read several great "A, B, C..." books and "personality" books.  Check out the BOOK LIST below.

Enjoy traveling down this road of discovery with your little one(s)!



BOOK LIST

Great for toddlers:

The Hullabaloo ABC, by Beverly Cleary
As we follow some young kids through their day, each letter is visited.  Rhyming verse and fun illustrations keep a young one's attention.

Girls A to Z, by Eve Bunting
Each letter of the alphabet is assigned to a girl's name.  This book not only highlights the alphabet, but reminds girls to "Be anything you want to be...Dream any dream you want to dream...The world is here for you."

Max's ABC, Rosemary Wells
Follow little bunny Max as he has a silly adventure right through the alphabet.


Great for preschoolers:

The Way I Feel, by Janan Cain
Read with your child to discuss different emotions we all experience.  Playful illustrations and rhyming verse make this book attractive to the young age group.

The Way I Act, by Steve Metzger
Young ones can learn different personality traits as they look at illustrations of kids doing a variety of things and listen to you read the rhyming verses.

Big Words for Little People, by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell
This book helps "little people" to understand some grown-up words and helps them communicate in a big person's world.  Readers can learn words such as cooperate, respect, and patience while enjoying some hilarious illustrations.

I Think, I Am!, by Louise L. Hay and Kristina Tracy
This is a great tool for teaching kids the power of affirmations.

On My Way To A Happy Life, by Deepak Chopra with Kristina Tracy
This ideas in this book are presented in the simplest of terms to help make it easier for kids to navigate through the world with joy and love and happiness.