Playground for Parents

S-p-e-l-l-i-n-g Tests

Allow me to reminisce for a moment, to bask in the glory of my youth...as a child I was one heck of a speller. I even represented my school at several district Spelling Bees. And I'm here to tell you, one never forgets the word they misspelled that lost them the competition. In junior high, the word that led to my demise was "laboratory." I never spelled it wrong again.

Fast forward 30+ years, and these hectic days, I'm lucky if I can remember how to join words to form a sentence, let alone spell.  My 2nd grader's weekly spelling list is a good review for her AND me.  In helping her to practice for her test, I typically have my child say the word aloud, spell it on paper, and use it in a sentence. If she doesn't know the meaning of a word, we Google the definition (because using a dictionary would evidently be too old skool).

The article below contains easy tips for leading your child to Spelling Bee fame and fortune...or at least maybe earning an "A."

Now spell v-a-c-a-t-i-o-n,  and use it in a sentence.

 

Help Your Child Ace His Next Spelling Test

by Peggy Gisler, Ed.S. and Marge Eberts, Ed.S.

Is your child quizzed on weekly spelling words? Help him prepare with these tips.

Give your child a pre-test.When your child brings home his list of spelling words, sit him down with a pencil and paper for a practice quiz. Don't have him copy the words or sentences. Children learn how to spell words by visualizing them in their minds, not by copying them. Simply, say each word in a sentence out loud for your child to write down. Try to give the pre-test in exactly the same way the teacher would give the actual test. Have your son correct the pre-test. He should study only the words he has misspelled.

How your child will learn to spell the words he's spelled incorrectly on his pre-test:

1) Have him say the word while looking at it.

2) Tell him to close his eyes, try to see the word, and then spell the word out loud.

3) Have him look at the written word to see if he's spelled it out loud correctly.

4) Ask him to look at the word, then cover the word and have him write it.

5) Finally, your child should check to see if he's written the word correctly. If the word is misspelled, all four steps should be repeated before moving on to the next word.

Once your child has learned to use this technique, he will be able to study his spelling words independently. On the night before the test, give him a final test of all the words.

 

Article from Family Education

The Lollipop Book Club

 

My 7 year old loves receiving her own mail.  I guess I would too, if the majority of my mail wasn't bills.  Of course, my daughter's mail is even more thrilling for her when it's a brightly wrapped gift. And it's more thrilling for me when the gift is something that she can enjoy longer than it takes to rip the box open.  Lollipop Book Club  is a children's book of the month club offering classic, award-winning books for boys and girls, from babies to grade-schoolers. They also sell book & movie sets. The gift package includes a note from you, and a whimsical lollipop that matches the book's theme, all mailed in a bright red envelope. Genius. One of those super neat ideas that make you say, "I wish I had thought of that!"

I get so tickled when I stumble across a deal without looking! I posted this item last week, but just today discovered a coupon for $5 off a single hardcover book package! Go to Build Your Own Package, select one hardcover book, and enter code take5off at checkout. Not valid on paperbacks. Discount expires Feb 22.  Offer provided on GoCityKids.com.

Puppy Love

A friend of mine recently purchased a puppy for her family, and she's the last person I would have expected to get a dog.  Like many of us, she's a working mom juggling endless responsibilities and commitments. A new puppy demands everything that we must already do for our children:  brushing hair, vaccinations, scheduled feedings, cleaning up pee, disciplining, training on a leash (ok, not so much).  It's hard to imagine extending oneself even further to provide another little critter the attention it deserves. However, also like most of us, my friend wants to give her daughters countless childhood experiences and lasting memories. The dream of the white picket fence may not be in vogue (at least not in trendy Southern California), but remaining strong is the image of the lovable family dog, jumping on your kid when she arrives home from school, and waiting for her discarded food under the dining table.

 

So, for all of you suckers compassionate new doggy owners (and a few of the old, frustrated owners too), here's a wonderful resource to help your children care for THEIR dog:  Love Your Dog is a free website created just for kids, to engage them in the process of caring for and training their pup.  Games and fun pages, riddles and quizzes, a dog lover's book club, "Love My Dog Contract" (good idea. Consider having it notarized) and great information for kids on how to help your dog prepare for when you go back to school. Useful stuff. At least until the novelty wears off. Then, of course, it will become YOUR dog to feed, walk, and train. Don't fight it, mom, it's the way it's been for centuries.

 

My kid asked me for a dog or a baby sister. I gave her the latter (hey, I do what it takes to give her what she wants, because that's just the kind of mom that I am). At least a dog comes with a training manual. And that's a good thing, because eventually she'll get the dog too. 

 

Enjoy that new bundle of puppy love and energy. And, whatever you do, please keep your dog from humping my leg when I come over to visit.

 

 

This post is dedicated to Tammy and her girls, the proud new owners of "Sweet Tea," the dog.

One Brown Girl

Say it loud, I'm a girl and I'm proud!  When I stumble upon a message that embraces diversity, equality and empowerment among girls, I just want to wrap it tightly around my daughters and let it seep into every pore.  One Brown Girl is an amazing website committed to uplifting brown girls around the world.  From products, to contests and events, to real life stories, One Brown Girl strives to promote strong self-image. Excerpt from their site:

Just look around. We're everywhere. We're even in the White House...

Our skin comes in every shade: From cocoa to tan to honey to onyx to olive to cinnamon and back again.

Our eyes are shaped like almonds and coconuts and mimic the colors of maple syrup, tanzanite and the deep blue sea.

Our hair is Black, Brown, Blonde, Red, & sometimes even Pink; Short, Long, & In Between as well as Coarse, Curly, Wavy, & Bone straight.

We are every age and speak every language.

No matter where we live, work or play, what we eat, or how we worship and celebrate life, we all share a universal human experience.

We are all One Brown Girl.

But please, don't get it twisted. At the end of the day, it isn't about how brown your skin is or isn't. It's about cultural identity and pride and feeling good about the skin you're in!

From this brown girl, to all of my readers - Enjoy!

Everything but the kitchen sink

I wouldn't be surprised if there is a kitchen sink with Obama faucet handles.  By now you've witnessed the Obama product craze: Wristwatches, Spiderman comic books, sneakers, even ice cream (seriously, Ben & Jerry's "Yes, PeCAN!" ice cream)... Obama endorsement in the name of product promotion. You may even secretly own the Obama bobble-head. Hey, no judgment here. And paraphernalia for kids has certainly not been ignored in the marketplace.  As I scoured the Internet for some of the less tacky, less bootleg-looking kid items, here are a few that seemed worth sharing...

 

Obama Paper Dolls.  A paper doll collection featuring Barack Obama, his wife Michelle, and their two daughters, Malia Ann and Sasha. Set includes a wardrobe of authentic outfits: business suit, tuxedo, and more for President Obama; wedding dress, evening gown, and others for Michelle; and coats and knit shirts and shorts for the children. Also features brief biographical notes and a bonus "Election Night Scorecard."

http://www.obamapaperdoll.com/

I suggest getting an extra set if you actually plan to let your child play with it. They won't look quite the same once they've been introduced to some sticky fingers and a few markers.

 

 

 

 

Obama Air Force One Wooden Toy.  Now how cool is this?!  This heirloom is made from hardwood in the grand 'ole USA.  The website says it was "constructed to last a lifetime."  Letting your little one only roll it on the carpet may help to ensure that!

http://www.craftsburykids.com/

 

 

T-Shirts.  By far one of the best selections of Obama t-shirts for kids is found on Zazzle.  Countless colors, styles, graphics, and sizes, including onesies for your democratic infant.

Zazzle

 

All play and no reading makes Jack an illiterate boy.  Colorful and informative books targeted to 4-8 year olds (reviews from www.Amazon.com )...

 Barack by Jonah Winter

It began in Kansas, home of Barack's mother. It began in Africa, home of Barack's father. It began in Hawaii one moonlit night, the night that Barack was born. Sometimes it was a lonely journey. Sometimes it was an enchanted journey. But throughout this most unusual ride, this boy often wondered: Who am I? Where do I belong?

Jonah Winter and AG Ford re-create the extraordinary story behind the rise of the inspirational icon Barack Obama in this stunning picture book.

 

While my 7 year old and I were eating lunch together today, she confidently announced, "Someday, Mom, I'm going to run for president of the United States."  And for the first time in history, this is an attainable goal. I think the awesome shock of it is just now sinking in. Unfortunately, it means that I must be on my best behavior to increase her chances - the opposing party won't be pulling skeletons out of my closet!

If I Ran for President by Catherine Stier

"This title is a step above the usual election books, both in content and entertainment value. Six children take turns explaining the election process as if they were running for president. They discuss their decision to run, campaigning, primaries and conventions, debating, being interviewed, meeting the public, voting, and being sworn in on Inauguration Day. Stier does a good job of explaining election details, both in an introductory note about electoral votes and in the text itself....The author adds flavor by providing humorous examples, such as the need to smile despite indigestion....The lively cartoons cheerfully clarify the action and reinforce the concepts. Libraries will want this kid-friendly title.”—School Library Journal

 

President Obama, A Coloring & Activity Book by N. Wayne Bell

" ...This coloring book is designed for children and parents alike. It can be used as a childrens school text book with the amount of information inside. This commemorative coloring and activity book reflects and celebrates change in America! Features include patriotic songs, historical locations & facts, pages describing how children may be involved in their local community, along with fun games, mazes and puzzles. In addition to a biographical sketch of President Elect Obama, Vice-President Elect Joe Biden and Michelle Obama, it includes prominent national sites such as: The Liberty Bell, The Statue of Liberty, The Smithsonian, The United States Capitol and The Obama First family's new home, The White House!

Prayers for Bobby

I just cried with Sigourney Weaver.  "Prayers for Bobby," her latest movie, aired tonight on Lifetime Television. I saw the previews. I watched Sigourney's interview on The View earlier this week.  So, I knew what I was getting into and I was prepared to watch this true story of a mother who rejected her gay son, which ultimately resulted in his suicide. I've always been intrigued by ordinary parents whose strict values or religious beliefs lead them to make unimaginable decisions, even concerning their own children. Many years ago, I didn't think it was possible to be both educated and homophobic. And then I received a quick dose of reality when a college friend admitted that she'd disown her son if he were gay. I felt saddened, and even a bit scared. Then hoped for his sake that he grew up to be a ladies man. All of us parents believe we are going to love our children unconditionally...until some of us are tested.  "Prayers for Bobby" is a dramatic lesson in what can happen when we fail that test.  My hope is that the movie opened some minds, and hearts, this evening; that our child still feels the most accepted, the most loved, and the safest, in that same home that nurtured him as a little boy, comforted him when he was scared, and fought for him when he was helpless.

Storybook Theatre

When my daughter was younger, I dragged her to every playground, play center, movie, class, storytime, and exhibition in town. With juice box, snacks, and sweater in hand, I was determined to expose her to all the wondrous, and inexpensive, things her little world had to offer. One of our favorite experiences was live family theater ~ an interactive, kid-themed show made even more enjoyable by a typical 1.5 hour timespan. Not having to struggle to keep quiet like at the movies, here they get to shout out to the performers, run to the stage, and dance in the aisles.  The theaters are usually small, so don't worry - it's not like enduring a Hannah Montana concert. Yes, the shows are often cheezy, the costumes not elaborate, but they're engaging, action-packed, and often include a valuable moral lesson. Imagine that, kids think they're just being entertained, but they're also learning how not to be bratty. And with your nose held high in the air and a fake English accent, you can tell your friends that you've exposed your child to "the theatre." 

A local interactive theater we've attended for various performances and for birthday parties: Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd West, Los Angeles.  www.theatrewest.org

Currently Showing:  Sleeping Beauty

Now through March 14th

Storybook Theatre’s award-winning musical “Sleeping Beauty,” with lots of songs and audience participation to thrill the entire family. Auience members attempt to hide Sleeping Beauty from the fairy, as the brave prince sets out to find her.

Admission: Adults $12, Children $10.  Lot parking available across the street.

ABOUT STORYBOOK THEATRE

We do non-threatening, interactive musicals with a message for children 3 - 9 years old.  The Los Angeles Times calls us "simply the best at what they do", and Los Angeles Magazine says we are the "best in the City for the squirmy set".   Most importantly, LA Parent Magazine's recent parent survey ranked us as the No 1 children's theatre in Southern California.

Reading Tree

My 7 year old loves to read.  She also loves Build-A-Bear, American Girl, and other over-priced toys, clothes and must-have fads.  Unless her granny is purchasing such items (which occurs more often than I like, but it's a fight I can't win) our kid must usually earn it. One of the many ways she earns new stuff is by reading a certain number of books. The Reading Tree is a popular and fun way to keep track of books read. We were feeling a bit creative and decided instead of a tree, to create a "cake," recording the books she read on paper candles. Anyway you slice it (get it?!), this is a great tool for involving kids in the learning process, and a clever way to let them keep track of their goals.

Make a Reading Tree

How you can help at home: In this activity your child records books she has read on a reading tree.

 

By Miriam Myers

 

Have your child keep track of the books she reads by having her write them on a reading tree. When the tree is full of leaves she will be impressed by her accomplishments.

What You'll Need

• Brown, green, red and yellow construction paper
• Pen or marker
• Scissors
• Tape
• Glue
• Ziplock bag
• Tacks

Here's How To Do It: Cut out a trunk and branches for the tree with the brown construction paper. Tape the tree to a wall where your child can reach the branches. Cut out leaves with the green, red and yellow construction paper. With your child, fill out the first leaf with a book your child has recently read. Include the title of the book, the author and the date when the book was read. Have your child glue the leaf onto one of the braches. Place the empty leaves in a ziplock bag with a pen. You can tack the bag next to the tree. After your child has read a book, remind her to fill out a leaf and add it to the tree.

 

 

First Day of School...5 Years From Now

Put this comic strip in the SO funny and SO true box. The First Family's names are sure to rise to heights never before reached in popularity.  And in parents' desire to be creative, the name Barack will likely receive the most interesting transformations.

Which still beats some of those celebrity choices. Apple? Moxie? Reignbeau? Suddenly, Obamalama doesn't sound so strange.

 

by cartoonist, Walt Carr

Thanks to my friend Reggie for forwarding this bust-a-gut post.

I Love A Man Named Craig (who is not my husband)

I love Craig. Whoever he is. He's a genuius. And my new best friend. Today I sold my maternity clothes to an expectant mom online through www.Craigslist.com. Yeah, baby!  One mom's old big-belly gear that she never wants to see again, is another mom's new maternity wardrobe!  And I just made this week's grocery money.  I know it's been around awhile, but I was a Craigslist virgin until last week - I've scoured the ads, but had never placed any of my own. Posting the ad was SUPER painless & easy (10x's easier than building this blog, that's for sure), and I got responses to my ad the same day. Even editing the post was simple. Best of all, it's FREE!  One important thing I learned: you MUST include a photo of the item(s) in your ad. I didn't do that initially, and every preggo that emailed me requested a photo.  You can't blame them - no one is going to buy something sight unseen, no matter how much you exaggerate about what great condition it's in.

Now let me see what other crap gently used treasures I can find around here to sell...

Six degrees of separation moment: this stranger that discovered me through Craigslist and came over to buy my clothes, is best friends with my neighbor directly across the street (insert music from "It's A Small World Afterall)!!