I inherited this old wood 3 tier planter, and it took me 3 years to figure out what to do with it. I took some pieces off, and my original painting idea didn’t work.
If you decide to up-cycle an old wooden outdoor item:
-Don’t use any type of metal spray paint, if you want your object to look newer. If you want your object to look really really old and worn, then use the metal colors. My first try was VERY bad, it didn’t look metallic AT ALL.
-Use this, it goes on evenly and you don’t have to use primer first.
DIY UPCYCLED DECOR
DIY UPCYCLED DECOR
DIY UPCYCLED DECOR
DIY UPCYCLED DECOR
So I have this special “picture window” . It’s the one I look out of all the time, where my work station is, and the main table is. Okay, it’s the dining room but I use this spot for everything. Not only the outdoor focal point, but the indoor focal point when we walk into the house.
I made a type of blind hanging from an egg carton and butterfly cutouts. I cut up and painted the egg carton cups, then strung the butterfly cut outs and cups together. It was time consuming, but I considered it mindfulness. I don’t know why mainstream sources don’t think of repetitive craft activities as triggering mindfulness. It’s definitely a “zone”.
VIEW FROM OUTSIDE
VIEW FROM INSIDE
The ceiling fan actually makes the butterflies “fly”
Honestly I always have had a cheerful whimsy style when decorating. It’s not even Boho, it’s all my own and I think would drive some folks crazy. But you know, these ideas will look lovely in subdued colors also.
REDUCE. REUSE. RECYCLE. Don’t forget recycling is the LAST step to waste reduction, NOT the first.
I’ve been building skill levels with an 22 mo old and she shows eagerness and interest to recognize and write her letters.
My teaching style is to wait for worksheets and specific letter tracing, writing, until 3 yo. However, this is the 2nd pair of siblings, and I believe as a result of seeing their older sibling write- the younger sibling is driven to learn this skill.
We started with letter recognition activities, and this activity helped her master the skill of recognizing A, the first letter in her name.
We will continue the next step to “find her name”. In addition to this , I have started her practicing line drawing, and Letter A tracing. Another indicator that she is ready for Letter A tracing, is: 1) she holds a pencil correctly 2) she has good hand strength 3) she can open and close small containers easily.
So this week I am introducing her to tracing circles. She is not interested in manipulating objects at this point, she’s not interested as interested in crafts as she is scribbling, scribbling, scribbling. I need to lead her down the road to write her letters before she learns the wrong way.
At the end of this post is a direct download for instructions for teaching the alphabet as outlined in this post.
**Note: If you or children don’t want to paint rocks, just write on the rocks with sharpie markers.
There are many cities who have rock hiding Facebook groups in the U. S. There is a group here, we put our painted rocks in random places for strangers to find.
I have been hiding rocks for kids, because we are still in Phase 2, and kids have been robbed of their childhood this summer. Especially heartbreaking because our winters are harsh and there is no rock hunting in winter.
These are for folks like me who don’t have a lot of patience, or use rocks as a “canvas” for fancy painting.
kids ladybug rock supply list
Ladybug Rock Supplies: Acrylic Paint, Small brushes, Spray Gloss or Mod Podge
My playful alphabet set where kids get to match the slice to the juice glass. They can even put the slice in the juice and pretend- slurp slurp slurp.
This practices my teaching method for alphabet letter recognition.
(PRIMARY Guideline: Focus on lowercase letters primarily using books and environmental print. We see lowercase letters more frequently then uppercase letters.)
UPPER CASE LETTER PAGE
Prep:
Print the Direct Download from link at end of post.
Cut up the lower case letter slice cards.
Make a pile of the Juice pages and a 2nd pile of slices.
LOWERCASE LETTER SLICES
Instruction for teaching alphabet letters:
Beginner Skill Level:
Layout Uppercase Pages that spell child’s name.
Give child the pile of slices that only include child’s name.
MATCHED SLICE TO JUICE
Skill Level Name Match:
Write child’s name on a blank slice.
Set up as shown below.
Give child a pile of letters that comprise their name.
Child spells out their name, placing slices next to the A on the page- in order.
MATCHING NAME TO INITIAL
Name Skill Mastery:
Once child knows how to spell his name, and knows the name of the letters that comprise the name:
Practice until child recognizes both upper and lower case of the letters of her name.
With this skill mastered, increase the letters added to the name letter pile.
This supports critical thinking skills, vs memorization.
This method supports self confidence.
*do not worry about letter sounds during this activity*
Mastering Alphabet Activities:
NAME SKILL MASTERED :
Continue adding to the lower case slice pile a few letters at a time for each practice session, until child quickly pulls out her name letters automatically.
Ask what child if he would like to spell Mom or Dad, next.
Continue with the same steps, the next name he spells.
This provides “buy-in”, we enjoy learning more when we get to choose what we are learning.
Use this same method as child practices matching letters to other words and names. Encourage ONE syllable names.
Once child understands how to play the game because she’s played it several times, incorporate letter sounds. Say the sounds and the child can repeat after you, but don’t focus on the sounds if it detracts from the child learning what each letter looks like.
Two Downloads: Alphabet Juice Upper and Lower Case set, the 2nd download link is the above instructions as a printout.
I am equipping readers with valid sources to make an educated decision regarding the mask controversy.
As an Oregonian, I am now mandated to wear a face mask.
I was a “better safe then sorry” mask-wearer, pre-mandate.
However, I’m still on the fence about mandated mask wearing.
Mask vs non-mask is a divider in our small rural community.
Non-Maskers- Get angry at the government.
Maskers- Respect other’s Non-Mask choice.
5 Questions: Stanford scientists on COVID-19 mask guidelines
5 basic questions and answers highlights:
Masks contribute to “source control”.
Less Covid-19 tiny spit escapes if both wear masks= spreads 5 ft.
If 1 person is masked= spit spreads +30ft and stays in air up to 30 hrs.
Proper Mask ventilation= blow out a candle with mask on from 1 ft.
Charge it=”… Rubbing mask w/latex gloves for 30 sec. prior to use, can increase efficacy by 30%
Still confused about masks? Science about how face masks prevent corona-virus.
Mask science Article Highlights:
“Masks may be more effective as a “source control” because they can prevent larger expelled droplets from evaporating into smaller droplets that can travel farther.”
Read the studies where mask recommendation standards originated from.
2 case reports that show mask wearing stopped virus spread due to masks.
CDC changed it’s mask recommendations due to: 1) shortage of surgical masks. 2) U.S. wasn’t culturally prepared. 3) Better understanding of Covid-19.
Chin- Hong, “Nobody’s taking a cholesterol medicine because they’re going to prevent a heart attack 100 percent of the time, but you’re reducing your risk substantially.”
Face Masks Don’t work?
Masks don’t work highlights:
Lots of medical reports provided for evidence of mask non-effectiveness.
1 is recent-published in 2020.
No Covid-19 tests.
Studies show masks ineffective regarding other airborne viruses.
Do face masks really reduce corona-virus? Experts have mixed answers.
Mixed Answers Highlight:
May Chu, a clinical professor in epidemiology at the Colorado School of Public Health on the Anschutz Medical Campus –
“The recommendations that everyone wear masks are because “any kind of impediment is better than nothing,” Chu said. But fabric masks are not expected to be as protective as surgical masks, she said. That’s why public health officials are warning people to remain at least 6 feet apart from one another, even if they are wearing masks.”
Use your critical thinking skills. Know why you are making your choice.
Feedback and comments always welcome for discussion.
Living through Learning, one health issue at a time.
Display a ladybug print mural that bursts with color.
Low prep, common supplies, kids of any age get busy with creating.
You say Process art? I say Art. All art is a process.
Everyone is creative, each of us only needs to find the medium that we can express our creative language with.
A 20 month old and 7 year old created this mural.
All studies show that toddlers/preschoolers need play with mental stimulation, to help the brain develop. School Age Kids need lots of opportunity for free creative expression with different art mediums.
I introduced ladybugs to the toddler by reading toddler ladybug books a week before we did this mural, and I showed her real photos of ladybugs a few times.
(Recommended Ladybug Books direct download at end of post)
What you need:
Blank Paper
Potato Halves (at least 1 per paint color)
Each color paint poured onto a paper plate
Dabber/Dot marker
What skills does this art project build?
Toddler and Preschool:
Sensory Development
Shape Recognition
Self-Confidence
Creativity/Critical Thinking
Subject Exploration
Practice with Steps (delayed gratification)
School Age:
3D Subject Learning
Self-Confidence
Freedom to create
Creative Style Development
Critical Thinking
Decision Making
Methodology (practicing step by step)
Instructions:
Each child takes a potato half.
Dip the potato half in the paint and stamp onto paper.
Ask younger children what shape the potato makes.
Allow the children to stamp their potatoes like crazy.
LET DRY.
Once the stamps are dry, each child gets a dabber.
Children use the dabber to stamp the spots onto the ladybug.
Ask younger children what shape the dabber makes.
Allow the children to stamp the dots like crazy.
Extension: The 7 year old asked Google for 5 facts about ladybugs, then recorded them. I verbally quizzed him for review sporadically to help him retain the info.
Written Ladybug Facts
I’m extremely passionate about this project. It allows the teacher to provide the framework to allow long term learning skills that stick.
Jerri Williams is a retired member of the FBI, now a “Crime Fiction Author and a True Crime Podcaster”. She also happensto be black. One of the few BLACK WOMEN hired as an FBI Agent back in the day.
Click above to go to JerriWilliams.com
As a regular listener of her podcast, “FBI Retired Case File Review “, I learn about the real life FBI. She interviews retired FBI agents about their cases.
Click belowimage to hear about an older case of “deprivation of rights under color of law” i.e. a black man beaten while in police custody.
Kevin Rust reviews his investigation of a rural police officer charged and convicted of deprivation of rights under color of law violations, in connection with the blackjack beating of a Jake Gibbs, an elderly black man in police custody. Gibbs sustained two broken ribs as the result of the use of excessive force incident.
Read her article that discusses the FBI and George Floyd investigation. The FBI is the main investigator for all possible civil rights violations.
LIKE THE DEATH OF GEORGE FLOYD.
As Jerri Williams explains, “However, in this space, I want to focus on my mission to show the public who the FBI is and what the FBI does and cover how the FBI investigates civil rights violations involving the Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law”
CLICK BELOW TO GET TO HER ARTICLE:
EDUCATE YOURSELF. EDUCATE OTHERS.
Disclaimer: I do not endorse any blog or podcast for networking purposes or monetary personal gain.
I have been working with the 20 month old to recognize bees, butterflies and ladybugs. For her, butterflies are the easiest to recognize. This bundle goes after the ladybug set, in sequence.
Once the child is familiar with both insects, interchange ladybug/butterfly, in the song.
Don’t forget to show real photos of the insects. We have seen butterflies and one bee so far in real life on our walks. I still use real photos on my phone intermittently, especially for ladybugs and bees.
NO PREP
Finding differences helps with finding differences with letters and numbers.
Visual discrimination and counting.
preschool practice page
Fine Motor and Visual Discrimination.
Extend activity by counting butterflies found.
preschool practice page
This is a show and tell post, so find the download below and happy butterfly hunting!
Do you have a lot to do in a short amount of time?
Tired of needing special supplies or using lots of printer ink?
Yeh, me too! I made this craft for the no-prep-please, ME and sharing with you.
Easiest Ladybug craft for your kids
I tailored this for a 17 month old but because its great for any age, by increasing the amount of dots.It’s great for preschoolers with a short attention span.
SUPPLIES:
Paper plate
Paper to print off antennae, spots, and large circle templates.
I had red paper for the large circle, but no black paper. She colored the white paper black, and children can color the red circle red too!
Smash down Spots, Head, Antennae
Instructions:
Antennae, Ladybug Ladybug Song, and Instructions download at end of post.
CLICK AND DOWNLOAD CIRCLE TEMPLATES- (from the same site, scroll down on page):
I don’t remember which episode this quote “I didn’t buy tickets for a guilt trip” came from. It was a few weeks ago but it stuck. #not my train
The podcast “Circle Back” has been of use all last week. I’ve recently come off of a medication which repressed my emotions and thoughts. Remembering to Circle Back has helped the game plan for repetitive or unhealthy thought track.
Supplies: Beans, Bin, Blocks and Pitcher of Water.
This activity is appropriate with multiple age siblings, or a single child.
Build a building that can withstand water erosion.
kids stem at home
kids stem at home
I provided different sized bins and different blocks. He dumped both the blocks and bin from his first attempt.
Substitute what you have. Oatmeal or any kind of filler for the bin, even dirt dug up from outside! If the blocks are scarce and scattered, find some sticks or anything that can be used for building.
The Goal is A STABLE STRUCTURE
Ready? Don’t Do this!
My mistake was allowing too much CHILD LED, in which he did the water himself so fast I did not even know what he was doing until he did it!
FAILED EXPERIMENT, NOT FAILED BUILDING
Why is it a failed experiment? Because water rarely if ever dumps from the sky in one big stream! Even when it does, that’s PRESSURE DAMAGE – NOT EROSION.
Fix: Re-explain what erosion is after the building is complete. Talk about how the water actually moves, not only the exciting “there’s a lot of it like flooding and there’s damage”. Talk about how to replicate with your own water. TO THE SIDE, and NOT A flood.
Then, take the pitcher and help the child pour the water slowly to erode the “sediment”.
We will conduct another erosion experiment, with different sediment-perhaps sand or gravel rocks. I hope we will be able to understand erosion more fully by demonstrating it properly.
It’s no big deal. I have done the same experiment repeatedly because it is common that children are so interested in the EFFECT its hard to slow down and learn along the way.
Take Away = We learned about pressure and flooding.
Disclaimer: I have been unable to re-post regularly.
My new reality means I’m focusing only on quality content for subscribers NOT numbers. The goal of this blog remains to equip other educators-formal and informal.
Look for a new activity every weekend, or 2 new activities every other weekend.
A male Robin has since torn down the nest and starting a new one in the crutch of this tree. Guess she wants a condo!I continue to work as a nanny for a Phlebotomist and an Arborist, we spend them all outdoors.
The Left pair is for a 4.5yo in physical therapy and the other is a standard pair for 2/5yo , both special ordered. I will have Etsy eventually with pre-made pairs, shamelessly promoted here, lol.Working with a brilliant but semi defiant 7 yo kid means I have to check my attitude, and the 17mo old HEARTS this!I have a WRY sense of humor how the else do you survive these times without being totally complaining or anxious? As I write this, there is a MEAT shortage in stores -human behavior can be fascinating but THIS IS GETTING OLD.
WISHING EACH OF YOU WELLNESS, KINDNESS AND SILLINESS.
We played this as a break between School-now Home -School Lessons.
I have a very energetic student so he loved this game! Anything moving+learning= permanent skill. We played this during inclement weather which was a great help for getting our wiggles out!
If your students knows the alphabet + sounds, she can memorize vowels. Explain the general idea- that vowels are why we say paper instead of ppr. (ha ha yes its funny to try to say words without vowels) Believe me, he will get the concept.
PREP: Print the cards out with the Gray-scale setting
Color the vowel letters the same color. Do not color the other letters with that color. Cut cards apart.
Here’s how we played:
Place cards face down.
1st player draws card.
If card is a consonant, player does the exercise on card.
If card is a vowel card, player calls , “VOWEL!” and passes the card to another player who must execute the exercise.
If it is a Vowel, but player doesn’t recognize it, player must do exercise and, choose another card and do THAT exercise.
The game ends when all the cards have been used.
Believe me if you play this way it’s SUPER fun, and for this 53 yo, the hardest one was trying to do the inch worm with, well-boobs.
When your toddler is showing interest in closing and opening containers. Building Developmental Skills.
Added shiny eggs for interest. Make sure eggs are easy to open and close, and the colors are appealing.If your child is getting frustrated with the inability to close the eggs, use this bin for INTERACTIVE play with you . Be careful because if a child isn’t developmentally ready for this skill, and is attempting like Aspen above, she will become frustrated. You want to give them activities they are SUCCESSFUL at. And lots of praise YAY!, to build the confidence to KEEP trying.Putting Pasta in the egg and closing it= Problem solving. Builds hand strength and coordination, confidence.
Exploring Bin & introducing Shapes
Practicing Fine motor skills (writing) while taking out bean . Learning Background knowledge for amounts (math).
I introduce teaching shapes with the heart- because hearts are so common they are easily recognizable.
The sensory bin is red and pink only. This is because I wanted her to focus on the physical shape of the heart, and the feeling of the beans. I actually take her finger and trace it around the heart.
Using a monochromatic color scheme is a great way to introduce teaching colors. This way the child notices one color, even if we are not naming the color.
We played with this bin all of February, but it doesn’t need to line up with Valentine’s Day month. It is for play, when the child is ready to be introduced to shapes.
paper hearts, jingle bell, foam heart, pipe cleaner, Kidney beansDIFFERENT CUPS ARE VITAL FOR LEARNING WITH THIS SENSORY BIN
The sensory bin that followed this was to teach YELLOW.
I wanted to use cornmeal but I was out so I used oatmeal with yellow objects that I found. A yellow block, a yellow plastic bear, yellow poms, yellow paper pieces.
For the YELLOW learning bin, oatmeal with poured into a loaf pan with 3 YELLOW objects. The next day I added a different object. Once there were 5 objects with the oatmeal, i found 5 different objects and interchanged 1:1.
I decreased the number of cups and introduced utensils. Different types of spoons for example, and interchanged these also.
I began teaching Aspen as a nanny this past January when she was 16 months old. I have observed her respond and learn and look forward to her sensory bins. Her mom keeps them and uses them as well. Don’t underestimate the power of a sensory bin for learning and practical use as an easy activity to keep a toddler occupied for a few minutes.
Filed for CARES (contract employee) and Disaster Relief with much help & encouragement from Boss. (insert expletives here)
Husband as “essential” employee, on college campus – sans students, still working full time.
Marriage.
Faith.
YESTERDAY:Do I wear this in the store, oh there’s a lady she’s wearing her mask, wait that customer isn’t wearing one and that cart guy isn’t okay I will just wear it like a bandanna : enter store- oh that customer is wearing one and SO are the cashiers okay I will put this on Does it go over my mouth and nose or just my mouth okay i can’t put it on my nose my glasses are falling off so I will put it over my mouth but it’s not staying on very well just don’t move your head OMFG WHAT ARE THE RULES I am staying 3 aisles away from everyone and heading to the cashier and phew I’M audi okay now where did i park my car….
Magnified challenges:
Dealing with the what-if’s
Dealing with the I don’t knows
Dealing with the tension of the what ifs and don’t knows.
Dealing with 5 steps to get 1 thing-small= no Target.
Dealing with myself.
Dealing with all the social people now populating my anti social spots like in town trails.
added a big dog to our 2 small dog/1 cat pet family
makers gonna make
ultimately NOT ABOUT ME- its not about you
Every spiritual belief is connected to creation. EVERY. ONE
Act out emotions to become familiar with what each feels like
Age Level:
Toddler through ages as interested
Prep:
Print out the cards in color OR
If you only have black ink like I did-
print and have the kids color with colored pencils or crayons as a separate activity
Cut the cards and place face down in a pile. All the cards don’t need to be used at ONCE. I recommend between 5 and 10 to keep interest, to play on different days.
Game instructions:
Play the cards face down
Draw a card- read emotion, child expresses that emotion in human form, then in “monster form”
I don’t recommend any book reading with this game. This is to explore emotions and learn vocabulary, in a fun way. Children should decided what each emotion feels like and is expressed for themselves.
The next part we will be using a book directly, but in this part, children to interpret for themselves .
emotion activities for kids free printable monster cards
Choose an Emoji Card from the Deck and build Emoji from SkittlesFinished Anger Emoji, getting water ready to pourDoes the result of the experiment “look like” the emotion on the card- Anger?
GOALS:
Open up discussion to talk about emotions in an objective framework.
Use Art mediums to express emotions.
Practice connecting the invisible with the visible and physical expression.
FORMAT:
Game
Interactive
Open Ended
Exploratory
Introduction:
Emotions activities for kids introduction – BOOK ONE
Emotions activities for kids introduction BOOK 2
1 person reads
1 person acts an emotion
Any book that allows the emotions to be acted out can be used.
Choose a card from the Emoji card deck. Make Emoji Skittles emotion.
Last week of last month, I began social distancing.
A week later, I wrote my first COVID-19 post.
A week after that, we shopped for supplies, ordered a case of toilet paper from Amazon, wrote another post,
And wrote another post to help folks get a handle on needed supplies before the panic hit.
The next week, schools closed here in Oregon and panic hit.
While I’m not exactly happy to be right, I’m happy to be prepared.
Our SE Oregon is rural, opposite of the state from Portland. testing= NONE. Cases= 2 as of yesterday.
False Sense of security? YOU BET.
ANSWER> Spiritual Renewal. Deeper connection with Nature. Humor.
Hydroponics: There are small, reasonably priced- hydroponics to grow herbs and cherry tomatoes.
Cut and Bend bush or tree branches into a shape FOR A FRAME; decorate.
GET OUTSIDE Alone.
Create safe places for frogs and other critters. Even in overgrown lots. Only branches are necessary.
ONLY THE DUCKS SHOULD BE FLOCKING=SOCIAL DISTANCE
Buy a bird feeder or build one. Ditto for a bird bath. Better yet, use what you can upcycle.
If we make our planet sick, we will make ourselves sick.
We are connected.
IF YOU DON’T BELIEVE ME, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH of scientific data.
I am reaching out to friends through social networking and offering to run errands for seniors and single parents. Even though it is personally uncomfortable for me to do this. We each can do one small thing.This is me. Mel. As Always Living through Learning. I wish EACH of you WELL and, may we all really live, learn, and RELEARN.
I made this to use for a poddy training toddler during the time school is out for her sibling. I need a list to make sure we are going to the poddy on a regular basis, even when I get distracted!
The format is flexible, that’s why I will write the time in, or use a check mark.
Toddler Routine Printable
16 months old or 7 years old, different but the same ha
This activity helps my preschoolers realize the context behind letters. It’s easier to comprehend context, because there are pictures representing letters.
no prep= printable+glue+ribbon
They are enthusiastic about seeing their names another way.
I have a personal passion for all artistic expressions,Art Deco being one of my fav’s. Art Deco, and other art forms are influenced by Egyptian expression.
In the American school System, we frequently introduce older cultures in junior high and high school. This doesn’t make sense to me.
If preschoolers can understand dinosaurs, they can understand people lived a long time ago. I use a map/globe, to show them where we are-and Egypt. Preschoolers have no problem with the general knowledge of this.
Preschool is the perfect age to introduce older cultures, they are still curious and interested in everything. Their brains are still growing like a weed! By junior high, we are competing with the instant gratification of technology/gaming.
The instructions and the book titles we read for this are in the download.
WARNING: use supervision while students are making/wearing necklace. *choking * tie it loosely & make sure it goes OVER the head.
DOWNLOAD BELOW NOW for awesome egyptian necklace instructions
I gathered toddler activity supplies and grabbed random items.
St Patrick’s Floral Doorstep Decor
This totally looks great to the cars driving past. The light reflects off of the sparkly and shiny bell.
A ceramic container I no longer used, shamrocks, bells and coins stuck on sticks wrapped with washi tape. I cut the coins out of a piece of goal foam. Green foam flower stickers and fake carnations I had used for Valentine decor.
Hanging Paper Shamrocks with Coins
Funky but, admit it..Festive!
I’ve been playing with the drill and drilled holes in the coins. I threaded it all together with embroidery floss. Oh yeah, and don’t forget the washi tape stick. ha
Rock the Shamrock Wreath.
Paper Rock the Shamrock Wreath
Wreath directions from link below. This is the decoration we made that has lasted through
SNOW AND WIND, people!!
not the funnest thing in the world
For 3 years. Easiest and I’m not exaggerating , quickest & easy. I came up with this because I’m cheap and impatient. ha
I made these because I like to act things out as a teacher.
I especially like to act like an animals. I like to be silly all the time because it’s my go to stress reliever.
Kids are kids and even if they look at me weird, they still crack up. This week I overheard 7 year old boys at recess. They yelled in unison “Captain Buttcheeks” and shake thier legs. When I saw Parker the next day I said, “Never fear, Captain Buttcheeks is here!” His reaction displayed shock and a smile.
Always keep them guessing. oh yeah, and download below.
*disclaimer: I am sharing information based on my knowledge and experience. Please adapt for your needs.
**Always seek medical help if experiencing breathing issues.
CORONA VIRUS car kit preparation sample
FRAMEWORK:
1.Track geographically. I live on the other side of state from Portland.
REALITY: 3/7/20- First case in my county .
2.People carrying it don’t always show symptoms. It can be transmitted with or without symptoms.
REALITY: My husband and I are empty nesters, live in an remote area, and work around few people. We count on being exposed.
3. Not enough testing kits, delay in state lab processing Corona Virus tests, delay in actual numbers of positive cases. Oregon appears to have less cases then it actually has.
REALITY: Neither of us have major health issues, especially respiratory. Keeping distance from elderly friends in case we are positive carriers with no symptoms.
4.Official recommendations: Wash hands/don’t touch face/ stay home if sick.
REALITY: I wear fingerless gloves in public places and Lysol upon return, wash my hands as soon as I get home. (I wear during winter to combat dry skin)
I USE BAR SOAP. I DON’T USE HAND SANITIZER AS IT ONLY KILLS A % of GERMS, there’s no evidence it kills the Corona Virus, and the use of it breaks down the immune system.
I also spray store bought items with Lysol, once arriving home.
*If I took any type of public transportation, I would wipe every thing down where I was going to sit/touch.
Carhartts finger less work gloves click for link (non affiliated)
Preparation Step 1:
“Natural Disaster”- akin to Corona Virus prep.
MY REALITY:
Spouse employed at college, there are no procedures in place. Employees/students may be quarantined there for a period of time, it’s located across from the hospital.
I have had this in my car for the past few years since I began childcare.
corona virus/ disaster car kit supplies
Corona Virus / disaster car kit supplies
Corona Virus/ Disaster Car Kit supplies
DOWNLOAD CORONA VIRUS/ DISASTER CAR KIT SUPPLIES LIST BELOW:
MY REALITY: Oregon follows whatever the CDC page says. I pay attention to my state and county sources of how the Corona Virus testing ismanaged, and positive case locations.
I check random news sources, often through podcasts. Local news/print, state news/print, 411 podcast for statistics.
My Reality: It’s early days….
If I hear an assertion, like, “warm weather kills the Coronavirus”, I check SNOPES.COM to confirm.
For the first time, today’s local recommendation included; if one is elderly or has health problems, to stay home.
The hospital cancelled a health fair today, finally community institutions are taking notice that yes, we should try to avoid crowds/public places if possible.
My step son was 13 when my husband and I got together. He spent all of his free time in his dark room playing XBOX.
My adult kids are old enough that they were preteen/teens by the time every single teen had a phone. So they missed the “getting needs met by gaming” phenomenon.
ME= What is gaming what is a gamer what is Halo why do you wear hoodies in 80 degree weather?
Don’t think I didn’t give in, either.
Was it my idea to buy him the latest PlayStation model for his 17th birthday?
Before I accepted reality, I was always on his case/we went on family trips. Like the beach/comic cons etc.
I knew he and many many many too freaking many teens use gaming as their social outlet. But I was ….
me?
As a “teacher”( formal or not) I was in tears with the “wasted potential”. He aced standardized tests in every area– you feel me ?
Yesterday I heard, “‘the psychological needs that gaming meets….'”
Preventing YOUR communication from looking like mine :
Dad finally DID make son walk to corner store once a day on weekends. He did walk to school which was 1.5 miles away. (remember we live in a small town) At least we knew he got excercise.
This is really difficult if not started before preteen age, regardless of personality.
EVERY small victory is a BIG VICTORY!
Said step son may have spent 12 hours in his room, but doggone it he walked for 30 minutes that same day ha. AND LETS BE REAL. Your kids will be less resistant because it’s not a step monster bringing in all these new ideas into the dynamic!
We want to keep our kids safe, by doing this we have a challenge finding ‘safe risk’ activities. We can’t say “go play outside” unless its a fenced backyard, and we STILL check every 5 minutes am I right?
what evil looks like hahhahaha
By understanding how gaming can grow to meet needs, we have the tools to keep gaming as a recreational activity, to continue meeting needs OFF LINE.
I started posting about COVID 19 the last week of Febuary because I believed Americans were not taking it seriously. My state of OREGON, had a delayed response in managing the outbreak- basically only following Federal requirements. Our numbers are false, OR has WAY more cases but its the way the issue is being handled here.
***PLEASE USE SOAP AND WATER INSTEAD OF HAND SANITIZER!
FACTS:
1. Soap kills more germs then hand sanitizer.
2. If hand sanitizer is over used it will decrease the body’s immunity.
3. Hand Soap kills more germs then Hand Sanitizer.
4. We don’t know if Hand Sanitizer kills Covid-19.
Why Institutions use Hand Sanitizer:
1. Less Mess
2. If soap scum is present, germs can grow.
3. Soap and Water are unavailable.
HOME: Use soap and water.
OUT: Use generic diaper wipes. They are cheaper and wipe everything, including hands.
I am offering bite size practical tips, so readers don’t have to do all of the research that I did ,(multiple media sources). “Tips” drawn from work experience, listed at bottom of post.
coronavirus covid19 Checklist
corona virus covid19 podcasts
-Get your news from Podcasts, not mass media.
Easier to vet bias. Reading the general description will reveal if it’s political or health related. Or, it’s easy to tell once the person starts talking. The best podcast episodes have a discussion panel of medical experts.
Busy People friendly. Podcasts can be listened to on a commute, while fixing dinner, I’m listening to a birding podcast as I type this.
Bite size compacted information. There is not as much sensationalized because there is not the visual medium to make it so.
UPDATED
This Week in Virology is one of the best podcasts out there to learn. The podcast has always been about viruses by several virologists. Updated bi weekly.
Corona Virus 411 Daily Update Podcast
“Coronavirus 411 provides daily updates, news, alerts, and information regarding the Coronavirus. Coronavirus 411 podcast collects Information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) the World Health Organization (WHO) and other news sources. This information is meant to help people stay informed and updated about Coronavirus.”
This is good for global status and overall viral summary.. However I find my state alerts is best for state numbers. 411 updates, but by the time it broadcasts, Oregon numbers are higher..
5 Live Science Podcast with Dr. Karl and CoronaVirus
Episode: Dr Karl And Coronavirus 2/29
“Rhod’s joined by Dr Karl plus special guests Yolanda Plowman and Joanna Rothwell for a Coronavirus special.”
95% of the podcast answers/clarifies common questions.
My main concern about the CoronaVirus Covid-19 is how each state/city is managing outbreaks. I’m in Oregon, on the opposite side of the state from Portland. No surprise that an elementary teacher tested community (non china related) positive there.
I am going to check tomorrow with a friend who can tell me if procedures are in place at the 1 hospital. I doubt it, but the good news is by the time it hits our area, we will be. (remote small town)
If you live in an urban/suburban area, contact your local hospitals/schools and ask if they have a procedure in place, or when they will put one in place. Institutions will implement under state directions, Google your state health authority/department.
This is what I googled to find Fresno California Coronavirus: ‘ fresno ca health department corona virus’.
Results: news articles and official health department info/links.
Google a similar combination for your state/city if you are unaware of the EXACT Health Department Name.
The side effect of my career background is personal health/safety management. I’ve worked in:
Adult Homes for the Mentally Ill- Licensed sanitation and hygiene practices, awareness, assisting in client and self health prevention management from colds to changing diapers.
Rest Homes (seniors): Mersa and other communicable health issues, including prevention suits- changing diapers et. al.
Home Health Aide for seniors and mentally ill in their house- These homes are not always completely hygienic.
My Home Daycare following licensing standards- Disaster training required for all day care facilities including writing a plan for 5 possible disaster types.
Preschool Facilities where teachers deal with FLU, COLDS, RSV, etc, LICE prevention on a daily basis.
AND: CPR/EPI-PEN/Diabetes/Adult Aggression
None of these are specific to possible epidemics, however, they are all specific to physical (& mental) HEALTH Prevention, Management, and Crisis.
I didn’t have a Blog 3 years ago, but we had a great time making this wreath. I cut the shamrocks out, because I like to cut out shapes. However, the Shamrock shapes can be bought. They will be more uniform.
I had a lot of process art that I couldn’t bring myself to toss. I cut shamrock shapes out of some of it so the art wasn’t a total waste.
I did not use tape sparingly, I used white duct style tape but you can use green also. It doesn’t really matter. I believe art is freestyle and most don’t notice imperfections.
Also kids aren’t going to want to stand around while the teacher spends 5 minutes getting the tape “just right”
Completed Shamrock Wreath
Layer the wreath with taped shamrocks.
I bought the frame at the dollar store, it is particle board and I painted the top part green. I used green duct tape when we made it, then re-taped for this photo, ha ha.
This photo demonstrates the look of the frame and how we “layered” the wreath.
Rock the Shamrock Sheep -baaa
I love using shapes to make pictures, and I saw a comic shamrock sheep drawing somewhere which sparked the idea.
D was going to enter Kindergarten, I liked using SH in sheep and shamrock.
I didn’t have a bulletin board, but I did have a fridge.
the funnest part is to go- baaaaaa, and then a goat goes -maaaa, but a sheep goes- baaaa- aaa- aaa
This is my humble unedited photo. They are saying baaaaa….
Can you spy shamrocks cut out of adult coloring pages? I keep extra shamrocks on hand because well, versatility and I REUSE.
As a part time Nanny I like to make extra projects for the kids, and here is a version of the Shamrock Sheep craft I turned into a kit for the family to make together.
Luck is love multiplied, Spy the Hearts?
All Supplies needed shown. Glue, poms, shamrocks, black and white paper to cut, butcher paper to glue it all on, and coloring tools.
SHAMROCKSTAR SHEEP:
I did an outline in peach, then retraced with black. Cut an ovalish for the head, and trace around it. DON’T OUTLINE THE HEAD IN BLACK, ONLY PEACH. BLACK CONSTRUCTION PAPER= 4 LEGS, 2 EARS, 1 TAIL. CUT OUT FACE, after tracing around it, place ears over each side of face, and trace the ear corner onto face and butcher paper. Color in ears.
Besides the Shamrock variety, you need 4 heart shapes to make a Shamrock in the Sheep’s middle.
Make a Big Shamrockstar Sheep for a Small group project, or a smaller one for 1-2 kids. Older kids can complete a big one. Take into account time to complete and size of shamrocks, when deciding your Shamrockstar Sheep Size.
How to Plan a Fun Family Vacation With Kids of All Ages
Growing up, you might have gone on a few fun family vacations, and now you’re thinking of taking your own family on a similar trip. As you begin planning your trip, you might wonder how you can make sure that everyone has a good time.
Planning a family vacation that satisfies everyone’s interests will take some thought, but considering how you can meet all your children’s needs in advance is worth it. By the time you get home, they will probably start asking when you can visit somewhere new! Here are a few tips to help you pull off the perfect family vacation, no matter how old your children are.
Secure Your Home
Have you ever worried about the security of your home while you were away on vacation? By setting up an effective home security system before you leave, you can rest assured that your property and belongings will be safe while you’re out of town. For example, you may want to install an automatic door lock.
Other smart devices, like programmable lights and a doorbell camera that lets you know if someone is on your property, can provide additional security. According to Nationwide, putting lights on a timer can make it look like someone is still home, which deters would-be burglars.
If you’ve never stayed at an all-inclusive resort before, you might be surprised by some of the perks and how affordable it can be when you factor in all the services the resort provides. According to U,S, News, prepaying for a stay at an all-inclusive resort will make it easier for you to budget, because you won’t be pulling out your wallet for every little thing you purchase on the trip and trying to keep track as you go.
When your family stays at an all-inclusive resort, there will be no shortage of things for the kids to do. Most resorts have organized activities for children and teenagers, so their parents can enjoy some downtime.
Book Spacious Accommodations
Not interested in staying at an all-inclusive resort? If you’re staying in a hotel room or an AirBnb, make sure to book a space where everyone will have plenty of room. Yes, the kids may have to share a room out of necessity, but each member of the family should still have the opportunity to get a little alone time if they need it.
If you and your kids feel cramped at your accommodations, you’ll likely have to deal with more arguments, and no parent wants to deal with squabbles between siblings on vacation. Keep the peace by ensuring that everyone has breathing room.
Be Ready to Compromise
What is the key to making sure that everyone is reasonably happy on your family vacation? Be willing to compromise, and make it clear from the get-go that everyone will get the chance to see and do what they’re interested in. Do your best to keep your itinerary fair. You don’t want one child to feel left out, while another gets to choose several activities.
Want to make sure that the kids are totally worn out by the end of the day? Spend plenty of time outdoors! Whether you want to go hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, or simply exploring the wilderness at a nearby state park, there are plenty of opportunities to see the great outdoors on your next vacation. Outdoorsy activities can be fun and appropriate for all ages.
Going on a family vacation can inspire a love of travel in your children. Plus, you’ll get a welcome break from the responsibilities of the real world for a few days. When your trip is over, you and your family will already be talking about planning your next vacation.
This was first published the last week of February. Podcasts vetted and updated.
The purpose of this blog is mainly preschool and younger children’s activities, however I post about awareness issues that effect families . I wrote the original post because it was difficult to find information, and few appeared to be taking the management of the virus seriously.
Working with many licensed facilities supporting different at risk populations means I’ve had a 5 pack of breathing masks, 2 first Aid kits, almost obsessive behavior to keep my hands clean for several years. I don’t touch public door handles, I strive to avoid close contact with the public, and my peers have perceived me as a general hypochondriac. Whatever, I agreed with Gates and I’m right, ha.
The Corona Virus information on social media ranges includes conspiracy theories and racism toward Chinese.
I prefer podcasts for information as episodes are usually jam packed, have a descriptive title and in general can be vetted for authenticity easier then YouTube or ugh mainstream TV News.
Most current CoronaVirus subject podcast episodes are junk discussions..Please understand I have ABSOLUTELY NO AFFILIATION WITH ANY OF THESE BUT DISCOVERED RECOMMENDED PODCASTS WITH A GENERAL SEARCH AND LISTENING. Used critical thinking ears.
Best Podcasts/ Episodes about Corona Virus outbreak:
UPDATED
From The Irish Times, stating it will start podcasting daily updates (from weekly)
From the BBC daily update
CNN Daily Podcast
Daily case statistics, basic info 4 minutes long
best podcast episodes about Corona Virus outbreak
“Vaccines and the N Corona Virus”
Tight packed 4 minute episode explaining the “big picture” of the virus.
Another great related episode is the latest episode, located on the page at the same link. “Pandemics vs Epidemics What they are and how they happen”
BOTANICAL BIOHACKING ( blog and podcast)
Episode: CoronaVirus as a Damp Plague
Chinese Doctors with SARS epidemic experience, explain ” how Novel CoronaVirus causing pheumonia fell into the Damp Plague Category”
Admittedly this is a brainy medical podcast, some of it went over my head, however I found the intro portion and the last portion quite informational. The last portion explains why self medicating “herbal” treatments do not work, and gives explanations of prevention and prevention tips.
I came up with this unit out of a desire to show that language is symbols, just as our alphabet is symbols for sounds-so is hieroglyphics. My goal was to demonstrate the “concept” of the alphabet, as well as incorporate lots of art/engineering and diversity.
Kids love mummies! THAT was the interest “hook”!
We did these over the course of a month, one or two activities a week. I introduced the unit with a scooby doo mummy caper library dvd.
Cartography necklace made with hieroglyphsAfter learning about pyramids and burial, they made their own “mummy” stuffed animalsUsing my contact paper blocks, they built a pet cemetary and pretended to be pets.He is being a mummy cat
We also built pyramids with Jenga blocks, egg carton cups,sugar cubes (i don’t recommend because they kept eating haha) and a 3d paper pyramid from a template.
Pyramid building and later days these cups became a favorite as they expanded into castle building.
Pyramid building extension activity. The next month, 4.5yo used Jenga blocks to make a sarcophogus in his own play. He also practiced drawing the “dog god” (anubis)The printable pack has the lesson plan, links I used for some activities, center ideas, video links.
There is a link to an easy pharoah headdress to print and color which the boys enjoyed making and other activities we did not do. There are lots of choices to personalize for students. There is also a complete alphabet pack of hieroglyphic cards included.
