Pressure continues here in SE Oregon
I got tired of having a mediocre blog so I applied and was accepted as an online student at ASU. At 53. BA in Digital Marketing. I refuse to allow the future to pass me by with my most exciting days behind me.
The schools are 90% probably not going to reopen here, which really pisses me off. It’s bad enough the PLAYGROUNDS are still closed. If the city school (versus county, we are small) opens, it will be half day. I really am concerned about the ramifications of children not having a childhood, AND parents being the #1 resource for their kids education on top of all the OTHER responsibilities.
While I’m aware and respectful of COVID, we don’t have a lot of people and yet we are being grouped in with the rest of the state AKA Portland, positive case rate.
Boss friend and I sought to open a children’s learning center, where children can attend and get help with their school program. The business we wanted to take over, did not have their fire and other building inspections done. Obviously it can’t be licensed and still operates illegally.
There are more boring details but we’ve hit a dead end at every turn, still looking for a place to buy or rent, to provide this service to our community. Yes we will have to charge but at some point would like to offer scholarships, and it’s not going to be above the basic daycare rate that parents have to pay ANYWAY.
Not going to go into the hubby workplace but right now they are on one day a week furlough and we are thankful. I think the worst thing for us is the politics and unknowns really. It’s all going to change when the snow and ice hit because college campuses have to be safe but , nothing is simple anymore.
Also I found out there was a strong chance I had cervical cancer, but I don’t. But I could have it on the other side of my uterus and I have a 4″ fiber growing so I need a hysterectomy. I’m waiting to hear for an appt for a hysterectomy or a cancer removal hysterectomy. Thank GOD my husband’s job has great insurance, that should be approved. (anyone else jobs are defined by “great benefits”? that is what we work for now more than $ ain’t it?)
+SOURCE OF STRESS we are training our small male dog to stop harassing the newer bigger puppy. We’ve had to go to a remote collar which gives him a bit of a shock, and he is very stubborn. He is part Blue Heeler so he wants to herd the big dog.
It’s exhausting and like having kids who fight 24/7. However the trainer showed us this week how to use the collar and with a couple of bumps in the road it appears that Jonesy is finally submitting.
*yay* I’ve been building strength after a ruptured disk and I’m moving from Physical Therapy to the gym. I”m not going to have the strength of a 25 year old, but I will be as strong as I can relatively be without being a health nut haha. My goal is to keep up with the 2 year old. hahahaha
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.
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”.
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.
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.
with print awareness-
with letter awareness-
with name awareness-
with alphabet awareness-
with sight word awareness-
reader-
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.
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.)
Prep:
Instruction for teaching alphabet letters:
Beginner Skill Level:
Skill Level Name Match:
Name Skill Mastery:
Once child knows how to spell his name, and knows the name of the letters that comprise the name:
*do not worry about letter sounds during this activity*
NAME SKILL MASTERED :
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 was a “better safe then sorry” mask-wearer, pre-mandate.
However, I’m still on the fence about mandated mask wearing.
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.
Everyone is creative, each of us only needs to find the medium that we can express our creative language with.
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.
Jerri Williams is a retired member of the FBI, now a “Crime Fiction Author and a True Crime Podcaster”. She also happens to be black. One of the few BLACK WOMEN hired as an FBI Agent back in the day.
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 below image to hear about an older case of “deprivation of rights under color of law” i.e. a black man beaten while in police custody.
CLICK BELOW TO GET TO HER ARTICLE:
Disclaimer: I do not endorse any blog or podcast for networking purposes or monetary personal gain.
Sharing My Multicultural Book Boards. I have researched to ensure titles do not perpetuate stereotypes.
Click on IMAGE
to see books in each category {from Pinterest},
or LINK if noted.
Multicultural-Inclusion-Diversity Books:
Chinese New Year books: January
Native American Books :
African and Jewish Books:
LINK:
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.
Fine Motor and Visual Discrimination.
Extend activity by counting butterflies found.
What do you need?
Printable-
Die-
Coloring tools-
and Preschoolers!
(free download at end of post)
This game is a no prep for teachers, parents, and distance learners.
This game practices critical thinking because children count, match, and identify.
This game is effective because it teaches 1:1 correspondence.
This game is fun because it’s interactive.
This game practices taking turns, counting, fine motor and color identification.
This game is versatile because mixed age groups and levels can play at the same time. Or as a single player game.
more free July 4th printables
I have been crazy for ladybugs this year!
Maybe because their population is declining and all those ladybugs I found as a kid will no longer be here?
Maybe because they help roses grow?
Maybe because they are modern art? I mean oval and circles and red and black and white? COOL.
That’s all the clever writing I have for today, folks!
IF YOU LIKE THIS PRINTABLE PLEASE : Subscribe or PIN or Comment as a thank you!
LADYBUG LOVE ALL AROUND!
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.
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!
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.
This game is effective because it provides vocabulary and review.
This game is fun because it’s interactive.
This game practices using a process to find the answer.
This game is versatile because mixed age groups and levels can play together.
Independent play because children can match and count.
1:1 correspondence skills memorized through play.
Fun because it’s interactive.
Fine motor, color identification, counting practice and taking turns.
Versatility: mixed age groups and skill levels can play together.
Subscribe now to receive subscriber only free printables designed by me and tested by my students!
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!
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.
Exploring emotions through color (same cards)
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/04/12/emotions-and-color-exploring-emotions-part-2/
Skittles Emoji
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/03/29/emotions-activities-for-kids-intro/
Alphabet Monster Emotions
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/04/03/emotions-activities-for-kids-part-1/
During the 1st week, we read books and discussed.
During the 2nd week, we read again and did the intro activity.
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/03/29/emotions-activities-for-kids-intro/
During the 3rd week, we read another book, and did Part 1.
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/04/03/emotions-activities-for-kids-part-1/
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.
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.
https://www.joann.com/little-makers-easter-paper-roll-craft-kit-chick-bunny/17138488.html
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…. 
Every spiritual belief is connected to creation. EVERY. ONE
Click below for the free printable.
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.
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
For 3 years. Easiest and I’m not exaggerating , quickest & easy. I came up with this because I’m cheap and impatient. ha
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/03/01/rock-the-shamrock-activities-for-kids/
Direct Download Link Under Flying Butterfly
This game is sweet because children can match and count.
This game is effective because it teaches 1:1 correspondence.
This game is fun because it’s interactive.
This game is art because each child decides how to color the wings.
This game practices taking turns, counting, fine motor and color identification.
This game is versatile because mixed age groups and levels can play at the same time.
Fly Fly Little Butterfly
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
Sample of Corona Virus Home Quarantine Supplies
LATEST (vetted) corona virus podcasts below:
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/02/04/best-podcasts-about-corona-virus-outbreak/
http://psychologypodcast.libsyn.com/185-how-to-be-indistractable
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.”
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.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p084x00w
CDC Website below:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
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.
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 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.
Source: Pexels
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.
Consider Going All-Inclusive
Image via Pexels
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.
Explore Outdoors
Image via Pexels
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.
Daniel Sherwin
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.
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”
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.
WE love this book, its hysterical! Biology + the difficulty of waiting + humor = Bawesomeness! (butterfly + awesomeness)
