4 Things to Help Children Dream BIG!

I watched my grandparents work every day of their lives, doing what they became good at and because it paid the bills. Whenever I tried to talk to them about what it might be like to do the work they REALLY loved, they would tell me that was what hobbies were for; a outlet for what you loved to do.

During his prime, my grandfather was a carpenter and

worked for a hard-to-please boss on a crew that built houses. When he wasn't slaving away for that task master, he loved to work in his basement workshop, being creative with wood. Of the many things he made by hand, the most beautiful were the hand carved ships wheels. He only made them for those he was close to and he never accepted money for them. I feel fortunate that I have one of those huge wheels mounted on the wall of my office and I think of him every time I look at it.

What do you dream of doing if you didn't have to go to work each day to make your living? Is there something that you love to do and wish you could do it full time? Have you already found it and spend your leisure time working on? Wouldn't you want your children to find that one thing they feel most passionate about and do it full time? Here are four things you can begin doing immediately as a parent to help your child DREAM BIG.

Let them explore. Encourage your children to try new things by giving them opportunities to try them out. Avoid putting pressure on them to succeed and focus more on the experience of different activities.

Speak of abundance and avoid scarcity. You want your children to know that anyone can do anything they put their minds to. Avoid mentioning that your family doesn't have the means, supplies or money to do things. Allow them to help you come up with ideas for doing the things they love to do.

Create a vision board or dream book. Purchase composition books for yourself and your children and have them draw pictures in the book that represent what they want to acquire or experience. Allow them to cut out pictures from old magazines to paste into their dream book. Teach them to add a new entry in images or text whenever they have a thought about something they dream of.

Find movies and books that illustrate someone who dreamed big. Watch movies with your children or read books to them in which the main characters dreamed big and made it all happen. You want them to know that anything is possible if you dream it, think about it, illustrate it and see it often enough.

They say that those who dream big and then follow those dreams will live longer, live happier, and attract healthy, supportive people into their lives. What parent wouldn't want this for their children? Now you know what it takes to help your child begin their journey toward dreaming big!

Bill Corbett has a degree in clinical psychology and has been chosen to deliver the keynote address at a large education conference in Holland this Fall.  He is happily married with three grown children, three grandchildren, and three step children, and resides in Connecticut.  You can visit his Web site http://billcorbett.com for further information.

How To Make It Up To Your Child When You Make A Mistake

If you haven't snapped at your child, forgotten something you were suppose to do for them, arrived late for a recital or game, dropped the ball on a promise, or made a parenting decision you regretted, then you aren't human. We parents are often stressed, busy, over worked, forgetful and tired and we make mistakes.

I remember too well saying something like, "I know I said I'd take you _____________, but I'm really busy and have to get _____________ done before dinner tonight." And then there are the painful incidents in which I snapped or yelled when caught off guard or noticed something written on with crayon or broken, and automatically thinking about how much that item cost or what I'm going to have to spend to fix, clean or replace an item.

Austrian neurologist and the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, taught us that we have automatic systems in place that defend our ego from being hurt by guilt and fear. When we parents get angry toward our children, it's a way of protecting our ego from feeling guilty that we mismanaged our schedule and didn't show up on time, or that we forgot something that was important to our children. It's also occurs when we think about having to pay out money that was not in the budget and we're already over extended financially.

When we find ourselves in this situation, we must calm down and breath. A few deep breaths will help us manage our emotions and see the situation for what it really is; not quite as serious as we had ourselves believing. If we're able to, it works remarkably well to see the situation from our child or teen's perspective. I remember my teenage son coming how with a dent in the family car and how driven I felt to keep asking why and how in an angry tone.

So when you do something like the things I listed in the first paragraph that could have been avoided, be ready to provide a MAKEUP to them. Providing a makeup means offering something to your child that you will do as a way of making up for the mistake you made. You would say, "Wow sweetheart, I am so sorry that I forgot about taking you to the mall as I had promised. I owe you a makeup."

The next step is to offer something as that makeup and here is an important ground rule: it should not include buying them an object. The ideal makeups should be about spending time together without technology or money. They should be walks in the park, dates, playing table games, or crafting. Make believe tea parties would be great for little children and "hanging out" together to play catch in the backyard  would be appropriate for a teenager.

It is extremely important that the adult who made the mistake must be the one to determine the makeup, not the victim. And not only does this work well with kids, it also applies to handling mistakes with significant others as well!


Bill Corbett has a degree in clinical psychology and has been chosen to deliver the keynote address at a large education conference in Holland this Fall.  He is happily married with three grown children, three grandchildren, and three step children, and resides in Enfield, CT.  You can visit his Web site www.CooperativeKids.com for further information and parenting advice.

Five New Years Resolutions for Teachers in 2015

RESOLUTION#1 - Refrain from using a loud voice
Children learn how to communicate by the models teachers set for them. As often as possible, when you need your children’s attention or cooperation, get to their eye level and speak in a calm and respectful tone. The more often you do this, the more likely you are to create peace and calmness in your classroom and your children will do the same.

RESOLUTION#2 – Use the word COOPERATION often

When you need your children to comply, initiate it by announcing, “I need your cooperation.”  When they follow through, thank them for cooperating with you.  When they need you do something for them, confirm their request by saying, “Oh… you need my cooperation.  I’d love to cooperate with you.”  Use that word in association with requests from other adults in the school so the kids will see it often.

Inspiration for Children Delivered Monthly by Creatorbox

RESOLUTION#3 – Let go and avoid controlling the outcome all the time

We’re constantly trying to get so much done in so little time and on schedule.  When children move too slow or don’t put a piece of clothing on correctly, it annoys us and we take over to have things according to our desire.  At least once a day, let something a child does be the way she did it.  Avoid correcting her, re-doing something, taking over for her, or arranging all the outcomes.

RESOLUTION#4 – Celebrate moments of independence

You’re getting ready to leave the classroom and you noticed that one child has buttoned her own jacket but the buttons are misaligned.  Or she put her coat on by herself but it’s inside out. For just once, avoid correcting the situation. Don’t re-button her jacket or adjust her sweater. Instead, make a big deal of what she did on her own. You can adjust things later but for the moment, celebrate her self-sufficiency.

How to Create Calmer Classrooms

RESOLUTION#5 – Stay calm when a child begins to argue

When a child becomes persistent in trying to convince us of something, we can easily get pulled into an emotional debate. Sometimes our own older children who feel they can approach us about anything and know they are being heard, consider their relationship with us stronger. Commit to not getting angry in these moments and be there 100%. If the child (or your own) has made a good case, give in once in a while if appropriate.  If you’ve had enough of the bantering, end it calmly and walk away. Know that it’s normal behavior.

Bill Corbett has a degree in clinical psychology and is the author of the award winning book “Love, Limits, & Lessons: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Cooperative Kids,” in English and in Spanish.  He is happily married with three grown children, three grandchildren, and three step children and resides in Connecticut.  You can visit his Web site www.CooperativeKids.com for further information and parenting advice.

How to Raise a Problem Solver

Are you as worried as I am about the children of generation Z (born 1995 – 2012) and their ability to solve problems?  With the increase in the number of helicopter parents (parents who “swoop” in to make everything all better) and a generation of highly sensitive kids, how well are our children going to be able to identify and solve their own problems?

This isn’t actually a new problem but it seems to be getting worse.  Many years ago I taught college courses part time and it was back then that I noticed an increase in the number of parents coming to see me during my office hours, complaining about the grade I gave their young adult child.  Instructors today tell me it’s gotten even worse, with some parents even popping in to see the class for themselves.

Making the commitment to raising your children to become problem solvers first requires that you accept the fact that every problem can only have one owner.  That person must be held responsible for solving the problem but can certainly seek out and incorporate help from others around him or her to solve the problem.  If your teenager puts a dent in the family car, she owns that dent.  She may obviously need help in getting it fixed, but she still owns it.
To begin with, every time your child or teen comes to you with a problem, you must first determine yourself whether your child owns the problem or you own the problem.  If you own the problem, take immediate measures to solve it quickly.  If your child owns the problem, be ready to help him or her solve the problem.  The following incident is an example to learn by.

My son came running into the house one Saturday, holding his arm and complaining about a small abrasion from a fall he took out in the yard.  A quick examination of the boo-boo and a few questions left me feeling confident that there was no internal damage and there really wasn’t any blood that I could see.  Because I did not feel that there was anything I needed to do that my child couldn’t do for himself, it became his problem to fix.

I first acknowledged that the minor scrape was a problem for him by saying to him, “It looks like your arm might hurt.”  He nodded.  I then helped him begin problem solving by saying to him, “What do you think you could do to make that arm feel better?”  My coaching him to solve the problem felt uncomfortable to him so he said, “You’re my Dad, YOU do something.”  I replied with, “You’re right, I am your Dad and I’ve always done things in the past, but this time, I want to know what YOU think you can do to make that arm stop hurting.”  Instantly, my son said to me, “Can we wash it off and put a bandage on it?”  I replied with a smile, “What a great idea!  I could help by getting the box of bandages down from the cabinet for you.”

Within a matter of minutes and of course, with some “Ouches!” he washed the boo-boo and applied the bandage, and off he ran to continue his play outside.  Today that young man is in his early 20s and solving problems every day as a much sought after restaurant manager!  Let your children and teens solve their own problems with your guidance and coaching, while you’re nearby to help them do it.  What problems will YOU begin letting your child solve on his or her own today?

A NOVEMBER to REMEMBER

 

Mary Jo Huff

A  NOVEMBER to REMEMBER
    “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much!” Helen Keller

NAEYC – Washington, DC * Saturday, Nov. 23 at 10:00 a.m. come celebrate with me in room 146A.  I am shipping give-a-ways totaling $300.
Watch for my new hat in the halls, vendor area, and hotel *** or on the street.  Visit me in the Kaplan booth on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. and check out the FROG STREET booth for a special appearance and great give-a-ways.

This November is special because our family celebrates several birthdays during the month and on Nov. 11 we celebrate a grandchild’s birthday along with celebrating ALL the VETERANS who have helped keep our country a safe and proud place to live.  We salute the United States of America!

This purple heart has a place of honor in our house and was received in Vietnam by a proud Marine.  This book by Eve Bunting is an extremely SPECIAL publication.  The wall is history but when you visit you feel like it was yesterday.  When you know names and you can find them your heart hurts all over again.  If you have children in your care who are part of a military family so something special to celebrate.  Invite the parents to visit, military to wear their uniforms and show the children the flag and present them with facts about our country.  For Pre-K children I did not read this book word for word but was able to talk the pages because I have been to the WALL!

                 

   

READING FOR FUN AND INTERACTION

AUTHOR DIANNE DE LAS CASAS has written a forever on our shelves Christmas story which will truly be a classic.   It invites children to do repetitive actions and sounds.  It is rhythmic and filled with wonderful whimsical illustrations.  I am enclosing the information from the jacket flap so you can see how this book will fit into your Early Childhood curriculum and be enjoyed for everyone.  Go to www.storyconnection.net and look for activities that can be part of the introduction of this book.

                             

Become a PICTURE BOOK MONTH Ambassador and check out the website at www.picturebookmonth.com where you will find interesting connections.  Authors from around this country have given their words of wisdom about picture books and their importance to all children.  One of my favorite reads is from Michael Shoulders - he hits it right where the page turns.

 

 

 

Stay tuned for more exciting information about my author friends and their great publications.

For information about a Keynote, Workshop, Professional Development, Visit or SKYPE visit contact me at maryjo@storytellin.com 
SKYPE visits are being scheduled beginning Feb. 15, 2014.  Get on board and bring a presentation to your children filled with music, stories, finger plays and just plain EDUCATIONAL FUN!

Be thankful this holiday for all your treasures, thank a veteran, donate to a homeless veteran, share your food with someone who is hungry and God Bless each and every one of you.  I am thankful for our connection through the Early Childhood world and hope to share a hug along the way.

Hook up with me on Face Book, Lindedin, Pinterest, Prekandksharing and come back each month to see  MARY JO HUFF.
www.storytellin.com
maryjo@storytellin.com
812-455-1558

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Happy SECOND Anniversary and all things November!

IT'S NOVEMBER: WE'RE TWO YEARS OLD!!

What a thrilling milestone! Today marks the launch of our third year here as a collaboration! We have two full, complete years of contributions to the field of early childhood under our belt and we're moving forward into the future with excitement and renewed enthusiasm. 

A couple of behind-the-scenes tidbits. Today's article is our 599th as a collaborative. In that time we have had 1,914,993 pageviews. Yes. We're zeroing in on hitting the 2 million mark! All by providing you a cross section of voices from the field: Direct, front line teachers in both Preschool and Kindergarten classrooms as well as consultants on a cross-section of the Arts plus experts in parenting and reading -- that's my attempt to categorize our eclectic mix. 

We have numerous authors who have been here from the very launch, who have written every single month since the inception. To those incredible contributors I send a super, cyber hug! You've kept the lights on and the place gleaming. You know who you are! I couldn't have done this without you. 

We have many who have contributed for a time and a season, bringing their insight in the midst of busy professional lives and we are grateful. We've also had guest authors. We've had contributors who 'split' a day with a buddy. And as we get ready to launch into our third year, we have eager 'NEW' contributors delighted to join the mix! Oh happy day. 

It was this calendar year that marked the launch of our cyber-store collaborative as well. Still under the 'If You Build it.... They will Come' marketing plan -- as there is still room for growth and discovery. Our Early Education Emporium continues to grow! Unfolding in real time is our "Speakers Bureau" and we hope to have that ready for launch at NAEYC later this month. Plans. Plans. and MORE Plans! 

NOW. Let's get inspired to take a look at all things November. First up? Veteran's Day as seen and observed, honored and created by little fingers. As the spouse of a Navy man and the Mother-in-Law of two servicemen I have a warm place in my heart for all things patriotic. 

Here are some images from kindergarten where a 'Project Based Learning' approach was taken prior to my arrival for my author/illustrator school visit. These first several shots are from that article at my own blog. Click here to see the article in its entirety. There are literally a gazillion flags created in every possible medium from cotton balls to computer! 

Here's my picture book, "Red, White and Blue" that would be the perfect book and song combo for your Veteran's Day observance with young children. Flags. Patriotic. Purple mountains. A land of diverse people. All things America. Perfect for 'performance.' 

Here's my pinboard of all things Americana. {Click pic} 

Patriotism knows no age limit. 

The classic handprint flag above was created by loving preschool fingers. 

In my role now as author and illustrator I get to visit beyond my "PreK+K" threshold. Look what unfolded just a couple of weeks ago, as I visited in South Carolina. I got to visit in the first grade classroom as they created art in response to my work. 

Here's an amazing collaborative 'quilt' created by mature 2nd graders in Indianapolis. I was with them last spring on a mid-west tour to conclude the school year. If we in the ECE arena, develop skills and interest..... look what is possible with maturity! 

Read to the conclusion to see how you can *WIN* yourself a copy of my digital files for this song, which will include 2 Mp3 versions: one is sung as a song and the other is instrumental only, suitable for your performance. 

Now let's shift our attention from flags and Veterans to Pilgrims and Turkeys! 

Here's a Mayflower Thanksgiving Bulletin Board Display! 

Paper plate pilgrims! 

I saw these kinder-pilgrims in Texas last year. 

These kinder drawn native American Indians were drawn by Kindergarten children. I have a lengthy article on my blog around the portrayal of Indians as it relates to the historic perception of Thanksgiving. Click here to go to learn my concern of the inherent 'racism' that can unfold as we simplify history for our youngest learners. 

And now? 
TURKEYS 
TURKEYS and
YES, MORE TURKEYS! 

Heading to NAEYC this month? 
My workshop presentation is Thursday morning,
 bright and early at 8:00 a.m. 

Come see me in person at my booth #1213!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway