Those baby letters are just as important as the capitals!
A growing trend, according to many Kindergarten teachers and trickled down to us in the child care profession, is that many children are great at their ABC's but they do not know what those little ones are supposed to be.
So, we have been informally asked to make sure that we include those baby letters in our learning activities. Parents who are their childs primary teacher should also keep this in mind.
The following worksheet looks better and is available as a PDF file and a DOCX file if you are interested in printing it!
=============================================================
I know my ABC’s
Baby Letters
*I can say* *I can sound out* *I can spot* *I can write*
a b c d e f g h i j k
l m n o p q r s t u
v w x y z
Notes: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Child’s Name: __________________________
Date: _______________
INSTRUCTIONS
Set aside a few minutes where you can sit down with a child one on one.
*I can say*
Say a letter and have the child repeat it to you. Circle the letters that they can say.
*I can sound out*
Say or show the child a letter, have them make the letter sound. (A sounds like it’s name and like ah) Circle the letters they can sound out.
*I can spot*
Use flashcards (any kind with baby letters), and see if they can recognize them. Circle the letters that they know.
*I can write*
Use flashcards, blank paper, writing tablet, etc. Have the child write the letter. Circle the letters that they can do.
Use the Notes section to jot down praise, encouragements, and ways you can work on improving these skills at child care and what parents can work on at home.
Keep a copy for your records and send a copy home with parents.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
"Q" (2/26/10)
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
~Theodore Roosevelt
Thoughts
Live in the moment, use your resources wisely, and achieve success to the best of your ability. Those are the thoughts that pop into my head when I hear or read this quote.
As a Child Care Provider, you need to keep costs as low as possible, come up with last minute activities, and keep those kids entertained. There are so many businesses out there who have tailored their services to target you. Lesson and activity plans for $5.00 (and that may be on the cheap end) per child, catalogs of every shape and color with thousands of indoor/outdoor/indestructible/multicultural/ bilingual/edible/nonedible THINGS. Do you need them? Probably not!
Use the skills you have gained from trainings and workshops, from activity books, and the internet to create project, learning experiences, and activity ideas. A little bit of this and a little bit of that and you have a masterpiece! Children are more than likely more enthused with the recycling box than choosing from boxes and boxes of toys.
Every moment in a child care setting can be turned into a learning activity. Stop worrying that you aren’t sending enough stuff home with the children. Who has room on their fridge for all of that anyway? What you are putting into their heads is more important and most parents will understand that. Your job is to fill them up with learning experiences that are fun and will stick.
As a member of society, we need to realize that there has to be an end to all this consumerism. We need to start using our resources wisely. If you can’t use it, give it to someone who can. If you aren’t going to need it in the next month, don’t purchase it. If it can be recycled, reused, or regifted, then do it!
As a parent, you are responsible for helping your child make positive choices when they are an adult. If they see you being innovative, they will strive for that also! And don’t get upset when your child comes home empty handed from child care. They probably learned how to be a great friend through sharing and not hitting, made a yummy snack or other edible artwork, or played a super fun game. Your provider has been trained for other things besides what we can put on our fridges. Remember to thank them for all of their hard work!
Quote Source
Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States. You can learn more about him at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Roosevelt.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Newsletter IdeaBox (2/25/10)
Celebrate A Birthday
Wether you do weekly, biweekly, or monthly newsletters, you can include upcoming birthdays in your newsletter! I know around here, sometimes we have no birthdays one month, and the next we are celebrating three or more! So, if you are struggling to come up with ideas for your newsletters, this is a great topic to start with.
The Basics
Happy Birthday “Child’s Name”!
They love to see their name in print!
Date and Age
When is their birthday and how old will they be?
Photos
Include a recent photo, or a series of photos from years past. They can see how much they’ve grown since their first day at your child care!
Extras
Do a “birthday interview” for the newsletter. Ask questions like: What’s your favorite color?, What’s the best food to eat at a party?, What is your favorite game to play? These will be special in the future, when their birthday pops up again next year!
Do a follow up for the next newsletter. Take photos if you are having cupcakes, if they will be opening a present, or if the children play a special game to celebrate.
Wether you do weekly, biweekly, or monthly newsletters, you can include upcoming birthdays in your newsletter! I know around here, sometimes we have no birthdays one month, and the next we are celebrating three or more! So, if you are struggling to come up with ideas for your newsletters, this is a great topic to start with.
The Basics
Happy Birthday “Child’s Name”!
They love to see their name in print!
Date and Age
When is their birthday and how old will they be?
Photos
Include a recent photo, or a series of photos from years past. They can see how much they’ve grown since their first day at your child care!
Extras
Do a “birthday interview” for the newsletter. Ask questions like: What’s your favorite color?, What’s the best food to eat at a party?, What is your favorite game to play? These will be special in the future, when their birthday pops up again next year!
Do a follow up for the next newsletter. Take photos if you are having cupcakes, if they will be opening a present, or if the children play a special game to celebrate.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
BizToolz 4 Providers (2/24/10)
Bulletin Boards
Having at least one bulletin board in a high traffic area (entry way, or check in) is very important for your business! Not only is it a great place to post children’s artwork, it can be used to post news and other important things relating to your child care. It does not need to be elaborate, or changed frequently, but you should declutter and post new things about every other week, so parents keep interested in looking it over.
The Basics
You can sometimes find bulletin boards at your local thrift shop, which you can cover with decorative or plain paper. If you do not want to purchase used, you can find large or small bulletin boards at department stores and office supply stores.
Keep your board(s) at eye level for adults. This will keep pins and magnets out of reach of the children also.
What to post about your business: (on or around your board)
Having at least one bulletin board in a high traffic area (entry way, or check in) is very important for your business! Not only is it a great place to post children’s artwork, it can be used to post news and other important things relating to your child care. It does not need to be elaborate, or changed frequently, but you should declutter and post new things about every other week, so parents keep interested in looking it over.
The Basics
You can sometimes find bulletin boards at your local thrift shop, which you can cover with decorative or plain paper. If you do not want to purchase used, you can find large or small bulletin boards at department stores and office supply stores.
What to post about your business: (on or around your board)
- Your License-Framed
- A calendar
- Your newsletter
- Emergency Phone Numbers, Emergency Escape Route, Other forms required by your state to be posted
- Your newest training certificate
- Your training log
Fun stuff to post:
- Newest photos
- Artwork by the children
- News clippings that have your business or one of the children in them
Extras:
- Articles from your favorite magazines or newspaper
- Area contact numbers (for Human Services, Shelters, etc)
- Community events and news
As you can see, there are many things you can post on a bulletin board that are important to your child care! This list is by no means complete, there is so much more this tool can be used for.
What are your favorite things to post on your bulletin boards?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Skillz 2 Grow (ABC Capitals)
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the day to day, that we may forget that the little ones in our lives need to learn their Life Skills from us and the other adults in their lives.
There are many things that children need to or should be able to do when they get to Kindergarten. Your children are expected to know their ABC's-how to say them at the very least.
Providers play an important role in a childs learning development, but it doesn't stop there, parents need to be aware that they are the best teacher for their children! We as providers have access to tools and information that maybe parents haven't heard about before or thought about. This kind of worksheet is one of them.
Periodically testing a child's knowledge will help you to know what a child excels at and what more you should be working on.
The following worksheet looks better and is available as a PDF file and a DOCX file if you are interested in printing it!
=============================
I know my ABC’s
Capital Letters
*I can say* *I can sound out* *I can spot* *I can write*
A B C D E F G H I J K
L M N O P Q R S T U
V W X Y Z
Notes: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Child’s Name: __________________________ Date: _______________
INSTRUCTIONS
Set aside a few minutes where you can sit down with a child one on one.
*I can say*
Say a letter and have the child repeat it to you. Circle the letters that they can say.
*I can sound out*
Say or show the child a letter, have them make the letter sound. (A sounds like it’s name and like ah) Circle the letters they can sound out.
*I can spot*
Use flashcards (any kind with capital letters), and see if they can recognize them. Circle the letters that they know.
*I can write*
Use flashcards, blank paper, writing tablet, etc. Have the child write the letter. Circle the letters that they can do.
Use the Notes section to jot down praise, encouragements, and ways you can work on improving these skills at child care and what parents can work on at home.
Keep a copy for your records and send a copy home with parents.
There are many things that children need to or should be able to do when they get to Kindergarten. Your children are expected to know their ABC's-how to say them at the very least.
Providers play an important role in a childs learning development, but it doesn't stop there, parents need to be aware that they are the best teacher for their children! We as providers have access to tools and information that maybe parents haven't heard about before or thought about. This kind of worksheet is one of them.
Periodically testing a child's knowledge will help you to know what a child excels at and what more you should be working on.
The following worksheet looks better and is available as a PDF file and a DOCX file if you are interested in printing it!
=============================
I know my ABC’s
Capital Letters
*I can say* *I can sound out* *I can spot* *I can write*
A B C D E F G H I J K
L M N O P Q R S T U
V W X Y Z
Notes: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Child’s Name: __________________________ Date: _______________
INSTRUCTIONS
Set aside a few minutes where you can sit down with a child one on one.
*I can say*
Say a letter and have the child repeat it to you. Circle the letters that they can say.
*I can sound out*
Say or show the child a letter, have them make the letter sound. (A sounds like it’s name and like ah) Circle the letters they can sound out.
*I can spot*
Use flashcards (any kind with capital letters), and see if they can recognize them. Circle the letters that they know.
*I can write*
Use flashcards, blank paper, writing tablet, etc. Have the child write the letter. Circle the letters that they can do.
Use the Notes section to jot down praise, encouragements, and ways you can work on improving these skills at child care and what parents can work on at home.
Keep a copy for your records and send a copy home with parents.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Online Tools 4 Kidz (2-22-10)
What It Is
TumbleBook Library
Where It's At
http://www.tumblebooks.com/library/asp/home_tumblebooks.asp
Who It's For
Early Readers. There are many schools that use this service in the classroom.
Why it's a great website for kids
Animated Storybooks are a really great way to make reading and learning fun for children.
Puzzles kids love them! With online puzzles, you are helping to teach not only matching, problem solving skills, the kids are learning how to control the mouse and other basic computer skills.
Incorporating This Website into your Childcare or Home
There is such a great selection of storybooks, it's nice to take a "time out" and relax for a story.
Themes searching is also available with the following: Adventure, Arts, Culture, Friends/Family, Health/Saftey, Holidays, Nature, Numbers/Letters, School, Sports/Activities. See if there is a storybook or puzzle that goes along with the theme you are using right now.
Skillz 4 School
Reading, Computer, Plus whatever theme you want to incorporate!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
BizToolz 4 Providers (2/17/10)
Newsletters
Creating a monthly or weekly newsletter for your business is a great way to connect with your parents. We do weekly invoicing at our child care, and our newsletter is on the back side of that. Sounds like a lot of work right? Not really, if you have a basic pattern and keep a folder for ideas!
The Basics
Use Microsoft Word (we have 2007) or an equivalent. They have some great templates available that you can use as a starting point.
Heading
Have a title for your newsletter. We use our business name. Because we use this with our invoices, we don’t number the issues. Instead we use the period of time the invoice is for. Our title spot contains:
Country Sunshine Kidz Kare
Invoice for the week of: Friday, February 12th to Thursday, February 18th
Payments Due: Monday, February 22nd
Contact Information
Have your business information located on the newsletter. This should contain your business name, your name, address, phone numbers, e-mail address, and website.
Calendar of Events
Have a Calendar of Events. You can post upcoming days that you are closed, school is out, holidays, parties, and birthdays. If it’s a special date or meeting that involves your child care-this can be posted in your Calendar of Events.
These basics take up a lot of the page! See how easy this can be!
Extras
Important Information or Notes of Interest
We love our newsletter because it is a tool that when used wisely, can avoid a lot of conflict. If you are having an issue with one parent, including a reminder about policies in your newsletter is an easy way to broach the topic without singling anyone out. Something that we frequently put in ours is: Please make sure your children bring the appropriate gear for the weather! If needed, include what items should be worn for playing outside in the snow or mud.
Sometimes we’ll post a Policy Reminder such as our Late Fee Policy or Sick Child Policy. Things that parents may forget about that are in our contract and Provider Handbook can be included in your newsletter when needed.
Articles of Interest
If you read an article online or in a magazine, or pick up a tidbit from a training, and you think it’s relevant or something your parents should be aware of, include that in your newsletter. Always always always post your source!
There are a lot of places online that you can get ideas and information from also. Our Food Program’s Website has articles that are targeted for parents that we are free to use for our own newsletters. Perhaps yours does this also!
Quotes, Songs, Nursery Rhymes, Other space fillers
If you have a quote that you find inspirational, include that in a newsletter! Some other great fillers are songs, nursery rhymes, brain teasers, or jokes for the kids to tell. Remember, children love to be included in everything!
Projects and Pictures
Include projects, pictures of projects, and pictures of the children in your newsletter. Parents like to see their children’s artwork on display and so do the artists!
Length and Delivery
If you decide to do a weekly newsletter, one page should suffice. Parents are busy people, and so are you. Don’t make this too complicated or a chore. For a monthly newsletter, two to three pages is a good length. You’ll have more news to report and a bigger Calendar of Events.
Coming Soon
I’ll be posting more newsletter ideas that you can use for your newsletters. You can copy and paste them directly to your word program! Also, if you ever want to see what our newsletters look like for ideas, send me a message, I’d be happy to e-mail you a PDF file!
Remember, used wisely, newsletters can be a great tool for your business. Have fun with them!
~Da’Nela
Creating a monthly or weekly newsletter for your business is a great way to connect with your parents. We do weekly invoicing at our child care, and our newsletter is on the back side of that. Sounds like a lot of work right? Not really, if you have a basic pattern and keep a folder for ideas!
The Basics
Use Microsoft Word (we have 2007) or an equivalent. They have some great templates available that you can use as a starting point.
Heading
Have a title for your newsletter. We use our business name. Because we use this with our invoices, we don’t number the issues. Instead we use the period of time the invoice is for. Our title spot contains:
Country Sunshine Kidz Kare
Invoice for the week of: Friday, February 12th to Thursday, February 18th
Payments Due: Monday, February 22nd
Contact Information
Have your business information located on the newsletter. This should contain your business name, your name, address, phone numbers, e-mail address, and website.
Calendar of Events
Have a Calendar of Events. You can post upcoming days that you are closed, school is out, holidays, parties, and birthdays. If it’s a special date or meeting that involves your child care-this can be posted in your Calendar of Events.
These basics take up a lot of the page! See how easy this can be!
Extras
Important Information or Notes of Interest
We love our newsletter because it is a tool that when used wisely, can avoid a lot of conflict. If you are having an issue with one parent, including a reminder about policies in your newsletter is an easy way to broach the topic without singling anyone out. Something that we frequently put in ours is: Please make sure your children bring the appropriate gear for the weather! If needed, include what items should be worn for playing outside in the snow or mud.
Sometimes we’ll post a Policy Reminder such as our Late Fee Policy or Sick Child Policy. Things that parents may forget about that are in our contract and Provider Handbook can be included in your newsletter when needed.
Articles of Interest
If you read an article online or in a magazine, or pick up a tidbit from a training, and you think it’s relevant or something your parents should be aware of, include that in your newsletter. Always always always post your source!
There are a lot of places online that you can get ideas and information from also. Our Food Program’s Website has articles that are targeted for parents that we are free to use for our own newsletters. Perhaps yours does this also!
Quotes, Songs, Nursery Rhymes, Other space fillers
If you have a quote that you find inspirational, include that in a newsletter! Some other great fillers are songs, nursery rhymes, brain teasers, or jokes for the kids to tell. Remember, children love to be included in everything!
Projects and Pictures
Include projects, pictures of projects, and pictures of the children in your newsletter. Parents like to see their children’s artwork on display and so do the artists!
Length and Delivery
If you decide to do a weekly newsletter, one page should suffice. Parents are busy people, and so are you. Don’t make this too complicated or a chore. For a monthly newsletter, two to three pages is a good length. You’ll have more news to report and a bigger Calendar of Events.
Coming Soon
I’ll be posting more newsletter ideas that you can use for your newsletters. You can copy and paste them directly to your word program! Also, if you ever want to see what our newsletters look like for ideas, send me a message, I’d be happy to e-mail you a PDF file!
Remember, used wisely, newsletters can be a great tool for your business. Have fun with them!
~Da’Nela
Monday, February 15, 2010
Online Tools 4 Kidz (2-15-10)
What It Is
Coloring.com
Where It's At
http://www.coloring.com/
Who It's For
PreK+
Why it's a great website for kids
Coloring, who doesn't love to color?! Kids can use the "color palette" to color pages online, or you can print them out and they can color them with crayons.
Extra Features, after you complete your page, you have the option of emailing it to friends and family, save it to your computer, or posting it somewhere online using html (which is a cut and paste code).
Incorporating This Website into your Childcare or Home
Have the children take turns picking out and coloring a page online, or choose coloring pages to print that go along with your current theme.
If you have your own business website, you can feature some of the pages that the kids have colored on your home page!
Themes available include Spring, Earth Day, Easter, Cats, Space, Animals, Pirates, United States, and many many more!
Other Notes
It's completely FREE!
Membership is free and provides you with a gallery for your coloring pages. Keep updated by following Coloring.com on twitter.
Skillz 4 School
Colors, Reading, Computer, Cooperation and Friendship
Friday, February 12, 2010
"Q" 2-12-10
"Children are our most valuable natural resource."
~Herbert Hoover
Thoughts
In 15 to 20 years, the children of today will be entering the work force, entering college and planning a career, or both. What kind of jobs do you want your children to have?
It's important to look ahead to the future. Plan now to give your child the tools they are going to need for success.
As a Child Care Provider, you also have a responsibility to give children life skills. When children enter the school system, they need to be able to follow direction and have some basic education. You have the ability to make learning these basics fun everyday occurrances.
As a member of society, whether you have children or not, it's important to keep in mind that pretty soon, these children will be providing services for us. Do you want them to be responsible and caring adults? Get involved with some volunteer opportunities in your area.
It really does take a community to raise a child to become a responsible and caring adult.
Quote Source
Herbert Hoover was the 31st President of the United States. You can find out more about him at Wikipedia.org
Monday, February 1, 2010
Online Tools 4 Kidz (2-1-10)
What It Is
Sing Along Songs @ NEHS.gov
Where It's At
http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/music.htm#index
Who It's For
All Ages
Why it's a great website for kids
Karaoke, Kids love music and dancing and singing. They love to learn new songs and sing them for hours!
Lyrics, most of the songs have the lyrics posted for you to sing along to the music.
Incorporating This Website into your Childcare or Home
You can use this website for your daily Calendar/Circle Time, as your online activity, or as an addition to your current theme.
Themes available include Movies/Musicals, Holidays, Patriotic, and Children's.
Other Notes
It's a free website operated by NIEHS, which is a Federal government agency.
It's easy to find songs your kids will love to sing!
Skillz 4 School
Language, Rhythm, Movement, Reducing Stress
Online Tools 4 Kidz ~ All Links
Music
Sing Along Songs @ NEHS.gov
http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/music.htm#index
Print 'N Play
Coloring Pages online or to print @ coloring.com
http://www.coloring.com
StoryBooks and Reading
TumbleBook Library
http://www.tumblebooks.com/library/asp/home_tumblebooks.asp
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