What You Do Speaks So Loudly…

Nov 172009
 

What you do speaks so loudly…

… I can’t hear what you’re saying.

There are so many situations in life where this little reminder comes in handy. I remember once hearing a speaker saying how much he really disliked those bumper stickers that say “I’d Rather Be…” (sailing, golfing…   you know the ones…. fill in your own blank).

It was his reason for disliking them that caught my ear.  He went on to say that he didn’t like them because they were dishonest. “If people would truly rather be sailing, they would take the steps and make the sacrifices necessary to make it happen.”

It was one of those things that has stayed with me. I think of it when I start to make an excuse for not exercising or when I kid myself that I am “too busy” for people or activities that are important to me. I think of it when people tell me they want to write a book but “don’t have time.”

Kids are amazing when it comes to spotting the inconsistencies between what we say and what we do. And, like in any other situation, we can make excuses — or use their insights to become better.

That’s what came to mind when a friend sent me this video. What does it bring to mind for you?

 

More Effort = More Fun?

Nov 102009
 

It’s hard to think about work as it’s own reward… but it’s an idea that makes a lot of sense. Work well done leads to the kind of self esteem that comes from confidence and knowledge that we can take care of ourselves.

So many of us struggle to balance conflicting responsibilities — work, home, kids, social, spiritual — that keeping regular exercise prioritized in our schedules can be a challenge.

Can this be the answer? Enjoy.

 

P.S.  Happy Birthday, USMC.

USE ANOTHER WORD

Nov 062009
 

by Esther Jantzen, guest poster

 This game can be played anywhere, anytime, for as long as it feels fun! It’s good when you are driving in the car, walking to school, eating supper, reading together, or just relaxing. It’s a synonym game. A synonym is another word for something. For instance, “lad” is a synonym for “boy.” Learning new synonyms can really build a child’s vocabulary rapidly!

Here are some ways to play this synonym game:

1) When you are reading a book to a child and come across a word for a feeling like “happy” or “sad,” see if you or the child can think of another word that means the same thing like “joyful” or “tearful.” 

2) When you are driving or walking, see how many words you and the children can think of to describe actions that some animal might do. For example, if you see a dog running on a sidewalk, ask, “What is another word for “run”? Some possibilities might be “sprint,” “dash,” “lope, “jog,” or “scamper.”

3) Say to your child, “I’m thinking of another word for ___. Can you guess what it is?” For example  “I’m thinking of another word for “fast.” Can you guess what it is?” The answer might be “speedy, “quick”, “swift,” or “rapid.” It’s fine to give hints like, “The word I’m thinking of rhymes with _____ “or “It starts with…” 

4) When you’re watching television or listening to the radio, pick some word you hear and see if you can find a few different ways to say it (during a commercial, of course).

 

Esther Jantzen, Ed.D, is a mother, an educator and the author of Plus It! How to Easily Turn Everyday Activities into Learning Adventures for Kids available at www.plusitbook.com and the Way to Go! Family Learning Journal available through www.jantzenbooks.com

 Older Entries  Newer Entries