Jan 112013
 

by Esther Jantzen, guest poster

Children thrive when grown-ups point out their good qualities and the things they are doing well. Compliments are some of the best gifts you can give your child.

This activity teaches kids words they might not know. Here are several ways to do it: below are 45 words for positive traits. See if you can add 15 more to the list:

Active, determined, kind, adventurous, energetic, lively, artistic, enthusiastic, loving, aware, expressive, observant, beautiful, forgiving, open, bold, friendly, patient, brave, generous, powerful, bright, gentle, ready-to-learn, capable, handsome, respectful, caring, happy, responsible, changing, hard-working, sensitive, confident, honest strong, cooperative, imaginative, thoughtful, creative, inventive, unique, dependable, joyful, wise

1) Write each family member’s name on a separate piece of paper. Either alone or with others, write as many positive words as you can think of to describe each person. Give the paper to them.

2) When you find a family member doing a positive behavior, tell them! Tell them the specific instance when you saw that behavior. For example, say, “You sure were being gentle when you held that kitten.” Or, “I liked how energetically and quickly you picked up the papers from the floor.”

Compliments supports the English-Language Arts Content Standards related to vocabulary and concept development.

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

Dec 282012
 

 by Esther Jantzen, guest poster

Children love to show their parents or others what they’re doing and learning.  This activity is a way for family members, including the grown-ups, to demonstrate what they are interested in or enjoy. It helps kids become confident when they talk or perform in front of others. It’s wonderful to see the light in their faces when they feel successful! Here is a way to do this activity:

1) Plan a Family Show & Tell evening. Decide the date and time in advance so each person can prepare something to show. Make a big, fun deal of this occasion. You might want to order pizza or make special food, and invite relatives or friends.

2) All family members (even the adults) get time on ‘stage’ and everyone’s undivided attention. Here are some show ideas. You and your children may think of others:

Show a school paper, a drawing, a toy, or something you made. Sing a song or dance to your favorite music.  Show how to crochet, knit, or do origami.  Show how to build or cook something.  Show how to do karate, judo or martial arts. Tell a joke or story, do a comedy routine, an impersonation, or a short skit.  Play a musical instrument. Read a short-short story or a poem or even a rap.

3) Find a space in your house where everyone can sit together. Decide where the ‘presenter’ will stand or sit, and who will go first. (Sometimes you may need to go outside for a presentation.)

4) Let the show begin! If someone is very afraid to do this, let them ‘pass’ and encourage them for the next Showtime! This is intended to be fun. Laugh together and enjoy! Rules for Showtime!

  • Everyone has to listen to or watch the person presenting.
  • Only positive comments are allowed.
  • Everyone claps after each person’s presentation. Make this a family tradition that you do once or twice a year, or even more often!
  • Take a few pictures.

Showtime! supports the English-Language Arts Content Standards related to oral communication, speaking applications, and oral delivery strategies. 

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

Apr 042010
 

 By Esther Jantzen, guest poster

Singing songs with kids is magical! Making music in any way stimulates the brain, brings happiness, and creates a sense of belonging. How about making your house a singing house regardless of how well any of you stay on pitch. Babies, toddlers, preschool children, elementary students, middle-school kids, high-schoolers all love to sing together. When you have time with your kids and want to do something fun, make music in your home. Whenever you get a chance, sing! Here ís what you can do:

1) Almost everyone in our culture knows certain songs like Old MacDonald,Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, Row, Row, Row Your Boat, and I’m a Little Teapot. Sing these and other common tunes to your kids. If you don’t know them, get a recording and play it for your children.

2) Make up your own songs to familiar tunes. Choose words that fit your family’s interests like, Dribble, dribble, dribble your ball… or Mom and Dad, they had a house, e-i-e-i-o….

3) Sing when you’re driving somewhere. Sing when you’re out on a walk. Sing every day. Singing conveys love. It touches us deeply.

 4) Do you remember songs you learned as a child? Songs you learned at school, in your place of worship, or from radio or TV ads. Do you know lullabies? Have you passed them on to your children? It makes a great family tradition to pass songs on. Do you love opera or gospel or blues? Sing with your kids.

5) Moving with music activates parts of the brain that might not get exercise another way. Play a lively song and dance free-form . March to your own music. Strut to your own songs.

6) Have your kids teach you songs they’ve learned. If they have a favorite song and don’t know the words, look them up on the internet or in a song book.

Write the words down and carry them with you until the kids know them.   * Family Music Month supports the English-Language Arts Content Standards related to listening and speaking strategies.

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