High Quality Compliments!

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

SHOWTIME!

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

Can They Afford to be Bored?

May 242012
 
Mechanic's Grip diagram used to illustrate the...

(Mechanic's Grip diagram used to illustrate the way to hold playing cards for magic tricks or cheating. Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I love language and am intrigued by its power.  And today I find myself thinking about a little two-word combo that holds big power for so many parents.  Wondering what they are?

So many possibilities, right?  “Think big.” “Live strong.” “Time flies.” “Forever love.” “Take action.” “Make memories.” “See success.” “Finally bedtime.”

All good… but not nearly as powerful as these. Ready?

“I’m bored.”

(To get the full impact try hearing them pronounced like this:  ‘I’m bo-ooo-r-ud’)

Think I’m exaggerating?  Think about the number of times that, upon hearing this set of ‘magic words,’ you’ve seen parents leap into action like super heroes.  The quickly search their repertoire of activities and entertainment to find that one special thing that will quickly put an end to the dreaded condition called boredom.

What’s wrong with this picture?

It makes me wonder why so many parents believe that boredom is bad and  it’s their job to ‘fix’ it.  If  we respond like cruise ship activities directors on steroids what are we doing for our kids?  What do they take away from our behavior?

Actions can undermine both words and intention.  Our behavior could be saying:

• You deserve to be passively entertained.

• Your uncomfortable feelings are very important.

• Uncomfortable feelings should be avoided at all costs.

• Someone or something outside of you is responsible for ‘fixing’ your feelings.

And even if  those aren’t their take-way messages, have you given thought to what happens when you’re not around to entertain them? And, if we build our schedules and priorities around filling and enriching and stimulating their ever waking moment, how will they  function as part of a group or in a classroom setting?

I’m a huge fan of introducing children (and grown-ups) to new ideas and experiences.  Novelty is great.  And so is management.  How can we help kids develop the ability to manage boredom on their own?

We live in an amazing time with now shortage of things to learn and do and think about and try.  And, given the opportunity, our kids will discover their passions and interests. But giving them that opportunity means we need to manage some of our own uncomfortable feelings  long enough to let them figure it out.

They’ll amaze you.

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