Children build self confidence through free play

Video on play

How the Decline of Free Play May Have Caused a Decline in Sense of Control and in Intrinsic Goals, and a Rise in Anxiety and Depression
As I pointed out in my posts of July 22 and July 29, 2009--and as others have pointed out in recent popular books[5]--children's freedom to play and explore on their own, independent of direct adult guidance and direction, has declined greatly in recent decades. Free play and exploration are, historically, the means by which children learn to solve their own problems, control their own lives, develop their own interests, and become competent in pursuit of their own interests. This has been the theme of many of my previous posts (see, for example, the series of posts on "The Value of Play" beginning with Nov. 19, 2008). In fact, play, by definition, is activity controlled and directed by the players; and play, by definition, is directed toward intrinsic rather than extrinsic goals (see definition of play).

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-learn/201001/the-decline-play-and-rise-in-childrens-mental-disorders

18 Foods With a Bad rap that are actually good for you

Family organization tip

Family organization tip. I am starting a series of posts on tips to save time for family at home or work.

Today's tip is how to cut back on the monster piles of laundry that build up.  I picked up 3 laundry baskets from the dollar store, took a sharpie and put each family member's name on one basket. 

I cut the laundry workload into thirds.  It seems like a very simple tip but it saves a lot of time, teaches kids responsibility and makes your family rethink about changing their outfit 3 times a day!

Incentive for kids. Give an allowance amount for each load that is completed. When your child asks for that new game or toy they can save up for it.  They will look at laundry as dollar signs instead of a chore.

ASA Calendar September 2015

Learning to Share - Conflict Resolution for Parents and Child Care Providers

By Melissa Newby
If your child is in child care, it's likely that you'll eventually disagree with something your child care provider does or says. Recognizing when to say something, and how to approach the subject with your provider, will help maintain a positive relationship between you and your child care provider and a healthy environment for your child.
The best way to resolve a conflict is to never let it happen in the first place. Make sure you communicate with your child care provider, letting them know your expectations about the care you want your child to receive. If there are things that you absolutely want a certain way, like your child not watching any television or eating sweets, make sure you discuss them in the initial interview. It's also important to understand that parents and providers can have different views regarding appropriate ways to raise a child. Understanding that your provider may not do things exactly as you would, but that your child is still receiving quality care, is vital in preventing conflict.
Despite the best communication, you still may disagree with something your child care provider does while caring for your child. Try to say something as soon as you notice an issue. The longer you let an issue go, the more chance there is for it to grow into something bigger. Also, the sooner you address the issue, the sooner you can resolve it and clear the air in your relationship. Not addressing the problem right away could create enough stress with your provider that you are not able to repair the relationship and may need to find a new provider.
Ask your provider for a time to discuss the issue. If possible, choose a time when you and your provider can talk without distractions. Don't talk in the doorway with your child tugging at your leg or when your provider is trying to manage 6 toddlers. Allowing you both to focus on the conversation will help you hear what each other is saying and really understand each other.
Explain your concern in simple terms, but do not accuse or blame your provider. Use statements like, "I have a concern about how much television Mike is watching", instead of, "You are letting Mike watch too much television". Both statements give the same message, but the delivery style of the first one is less accusing and will help foster a better discussion. You are both invested in the care of your child, and being able to discuss any issues rationally and openly will help your child receive quality care. Discuss the behavior that concerned you, why it concerned you, and what you would like done to correct the situation. Listen carefully to your provider so she can explain her thoughts on the situation. There may be safety or logistics reasons why your provider is doing something a certain way.
Once you have discussed the issue, restate the solution that you both agreed on. That way, you can make sure you both understand what the next steps are and how the issue is going to be resolved. A question like, "Do you feel comfortable with the solution we decided on", is a good way to make sure you both are on the same page, and gives your provider the chance to say if something is still bothering her.
Source: Child Care Lounge

What Your Provider Wants You to Know: But is Afraid to Tell You

Here is an open letter to parents written from the perspective of a daycare provider or preschool teacher.

• I am a professional. I may have chosen this line of work because I love children and I enjoy my job, but this is still my job/business. I have received specialized education and/or training to be a caregiver and educator for young children. I am not a babysitter; I am a professional.
• I am not getting rich. In many places child care workers make less than public sanitation workers, secretaries and other jobs that require a lot less education and experience. I do get paid in smiles, hugs and recognition of appreciation from families.
• I need you to read all material and notices. I am counting on you to know the information I send to you in writing. This includes newsletters, notes and contract material.
• It is important that you communicate with me. Let me know in advance if there will be a change in your child’s schedule, or the services you will need.
• If I ask you to bring in supplies for your child, please do. And make sure supplies are replenished as needed. This may include extra clothes, art supplies, diapers etc.
• Remember your child is not the only child in my care. Although I do my best to provide individualized attention at times, I am often unable to change polices or disrupt plans to accommodate the needs of one family.
• Please do not send your child if they are ill. If they are too ill to participate in the day’s activities they are too ill to be in care. I need to protect the health of other children as well. If your child is or was ill, please notify me.
• I recognize that you are the most important person in the child’s life. I hope that we can work as a partnership for what is best for the child. Please share with me any concerns or questions about your child’s care and development. Work with me in helping your child learn, grow and develop.

Source: Childcare Lounge

Volunteer week

First I wanted to give gratitude to After School Artist children for being so helpful towards each other and others and how well they follow instruction. I am so proud.

Today we will be cleaning windows at a business for our volunteer work.  After we will plan on heading to some location that contains a water activity.  Parents contact me for specifics.

Our current art activities are finishing our hand-made, hand painted puppet show theater box and rehearsing for our puppet show.

We will also be working with clay!  The kids have been asking to work with clay for sometime now.

Academics: We took a trip to the library and will be reading some new books together and working on some Reggio inspired math.

Thank you for one my clients suggesting a quick online resource for the day to day activities for After School Arts.  There will be more online resources up ahead in the future. Stay tuned.