I'm sitting here thinking of all the things that are just running around in my head, and don't even know what I want to let out. There is so much I take on and take care of, and sometimes it's hard to let go of some of that stuff, even when I know it's for my best that I do.
Being a mom is one of my most favorite things ever. I have the coolest kids, and you are free to disagree that yours are cooler, I know my truth. 😄 I've gotten to watch as my dolly crafts a costume out of notebook paper and yarn for her brother. It's so cool! She is figuring out how to make all the pieces work together, and how to get it to stay on him without ripping. My big kid has been working on his computer and piano skills- he's coming along amazingly at both. And my super bud is just being so patient as his sister makes his costume. They are creative, and smart, and funny, and just fun to be around.
I love my work. I get to hang out with babies all day, and about 90% of the time they are the cutest and most amazing little people ever. *(The other 10% is crying and poopy diapers. No one loves that.) I love that I get to go to work somewhere I love with people I enjoy doing something I'm really good at every day. I get to make a difference for so many people, and it is the most amazing ever.
I have my classwork coming up. I am so excited at the opportunity to learn more, and especially to learn about how to share the things I've learned and experienced with other people. To make that difference to someone. To be a teacher is one of my greatest blessings in life.
I have my parents, five siblings, siblings-in-law, nieces, nephews. I know that there are people with larger families than me, but no matter what, family is a commitment, and takes time, attention, and care. Everyone needs something a little different, and that can take a lot out of a person.
I have my church family. I have loved meeting and connecting (or reconnecting) with the people there. There is so much support to be found and offered.
This next week, I get to be on vacation with my kids. I don't know what all we are going to do, and that is so great. We get to just be together. As much as I love all the other people and commitments in my life, I am so looking forward to all the time I get to spend with my kids. We get to spend some quality time with the cousins and some special friends who we don't get the opportunity to see as much as we would like, but there are so many things that come up in all our schedules it just doesn't happen. And we get to hang out with some new kids, and see what kinds of connections we make there.
Most of the time, it's just going to be me and them. And I can't wait! It's tough to step away from all the commitments I've made, but sometimes I have to. One thing I've learned in the last few years is that I'm not irreplaceable to the rest of the world. But to myself, to my kids, to my family... There's only one me, and I need to take care of me first sometimes.
Friday, August 25, 2017
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Preparing for Parent Aware and Infant Learning
So, the child care center where I work is preparing for our re-rating through Parent Aware. For those of you who don't know, Parent Aware is a program that works with child care centers and providers to use research based ideas to help children in child care settings be more ready for kindergarten.
Now, I will be one of the first to stand up and say that I feel that our schools, teachers, and children are being pushed into accomplishing unrealistic goals. Kindergartners are not developmentally ready for first or second grade work. Five and six year old children should never be expected to be able to accomplish the things that eight and nine year olds can and should do. But there are things that can be done with children before they ever set foot in a classroom that can help them be set up for success once they get to kindergarten. Even as an infant teacher, there are things that I need to do to be able to help my little learners get the best start possible.
Teach children that learning is fun, or at least interesting. Creating an environment that promotes exploration and discovery on the child's terms allows a child to see that they have the ability to choose for themselves what interests them. They can make things happen. They can become immersed in stacking cups or rings, climbing into or out of a bucket, standing up and falling back down as they try out their legs. They can make the baby in the mirror smile and wave an arm or kick a leg. And all of this shows children that learning in a common, natural thing for them to do.
Make learning possible. If a child is consistently in front of a screen, or tucked into an infant seat/swing, they are not going to learn about movement opportunities. They won't learn the wonder of being outside, and feeling the grass or the sand or how it feels to swing. You have to make learning possible for children by giving them a place that encourages interaction with the environment. Take them outside and let them see the trees and insects, let them play with the sand and grass (and yes, if you have infants, they will probably try to eat both. It's usually not a big deal.)
Give them opportunities to try out new things that they haven't done before. I have a couple baby friends who are around the 9 month mark. They just started participating in our art experiences that involve paint brushes and crayons. And they love it! They get the biggest smiles as they swing their arms back and forth and color or paint their paper (or their teachers or the floor!) Just remember that everything washes, even the children.
Also, these children are beginning to pull themselves to stand, and get themselves around the room under their own power. These moments are huge for an infant. For the first times in their lives, these children are able to make a decision about what they want and get themselves to their goal. Create a space that allows movement, and encourage the opportunity. Trust me, I know how fun it is to snuggle that squishy baby, but let them do their own thing. They will thank you for it. Promise.
Lastly, for here at least, TALK TO THEM! Let them know the correct words for what they are doing, the things they are learning, what they are feeling, where they are going, reading to them. Children learn language by listening to you talk. Make sure they hear you, and that you are talking and reading about a variety of topics. Teach them how to have conversations so they can express themselves, and listen to another person.
There are a million and five things that you can give to a child, but the most important is your support of their exploration. Teach them that they are capable learners, encourage them to try- even if they can't quite get it right the first time, and you will help your child become ready for the things that life is going to throw at them.
Now, I will be one of the first to stand up and say that I feel that our schools, teachers, and children are being pushed into accomplishing unrealistic goals. Kindergartners are not developmentally ready for first or second grade work. Five and six year old children should never be expected to be able to accomplish the things that eight and nine year olds can and should do. But there are things that can be done with children before they ever set foot in a classroom that can help them be set up for success once they get to kindergarten. Even as an infant teacher, there are things that I need to do to be able to help my little learners get the best start possible.
Teach children that learning is fun, or at least interesting. Creating an environment that promotes exploration and discovery on the child's terms allows a child to see that they have the ability to choose for themselves what interests them. They can make things happen. They can become immersed in stacking cups or rings, climbing into or out of a bucket, standing up and falling back down as they try out their legs. They can make the baby in the mirror smile and wave an arm or kick a leg. And all of this shows children that learning in a common, natural thing for them to do.
Make learning possible. If a child is consistently in front of a screen, or tucked into an infant seat/swing, they are not going to learn about movement opportunities. They won't learn the wonder of being outside, and feeling the grass or the sand or how it feels to swing. You have to make learning possible for children by giving them a place that encourages interaction with the environment. Take them outside and let them see the trees and insects, let them play with the sand and grass (and yes, if you have infants, they will probably try to eat both. It's usually not a big deal.)
Give them opportunities to try out new things that they haven't done before. I have a couple baby friends who are around the 9 month mark. They just started participating in our art experiences that involve paint brushes and crayons. And they love it! They get the biggest smiles as they swing their arms back and forth and color or paint their paper (or their teachers or the floor!) Just remember that everything washes, even the children.
Also, these children are beginning to pull themselves to stand, and get themselves around the room under their own power. These moments are huge for an infant. For the first times in their lives, these children are able to make a decision about what they want and get themselves to their goal. Create a space that allows movement, and encourage the opportunity. Trust me, I know how fun it is to snuggle that squishy baby, but let them do their own thing. They will thank you for it. Promise.
Lastly, for here at least, TALK TO THEM! Let them know the correct words for what they are doing, the things they are learning, what they are feeling, where they are going, reading to them. Children learn language by listening to you talk. Make sure they hear you, and that you are talking and reading about a variety of topics. Teach them how to have conversations so they can express themselves, and listen to another person.
There are a million and five things that you can give to a child, but the most important is your support of their exploration. Teach them that they are capable learners, encourage them to try- even if they can't quite get it right the first time, and you will help your child become ready for the things that life is going to throw at them.
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Making time to be the mom I want to be
How I would love to always be the best mom I can think to be. To always choose the best foods, plan the best activities, have the best discipline, make all the best choices for these amazing little people I love to the moon and back.
But, I have to be the first to admit that we buy drive through and convenience foods more than I would prefer. And sometimes I just tell them to go play so that I can get done the things that feel like they have to be done now (like weeding the flower beds, or making supper, or cleaning up the mess left over from supper...)
And sometimes I have a grown up tantrum over something I know, as an adult, isn't really worth the effort of the tantrum. Something that is really only worth a gentle correction, a reminder that walking in the house results in fewer bumps and bruises, and not winding the dog up keeps him from making a mess that they need to learn to clean up.
Here's the great thing though. They love me anyway. They think they are getting the best of it all anyway. Well, maybe not dealing with a mom-tantrum. But they are such great teachers for grace and forgiveness.
It is amazing how they can see the time that I want to get things done as time to run, bike, jump, make up games, and create gorgeous art with their chalk on the driveway. Time to be outside and explore the wonders of nature like plants, insects, and bubbles.
They see the not-so-great food choices as a treat; I've had all three turn down an offer of something sweet for fruit. They will almost always ask for a visit to the produce section of the store (if it has one) to pick out some fruit or veggies or yogurt to snack on, and almost never ask for candy. And, really, those drive through meals are outnumbered by the foods we make at home by an overwhelming majority.
Here's the thing I think I have down pat about being a mom.. I love them right back. I want the best things for them, and I work really hard to get them those things. I love spending time with them, and seeing their interest and wonder at the baby plants and the insects that they check out. I love seeing them learn about fueling their bodies with the things that they need, and just BEING with them.
They are my favorite teachers. I enjoy listening to them imagine and play, to seeing the art and Lego buildings they create, to watch them learn to ride their bike farther and faster, and to climb the tree just a little higher. They love giving to others, and it is beautiful to see.
There are so many things I would love to do; being a mom to these kiddos is something I wouldn't trade for the world. I guess I'm doing better than I thought.....
But, I have to be the first to admit that we buy drive through and convenience foods more than I would prefer. And sometimes I just tell them to go play so that I can get done the things that feel like they have to be done now (like weeding the flower beds, or making supper, or cleaning up the mess left over from supper...)
And sometimes I have a grown up tantrum over something I know, as an adult, isn't really worth the effort of the tantrum. Something that is really only worth a gentle correction, a reminder that walking in the house results in fewer bumps and bruises, and not winding the dog up keeps him from making a mess that they need to learn to clean up.
Here's the great thing though. They love me anyway. They think they are getting the best of it all anyway. Well, maybe not dealing with a mom-tantrum. But they are such great teachers for grace and forgiveness.
It is amazing how they can see the time that I want to get things done as time to run, bike, jump, make up games, and create gorgeous art with their chalk on the driveway. Time to be outside and explore the wonders of nature like plants, insects, and bubbles.
They see the not-so-great food choices as a treat; I've had all three turn down an offer of something sweet for fruit. They will almost always ask for a visit to the produce section of the store (if it has one) to pick out some fruit or veggies or yogurt to snack on, and almost never ask for candy. And, really, those drive through meals are outnumbered by the foods we make at home by an overwhelming majority.
Here's the thing I think I have down pat about being a mom.. I love them right back. I want the best things for them, and I work really hard to get them those things. I love spending time with them, and seeing their interest and wonder at the baby plants and the insects that they check out. I love seeing them learn about fueling their bodies with the things that they need, and just BEING with them.
They are my favorite teachers. I enjoy listening to them imagine and play, to seeing the art and Lego buildings they create, to watch them learn to ride their bike farther and faster, and to climb the tree just a little higher. They love giving to others, and it is beautiful to see.
There are so many things I would love to do; being a mom to these kiddos is something I wouldn't trade for the world. I guess I'm doing better than I thought.....
Monday, December 26, 2016
Trying out a book review
I so love learning, especially about being a mom and a teacher. So many of the things I've learned apply so much to both aspects of my life, and it's great to be able to practice what I learn in so many settings. If I had to pick on thing that I miss from being a college student, it would be the deep levels of learning that I got to do. The papers, the studying, the tests, not so much. :)
I recently purchased The 5 Love Languages of Children, by Gary D. Chapman and Ross Campbell, and read it on breaks at work. It was a great one to leave on site and pick up when I had those few spare minutes that I needed to fill. And it was great to be able to read a bit, and immediately put some of the information I read into practice on my work littles.
I recently purchased The 5 Love Languages of Children, by Gary D. Chapman and Ross Campbell, and read it on breaks at work. It was a great one to leave on site and pick up when I had those few spare minutes that I needed to fill. And it was great to be able to read a bit, and immediately put some of the information I read into practice on my work littles.
The short review of this book is that everyone has a love language- a way that they feel and receive love from others that impacts them the most, and allows them to feel loved in a way that other ways don't touch.
The love languages are words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, physical touch, and quality time. There is a chapter devoted to each love language, with suggestions about using the particular language to speak love to your child, and testimonials from parents and children who have benefited form the information contained in this book. There is also information on learning about the love languages, using them in discipline (NOT to be confused with punishment), using the love languages in single parent families, and a chapter on love languages in marriage and committed relationships.
I loved reading this book, and being able to use its suggestions to make sure my kids (at home, at work, and at church) know how much I love and value them. There are many suggestions, ranging from easy, everyday ideas to big moments that take some planning to carry out.
If you are struggling to know how to show your kiddos (and others in your life!) the love you feel for them, this book is a great place to start. Saying "I love you" looses its impact quickly if it is not followed by the actions that SHOW the recipient that you mean them. You can say the words until you are blue in the face, but if you don't SHOW it, it is meaningless.
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Fall Musings
I've been thinking a lot lately how much I miss making the time to write, and share the things I've learned about life, kids, and being a mom-teacher. And about how much has changed in the (almost to the day) two years it's been since I sat down and made the time.
Catching up, I'm now doing the single mom route. About a year ago, I was just a few days on the other side of the conversation that ended my marriage. It was such a tough time, but is definitely the better road for us. It has been and continues to be a cycle of sadness, grief, happy times, and love. The last time I was writing, I wouldn't have imagined that I would have taken that step, but looking at it now, I can't see any alternative.
My kiddos are 9, 7, and 5 years old now. Third grade, first grade, and the last year of pre-K. They are growing so much, and learning so much, and are such fun for me to watch and learn from. We have our tough and stressful days, but they are so outnumbered by our fun, loving, adventurous days. Life is a struggle for them to acclimate to the changes that have (and continue) to come, but they know they are so very loved, and that makes a lot of difference.
We have a dog. Sam is almost 1 year old, and a fiercely playful Beagle. He is such a silly dog, and the kids love him to pieces. He is great company, and seems to know when the kids need him to run and jump and play, and when they need him to just love on them.
We are exploring and growing our faith. With the help of wonderful friends, we have found a church home that we love. There is such great community for us, and the support we have received has been valuable.
The best thing I've learned in all of this change is that the people who love you will be the strength and support you need. Whenever you need them, someone is only a phone call, text, coffee date away. They are a shoulder to cry on, a hand to help you up. someone to watch your kids so you can do the next hard thing, and the thing after that. They are the ones who help you find the way to keep moving forward.
Thank you, thank you to all the people who have been with me. The ones who were there from the start, and the ones who have joined my journey and made it even a little easier to bear. The fierce love and protectiveness for my kids, the love of my family, the coffee and mom dates, the life groups at church.... You've all made this journey so much more bearable, and made all the difference in the world.
Catching up, I'm now doing the single mom route. About a year ago, I was just a few days on the other side of the conversation that ended my marriage. It was such a tough time, but is definitely the better road for us. It has been and continues to be a cycle of sadness, grief, happy times, and love. The last time I was writing, I wouldn't have imagined that I would have taken that step, but looking at it now, I can't see any alternative.
My kiddos are 9, 7, and 5 years old now. Third grade, first grade, and the last year of pre-K. They are growing so much, and learning so much, and are such fun for me to watch and learn from. We have our tough and stressful days, but they are so outnumbered by our fun, loving, adventurous days. Life is a struggle for them to acclimate to the changes that have (and continue) to come, but they know they are so very loved, and that makes a lot of difference.
We have a dog. Sam is almost 1 year old, and a fiercely playful Beagle. He is such a silly dog, and the kids love him to pieces. He is great company, and seems to know when the kids need him to run and jump and play, and when they need him to just love on them.
We are exploring and growing our faith. With the help of wonderful friends, we have found a church home that we love. There is such great community for us, and the support we have received has been valuable.
The best thing I've learned in all of this change is that the people who love you will be the strength and support you need. Whenever you need them, someone is only a phone call, text, coffee date away. They are a shoulder to cry on, a hand to help you up. someone to watch your kids so you can do the next hard thing, and the thing after that. They are the ones who help you find the way to keep moving forward.
Thank you, thank you to all the people who have been with me. The ones who were there from the start, and the ones who have joined my journey and made it even a little easier to bear. The fierce love and protectiveness for my kids, the love of my family, the coffee and mom dates, the life groups at church.... You've all made this journey so much more bearable, and made all the difference in the world.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
How to Make Sure You Decorate for Thanksgiving With Children
Recently, my sweet sister got me hooked on Once A Month Meals. Basically, you sign up with them, and they help you plan menus with all the information (shopping list, prep list, cooking schedule, recipes, etc.) that you need to shop and cook for a month's worth of meals in a little over one day. We usually break it down into at least two days: The shopping and prep day and the cooking and freezing day. It's awesome. Now, there's always a great meal ready to cook every day. And it saves on the grocery bill as well. (After setting it up to work out to food for two weeks instead of four, the average cost of groceries was about $160/2 weeks for our family of five.)
I decided to apply this theory of having things prepared in advance to make a daily art adventure easier. And to make sure that we have some Thanksgiving decorations to put up.:)
The countdown to Thanksgiving is on... And it's down to 4 days left. And we still have our Halloween decor up. So... Since I love doing crafty stuff with the mini's, and I don't feel like I do enough of it, I have decided to prep some projects out ahead of time, then just pull them out over the next few days. Thanks to Pinterest (LOVE it!), here's what's on the agenda:
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| Thankful Turkey Book |
Thanks to the blogger at b-inspiredmama.com, I found these adorable Thankful Turkey books. Instead of using paper bags, I simply cut two sheets of printer paper and a sheet of construction paper in half the long way, folded the printer paper and one half of the construction paper together, then stapled them. They are tucked into a paper lunch bag, awaiting creation. My little man and baby doll will be able to write in their own books with minimal help, and the super baby will be able to dictate. Then they can draw away to illustrate all the things that they are thankful for at this point in their lives. I'm excited to see what they come up with.
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| Lego Stamped Indian Corn |
Crafty Morning inspired me to set this art project up for my kiddos. We have a few (TONS!!) of Legos hanging out around here, so this should be an awesome art project for us to do. No bag for this one, I just printed out the picture and basic directions so I wouldn't be scrambling for an idea.
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| Turkeys |
I wish I knew who to give credit to for this adorable project... :( Anyways, we have tons of TP rolls hanging out for art projects, and paper plates, so another bag is prepped with those two basic needs to create turkeys to set out to replace the pumpkins hanging out.
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| Rock Turkeys |
Another Crafty Morning project... When we bought our house, one of the back flowerbeds was landscaped with rock. Still is, though that is changing in the spring. But, for now, there were just enough rocks not buried in snow for me to pick out three that are perfect for this craft. As soon as they are dry, they will go into the next bag to motivate our creativity.
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| Coloring Sheets |
Mommy Octopus gathered some awesome coloring sheets. Little man has already colored in the turkey color by number and the Thanksgiving scene. These should be some great fillers for the kiddos Thanksgiving day, so we will be printing off extras to share with the cousins (and aunts/ uncles/grandparents/friends) should they feel the desire to do some holiday coloring!
I'm so looking forward to doing some intentional projects with the kids. There is so much to be gained from them- not the least of which will be the wonderful memories made of doing these things together.
(Huge thanks to all who shared inspiration for the crafts! Everyone I could find a link to give credit to is linked in the caption of the picture!)
Sunday, November 16, 2014
My Top 10 Things to Have on Hand to Make Life Easier
So, I recently got to thinking about things that I usually make sure to have on hand, both as a parent and as a teacher. You never know when you're gonna need that one little thing to keep the peace and make the day go by that much smoother. Here are some of my must haves- and why I make sure to keep them around.
1. Art supplies.(I grouped this category because the list would be waaay too long if I listed them individually.) Crayons, markers, colored and graphite pencils, construction paper, watercolor paper, drawing paper, coloring books, tissue paper, magazines/ads/newspaper for cutting, scissors, glue, stickers... The list is pretty much endless. But art supplies are the kind of awesome free exploration that kids love, and learn so much from. Truly, having a well stocked stash of art supplies can save the kids (and parents/teachers) from going up the wall.
2. Tape. Tape is one of the most versatile tools you can have as a caregiver for young children. It can fix books or toys (electrical tape makes a great cast for a broken Barbie wrist or dragon tail!) Painters tape works wonderfully for creating a race track for Hot Wheels and their friends, or for marking shapes and spaces for other games that need a bigger 'board' than the traditional board game. Washi tape is great for art projects. And we all know about Duct tape... Fixes everything, right? :)
3. Play dough. Weather you buy Play-Doh from the store or make your own at home, play dough is definitely a must have. It's another one of those boredom busters, and is such a great fine motor workout for little hands.
4. Laminator (thermal + pouches or self adhesive). I LOVE my laminator. Definitely one of the best $20 investments I've made. We use it to make dry erase and play dough mats.
5. Dry erase markers and mats or boards. My kids love dry erase activities. And I love that they aren't going through a ton of paper. Dry erase activities are just enough of a novelty that even the most resistant practicing writer will be hard pressed to refuse.
6. Sensory table, filler, and scoops. We use a regular under-the-bed type storage tub for our sensory table. I love that it has a well fitting lid, and the kids know when the lid is on, the bin is not available unless they ask. We also keep gallon size bags of mixed pasta, colored rice, and mixed beans on hand to put in the table. I have made cloud dough for it, and am thinking about dumping some cornmeal with cinnamon in for the holiday scent. We'll see! And the scoops are nothing fancy- just salvaged yogurt and spice containers.
7. Notebooks. You know how stores have notebooks on sale for $,03 at the end of the school supply sales? (I may be exaggerating slightly about the price, but they're still super cheap when they are trying to get rid of the oodles extra they ordered in preparation for school supply shopping.) Anyways, I always stock up on a bunch of them when I can, then give them to the kids with their name on the cover as a journal. It's so much fun to see the things they 'write', actually write, or draw in them. And I love looking back at their earlier journals and seeing how much they have learned. Notebooks are also handy for the parent/teacher for notes and lists and whatever else one uses a notebook for. :)
8. A library card. You never know what kinds of treasures you can find at your local library. We went one time, just to check out some books, and found out they were having a terrific book sale! We walked out with a reusable shopping bag, packed full of books, that cost us $2. There are so many family activities to take advantage of, from story time to movie nights. And the novelty of a new book never gets old- literally. The more reading your child (and you!) do, the better! There are so many new worlds to discover between the covers of a book.
9. Camera. I don't use my camera as often as I feel I should, especially now that I have a phone with a pretty decent camera in it. Either way, have a way to capture those special moments. There's no need to go overboard and take a million pictures (unless you really want to- then by all means, snap away!) But having those moments recorded means a lot, and I for one love having the option as opposed to kicking myself for forgetting to have something ready.
10. Chocolate. You never know when you're going to need it. Potty training toddler makes it to the bathroom by themselves? Have a bite. Preschooler shares the most favorite, sacred toy without being asked? Here's a nibble. School age kid spends 30+ minutes reading to his siblings, never getting frustrated with the million and 12 interrupted questions? Take half. Had a long day? You, mom/dad/caregiver/teacher, get the whole thing. :) Some days, chocolate just makes everything better.
There are so many things out there billed to make your life easier... These are the things I love to have on hand to make a melt down day into a fun filled day. Find what works for you, and make sure you are never without!
1. Art supplies.(I grouped this category because the list would be waaay too long if I listed them individually.) Crayons, markers, colored and graphite pencils, construction paper, watercolor paper, drawing paper, coloring books, tissue paper, magazines/ads/newspaper for cutting, scissors, glue, stickers... The list is pretty much endless. But art supplies are the kind of awesome free exploration that kids love, and learn so much from. Truly, having a well stocked stash of art supplies can save the kids (and parents/teachers) from going up the wall.
2. Tape. Tape is one of the most versatile tools you can have as a caregiver for young children. It can fix books or toys (electrical tape makes a great cast for a broken Barbie wrist or dragon tail!) Painters tape works wonderfully for creating a race track for Hot Wheels and their friends, or for marking shapes and spaces for other games that need a bigger 'board' than the traditional board game. Washi tape is great for art projects. And we all know about Duct tape... Fixes everything, right? :)
3. Play dough. Weather you buy Play-Doh from the store or make your own at home, play dough is definitely a must have. It's another one of those boredom busters, and is such a great fine motor workout for little hands.
4. Laminator (thermal + pouches or self adhesive). I LOVE my laminator. Definitely one of the best $20 investments I've made. We use it to make dry erase and play dough mats.
5. Dry erase markers and mats or boards. My kids love dry erase activities. And I love that they aren't going through a ton of paper. Dry erase activities are just enough of a novelty that even the most resistant practicing writer will be hard pressed to refuse.
6. Sensory table, filler, and scoops. We use a regular under-the-bed type storage tub for our sensory table. I love that it has a well fitting lid, and the kids know when the lid is on, the bin is not available unless they ask. We also keep gallon size bags of mixed pasta, colored rice, and mixed beans on hand to put in the table. I have made cloud dough for it, and am thinking about dumping some cornmeal with cinnamon in for the holiday scent. We'll see! And the scoops are nothing fancy- just salvaged yogurt and spice containers.
7. Notebooks. You know how stores have notebooks on sale for $,03 at the end of the school supply sales? (I may be exaggerating slightly about the price, but they're still super cheap when they are trying to get rid of the oodles extra they ordered in preparation for school supply shopping.) Anyways, I always stock up on a bunch of them when I can, then give them to the kids with their name on the cover as a journal. It's so much fun to see the things they 'write', actually write, or draw in them. And I love looking back at their earlier journals and seeing how much they have learned. Notebooks are also handy for the parent/teacher for notes and lists and whatever else one uses a notebook for. :)
8. A library card. You never know what kinds of treasures you can find at your local library. We went one time, just to check out some books, and found out they were having a terrific book sale! We walked out with a reusable shopping bag, packed full of books, that cost us $2. There are so many family activities to take advantage of, from story time to movie nights. And the novelty of a new book never gets old- literally. The more reading your child (and you!) do, the better! There are so many new worlds to discover between the covers of a book.
9. Camera. I don't use my camera as often as I feel I should, especially now that I have a phone with a pretty decent camera in it. Either way, have a way to capture those special moments. There's no need to go overboard and take a million pictures (unless you really want to- then by all means, snap away!) But having those moments recorded means a lot, and I for one love having the option as opposed to kicking myself for forgetting to have something ready.
10. Chocolate. You never know when you're going to need it. Potty training toddler makes it to the bathroom by themselves? Have a bite. Preschooler shares the most favorite, sacred toy without being asked? Here's a nibble. School age kid spends 30+ minutes reading to his siblings, never getting frustrated with the million and 12 interrupted questions? Take half. Had a long day? You, mom/dad/caregiver/teacher, get the whole thing. :) Some days, chocolate just makes everything better.
There are so many things out there billed to make your life easier... These are the things I love to have on hand to make a melt down day into a fun filled day. Find what works for you, and make sure you are never without!
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