Monday, November 8, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Have you been Booed?
A new Halloween tradition is spreading rapidly grass-roots fashion
throughout America called, "Getting Booed". It involves a family making a Halloween gift basket and leaving it anonymously on a neighbor's door step with a sign that says, You Got Booed! The receiving family's job is in return, is to make up another simple gift basket and play the trick on another family in the neighborhood who doesn't have a 'got booed' sign on their door. This is great for getting to know other families in your neigborhood that have children about the sames ages as yours.The gift basket could be as simple as baked goods, simple,fun,homemade fall or Halloween decorations to candy you purchase. If you work in an office this could be a good way to start another office tradition among your coworkers.
Here are some Poems for your 'got Booed' sign.
The air is cool, the season is fall, soon Halloween will come to all.
The spooks are after things to do; in fact, a spook has brought this to you!
BOO is a shield, from the witching hour, Just hang it up and watch its power.
On your front door is where it works, it ward off spooks and scary jerks.
The power comes when friends like you will copy this and make it TWO.
We'll all have smiles upon our face. No one will know who "Booed" the place.
Just one short day to work your spell or a big ZAP will strike your tail.
And don't forget a nifty treat, like something cute or something sweet.
Please join the fun, let's really hear it! Spread some Boo's and Halloween spirit.
You have been "Booed" (Put poem on a cutout ghost)
The Phantom Ghost has come to town,
To leave goodies you have found.
If you do not wish a curse to fall
You must continue this ghostly call.
First, post this ghost where it can be seen
And leave it there till Halloween.
This will scare other visiting ghosts away.
Be sure to participate, don't delay.
Second, make two treats,
Two ghosts, and
Two notes like this.
Deliver it to two neighbors that might have been missed.
Don't let them see you, be sneaky, no doubt...
And make sure they put their Booed Ghosts out.
Next, you will have only one day to act, so be quick
Leave it at the doors where the ghost has not hit
Deliver it at dark when there is no light...
Ring the doorbell and run, and stay out of sight.
And last but not least, enjoy the season.
Don't worry, be happy for all the right reasons.
Be cool, have fun and remember, don't be seen.
Share the Spirit of Halloween.
Remember, Have fun and watch the smiles as they appear. Happy Booing!
throughout America called, "Getting Booed". It involves a family making a Halloween gift basket and leaving it anonymously on a neighbor's door step with a sign that says, You Got Booed! The receiving family's job is in return, is to make up another simple gift basket and play the trick on another family in the neighborhood who doesn't have a 'got booed' sign on their door. This is great for getting to know other families in your neigborhood that have children about the sames ages as yours.The gift basket could be as simple as baked goods, simple,fun,homemade fall or Halloween decorations to candy you purchase. If you work in an office this could be a good way to start another office tradition among your coworkers.
Here are some Poems for your 'got Booed' sign.
The air is cool, the season is fall, soon Halloween will come to all.
The spooks are after things to do; in fact, a spook has brought this to you!
BOO is a shield, from the witching hour, Just hang it up and watch its power.
On your front door is where it works, it ward off spooks and scary jerks.
The power comes when friends like you will copy this and make it TWO.
We'll all have smiles upon our face. No one will know who "Booed" the place.
Just one short day to work your spell or a big ZAP will strike your tail.
And don't forget a nifty treat, like something cute or something sweet.
Please join the fun, let's really hear it! Spread some Boo's and Halloween spirit.
You have been "Booed" (Put poem on a cutout ghost)
The Phantom Ghost has come to town,
To leave goodies you have found.
If you do not wish a curse to fall
You must continue this ghostly call.
First, post this ghost where it can be seen
And leave it there till Halloween.
This will scare other visiting ghosts away.
Be sure to participate, don't delay.
Second, make two treats,
Two ghosts, and
Two notes like this.
Deliver it to two neighbors that might have been missed.
Don't let them see you, be sneaky, no doubt...
And make sure they put their Booed Ghosts out.
Next, you will have only one day to act, so be quick
Leave it at the doors where the ghost has not hit
Deliver it at dark when there is no light...
Ring the doorbell and run, and stay out of sight.
And last but not least, enjoy the season.
Don't worry, be happy for all the right reasons.
Be cool, have fun and remember, don't be seen.
Share the Spirit of Halloween.
Remember, Have fun and watch the smiles as they appear. Happy Booing!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Lets All Make This Promise To All Our Children
As a Parent, I Promise.....
To read to my child because children learn from good stories to be compassionate; to treat others as persons, not objects; to have courage; to have hope; to take action; and to take responsibility.
To promote my child's self-esteem by giving him opportunities to build competence and confidence; by giving her specific praise for her work and displaying it for others to see; by letting him share in family responsibilities and decisions.
To encourage my child's curiosity and natural interest in science and math because all children need to learn both and all children can; to engage with my child in activities to observe and discover so she can see that science and math are part of our everyday lives.
To pay attention to TV when my child is watching; to introduce him to programs like "Reading Rainbow," "Ghostwriter," and "Mister Rogers;" and to watch TV together so we can talk about what we see.
To turn off the television more because both child and adult programs include enormous amounts of glamorized violence.
To be involved in my child's education throughout the school years by showing in every way that I think education is important; by talking with my child's teachers; by volunteering my time and talent to the school.
To enjoy my child as we grow and learn together.
From the webpage http://www.ael.org/rel/fc/fcpromis.htm
AEL is a U.S. nonprofit, regionally oriented education research, development, and service institution. Its mission is to link the knowledge from research with the wisdom from practice to improve teaching and learning.
To read to my child because children learn from good stories to be compassionate; to treat others as persons, not objects; to have courage; to have hope; to take action; and to take responsibility.
To promote my child's self-esteem by giving him opportunities to build competence and confidence; by giving her specific praise for her work and displaying it for others to see; by letting him share in family responsibilities and decisions.
To encourage my child's curiosity and natural interest in science and math because all children need to learn both and all children can; to engage with my child in activities to observe and discover so she can see that science and math are part of our everyday lives.
To pay attention to TV when my child is watching; to introduce him to programs like "Reading Rainbow," "Ghostwriter," and "Mister Rogers;" and to watch TV together so we can talk about what we see.
To turn off the television more because both child and adult programs include enormous amounts of glamorized violence.
To be involved in my child's education throughout the school years by showing in every way that I think education is important; by talking with my child's teachers; by volunteering my time and talent to the school.
To enjoy my child as we grow and learn together.
From the webpage http://www.ael.org/rel/fc/fcpromis.htm
AEL is a U.S. nonprofit, regionally oriented education research, development, and service institution. Its mission is to link the knowledge from research with the wisdom from practice to improve teaching and learning.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Fun Learning Songs
Here are two fun learning songs that you can do with your toddler that teaches body part names. Thumbs maybe a little hard at first to get into position to wiggle but as they do this over time it will help build the muscles required to wiggle their thumbs. There are a lot of other body parts to wiggle that will make them giggle. This can be done sitting down or standing. When they are sitting use the hands to go around each other in a circle. If you are standing up they can twirl around.
My Thumbs are Starting to Wiggle
Sung to the Tune: The Bear Went Over the Mountain
My thumbs are starting to wiggle.
My thumbs are starting to wiggle.
My thumbs are starting to wiggle,
Around, around, around.
Second verse
My hands are starting to wiggle
Etc.
Continue with other body parts.
Another whole body song to learn body parts is Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. To learn the tune go here:
http://bussongs.com/songs/head_shoulders_knees_and_toes.php
Point to each body part as you say it. The faster you go the funnier it gets.
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes
And eyes and ears and mouth and nose
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes
(Repeat, getting faster each time)
My Thumbs are Starting to Wiggle
Sung to the Tune: The Bear Went Over the Mountain
My thumbs are starting to wiggle.
My thumbs are starting to wiggle.
My thumbs are starting to wiggle,
Around, around, around.
Second verse
My hands are starting to wiggle
Etc.
Continue with other body parts.
Another whole body song to learn body parts is Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. To learn the tune go here:
http://bussongs.com/songs/head_shoulders_knees_and_toes.php
Point to each body part as you say it. The faster you go the funnier it gets.
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes
And eyes and ears and mouth and nose
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes
(Repeat, getting faster each time)
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Family Information Network Webinars
Family Information Network’s Educational Sessions Webinar Schedule for September & October 2010
The Family Information Network of Ohio FIN is excited to give you the opportunity to join us for an educational Webinar... A Webinar is a Web-based seminar, a presentation/workshop that is transmitted over the Web. A key feature of a Webinar is its interactive elements -- the ability to give, receive and discuss information.
The FIN Consultants have developed eight educational sessions for families in Help Me Grow under the umbrella title Steps Toward Tomorrow. The sessions typically last 1 hour, are free and include handouts. This will allow you to join us if the weather is bad, your child is sick or you don’t have transportation. What you will need is a computer, access to the Web and a phone line to call a toll free number.
Here is a list of sessions scheduled for September and October with a brief description.
Dollar$ gives practical tips on how to organize information and work through the financial system. We also share information on federal, state and local financial resources. For all families in HMG.
Galaxies teaches effective family advocacy skills to assist in being equal members of your child’s team. For all families in HMG.
IFSP shows how to be actively involved in your own Individualized Family Service Plan and make it work for you. For families with a child with a developmental delay or disability.
Pieces helps you learn how to turn your life experience into a powerful tool for assuring quality in Ohio’s Help Me Grow and other systems. For all families in HMG.
Rights is a fast-paced, interactive opportunity to discover the rights guaranteed to families in the Help Me Grow system. For families with a child with a developmental delay or disability)
Seasons provides an opportunity for discussion on the early emotions you may experience when you learn your child has or is at risk for a disability. For families with a child with a developmental delay or disability.
Transition explains federal timelines, federal regulations, and strategies for planning that apply to children turning three and leaving the Help Me Grow system. For families with a child with a developmental delay or disability.
Visioning helps you learn the importance of developing a desirable vision for your child / family including practical ideas on how to. For all families in HMG.
To be notified via email about future Steps sessions or to register for any of the sessions listed, email us at finofohiowebinar@ymail.com. Be sure to let us know the session title, date, time and your phone number. A few days before the Webinar you will be emailed an “invitation” with instructions on how to join the Webinar. The instructions will include a link to the website video and a toll free number to call audio.Just make sure to register before the last date listed below.
It’s that easy!! We are looking forward to meeting you on the Web!
Galaxies Wednesday Sept. 1 10:00 a.m. Patty Dovell August 30
Visioning Thursday Sept. 9 8:00 p.m. Amy Lofton Sept. 7
Transition Wednesday Sept. 15 1:00 p.m. Patty Dovell Sept. 13
Seasons Monday Sept. 20 10:00 a.m. Janet Strottner Sept. 18
Transition Thursday Sept. 23 10:00 a.m. Cindy Bregel Sept. 21
IFSP Friday Sept. 24 10:00 a.m. Cindy Bregel Sept. 22
Dollars Tuesday Sept. 28 10:00 a.m. Georgie Stoner Sept. 26
Pieces Thursday Sept. 30 8:00 p.m. Amy Lofton Sept. 28
IFSP Monday Oct. 4 1:00 p.m. Janet Strottner Oct. 2
Visioning Wednesday Oct. 6 10:00 a.m. Georgie Stoner Oct. 4
Seasons Friday Oct. 8 1:00 p.m. Amy Lofton Oct. 6 Pieces Thursday Oct. 14 10:00 a.m. Cindy Bregel Oct. 12
Galaxies Monday Oct. 18 10:00 a.m. Patty Dovell Oct. 16
Transition Wednesday Oct. 20 8:00 p.m. Amy Lofton Oct. 18
Rights Friday Oct. 22 10:00 a.m. Patty Dovell Oct. 20
Transition Tuesday Oct. 26 1:00 p.m. Cindy Bregel Oct. 24
Seasons Wednesday Oct. 27 7:00 p.m. Janet Strottner Oct. 25
Dollars Thursday Oct. 28 10:00 a.m. Georgie Stoner Oct. 26
The Family Information Network of Ohio FIN is excited to give you the opportunity to join us for an educational Webinar... A Webinar is a Web-based seminar, a presentation/workshop that is transmitted over the Web. A key feature of a Webinar is its interactive elements -- the ability to give, receive and discuss information.
The FIN Consultants have developed eight educational sessions for families in Help Me Grow under the umbrella title Steps Toward Tomorrow. The sessions typically last 1 hour, are free and include handouts. This will allow you to join us if the weather is bad, your child is sick or you don’t have transportation. What you will need is a computer, access to the Web and a phone line to call a toll free number.
Here is a list of sessions scheduled for September and October with a brief description.
Dollar$ gives practical tips on how to organize information and work through the financial system. We also share information on federal, state and local financial resources. For all families in HMG.
Galaxies teaches effective family advocacy skills to assist in being equal members of your child’s team. For all families in HMG.
IFSP shows how to be actively involved in your own Individualized Family Service Plan and make it work for you. For families with a child with a developmental delay or disability.
Pieces helps you learn how to turn your life experience into a powerful tool for assuring quality in Ohio’s Help Me Grow and other systems. For all families in HMG.
Rights is a fast-paced, interactive opportunity to discover the rights guaranteed to families in the Help Me Grow system. For families with a child with a developmental delay or disability)
Seasons provides an opportunity for discussion on the early emotions you may experience when you learn your child has or is at risk for a disability. For families with a child with a developmental delay or disability.
Transition explains federal timelines, federal regulations, and strategies for planning that apply to children turning three and leaving the Help Me Grow system. For families with a child with a developmental delay or disability.
Visioning helps you learn the importance of developing a desirable vision for your child / family including practical ideas on how to. For all families in HMG.
To be notified via email about future Steps sessions or to register for any of the sessions listed, email us at finofohiowebinar@ymail.com. Be sure to let us know the session title, date, time and your phone number. A few days before the Webinar you will be emailed an “invitation” with instructions on how to join the Webinar. The instructions will include a link to the website video and a toll free number to call audio.Just make sure to register before the last date listed below.
It’s that easy!! We are looking forward to meeting you on the Web!
Galaxies Wednesday Sept. 1 10:00 a.m. Patty Dovell August 30
Visioning Thursday Sept. 9 8:00 p.m. Amy Lofton Sept. 7
Transition Wednesday Sept. 15 1:00 p.m. Patty Dovell Sept. 13
Seasons Monday Sept. 20 10:00 a.m. Janet Strottner Sept. 18
Transition Thursday Sept. 23 10:00 a.m. Cindy Bregel Sept. 21
IFSP Friday Sept. 24 10:00 a.m. Cindy Bregel Sept. 22
Dollars Tuesday Sept. 28 10:00 a.m. Georgie Stoner Sept. 26
Pieces Thursday Sept. 30 8:00 p.m. Amy Lofton Sept. 28
IFSP Monday Oct. 4 1:00 p.m. Janet Strottner Oct. 2
Visioning Wednesday Oct. 6 10:00 a.m. Georgie Stoner Oct. 4
Seasons Friday Oct. 8 1:00 p.m. Amy Lofton Oct. 6 Pieces Thursday Oct. 14 10:00 a.m. Cindy Bregel Oct. 12
Galaxies Monday Oct. 18 10:00 a.m. Patty Dovell Oct. 16
Transition Wednesday Oct. 20 8:00 p.m. Amy Lofton Oct. 18
Rights Friday Oct. 22 10:00 a.m. Patty Dovell Oct. 20
Transition Tuesday Oct. 26 1:00 p.m. Cindy Bregel Oct. 24
Seasons Wednesday Oct. 27 7:00 p.m. Janet Strottner Oct. 25
Dollars Thursday Oct. 28 10:00 a.m. Georgie Stoner Oct. 26
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
County Fair Safety for Little Ones
With the Meigs County Fair coming soon I thought I would post these valuble safety tips to use when around the fair animals and the fair in general. Don't forget to take your hand sanitizer and sunscreen with you when you visit the fair.Here are some tips from Dr.Will Sawyer of www.henrythehand.com.
Summertime festivals and fairs mean tons of fun for children, especially when they get to pet a furry farm animal or hold a baby chick in their hands. But you know what's not so fun for kids? Getting sick.
While animals at petting zoos are cute, they have posed a health risk for children (and adults) because the animals' skin, fur and saliva can be contaminated with fecal matter. E. coli and salmonella bacteria are two major health risks facing children at petting zoos.
There are ways to prevent respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases caught at a petting zoo, including proper hand washing with soap and water. However, not all petting zoos have a sink on-site, let alone soap to wash the germs away.
What can we do to prevent our children from getting sick? It's easy: Educate and show children the 4 Principles of Hand Awareness, which have been endorsed by the AMA and the AAFP:
1. Wash your hands before eating and when they are dirty.
2. Do not cough in your hands.
3. Do not sneeze in your hands.
4. Above all, do not put your finger in your eyes, nose or mouth.
The last one is important: Teach children to not put their fingers or hands into their eyes, nose, and mouth. The eyes, nose, and mouth are the only portals of entry for bacteria that cause respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases - the exact ones posing a health risk at petting zoos.
To learn more about staying healthy this summer, visit the Henry the Hand Foundation Web site at www.henrythehand.com.
Thank you for helping to
Spread the word, not the germs!
Dr.Will Sawyer
dr.will@henrythehand.com
Summertime festivals and fairs mean tons of fun for children, especially when they get to pet a furry farm animal or hold a baby chick in their hands. But you know what's not so fun for kids? Getting sick.
While animals at petting zoos are cute, they have posed a health risk for children (and adults) because the animals' skin, fur and saliva can be contaminated with fecal matter. E. coli and salmonella bacteria are two major health risks facing children at petting zoos.
There are ways to prevent respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases caught at a petting zoo, including proper hand washing with soap and water. However, not all petting zoos have a sink on-site, let alone soap to wash the germs away.
What can we do to prevent our children from getting sick? It's easy: Educate and show children the 4 Principles of Hand Awareness, which have been endorsed by the AMA and the AAFP:
1. Wash your hands before eating and when they are dirty.
2. Do not cough in your hands.
3. Do not sneeze in your hands.
4. Above all, do not put your finger in your eyes, nose or mouth.
The last one is important: Teach children to not put their fingers or hands into their eyes, nose, and mouth. The eyes, nose, and mouth are the only portals of entry for bacteria that cause respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases - the exact ones posing a health risk at petting zoos.
To learn more about staying healthy this summer, visit the Henry the Hand Foundation Web site at www.henrythehand.com.
Thank you for helping to
Spread the word, not the germs!
Dr.Will Sawyer
dr.will@henrythehand.com
Friday, August 6, 2010
Your Are Your Child's Favorite Toy
Playing with your child is one of the most important ways to foster development. No need for fancy toys or expensive equipment. You are your child’s favorite toy! Playing with your child will grant you many rewards as your child will emit squeals of laughter and joy all while learning valuble skills.
There are a few rules you, as the parent need to know. Safety first! Make sure toys don’t have pieces that could come off and be swallowed. Get down on the floor and see what your child might be able to reach.Do you see any dangling cords or open outlets? When your child starts moving they will be exploring everything. Exploring through play is how they learn. Baby proofing your child’s play areas now will mean a lot less no-no’s you will have to say, and you will be saying no-no a lot!
Follow your child’s lead. They will tell you what is interesting to them. When your child sees your reaction in her discoveries they will want play more and more. Remember, playing is the way they learn! Playing with your baby is also a great stress reliever and creates good memories for the both of you. Play is truly the work of your child!
Next, remember your child is unique. Each child develops at their own pace. Your child may have special skills or needs. Watch carefully to see what your child is trying to do. Help them just enough that they manage to reach their objective or if they have accomplished the task show them the next step. You could place a favored object just out of reach and watch how your child tries to move toward it. Give lots of praise and celebrate when your child accomplishes the objective. You will be rewarded with big smiles and lots of baby talk.
The benefits of parent and child play are enormous. As you talk to your child they learn the sounds of words and the rhythm of language. Eye contact and back and forth conversation fosters communication skills. Cause and effect is discovered when your child copies your example and they too make the toy work. Your child perfects hand and eye coordination as he reaches for the object in your hand. They see colors, feel textures, smell different smells and even taste the object, allowing all his senses to develop.
As you can see play is very important for you and your baby. So spend some time playing with your child. The rewards are life changing for both of you!
There are a few rules you, as the parent need to know. Safety first! Make sure toys don’t have pieces that could come off and be swallowed. Get down on the floor and see what your child might be able to reach.Do you see any dangling cords or open outlets? When your child starts moving they will be exploring everything. Exploring through play is how they learn. Baby proofing your child’s play areas now will mean a lot less no-no’s you will have to say, and you will be saying no-no a lot!
Follow your child’s lead. They will tell you what is interesting to them. When your child sees your reaction in her discoveries they will want play more and more. Remember, playing is the way they learn! Playing with your baby is also a great stress reliever and creates good memories for the both of you. Play is truly the work of your child!
Next, remember your child is unique. Each child develops at their own pace. Your child may have special skills or needs. Watch carefully to see what your child is trying to do. Help them just enough that they manage to reach their objective or if they have accomplished the task show them the next step. You could place a favored object just out of reach and watch how your child tries to move toward it. Give lots of praise and celebrate when your child accomplishes the objective. You will be rewarded with big smiles and lots of baby talk.
The benefits of parent and child play are enormous. As you talk to your child they learn the sounds of words and the rhythm of language. Eye contact and back and forth conversation fosters communication skills. Cause and effect is discovered when your child copies your example and they too make the toy work. Your child perfects hand and eye coordination as he reaches for the object in your hand. They see colors, feel textures, smell different smells and even taste the object, allowing all his senses to develop.
As you can see play is very important for you and your baby. So spend some time playing with your child. The rewards are life changing for both of you!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Your Child's Social-Emotional Development
In the first 3 years of your child’s life, developing important emotional and social abilities will evolve in small steps making way for later school success. Abilities such as showing empathy, giving and receiving love, making friends, waiting patiently, and enjoying the company of others, and many more, describe healthy social-emotional development. Help Me Grow can assist you as a parent, to develop these all important skills in your child.
Help Me Grow utilizes the research based Parent's As Teachers curriculum and several screening and assessment tools to see if your child is developing at a normal rate. If a problem is found Help Me Grow can help you find the resources for assistance in helping your child catch up to their peers. Here are some ways you can check to see if your child is on track, keeping in mind however, that each child grows and develops at a different pace.If you have concerns about your child’s development, you may want to consult with the child’s Health Care Provider and/or contact Help Me Grow at 740-992-5266.
2 months:
Grasps rattle placed in hand
Social smiles, smiles responsively
Coos and reciprocal vocalization
Shows interest in visual and auditory stimuli
Demonstrates social interaction, follows moving person with eyes
When prone, lifts head, neck and upper chest with support of forearms
Some head control in upright position
4 months:
Holds head high, raises body on hands when prone, sits when supported
Controls head well
Rolls prone to supine
Plays with hands, holds rattle, reaches for objects, holds own hands
Looks at mobile, arms active
Follows object 180 degrees
Smiles, coos, laughs, babbles; initiates social contact, turns to voice
May sleep at least six hours
Able to comfort self, e.g., fall asleep by self
6 months:
Rolls from front to back; sits with support
Bears weight, stands with support
Transfers objects hand to hand
Turns to sound and voice; may show stranger anxiety
Raking hand pattern; grasps and mouths objects
Vocalizes single consonants ("dada", "baba"); may imitate sounds of speech
Babbles reciprocally; reacts socially by smiling in response to someone else's smile
Shows recognition of parents; shows interest in toys
Starts to self-feed
First tooth may erupt
9 months:
Sits independently
Reaches for objects with one hand
Crawls, creeps or scoots on bottom
Pulls to stand, stands holding on
Inferior pincer grasp, pokes with index finger
Bangs, throws and drops objects
Finger feeds, starts to use cup
Imitates vocalizations; babbles
May say "dada" and "mama" nonspecifically
Responds to own name
Understands a few words, e.g., "no-no," "bye-bye" - combines syllables
Can sleep through the night
May show stranger anxiety
Enjoys interactive games, e.g., peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake
Turns toward sound with eyes and head movement
12 months:
Pulls to stand, stands alone, cruises, may take a few steps alone
Has precise pincer grasp
Points; indicates wants
Has vocabulary of one to three words; uses "mama" and "dada" correctly
Recognizes caregiver's voice
Obeys simple requests; waves "bye-bye"
Feeds self; drinks from a cup
Actively looks for hidden or dropped objects
Shows emotions (fear, anxiety, affection)
Imitates
15 months:
Walks alone, bends over, may run
Crawls up stairs
Stacks two blocks
Can point to one or more body parts
Feeds self with fingers, drinks from cup
Understands simple commands
Listens to a story
Has vocabulary of three to six words
Indicates wants by pointing or grunting
Imitates activity
Can remove some clothing
18 months:
Likes to climb and run, walks backwards; climbs into chair, sits in chair
Throws/kicks ball; stacks three or four blocks
Has a vocabulary of 15-20 words, uses two word phrases, imitates words
Uses a spoon and cup, can remove clothing
Listens to a story, looking at pictures and naming objects
Plays with toys appropriately, e.g., pulls a pull toy, cuddles a doll
Answers simple questions by pointing, follows simple directions
Scribbles spontaneously, imitates crayon strokes
Dumps object from bottle without demonstration
Shows affection, hugs and kisses
24 months:
Climbs up and down steps holding on with one hand
Jumps, runs, throws overhand
Stands on one foot with little support
Can stack five or six blocks
Has a vocabulary of 50+ words, two word phrases, understands pronouns
Speech should be intelligible to parents
Parallel play dominant
Possessive with toys
Can follow two-step commands, can name some body parts
Makes or imitates horizontal and circular strokes with crayon
Imitates adults
Increasing attention span
Separation anxiety from parents
Brushes teeth with help, puts on clothing, washes hands
3 years:
Jumps in place, kicks a ball, balances on one foot, stacks blocks
Rides a tricycle
Alternates feet ascending stairs
Knows name, age and gender
Copies circle and cross, visually discriminates colors
Has some self care skills, e.g., feeding and dressing self
Demonstrates speech that is mostly intelligible
Pretend play well developed
Can follow directions
Names colors
Help Me Grow utilizes the research based Parent's As Teachers curriculum and several screening and assessment tools to see if your child is developing at a normal rate. If a problem is found Help Me Grow can help you find the resources for assistance in helping your child catch up to their peers. Here are some ways you can check to see if your child is on track, keeping in mind however, that each child grows and develops at a different pace.If you have concerns about your child’s development, you may want to consult with the child’s Health Care Provider and/or contact Help Me Grow at 740-992-5266.
2 months:
Grasps rattle placed in hand
Social smiles, smiles responsively
Coos and reciprocal vocalization
Shows interest in visual and auditory stimuli
Demonstrates social interaction, follows moving person with eyes
When prone, lifts head, neck and upper chest with support of forearms
Some head control in upright position
4 months:
Holds head high, raises body on hands when prone, sits when supported
Controls head well
Rolls prone to supine
Plays with hands, holds rattle, reaches for objects, holds own hands
Looks at mobile, arms active
Follows object 180 degrees
Smiles, coos, laughs, babbles; initiates social contact, turns to voice
May sleep at least six hours
Able to comfort self, e.g., fall asleep by self
6 months:
Rolls from front to back; sits with support
Bears weight, stands with support
Transfers objects hand to hand
Turns to sound and voice; may show stranger anxiety
Raking hand pattern; grasps and mouths objects
Vocalizes single consonants ("dada", "baba"); may imitate sounds of speech
Babbles reciprocally; reacts socially by smiling in response to someone else's smile
Shows recognition of parents; shows interest in toys
Starts to self-feed
First tooth may erupt
9 months:
Sits independently
Reaches for objects with one hand
Crawls, creeps or scoots on bottom
Pulls to stand, stands holding on
Inferior pincer grasp, pokes with index finger
Bangs, throws and drops objects
Finger feeds, starts to use cup
Imitates vocalizations; babbles
May say "dada" and "mama" nonspecifically
Responds to own name
Understands a few words, e.g., "no-no," "bye-bye" - combines syllables
Can sleep through the night
May show stranger anxiety
Enjoys interactive games, e.g., peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake
Turns toward sound with eyes and head movement
12 months:
Pulls to stand, stands alone, cruises, may take a few steps alone
Has precise pincer grasp
Points; indicates wants
Has vocabulary of one to three words; uses "mama" and "dada" correctly
Recognizes caregiver's voice
Obeys simple requests; waves "bye-bye"
Feeds self; drinks from a cup
Actively looks for hidden or dropped objects
Shows emotions (fear, anxiety, affection)
Imitates
15 months:
Walks alone, bends over, may run
Crawls up stairs
Stacks two blocks
Can point to one or more body parts
Feeds self with fingers, drinks from cup
Understands simple commands
Listens to a story
Has vocabulary of three to six words
Indicates wants by pointing or grunting
Imitates activity
Can remove some clothing
18 months:
Likes to climb and run, walks backwards; climbs into chair, sits in chair
Throws/kicks ball; stacks three or four blocks
Has a vocabulary of 15-20 words, uses two word phrases, imitates words
Uses a spoon and cup, can remove clothing
Listens to a story, looking at pictures and naming objects
Plays with toys appropriately, e.g., pulls a pull toy, cuddles a doll
Answers simple questions by pointing, follows simple directions
Scribbles spontaneously, imitates crayon strokes
Dumps object from bottle without demonstration
Shows affection, hugs and kisses
24 months:
Climbs up and down steps holding on with one hand
Jumps, runs, throws overhand
Stands on one foot with little support
Can stack five or six blocks
Has a vocabulary of 50+ words, two word phrases, understands pronouns
Speech should be intelligible to parents
Parallel play dominant
Possessive with toys
Can follow two-step commands, can name some body parts
Makes or imitates horizontal and circular strokes with crayon
Imitates adults
Increasing attention span
Separation anxiety from parents
Brushes teeth with help, puts on clothing, washes hands
3 years:
Jumps in place, kicks a ball, balances on one foot, stacks blocks
Rides a tricycle
Alternates feet ascending stairs
Knows name, age and gender
Copies circle and cross, visually discriminates colors
Has some self care skills, e.g., feeding and dressing self
Demonstrates speech that is mostly intelligible
Pretend play well developed
Can follow directions
Names colors
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Learning With Breakfast Cereal?
Think cereal is just for breakfast?? Well think again! Cereal, while being a delicious breakfast or a great snack can also be a learning tool! Encouraging children to observe patterns is an important, pre-math skill that helps them make sense of what they see, hear and learn.Patterns teach children how things work together and allow them to predict what comes next. These skills, in turn, can help children become problem solvers.
Child development research shows that unless we help children find meaning in what they see and experience, learning will not take place. The brain seeks patterns from birth through life. But if you want your child’s brain to work to its maximum, you have to provide the right activities.
Here are some fun things you and your child can do with breakfast cereal to facilitate learning.
1. Using round cereal in different colors and a piece of yarn, make a necklace to wear. (You can use a small piece of yarn or a pipe cleaner to make a bracelet to
alleviate choking concerns.) Help your child notice similarities and differences in patterns on her string. Ask them to tell the colors and shapes of the string and cereals.
2. Make piles of different colors. Have your child duplicate your piles of cereal. Take a piece of paper and right the numbers from 1 to 5. Place the corresponding pieces of cereal to the number. Be sure to tell your child, "This is one fruit loop. it is red, these are two fruit loops. They are yellow." And so on.
3. Get out your cupcake pan. Give your child 20 or more Cheerios or Fruit Loops and let them place some in each cup. Then you and your child count how many are in each cup. Talk about more and less. Ask you child which cup of cereal would they like to eat. Do they want to eat more or less. They will figure out in no time the cup with more is better!
4. Take a piece of paper and put the colors of the cereal on the paper. Have the child match the colors. Repeat color names. Use mathematical terms such as first, second third. Ask you child what do you think comes next?
5. Give your child three different empty water bottles. Have them drop Fruit Loops or Cheerios into them. Count as they drop them in. Talk about the different colors. "You just put one red one in the bottle. Now lets shake the cereal out of the bottle" (Bonus! You are teaching the spatial concepts such as in and out, up and down.( Ask them to sort the cereal into three colors and put place each color into the bottles. (Another bonus! your child is learning to use their small muscles when putting the cereal in the bottle)
Encouraging toddlers to notice, experiment and play with patterns will sow the seeds of logical thinking, problem-solving and reasoning. Children also can spell better when they are taught to notice the patterns in sounds and meaning of words.
There you go. Who knew there was so much fun hiding in a box of cereal? Now go have fun!
Child development research shows that unless we help children find meaning in what they see and experience, learning will not take place. The brain seeks patterns from birth through life. But if you want your child’s brain to work to its maximum, you have to provide the right activities.
Here are some fun things you and your child can do with breakfast cereal to facilitate learning.
1. Using round cereal in different colors and a piece of yarn, make a necklace to wear. (You can use a small piece of yarn or a pipe cleaner to make a bracelet to
alleviate choking concerns.) Help your child notice similarities and differences in patterns on her string. Ask them to tell the colors and shapes of the string and cereals.
2. Make piles of different colors. Have your child duplicate your piles of cereal. Take a piece of paper and right the numbers from 1 to 5. Place the corresponding pieces of cereal to the number. Be sure to tell your child, "This is one fruit loop. it is red, these are two fruit loops. They are yellow." And so on.
3. Get out your cupcake pan. Give your child 20 or more Cheerios or Fruit Loops and let them place some in each cup. Then you and your child count how many are in each cup. Talk about more and less. Ask you child which cup of cereal would they like to eat. Do they want to eat more or less. They will figure out in no time the cup with more is better!
4. Take a piece of paper and put the colors of the cereal on the paper. Have the child match the colors. Repeat color names. Use mathematical terms such as first, second third. Ask you child what do you think comes next?
5. Give your child three different empty water bottles. Have them drop Fruit Loops or Cheerios into them. Count as they drop them in. Talk about the different colors. "You just put one red one in the bottle. Now lets shake the cereal out of the bottle" (Bonus! You are teaching the spatial concepts such as in and out, up and down.( Ask them to sort the cereal into three colors and put place each color into the bottles. (Another bonus! your child is learning to use their small muscles when putting the cereal in the bottle)
Encouraging toddlers to notice, experiment and play with patterns will sow the seeds of logical thinking, problem-solving and reasoning. Children also can spell better when they are taught to notice the patterns in sounds and meaning of words.
There you go. Who knew there was so much fun hiding in a box of cereal? Now go have fun!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Looking for Summer Fun for Your Kids?
Look no further! Join the Meigs County District Library's Summer Reading Program.
Make a Splash - READ!:
Ahoy Readers! Set sail for the Meigs County District Public Library's Summer Reading Program! You might create a sea serpent, attend shark school, design a boat, or discover an ocean of books.
The Children's Summer Reading Program is open to young people, preschool age through young adult, with programs, prize drawings, story hours, a reading club and more. A variety of programs will be offered for all ages. So join us each week, beginning Monday,June 7th thru July 23rd for programs, and oceans of fun! To register your child, visit one of our branches or contact the Pomeroy Library at 740-992-5813.
The 2010 Children's Summer Reading Program is sponsored in part by Grange Insurance, Downing, Childs & Musser.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Family Information Network of Ohio
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!
Two repeat performances for families of children in Help Me Grow
How to Encourage Language in Young Children
We anxiously await our child’s first word, but not every child talks according to our timeline. On June 3 between 10:00-11:30 a.m. or 7:00-8:30 p.m. we will replay this original presentation by Abbie McCauley, Ph. D and Lindsay Thatcher CCC/SLP. Parents who joined the original session had very positive comments about the practical information that was shared.
Getting Your Child Ready for Preschool
As parents, we can do many fun and simple things to help our child get ready so they can make the most of their time in preschool. Remember, you can’t start too early! Greta Powell, M.A., EIS and Amy Keren, B. A. will present many great ideas during the repeat Webinar presentation on June 15 between 10:00-11:30 a.m. or 7:00-8:30 p.m.
These sessions are being coordinated by the Family Information Network of Ohio.
How to register? Simple! Email finofohiowebinar@ymail.com. In your email please indicate that you are a family in HMG and the date & time of the Webinar. Several days before the Webinar you will receive an email with information on how to log on and join these very informative and practical presentations.
Two repeat performances for families of children in Help Me Grow
How to Encourage Language in Young Children
We anxiously await our child’s first word, but not every child talks according to our timeline. On June 3 between 10:00-11:30 a.m. or 7:00-8:30 p.m. we will replay this original presentation by Abbie McCauley, Ph. D and Lindsay Thatcher CCC/SLP. Parents who joined the original session had very positive comments about the practical information that was shared.
Getting Your Child Ready for Preschool
As parents, we can do many fun and simple things to help our child get ready so they can make the most of their time in preschool. Remember, you can’t start too early! Greta Powell, M.A., EIS and Amy Keren, B. A. will present many great ideas during the repeat Webinar presentation on June 15 between 10:00-11:30 a.m. or 7:00-8:30 p.m.
These sessions are being coordinated by the Family Information Network of Ohio.
How to register? Simple! Email finofohiowebinar@ymail.com. In your email please indicate that you are a family in HMG and the date & time of the Webinar. Several days before the Webinar you will receive an email with information on how to log on and join these very informative and practical presentations.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
GMCAA Family Fun Fair Fiesta
Thanks to everyone for your important contributions of time and energy to the Fourth annual Gallia Meigs Community Action Help Me Grow Family Fun Fair Fiesta! Once again all of you have provided the families with preschoolers in Meigs County a fun and safe place to play and learn all about the agencies that serve our county. We are happy to share that over 300 children and families attended the event. Music and announcements were provided by Rockin’ Reggie, with face painting, bounce house, and costumed characters provided by Kids Party Entertainment by Angel- Bug from Cleveland, Ohio.
Special thanks to all the agencies that put up a booth and provided freebies, information and /or a game or treat for Meigs counties preschool families. We can’t do it with out you. You are shining stars in our book.
Thank you seems inadequate for the Meigs County High School Nursing Students who worked tirelessly from beginning to end. They helped set up the tents, tables and chairs, worked at whatever was needed and then help break it all down and put it away. They truly were a great bunch to work with! Kudos to you all.
Please vote for Angel Bug to become Best Party Entertainer in Nickelodeon’s Parent Picks Award winner. You can nominate Angel Bug once a day every day until June 17th at http://www.parentsconnect.com/parents-picks/cleveland-oh-usa/best-cleveland-oh-usa-party-entertainer
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Wednesday, May 5, 2010
The 4th Annual Fun Fair is almost here! Come join us on Friday, May 7th from 10:30 until 2:00 at The Family Life Center located at 437 Main Street, Middleport, Ohio.
Kids Entertainment bu Angel Bug will be there for face painting and providing education about flowers and bugs. Angel Bug will bring the Honey Bear Bounce house and a few special guests your children will recognize and love to watch.
There will be free food and drinks, snow cones to cool off with and over 23 local agencies providing information and /or a small game or craft for the little ones to do and take home. There will be musical entertainment and loads of door prizes. So come spend some time with us. Your whole family will have fun.See you there!
May is Community Action Month
National Community Action Month is designed to raise awareness of Community Action and its impact locally and nationally. Community Action Agencies have outstanding relationships with individuals, families and communities. We spotlight the causes of poverty in our communities and strive to help each individual find the solution that is unique to their situation. Community Action serves about 98 percent of the nation's cities and more than 38 million Americans benefit from the services that Community Actions provide.
This year during National Community Action Month, Gallia Meigs Community Action Agency (GMCAA) and other Community Actions across the country will celebrate their history of partnering with other organizations to address poverty related issues in their communities.
When The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 was signed by Lyndon B. Johnson on August 20, 1964, it was central to Johnson's Great Society campaign and the War on Poverty. Community Action Agencies were then established to create and maintain a variety of programs beneficial to the economicly disadvataged. CAA’s soon discovered that developing partnerships with other community based orgainizations have been a key componant to continue helping the economicly disadvantaged, and this remains true to this day.
Gallia Meigs Community Action has partnered with a multitude of diverse agencies in Gallia and Meigs counties that provide services to low/middle income residents. GMCAA has also partered with state and federal agencies that provide funding to our area. Since January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009 GMCAA has served over 2000 residents in Gallia and Meigs counties through the various programs that are offered.
GMCAA is commited to keeping the War on Poverty alive in our counties by adhereing to the Promise of Community Action, which is:
Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
Are you are interested in learning more about our programs, becoming a GMCAA partner agency or a volunteer? Call us at 740-367-7341 or 740-992-6620.
This year during National Community Action Month, Gallia Meigs Community Action Agency (GMCAA) and other Community Actions across the country will celebrate their history of partnering with other organizations to address poverty related issues in their communities.
When The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 was signed by Lyndon B. Johnson on August 20, 1964, it was central to Johnson's Great Society campaign and the War on Poverty. Community Action Agencies were then established to create and maintain a variety of programs beneficial to the economicly disadvataged. CAA’s soon discovered that developing partnerships with other community based orgainizations have been a key componant to continue helping the economicly disadvantaged, and this remains true to this day.
Gallia Meigs Community Action has partnered with a multitude of diverse agencies in Gallia and Meigs counties that provide services to low/middle income residents. GMCAA has also partered with state and federal agencies that provide funding to our area. Since January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009 GMCAA has served over 2000 residents in Gallia and Meigs counties through the various programs that are offered.
GMCAA is commited to keeping the War on Poverty alive in our counties by adhereing to the Promise of Community Action, which is:
Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
Are you are interested in learning more about our programs, becoming a GMCAA partner agency or a volunteer? Call us at 740-367-7341 or 740-992-6620.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Mothers Day Craft Gift
Dads, are you looking for an extra special gift for Mothers Day that the Mother of your child will love? Try making a handprint poem with your little darling’s handprint. It’s easy.
You will need a paper plate, card stock, or something to put your child’s prints on.
Non-toxic washable paint.
a small sponge brush and a copy of this poem.
Take child’s hand and paint a fine layer of paint on it with a small sponge brush. Gently press child’s hand on item. Let dry.Put the date on your masterpiece. Print the poem below on to the back of the paper plate, inside the fold of the card stock or attach to the item.
You can even make Mom an apron! Use the same technique but purchase a plain white apron from a crafts store along with non-toxic fabric paint to make the handprints. You could even outline your child hands with a permanent marker. Don’t forget the date! You canprint the poem on transfer paper using your home computer (foloow instructions on transfer paper) and iron it on the apron too.
Handprint Poem
Dear Mom,
I miss you when we're not together
I'm growing up so fast
See how big I've gotten
since you saw me last?
As I grow, I'll change a lot,
the years will fly right by.
You'll wonder how I grew so quick
when and where and why?
So look upon this handprint (these handprints for more than one child)
that’s hanging on your wall. (Can use pantry wall if making an apron)
And memories will come back of me,
when I was very small.
Love,
Child’s Name
You will need a paper plate, card stock, or something to put your child’s prints on.
Non-toxic washable paint.
a small sponge brush and a copy of this poem.
Take child’s hand and paint a fine layer of paint on it with a small sponge brush. Gently press child’s hand on item. Let dry.Put the date on your masterpiece. Print the poem below on to the back of the paper plate, inside the fold of the card stock or attach to the item.
You can even make Mom an apron! Use the same technique but purchase a plain white apron from a crafts store along with non-toxic fabric paint to make the handprints. You could even outline your child hands with a permanent marker. Don’t forget the date! You canprint the poem on transfer paper using your home computer (foloow instructions on transfer paper) and iron it on the apron too.
Handprint Poem
Dear Mom,
I miss you when we're not together
I'm growing up so fast
See how big I've gotten
since you saw me last?
As I grow, I'll change a lot,
the years will fly right by.
You'll wonder how I grew so quick
when and where and why?
So look upon this handprint (these handprints for more than one child)
that’s hanging on your wall. (Can use pantry wall if making an apron)
And memories will come back of me,
when I was very small.
Love,
Child’s Name
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Plant a Posey for Mom Day
As they say April showers bring May flowers so GMCAA Help Me Grow will have our annual Plant-a-Posey for Mom Day held at Help Me Grow on April 28th at 1:00. We will provide the flowers, dirt, and flower pot. Bring gloves and a trowel if you don’t want to get dirty. Come play in the dirt with us and take home a pretty poesy or two!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Help Raise Funds for the March of Dimes
We are gearing up to complete our March of Dimes Walk on May the 2nd at Krodel Park in Point Pleasant WV and we need your help. I just got this interesting e-mail below and if we all mention thier site on our Facebook page, in our Blogs or on our twitter accounts they will give money to our charity, The March of Dimes. Just copy and paste the URL http://www.hotelscombined.com/Charity.aspx in your address bar to see what it is all about. Lets see how many people we can get to put it on their accounts and raise lots of money for the March of Dimes!
Hi,
I've just come across Parent Smarts and noticed that you are a supporter of
March of Dimes.
I thought you would like to know we're supporting similar charities through
our spread the word for charity program! There are 3 really simple ways you
can participate and get us to donate $5, $10 and/or $20 on your behalf.
See more info and what others are saying at
http://www.hotelscombined.com/Charity.aspx
Look forward to hearing from you...
Kindest Regards,
Chloe
Hi,
I've just come across Parent Smarts and noticed that you are a supporter of
March of Dimes.
I thought you would like to know we're supporting similar charities through
our spread the word for charity program! There are 3 really simple ways you
can participate and get us to donate $5, $10 and/or $20 on your behalf.
See more info and what others are saying at
http://www.hotelscombined.com/Charity.aspx
Look forward to hearing from you...
Kindest Regards,
Chloe
Come Join The Fun
This is the Fourth Annual Gallia Meigs Community Action Agency Help Me Grow Family Fun Fair. Come join us for Games, Music, Free Food and Prizes. Dora, Elmo, and Buzz Light Year are scheduled to appear. Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Five Little Lady Bugs Finger Play
Here is a fun Springtime Finger play to learn!
Five little ladybugs napping in a tree (Close eyes and pretend to sleep.)
Awake to the sound of a bumblebee, (Flap hands like tiny wings and make buzzing sound.)
A little bunny's feet going hop, hop, hop, (Hop up and down.)
A shower of raindrops, plop, plop, plop. (Pat hands on legs.)
And a happy little bird singing loud and clear. (Move hand in front of mouth to resemble a beak.)
The ladybugs said, "Spring must be here!" (Shake finger.)
Five little ladybugs napping in a tree (Close eyes and pretend to sleep.)
Awake to the sound of a bumblebee, (Flap hands like tiny wings and make buzzing sound.)
A little bunny's feet going hop, hop, hop, (Hop up and down.)
A shower of raindrops, plop, plop, plop. (Pat hands on legs.)
And a happy little bird singing loud and clear. (Move hand in front of mouth to resemble a beak.)
The ladybugs said, "Spring must be here!" (Shake finger.)
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
February Supply Card Winner
Congratulations to Jennifer Smallwood, The winner of the $20 dollar supply card drawing to the Middleport, Ohio Family Dollar Store.
To be eligible to win a Supply Card your family must be enrolled in Gallia Meigs Community Action Agency's Help Me Grow Program. You will need to keep a daily record of one or two things you and your child do together each day that promotes appropriate infant/toddler development. Then you can give it to your Service Coordinator, drop it off at HMG, or mail it to us.
April is a good month to talk about how things grow and a great way to fill up your calendar by checking on it every day and recording the process. A fun activity is to take a Styrofoam cup and draw a face on it. Then help your child fill it with potting soil. Place grass seed on top of soil and water or mist lightly. Your creation will have hair in a matter of days. You can give it a hair cut and it will grow more. You could even plant sprouts and then have them on a sandwich or in a salad. This will provide hand and eye coordination, language development, and movement just to name a few learning domains.
Don't forget that April is Get Caught Reading Month and Children's Book Week. Contact your local Library for special programing to celebrate. Story Hour is a good place to practice socialization skills, listening skills, large motor control, and learn some new songs and finger plays.Call your library today!
To be eligible to win a Supply Card your family must be enrolled in Gallia Meigs Community Action Agency's Help Me Grow Program. You will need to keep a daily record of one or two things you and your child do together each day that promotes appropriate infant/toddler development. Then you can give it to your Service Coordinator, drop it off at HMG, or mail it to us.
April is a good month to talk about how things grow and a great way to fill up your calendar by checking on it every day and recording the process. A fun activity is to take a Styrofoam cup and draw a face on it. Then help your child fill it with potting soil. Place grass seed on top of soil and water or mist lightly. Your creation will have hair in a matter of days. You can give it a hair cut and it will grow more. You could even plant sprouts and then have them on a sandwich or in a salad. This will provide hand and eye coordination, language development, and movement just to name a few learning domains.
Don't forget that April is Get Caught Reading Month and Children's Book Week. Contact your local Library for special programing to celebrate. Story Hour is a good place to practice socialization skills, listening skills, large motor control, and learn some new songs and finger plays.Call your library today!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Need Help Potty Training?
Try this dance with your kids. It might make the subject more fun for both of you!
Here is another Potty Dance video:
Here is another Potty Dance video:
Tips for Reading to Infants and Toddlers
It's never too soon to start reading to your children! If your child learns early to associate reading with pleasure, she is more likely to enjoy reading on her own when she is older.
Try these successful reading tips for reading to infants and toddlers:
Snuggle with your child with her favorite blanket or toys as you read.
Read with expression using different voices for different characters.
Emphasize rhythms and rhymes in stories. Give your toddler opportunities to repeat rhyming phrases.
Use pictures to build vocabulary by varying objects and their colors.
Use pictures to develop speaking vocabulary by talking about what is shown.
Encourage your child to repeat what you say or comment on it.
Encourage your child to ask questions. Provide models of interesting questions and examples of possible answers. "I wonder what is going to happen next? I think the rabbit will get lost because he is not paying attention to where he is going. What do you think?"
Look for books that are about things that interest your toddler. For example, does your child like cars, insects, or animals?
Make reading a habit for bedtime, after lunch, or after naptime.
Give your child a chance to choose his own books. If your toddler chooses a book that is too long to hold his attention, read some and skip some, discussing the pictures and how they relate to the story.
Read stories again and again. Your toddler enjoys repetition and it helps him become familiar with the way stories are organized.
Here are some books to read together about Spring. You can find them at your Public Library. Happy reading! Consider attending Story hour at your local Library.It will help your child with socialization and listening skills while having fun. Call for time and days.
Pomeroy Public Library-992-5813,
Middleport Public Library-992-5713
Eastern Public Library-985-3747
Racine public Library-949-8200.
1. I Can Eat A Rainbow
Annabel Karmel
2. From Egg to Chicken
Gerald Legg
3. The Wind Blew
Pat Hutchins
4. Bunny Cakes
Rosemary Wells
5. The Grouchy Ladybug
Eric Carl
Try these successful reading tips for reading to infants and toddlers:
Snuggle with your child with her favorite blanket or toys as you read.
Read with expression using different voices for different characters.
Emphasize rhythms and rhymes in stories. Give your toddler opportunities to repeat rhyming phrases.
Use pictures to build vocabulary by varying objects and their colors.
Use pictures to develop speaking vocabulary by talking about what is shown.
Encourage your child to repeat what you say or comment on it.
Encourage your child to ask questions. Provide models of interesting questions and examples of possible answers. "I wonder what is going to happen next? I think the rabbit will get lost because he is not paying attention to where he is going. What do you think?"
Look for books that are about things that interest your toddler. For example, does your child like cars, insects, or animals?
Make reading a habit for bedtime, after lunch, or after naptime.
Give your child a chance to choose his own books. If your toddler chooses a book that is too long to hold his attention, read some and skip some, discussing the pictures and how they relate to the story.
Read stories again and again. Your toddler enjoys repetition and it helps him become familiar with the way stories are organized.
Here are some books to read together about Spring. You can find them at your Public Library. Happy reading! Consider attending Story hour at your local Library.It will help your child with socialization and listening skills while having fun. Call for time and days.
Pomeroy Public Library-992-5813,
Middleport Public Library-992-5713
Eastern Public Library-985-3747
Racine public Library-949-8200.
1. I Can Eat A Rainbow
Annabel Karmel
2. From Egg to Chicken
Gerald Legg
3. The Wind Blew
Pat Hutchins
4. Bunny Cakes
Rosemary Wells
5. The Grouchy Ladybug
Eric Carl
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
March Of Dimes Walk
GMCAA and Help Me Grow are very excited to be a part of March for Babies this year and hope you will join our team, The Cheshire Cats! We will be walking for Tri-County March of Dimes on May 2, 2010 at the Krodel Park Clubhouse on Route 2 N & Route 62 in Point Pleasant WV and would like for you to join us!
Every day, thousands of babies are born too soon, too small and often very sick. We're walking because we want to do something about this.
The money we raise will support March of Dimes research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. And it will be used to bring comfort and information to families with a baby in newborn intensive care.
If you can't walk with us, please help the team reach our goal by making a donation. You can do that online as well. Just click below
Thank you for helping us give all babies a healthy start!
Every day, thousands of babies are born too soon, too small and often very sick. We're walking because we want to do something about this.
The money we raise will support March of Dimes research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. And it will be used to bring comfort and information to families with a baby in newborn intensive care.
If you can't walk with us, please help the team reach our goal by making a donation. You can do that online as well. Just click below
Thank you for helping us give all babies a healthy start!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Fun With Saint Patricks Day
Here is a fun way to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with your children. To tell a story about leprechauns and build a story. go here:
http://www.squiglysplayhouse.com/WritingCorner/StoryBuilder/ALeprechaunStory.html
Have your children help you decide on the names, bugs and containers in the story. Read the story to your child. Find the container that you used in the story and build up suspense by talking about trying to catch a leprechaun like they did in the story.
That evening after your child has gone to bed make little leprechaun feet by making a loose fist with your hand and using the side dip in green finger or tempera paint. Then add five little toes across the thickest part.
You can do this on your counter tops. Leave a bit of sugar or cookie crumbs where he might have tipped over the sugar or eaten a cookie, pull things out of the drawers and leave cabinet doors open making a trail of little leprechaun feet. Put out what ever kind of container you have decided on for your story and set it out to catch the leprechaun. Don’t forget the footprints on it. Leave a note in the container that says better luck next year. Make a big deal about almost catching a leprechaun and listen to your child tell everyone he knows about his or her big adventure. It will be priceless.
http://www.squiglysplayhouse.com/WritingCorner/StoryBuilder/ALeprechaunStory.html
Have your children help you decide on the names, bugs and containers in the story. Read the story to your child. Find the container that you used in the story and build up suspense by talking about trying to catch a leprechaun like they did in the story.
That evening after your child has gone to bed make little leprechaun feet by making a loose fist with your hand and using the side dip in green finger or tempera paint. Then add five little toes across the thickest part.
You can do this on your counter tops. Leave a bit of sugar or cookie crumbs where he might have tipped over the sugar or eaten a cookie, pull things out of the drawers and leave cabinet doors open making a trail of little leprechaun feet. Put out what ever kind of container you have decided on for your story and set it out to catch the leprechaun. Don’t forget the footprints on it. Leave a note in the container that says better luck next year. Make a big deal about almost catching a leprechaun and listen to your child tell everyone he knows about his or her big adventure. It will be priceless.
Monday, March 1, 2010
How to Encourage Language in Young Children Webinar
A Webinar for ALL Families in Help Me Grow
March 19, 2010
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
We often take language for granted and anxiously await our child’s first "mama" and "dada." But not every child talks according to our timeline. On March 19 at 1:00 p.m. Abbie McCauley, Ph.D. and Lindsay Thatcher CCC/SLP will be doing a 90-minute live online presentation "How to Encourage Language in Young Children" for families in Help Me Grow. The Webinar is being coordinated by the Family Information Network (FINofOhio).
How to register? Simple! Email finofohiowebinar@ymail.com. In your email, please indicate the date of the Webinar: March 19 and that you are a family in HMG. Several days before the Webinar you will receive an email with information on how to log on and join this very informative and practical presentation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Abbie and Lindsay! Sign up now
March 19, 2010
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
We often take language for granted and anxiously await our child’s first "mama" and "dada." But not every child talks according to our timeline. On March 19 at 1:00 p.m. Abbie McCauley, Ph.D. and Lindsay Thatcher CCC/SLP will be doing a 90-minute live online presentation "How to Encourage Language in Young Children" for families in Help Me Grow. The Webinar is being coordinated by the Family Information Network (FINofOhio).
How to register? Simple! Email finofohiowebinar@ymail.com. In your email, please indicate the date of the Webinar: March 19 and that you are a family in HMG. Several days before the Webinar you will receive an email with information on how to log on and join this very informative and practical presentation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Abbie and Lindsay! Sign up now
January Supply Card Winner
Congratulations to Danielle Foley, The winner of the $20 dollar supply card drawing to the Middleport, Ohio Family Dollar Store.
To be eligible to win a Supply Card your family must be enrolled in Gallia Meigs Community Action Agency's Help Me Grow Program. You will need to keep a daily record of one or two things you and your child do together each day that promotes appropriate infant/toddler development. Then you can give it to your Service Coordinator, drop it off at HMG, or mail it to us. Here are some ideas for you to get started.
March would be the perfect month to talk about the color green. Soon everything around us will be green. There are many times during the day where you can point out the color green. You could say things such as "Let’s put on our green socks today. Let’s find the green ball. Look at the green leaves on the tree." Don’t forget about play dough. You and your child can make play dough together and tint it green. Not only will you be reinforcing the color green to your child, you will be modeling those all important language skills.
To support your child in learning the color green, try celebrating Dr. Suess’s birthday (March 2nd) all month long. Read the book Green Eggs and Ham, pointing out all the green things. For a meal have green eggs and ham! Just add a little green food coloring to the food. Kids love thinking they are having the same food that Sam I Am agrees to eat. Try serving other green foods, green beans, celery, and avocado’s. Have your child help to pick out the green foods in the store and have them help you prepare them, keeping safety in mind. They will want to try something they picked out and help "cook."
Don’t forget Saint Patrick’s Day (March 17th) and the "Wearin’ of the Green". It is a good opportunity to put on green and have a parade. It could be as simple as walking through the house, to "parading" in the yard. Learning can and should be fun.
Try not to drill your child by asking him, "Is this green?" They will soon tire of that and move on to something else quickly. Instead use repetition like reading Green Eggs and Ham over and over and pointing out the color many times through out the day. Soon your child will be pointing out the color green to you! Remember you are your child's first and best teacher!
To be eligible to win a Supply Card your family must be enrolled in Gallia Meigs Community Action Agency's Help Me Grow Program. You will need to keep a daily record of one or two things you and your child do together each day that promotes appropriate infant/toddler development. Then you can give it to your Service Coordinator, drop it off at HMG, or mail it to us. Here are some ideas for you to get started.
March would be the perfect month to talk about the color green. Soon everything around us will be green. There are many times during the day where you can point out the color green. You could say things such as "Let’s put on our green socks today. Let’s find the green ball. Look at the green leaves on the tree." Don’t forget about play dough. You and your child can make play dough together and tint it green. Not only will you be reinforcing the color green to your child, you will be modeling those all important language skills.
To support your child in learning the color green, try celebrating Dr. Suess’s birthday (March 2nd) all month long. Read the book Green Eggs and Ham, pointing out all the green things. For a meal have green eggs and ham! Just add a little green food coloring to the food. Kids love thinking they are having the same food that Sam I Am agrees to eat. Try serving other green foods, green beans, celery, and avocado’s. Have your child help to pick out the green foods in the store and have them help you prepare them, keeping safety in mind. They will want to try something they picked out and help "cook."
Don’t forget Saint Patrick’s Day (March 17th) and the "Wearin’ of the Green". It is a good opportunity to put on green and have a parade. It could be as simple as walking through the house, to "parading" in the yard. Learning can and should be fun.
Try not to drill your child by asking him, "Is this green?" They will soon tire of that and move on to something else quickly. Instead use repetition like reading Green Eggs and Ham over and over and pointing out the color many times through out the day. Soon your child will be pointing out the color green to you! Remember you are your child's first and best teacher!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Feed the Fish
Click your mouse to feed the fish. Your child will love to help you and watch how the fish follow the cursor. You can explore counting, colors, up, down, left and right, all while having fun!
Promoting Positive Behavior in Young Children
Promoting Positive Behavior in Young Children
A Webinar for ALL Families in HMG
February 26, 2010
10:30 a.m. to Noon
We love them dearly, but our children’s behavior can sometimes be a puzzle and at times very frustrating for even the most experienced parents! On February 26 at 10:30 am, Dr. John C. Duby, Director of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Akron Children’s Hospital, will be doing a 90-minute live online presentation Promoting Positive Behavior in Young Children. The Webinar is being coordinated by the Family Information Network (FINofOhio).
How to register? Simple! Email finofohiowebinar@ymail.com. In your email, please indicate the date of the Webinar: February 26, 2010. Several days before the Webinar you will receive an email with information on how to log on and join this very informative and practical presentation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Dr. Duby! Sign up now!
Next Topic
How to Encourage Language in Young Children
Friday, March 19, 2010 from 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Presenters: Abbie McCauley, Ph. D. and Lindsay Thatcher, CCC/SLP
Family Child Learning Center
A Webinar for ALL Families in HMG
February 26, 2010
10:30 a.m. to Noon
We love them dearly, but our children’s behavior can sometimes be a puzzle and at times very frustrating for even the most experienced parents! On February 26 at 10:30 am, Dr. John C. Duby, Director of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Akron Children’s Hospital, will be doing a 90-minute live online presentation Promoting Positive Behavior in Young Children. The Webinar is being coordinated by the Family Information Network (FINofOhio).
How to register? Simple! Email finofohiowebinar@ymail.com. In your email, please indicate the date of the Webinar: February 26, 2010. Several days before the Webinar you will receive an email with information on how to log on and join this very informative and practical presentation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Dr. Duby! Sign up now!
Next Topic
How to Encourage Language in Young Children
Friday, March 19, 2010 from 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Presenters: Abbie McCauley, Ph. D. and Lindsay Thatcher, CCC/SLP
Family Child Learning Center
Thursday, February 18, 2010
The Benefits Of Messy Play
By Nancy Barker
“Oh no, I don’t like my child to play with anything messy" most parents say. Messy play is usually avoided at all cost by parents everywhere. But there are too many benefits of messy play to say never... really!
Here is the scoop! Messy play stimulates the senses helping your little one develop eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills. Your child’s brain is generating new neurons and synapses while they poke, mash, squeeze, pat, pick it up and smash it down. Play dough, finger-paints, water and sand play, shows your child that each of their actions have consequences. This shows them the important concept of cause and effect. All this and they are not even out of diapers yet. Children’s play is hard work!
The bathtub is a great place to enjoy water play without much mess. Be sure to provide your child with some plastic cups in different sizes to fill and dump during bath time. Fill the cup and hand it to your child and watch what happens. Soon they will be dumping out the water, filling it up again and dumping it into another cup. Learning is happening!
Finger painting with pudding is another great messy activity to do before bath time. You can discuss different colors by putting in a few drops of food coloring in vanilla pudding. Don’t forget to strip your baby down to their diaper and put in the high chair. Give your child a small amount of pudding on the tray. Your child will smash, and spread the paint on the tray, their face and hair. Give them some clean, large chunky sponge brushes or craft sticks to move the pudding paint around. By doing this your child experiences different textures that will in turn generate those neurons and connect those synapses in the brain. More learning is going on!
Play Dough is one more, fun activity that develops hand and finger coordination (small motor) and hand-eye coordination. You can make play dough out of materials you most likely have in your cupboards. The good news is the ingredients are not toxic. Place play dough or goop on the tray of high chair or on the table and show them what to do with it. If you cringe or make funny faces they will too. Show them how to mash it flat. Use cookie cutters to cut it in shapes, roll it into snakes and push it into small baking dishes. Look through your kitchen to see if there are other items you could use, always keeping your child’s safety in mind. You won’t have to worry if they taste it (and they will), you know what is in it because you made it! And yes, there will be learning happening while you and your child are having fun!
Here are some recipes for play dough’s, goop's and finger paints you can make at home. Not all of them will taste good but most should not hurt your child if small amounts are ingested and they are not allergic to the ingredients.
Peanut Butter Play Dough
1 c. peanut butter
2/3-1 c. nonfat dry milk
2 tbsp. honey
Mix all ingredients together add more powdered milk if necessary to make play dough dry enough to roll into balls. Use other edibles such as raisins, Chocolate Chips, to make faces or add cereal for crunch. This one tastes very good!
Goop
1 cup of cold water
2 cups of flour
Stir water slowly into flour in a bowl. Stir until the water is absorbed
Cooked Play Dough
1 cup of flour
½ cup of salt
1 to 2 tablespoons of oil
2 teaspoons cream of tarter
1 cup of water
Mix all the dry ingredients together in a saucepan and then add oil and water. Cook slowly over a low heat until the dough comes away from the edges of the pan and it is hard to move with a spoon. Remove from heat and cool until it can be handled. Knead. Add food coloring if desired. Store in an airtight container or zip lock bag, will keep for at least 2 months. Can omit cream of tarter but it will not keep as long. Can use kool-aid packets for color and fragrance in place of food coloring.
Oatmeal Play Dough
1 Cup Flour
1 Cup water
2 cups oatmeal
Mix ingredients together until they form a ball.
Uncooked Play Dough
¼ cup of salt
1 cup flour
¼ cup water
Mix flour and salt in a bowl and add water knead the dough to make a play dough consistency. More water can be added if needed. Use food coloring or kool-aid for color if desired.
“Oh no, I don’t like my child to play with anything messy" most parents say. Messy play is usually avoided at all cost by parents everywhere. But there are too many benefits of messy play to say never... really!
Here is the scoop! Messy play stimulates the senses helping your little one develop eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills. Your child’s brain is generating new neurons and synapses while they poke, mash, squeeze, pat, pick it up and smash it down. Play dough, finger-paints, water and sand play, shows your child that each of their actions have consequences. This shows them the important concept of cause and effect. All this and they are not even out of diapers yet. Children’s play is hard work!
The bathtub is a great place to enjoy water play without much mess. Be sure to provide your child with some plastic cups in different sizes to fill and dump during bath time. Fill the cup and hand it to your child and watch what happens. Soon they will be dumping out the water, filling it up again and dumping it into another cup. Learning is happening!
Finger painting with pudding is another great messy activity to do before bath time. You can discuss different colors by putting in a few drops of food coloring in vanilla pudding. Don’t forget to strip your baby down to their diaper and put in the high chair. Give your child a small amount of pudding on the tray. Your child will smash, and spread the paint on the tray, their face and hair. Give them some clean, large chunky sponge brushes or craft sticks to move the pudding paint around. By doing this your child experiences different textures that will in turn generate those neurons and connect those synapses in the brain. More learning is going on!
Play Dough is one more, fun activity that develops hand and finger coordination (small motor) and hand-eye coordination. You can make play dough out of materials you most likely have in your cupboards. The good news is the ingredients are not toxic. Place play dough or goop on the tray of high chair or on the table and show them what to do with it. If you cringe or make funny faces they will too. Show them how to mash it flat. Use cookie cutters to cut it in shapes, roll it into snakes and push it into small baking dishes. Look through your kitchen to see if there are other items you could use, always keeping your child’s safety in mind. You won’t have to worry if they taste it (and they will), you know what is in it because you made it! And yes, there will be learning happening while you and your child are having fun!
Here are some recipes for play dough’s, goop's and finger paints you can make at home. Not all of them will taste good but most should not hurt your child if small amounts are ingested and they are not allergic to the ingredients.
Peanut Butter Play Dough
1 c. peanut butter
2/3-1 c. nonfat dry milk
2 tbsp. honey
Mix all ingredients together add more powdered milk if necessary to make play dough dry enough to roll into balls. Use other edibles such as raisins, Chocolate Chips, to make faces or add cereal for crunch. This one tastes very good!
Goop
1 cup of cold water
2 cups of flour
Stir water slowly into flour in a bowl. Stir until the water is absorbed
Cooked Play Dough
1 cup of flour
½ cup of salt
1 to 2 tablespoons of oil
2 teaspoons cream of tarter
1 cup of water
Mix all the dry ingredients together in a saucepan and then add oil and water. Cook slowly over a low heat until the dough comes away from the edges of the pan and it is hard to move with a spoon. Remove from heat and cool until it can be handled. Knead. Add food coloring if desired. Store in an airtight container or zip lock bag, will keep for at least 2 months. Can omit cream of tarter but it will not keep as long. Can use kool-aid packets for color and fragrance in place of food coloring.
Oatmeal Play Dough
1 Cup Flour
1 Cup water
2 cups oatmeal
Mix ingredients together until they form a ball.
Uncooked Play Dough
¼ cup of salt
1 cup flour
¼ cup water
Mix flour and salt in a bowl and add water knead the dough to make a play dough consistency. More water can be added if needed. Use food coloring or kool-aid for color if desired.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Family Information Network’s Educational Sessions Webinar Schedule for March 2010
The Family Information Network of Ohio (FIN) is excited to give you the opportunity to join us for an educational Webinar... A Webinar is a Web-based seminar, a presentation/workshop that is transmitted over the Web (internet). A key feature of a Webinar is its interactive elements -- the ability to give, receive and discuss information.
The FIN Consultants have developed eight educational sessions for families in Help Me Grow under the umbrella title Steps Toward Tomorrow. The sessions typically last 1 to 1.5 hours and are free. This will allow you to join us if the weather is bad, your child is sick or you don’t have transportation. What you will need is a computer, access to the Web and a phone line to call a toll free number.
Here is a list of sessions scheduled for March 2010 and a brief description.
Dollar$ gives practical tips on how to organize information and work through the financial system. We also share information on federal, state and local financial resources.
Galaxies teaches effective family advocacy skills to assist in being equal members of your child’s team.
IFSP shows how to be actively involved in your own Individualized Family Service Plan and make it work for you.
Pieces helps you learn how to turn your life experience into a powerful tool for assuring quality in Ohio’s Help Me Grow and other systems.
Rights is a fast-paced, interactive opportunity to discover the rights guaranteed to families in the Help Me Grow system.
Seasons provides an opportunity for discussion on the early emotions you may experience when you learn your child has or is at risk for a disability.
Transition explains federal timelines, federal regulations, and strategies for planning that apply to children turning three and leaving the Help Me Grow system.
Visioning helps you learn the importance of developing a desirable vision for your child and family including practical ideas on how to.
To be notified via email about future Steps sessions or to register for any of the sessions listed, email us at finofohiowebinar@ymail.com. Be sure to let us know the session title, date, time and your phone number. A few days before the Webinar you will be emailed an invitation with instructions on how to join the Webinar. The instructions will include a link to the website (video) and a toll free number to call (audio).
If you would like to be notified about future Steps sessions, please send your email address to finofohiowebinar@ymail.com.
It’s that easy!! We are looking forward to meeting you on the Web.
Session Day Date Time Presenter Deadline to register
Transition Tuesday March 2 1:00 p.m. Cindy Bregel February 26
Seasons Thursday March 4 10:00 a.m. Cindy Bregel March 2
IFSP Friday March 5 10:00 a.m. Janet Strottner March 3
Dollars Tuesday March 9 10:00 a.m. Georgie Stoner March 5
Rights Wednesday March 10 10:00 a.m. Janet Strottner March 8
Galaxies Monday March 15 7:00 p.m. Janet Strottner March 12
IFSP
Visioning Wednesday
Thursday March 17
March 18 10:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m. Cindy Bregel
Cindy Bregel March 15
March 16
Transition Monday March 22 10:00 a.m. Janet Strottner March 19
Dollars Tuesday March 23 10:00 a.m. Georgie Stoner March 19
Pieces Thursday March 25 10:00 a.m. Janet Strottner March 23
Seasons Tuesday March 30 10:00 a.m. Georgie Stoner March 26
Galaxies Wednesday March 31 10:00 a.m. Georgie Stoner March 29
The Family Information Network of Ohio (FIN) is excited to give you the opportunity to join us for an educational Webinar... A Webinar is a Web-based seminar, a presentation/workshop that is transmitted over the Web (internet). A key feature of a Webinar is its interactive elements -- the ability to give, receive and discuss information.
The FIN Consultants have developed eight educational sessions for families in Help Me Grow under the umbrella title Steps Toward Tomorrow. The sessions typically last 1 to 1.5 hours and are free. This will allow you to join us if the weather is bad, your child is sick or you don’t have transportation. What you will need is a computer, access to the Web and a phone line to call a toll free number.
Here is a list of sessions scheduled for March 2010 and a brief description.
Dollar$ gives practical tips on how to organize information and work through the financial system. We also share information on federal, state and local financial resources.
Galaxies teaches effective family advocacy skills to assist in being equal members of your child’s team.
IFSP shows how to be actively involved in your own Individualized Family Service Plan and make it work for you.
Pieces helps you learn how to turn your life experience into a powerful tool for assuring quality in Ohio’s Help Me Grow and other systems.
Rights is a fast-paced, interactive opportunity to discover the rights guaranteed to families in the Help Me Grow system.
Seasons provides an opportunity for discussion on the early emotions you may experience when you learn your child has or is at risk for a disability.
Transition explains federal timelines, federal regulations, and strategies for planning that apply to children turning three and leaving the Help Me Grow system.
Visioning helps you learn the importance of developing a desirable vision for your child and family including practical ideas on how to.
To be notified via email about future Steps sessions or to register for any of the sessions listed, email us at finofohiowebinar@ymail.com. Be sure to let us know the session title, date, time and your phone number. A few days before the Webinar you will be emailed an invitation with instructions on how to join the Webinar. The instructions will include a link to the website (video) and a toll free number to call (audio).
If you would like to be notified about future Steps sessions, please send your email address to finofohiowebinar@ymail.com.
It’s that easy!! We are looking forward to meeting you on the Web.
Session Day Date Time Presenter Deadline to register
Transition Tuesday March 2 1:00 p.m. Cindy Bregel February 26
Seasons Thursday March 4 10:00 a.m. Cindy Bregel March 2
IFSP Friday March 5 10:00 a.m. Janet Strottner March 3
Dollars Tuesday March 9 10:00 a.m. Georgie Stoner March 5
Rights Wednesday March 10 10:00 a.m. Janet Strottner March 8
Galaxies Monday March 15 7:00 p.m. Janet Strottner March 12
IFSP
Visioning Wednesday
Thursday March 17
March 18 10:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m. Cindy Bregel
Cindy Bregel March 15
March 16
Transition Monday March 22 10:00 a.m. Janet Strottner March 19
Dollars Tuesday March 23 10:00 a.m. Georgie Stoner March 19
Pieces Thursday March 25 10:00 a.m. Janet Strottner March 23
Seasons Tuesday March 30 10:00 a.m. Georgie Stoner March 26
Galaxies Wednesday March 31 10:00 a.m. Georgie Stoner March 29
Fun snow day activities for kids
Are you looking for something to keep your snowbound kids entertained? Check out this article in the Columbus Early Childhood Parenting Examiner.
Fun snow day activities for kids
Posted using ShareThis
Fun snow day activities for kids
Posted using ShareThis
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Family Information Network's Webinar Sessions
The Family Information Network of Ohio (FINofOhio) is a statewide parent network designed to keep family perspectives at the forefront of Ohio’s Help Me Grow (HMG) system by offering support through information and education to families of young children and the professionals who serve them.
They are offering free educational sessions by webinars for Help Me Grow families. Here is a list of sessions you could participate in.
Dollar$ gives practical tips on how to organize information and work through the financial system. We share info on federal, state and local financial resources. Sessions are on 2/3 @ 1:00pm or 2/18 @ 7:00pm
Galaxies teaches effective family advocacy skills to assist in being equal members of your child's team. 2/4 @ 1:00pm or 2/17 @ 7:00PM
IFSP shows how to be actively involved in your own Individualized Family Service Plan and make it work for you. 2/17 @ 10:00am or 2/24 @ 7:00PM
Pieces helps you learn how to turn your life experience into a powerful tool for assuring quality in Ohio's Help Me Grow and other systems. None at this time
Rights is a fast paced, interactive opportunity to discover the rights guaranteed to families in the Help Me Grow system. 2/17 @ 10:00am
Seasons provides an opportunity for discussion on the early emotions you may experience when you learn your child has or is at risk for a didability. 2/11 @ 10:00am or 2/26/ @ 7pm
Transitions explains federal time lines, federal regulations, and strategies for planning that apply to children turning three and leaving the Help Me Grow system. 2/3 @ 1:00pm or 2/17 @ 1:00pm
Visioning helps you learn the importance of developing a desirable vision for your child and family including practical ideas on "how to " 2/15 @ 10:00 or 2/24 @ 1:00
If you would like to join any of these sessions email FIN at finohiowebinar@ymail.com for webinar address and further instructions on how to join the webinar.If you would like to join a webinar and don't have access to a computer you can contact us at Help Me Grow and we will make a computer in our offices availible to you. Just call us at 740-992-5266 to schedule the date and time.
They are offering free educational sessions by webinars for Help Me Grow families. Here is a list of sessions you could participate in.
Dollar$ gives practical tips on how to organize information and work through the financial system. We share info on federal, state and local financial resources. Sessions are on 2/3 @ 1:00pm or 2/18 @ 7:00pm
Galaxies teaches effective family advocacy skills to assist in being equal members of your child's team. 2/4 @ 1:00pm or 2/17 @ 7:00PM
IFSP shows how to be actively involved in your own Individualized Family Service Plan and make it work for you. 2/17 @ 10:00am or 2/24 @ 7:00PM
Pieces helps you learn how to turn your life experience into a powerful tool for assuring quality in Ohio's Help Me Grow and other systems. None at this time
Rights is a fast paced, interactive opportunity to discover the rights guaranteed to families in the Help Me Grow system. 2/17 @ 10:00am
Seasons provides an opportunity for discussion on the early emotions you may experience when you learn your child has or is at risk for a didability. 2/11 @ 10:00am or 2/26/ @ 7pm
Transitions explains federal time lines, federal regulations, and strategies for planning that apply to children turning three and leaving the Help Me Grow system. 2/3 @ 1:00pm or 2/17 @ 1:00pm
Visioning helps you learn the importance of developing a desirable vision for your child and family including practical ideas on "how to " 2/15 @ 10:00 or 2/24 @ 1:00
If you would like to join any of these sessions email FIN at finohiowebinar@ymail.com for webinar address and further instructions on how to join the webinar.If you would like to join a webinar and don't have access to a computer you can contact us at Help Me Grow and we will make a computer in our offices availible to you. Just call us at 740-992-5266 to schedule the date and time.
Monday, February 1, 2010
December Supply Card Winner
The winner of the December Supply Card Drawing is Dawn Romines. Congratulations, your card is on its way. Remember you can enter the drawing for January by getting your Developmental Calender to your Service Coordinator, drop it off when you are in Middleport, or mail it to
GMCAA Help Me Grow
P O Box 129
Middleport, Ohio 45760
We will be drawing for the winner during the last week of January.
Here is a Valentine rhyme that you may want to try this month and put on your developmental calendar. It explores counting,small motor and cognitive(thinking) skills. You could also make valentines to go along with the rhyme or purchase inexpensive ones at the Dollar Store.
Five Big Valentines
Five big valentines from the corner drug store
I mailed one to a friend - then there were four
Four big valentines, lovely ones to see
I mailed one to my Mommy - then there were three
Three big valentines - red, shiny, and new
I mailed one to my Daddy - then there were two
Two big valentines, the best is yet to come
I mailed one to Grandma - Then there was one
One big valentine, the giving is almost done
I mailed it to Grandpa - and now there is none
Here is a simple way to make inexpensive valentines:
Give your child a plain piece of white paper, a peeled red crayon and a cardboard heart shape. Show him how to place the heart beneath the white paper and how to turn the crayon sideways and rub across the paper creating a heart rubbing. Then have your child fold the paper and give it to someone special.
Alternative: Let your child glue a red heart in the middle of a white doily.
Remember the most important part of any activity is to have fun.
GMCAA Help Me Grow
P O Box 129
Middleport, Ohio 45760
We will be drawing for the winner during the last week of January.
Here is a Valentine rhyme that you may want to try this month and put on your developmental calendar. It explores counting,small motor and cognitive(thinking) skills. You could also make valentines to go along with the rhyme or purchase inexpensive ones at the Dollar Store.
Five Big Valentines
Five big valentines from the corner drug store
I mailed one to a friend - then there were four
Four big valentines, lovely ones to see
I mailed one to my Mommy - then there were three
Three big valentines - red, shiny, and new
I mailed one to my Daddy - then there were two
Two big valentines, the best is yet to come
I mailed one to Grandma - Then there was one
One big valentine, the giving is almost done
I mailed it to Grandpa - and now there is none
Here is a simple way to make inexpensive valentines:
Give your child a plain piece of white paper, a peeled red crayon and a cardboard heart shape. Show him how to place the heart beneath the white paper and how to turn the crayon sideways and rub across the paper creating a heart rubbing. Then have your child fold the paper and give it to someone special.
Alternative: Let your child glue a red heart in the middle of a white doily.
Remember the most important part of any activity is to have fun.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Exciting Presentation on Positive Behavior
Promoting Positive Behavior in Young Children”
A Webinar for ALL Families in HMG
February 26, 2010
10:30 a.m. to Noon
We love them dearly, but our children’s behavior can sometimes be a puzzle – and at times very frustrating for even the most experienced parents! On February 26 at 10:30 am, Dr. John C. Duby, Director of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Akron Children’s Hospital, will be doing a 90-minute live online presentation: “Promoting Positive Behavior in Young Children.” The Webinar is being coordinated by the Family Information Network (FINofOhio).
How to register? Simple! Email finofohiowebinar@ymail.com. In your email, please indicate the date of the Webinar: February 26, 2010. Several days before the Webinar you will receive an email with information on how to log on and join this very informative and practical presentation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Dr. Duby! Sign up now!
Next Topic
“How to Encourage Language in Young Children”
Friday, March 19, 2010 from 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Presenters: Abbie McCauley, Ph. D. and Mike Esposito, CCC/SLP
Family Child Learning Center
A Webinar for ALL Families in HMG
February 26, 2010
10:30 a.m. to Noon
We love them dearly, but our children’s behavior can sometimes be a puzzle – and at times very frustrating for even the most experienced parents! On February 26 at 10:30 am, Dr. John C. Duby, Director of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Akron Children’s Hospital, will be doing a 90-minute live online presentation: “Promoting Positive Behavior in Young Children.” The Webinar is being coordinated by the Family Information Network (FINofOhio).
How to register? Simple! Email finofohiowebinar@ymail.com. In your email, please indicate the date of the Webinar: February 26, 2010. Several days before the Webinar you will receive an email with information on how to log on and join this very informative and practical presentation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Dr. Duby! Sign up now!
Next Topic
“How to Encourage Language in Young Children”
Friday, March 19, 2010 from 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Presenters: Abbie McCauley, Ph. D. and Mike Esposito, CCC/SLP
Family Child Learning Center
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Baby and Me Play Dates
What are Baby and Me Play Dates you ask? They are a fun place where you and your child up to three years old can sing, dance, laugh, sing and be silly for thirty minutes once a month.
Why do we want to spend thirty minutes singing and dancing? Babies are born with millions of brain cells. Music and movement cause more networks between the cells to be created, which is the essence of learning. The ryhthm of moving to and repeating rhymes and songs are what help build these networks. However if the cells are not introduced to music and movement there are not as many networks built and the chance to build these networks are lost. Building these networks between cells helps to pave the way to early literacy skills. Better early literacy skills leds to better school performance and isn’t that something all parents want for their child?
Wait, are you thinking to yourself? “My child won’t sit still, or my child won’t sing, let alone dance.” Are you thinking? “Oh no, I can’t sing, and I won’t dance in front of people. What if I don’t know anyone?” Don’t worry. Everyone learns differently, even adults. There are those who sit and absorb all the goes on around them. There are those that sing at the top of their lungs and dance like no one is watching. As they say it takes all kinds.
So come on and play, sing, dance, and laugh with us. Meet new people. Help your child learn. The next play date is Februray the 10th at 10:00 at the Help Me Grow office in the play room.
Why do we want to spend thirty minutes singing and dancing? Babies are born with millions of brain cells. Music and movement cause more networks between the cells to be created, which is the essence of learning. The ryhthm of moving to and repeating rhymes and songs are what help build these networks. However if the cells are not introduced to music and movement there are not as many networks built and the chance to build these networks are lost. Building these networks between cells helps to pave the way to early literacy skills. Better early literacy skills leds to better school performance and isn’t that something all parents want for their child?
Wait, are you thinking to yourself? “My child won’t sit still, or my child won’t sing, let alone dance.” Are you thinking? “Oh no, I can’t sing, and I won’t dance in front of people. What if I don’t know anyone?” Don’t worry. Everyone learns differently, even adults. There are those who sit and absorb all the goes on around them. There are those that sing at the top of their lungs and dance like no one is watching. As they say it takes all kinds.
So come on and play, sing, dance, and laugh with us. Meet new people. Help your child learn. The next play date is Februray the 10th at 10:00 at the Help Me Grow office in the play room.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Car Safety Seats For Children
Gallia Meigs Community Action Help Me Grow will be having a Child Safety Seat Class on February 9th at 10:00 A.M. At the Help Me Grow office in Middleport, Ohio. Participants will watch a short movie about car seat safety and receive instruction on how install seats correctly. They then will receive a seat that meets the correct safety requirements for their child. If you are interested in attending please call the office at 740-992-5266 with your child's height and weight to register. Call soon as we are filling up quickly. We also have 12 boosters seats for children without harnesses for children over 4 years old. Please tell us if you are interested in one of those.
Here are the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations (NHSTA) tips for children birth to 4 year olds regarding car safety seats.
INFANTS: BIRTH TO 1 YEAR OLD
The safest way for infants to ride is rear-facing in the back seat. Rear-facing child safety seats protect the infant's head, neck, and back in a crash. The infant should ride rear-facing until at least 1 year of age AND at least 20 pounds, longer if possible.Two kinds of child safety seats for babies:
1. Small, lightweight "infant-only" child safety seats are designed for rear-facing only.
Baby's head must be at least one inch below the top of the seat.
The label on the seat gives the upper weight.
2. Larger "convertible" seats can be used rear-facing from about 5 to 35 pounds.
Some older models only go up to 20-22 pounds rear-facing. Always check the label and instructions for the rear-facing weight limit.
If a baby under 1 year old grows too tall or too heavy for an infant-only seat, a convertible seat with a higher rear-facing weight limit (over 22 pounds) is recommended.
Convertible safety seats may be turned around to face the front when the baby is over 1 year old AND at least 20 pounds. It is recommended that a child ride rear-facing as long as she/he fits. Follow the seat manufacturer's instructions.
A convertible seat with a 5-point harness works best for a newborn baby. Seats with a padded overhead shield do not fit small babies properly. The shield comes up too high and may make proper adjustment of the harness difficult.
BUCKLING BABY IN THE SAFETY SEAT
Use the lowest harness slots for a newborn infant. Keep the straps in the slots at or below the baby's shoulders for the rear-facing position.
Harness straps must fit properly on the baby's shoulders and between the legs. Dress the baby in clothes that keep the legs free.
Keep harness straps very snug and flat on baby's shoulders, not arms. If the harness is even slightly loose, the baby can be thrown out of the seat.
Place the plastic harness retainer clip near the child's armpits to hold the harness straps on the shoulders. Check instructions if the seat doesn't have a harness clip.
Always buckle baby in the seat first, then place blankets OVER the harness.
If baby needs support, fill empty spaces with small, rolled blankets on each side of the baby's shoulders and head. A rolled diaper or small towel can also be put between her/his legs behind the crotch strap.
Thick padding should NOT be put under or behind the baby.
Babies must ride sitting in a semi-reclined (halfway back or a 30-45 degree angle from vertical) to keep the airway open.
If the safety seat is too upright for the baby, and the base is not adjustable, put a tightly rolled bath towel, or part of a foam pool noodle, under the front edge of the child safety seat to tilt it back a little . Do not tip it too far back or the child could be ejected.
TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS: 1 TO 4 YEARS OLD
Children over 1 year old AND over 20 pounds may face forward in a convertible seat, forward-facing child vest, or a combination child seat/booster. Some child safety seats are built into the vehicle seat. A child should ride in a child safety seat with a harness until about 4 years old.
This convertible seat (a seat that can be used rear-facing or forward-facing) may face the front for a child OVER 1 year old AND OVER 20 pounds.
This vest requires use of a tether. The vehicle’s safety belt goes through loops near the hips.
This combination child seat/booster is used with the harness for younger children and with the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt for older children. Remove the harness before using with the lap and shoulder belt. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for weight limits.
Most toddlers and preschoolers (up to age 4) are not big enough or old enough for a belt-positioning booster seat. They need a full harness for upper body protection and to hold them in their seats. A full harness should be used as long as possible. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and weight limit. For children 40 pounds or more who are too young or too active to sit still in a booster seat, or if a vehicle has only lap belts, use child restraints labeled for use over 40 pounds.
USING FORWARD-FACING CHILD SAFETY SEATS
When a child rides in a safety seat that faces forward, harness straps must be at or above the child's shoulders. Most convertible seats require use of the top-most slot for the forward-facing position. These slots are reinforced to prevent the seat from failing in a crash. Check the manufacturer's instructions for the best and safest placement of the harness straps.
Place the harness retainer clip at armpit level. Check the instructions if the seat doesn't have a harness clip.
Use the correct belt path for the direction the seat is facing. Check the instructions and look for labels on the safety seat.
ALWAYS read and follow the child safety seat instructions and the vehicle owner's manual!
For more information, contact the DOT Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT(1-888-327-4236) or http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
Here are the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations (NHSTA) tips for children birth to 4 year olds regarding car safety seats.
INFANTS: BIRTH TO 1 YEAR OLD
The safest way for infants to ride is rear-facing in the back seat. Rear-facing child safety seats protect the infant's head, neck, and back in a crash. The infant should ride rear-facing until at least 1 year of age AND at least 20 pounds, longer if possible.Two kinds of child safety seats for babies:
1. Small, lightweight "infant-only" child safety seats are designed for rear-facing only.
Baby's head must be at least one inch below the top of the seat.
The label on the seat gives the upper weight.
2. Larger "convertible" seats can be used rear-facing from about 5 to 35 pounds.
Some older models only go up to 20-22 pounds rear-facing. Always check the label and instructions for the rear-facing weight limit.
If a baby under 1 year old grows too tall or too heavy for an infant-only seat, a convertible seat with a higher rear-facing weight limit (over 22 pounds) is recommended.
Convertible safety seats may be turned around to face the front when the baby is over 1 year old AND at least 20 pounds. It is recommended that a child ride rear-facing as long as she/he fits. Follow the seat manufacturer's instructions.
A convertible seat with a 5-point harness works best for a newborn baby. Seats with a padded overhead shield do not fit small babies properly. The shield comes up too high and may make proper adjustment of the harness difficult.
BUCKLING BABY IN THE SAFETY SEAT
Use the lowest harness slots for a newborn infant. Keep the straps in the slots at or below the baby's shoulders for the rear-facing position.
Harness straps must fit properly on the baby's shoulders and between the legs. Dress the baby in clothes that keep the legs free.
Keep harness straps very snug and flat on baby's shoulders, not arms. If the harness is even slightly loose, the baby can be thrown out of the seat.
Place the plastic harness retainer clip near the child's armpits to hold the harness straps on the shoulders. Check instructions if the seat doesn't have a harness clip.
Always buckle baby in the seat first, then place blankets OVER the harness.
If baby needs support, fill empty spaces with small, rolled blankets on each side of the baby's shoulders and head. A rolled diaper or small towel can also be put between her/his legs behind the crotch strap.
Thick padding should NOT be put under or behind the baby.
Babies must ride sitting in a semi-reclined (halfway back or a 30-45 degree angle from vertical) to keep the airway open.
If the safety seat is too upright for the baby, and the base is not adjustable, put a tightly rolled bath towel, or part of a foam pool noodle, under the front edge of the child safety seat to tilt it back a little . Do not tip it too far back or the child could be ejected.
TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS: 1 TO 4 YEARS OLD
Children over 1 year old AND over 20 pounds may face forward in a convertible seat, forward-facing child vest, or a combination child seat/booster. Some child safety seats are built into the vehicle seat. A child should ride in a child safety seat with a harness until about 4 years old.
This convertible seat (a seat that can be used rear-facing or forward-facing) may face the front for a child OVER 1 year old AND OVER 20 pounds.
This vest requires use of a tether. The vehicle’s safety belt goes through loops near the hips.
This combination child seat/booster is used with the harness for younger children and with the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt for older children. Remove the harness before using with the lap and shoulder belt. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for weight limits.
Most toddlers and preschoolers (up to age 4) are not big enough or old enough for a belt-positioning booster seat. They need a full harness for upper body protection and to hold them in their seats. A full harness should be used as long as possible. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and weight limit. For children 40 pounds or more who are too young or too active to sit still in a booster seat, or if a vehicle has only lap belts, use child restraints labeled for use over 40 pounds.
USING FORWARD-FACING CHILD SAFETY SEATS
When a child rides in a safety seat that faces forward, harness straps must be at or above the child's shoulders. Most convertible seats require use of the top-most slot for the forward-facing position. These slots are reinforced to prevent the seat from failing in a crash. Check the manufacturer's instructions for the best and safest placement of the harness straps.
Place the harness retainer clip at armpit level. Check the instructions if the seat doesn't have a harness clip.
Use the correct belt path for the direction the seat is facing. Check the instructions and look for labels on the safety seat.
ALWAYS read and follow the child safety seat instructions and the vehicle owner's manual!
For more information, contact the DOT Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT(1-888-327-4236) or http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Joy of Reading Together
Children love to be read to and the first building block of future reading ability is learning to understand and speak language. Babies learn phonemic awareness (the ability to perceive individual sounds in the stream of speech) in the first eight to ten months. By eighteen months, they may already understand an average of fifty words. After age two babies acquire vocabulary at an awesome rate (about 8 to 10 words a day). By age six a child understands about 13,000 words.
How do babies learn vocabulary? They learn from hearing a flood of words from their parents through positive conversations and a daily variety of read-alouds. Jim Trelease, the read-aloud guru states so simply, "if the child has never heard the word, the child will never say the word; and if you have neither heard it nor said it, it's pretty tough to read it and to write it." So read and talk and read to your child to help provide that all important foundation for learning. Some good books to start with are:
1. Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See? By Eric Carle
2. Goodnight Moon By Margaret Wise Brown
3. The Very Hungry Caterpillar By Eric Carle
4. Pat the Bunny By Dorothy Kunhardt
5. Peek a Who By Nina Laden
How do babies learn vocabulary? They learn from hearing a flood of words from their parents through positive conversations and a daily variety of read-alouds. Jim Trelease, the read-aloud guru states so simply, "if the child has never heard the word, the child will never say the word; and if you have neither heard it nor said it, it's pretty tough to read it and to write it." So read and talk and read to your child to help provide that all important foundation for learning. Some good books to start with are:
1. Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See? By Eric Carle
2. Goodnight Moon By Margaret Wise Brown
3. The Very Hungry Caterpillar By Eric Carle
4. Pat the Bunny By Dorothy Kunhardt
5. Peek a Who By Nina Laden
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Free Tax Preparation
Did you know that you could pay 60% to 180% of your refund to loan companies or local tax preparation businesses to get that quick, before you walk out the door, refund? Are you sure you are taking all the deductions you are entitled to? Surprisingly you may not be! It is estimated by the Ohio Attorney Generals office that in Meigs County 530 people do not claim Earned Income Tax Credit. (EITC) On average $1430.00 could be claimed by those who don’t claim EITC. Are you one of them?
How do you know if you are eligible for EITC? If your gross income is less than the following amounts, you could be eligible:
Income....... Status......Dependents
48,279 ........Married....3+
43,279 ........Single........3+
45,295 ........Married....2
40,295....... .Single........2
40,263 ........Married....1
35,463 .........Single.......1
18,440 .........Married...0
13,040......... Single.......0
Even if you did not make enough money to file your taxes you may still be eligible for the ETIC credit.
Gallia Meigs Community Action Agency’s Ohio Benefit Bank sites can do your taxes for free. Yes free! No need to go to costly Payday Loans offices or rapid refund centers and pay 60% to 180% interest to get money you are entitled to. Not to mention having to pay $50 and up for getting your taxes prepared.
Call Gallia Meigs Community Action Agency at 740-992-6629or 740-367-7341 or Help Me Grow at 740-992-6629 and ask for an Ohio Benefits Bank Counselor to get an appointment.
You can also contact a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site (call 1-800-906-9887). You will need to bring these items with you to your appointment. Proof of income, Social Security cards for all household members, Wage and earning statements, interest and dividend statements, if available, a copy of last years returns, total paid for day care and the providers tax ID, Your bank routing number and account numbers for direct deposit, And last, your spouse if married, to sign the required forms. Direct deposit takes 8 to 10 days but you will get all your refund back without any paying anyone anything. Sounds like a pretty good deal. Call and make an appointment as soon as you get your wage and earnings statements!
How do you know if you are eligible for EITC? If your gross income is less than the following amounts, you could be eligible:
Income....... Status......Dependents
48,279 ........Married....3+
43,279 ........Single........3+
45,295 ........Married....2
40,295....... .Single........2
40,263 ........Married....1
35,463 .........Single.......1
18,440 .........Married...0
13,040......... Single.......0
Even if you did not make enough money to file your taxes you may still be eligible for the ETIC credit.
Gallia Meigs Community Action Agency’s Ohio Benefit Bank sites can do your taxes for free. Yes free! No need to go to costly Payday Loans offices or rapid refund centers and pay 60% to 180% interest to get money you are entitled to. Not to mention having to pay $50 and up for getting your taxes prepared.
Call Gallia Meigs Community Action Agency at 740-992-6629or 740-367-7341 or Help Me Grow at 740-992-6629 and ask for an Ohio Benefits Bank Counselor to get an appointment.
You can also contact a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site (call 1-800-906-9887). You will need to bring these items with you to your appointment. Proof of income, Social Security cards for all household members, Wage and earning statements, interest and dividend statements, if available, a copy of last years returns, total paid for day care and the providers tax ID, Your bank routing number and account numbers for direct deposit, And last, your spouse if married, to sign the required forms. Direct deposit takes 8 to 10 days but you will get all your refund back without any paying anyone anything. Sounds like a pretty good deal. Call and make an appointment as soon as you get your wage and earnings statements!
Winter Safety Tips
Here are a few safety tips that may be helpful for the cold winter weather we are expecting this weekend.
What to Wear
Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities. Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Clothing for children should consist of thermal long johns, turtlenecks, one or two shirts, pants, sweater, coat, warm socks, boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat.
The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.
Blankets, quilts, pillows, sheepskins and other loose bedding may contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and should be kept out of an infant’s sleeping environment. Sleep clothing like one-piece sleepers is preferred.
If a blanket must be used to keep a sleeping infant warm, it should be tucked in around the crib mattress, reaching only as far as your baby’s chest, so the infant's face is less likely to become covered by bedding.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia develops when a child's temperature falls below normal due to exposure to cold. It often happens when a youngster is playing outdoors in extremely cold weather without wearing proper clothing or when clothes get wet.
As hypothermia sets in, the child may shiver and become lethargic and clumsy. His speech may become slurred and his body temperature will decline.
If you suspect your child is hypothermic, call 911 at once. Until help arrives, take the child indoors, remove any wet clothing, and wrap him in blankets or warm clothes.
Frostbite
Frostbite happens when the skin and outer tissues become frozen. This condition tends to happen on extremities like the fingers, toes, ears and nose. They may become pale, gray and blistered. At the same time, the child may complain that her skin burns or has become numb.
If frostbite occurs, bring the child indoors and place the frostbitten parts of her body in warm (not hot) water. 104° Fahrenheit (about the temperature of most hot tubs) is recommended. Warm washcloths may be applied to frostbitten nose, ears and lips.
Do not rub the frozen areas.
After a few minutes, dry and cover him with clothing or blankets. Give him something warm to drink.
If the numbness continues for more than a few minutes, call your doctor.
What to Wear
Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities. Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Clothing for children should consist of thermal long johns, turtlenecks, one or two shirts, pants, sweater, coat, warm socks, boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat.
The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.
Blankets, quilts, pillows, sheepskins and other loose bedding may contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and should be kept out of an infant’s sleeping environment. Sleep clothing like one-piece sleepers is preferred.
If a blanket must be used to keep a sleeping infant warm, it should be tucked in around the crib mattress, reaching only as far as your baby’s chest, so the infant's face is less likely to become covered by bedding.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia develops when a child's temperature falls below normal due to exposure to cold. It often happens when a youngster is playing outdoors in extremely cold weather without wearing proper clothing or when clothes get wet.
As hypothermia sets in, the child may shiver and become lethargic and clumsy. His speech may become slurred and his body temperature will decline.
If you suspect your child is hypothermic, call 911 at once. Until help arrives, take the child indoors, remove any wet clothing, and wrap him in blankets or warm clothes.
Frostbite
Frostbite happens when the skin and outer tissues become frozen. This condition tends to happen on extremities like the fingers, toes, ears and nose. They may become pale, gray and blistered. At the same time, the child may complain that her skin burns or has become numb.
If frostbite occurs, bring the child indoors and place the frostbitten parts of her body in warm (not hot) water. 104° Fahrenheit (about the temperature of most hot tubs) is recommended. Warm washcloths may be applied to frostbitten nose, ears and lips.
Do not rub the frozen areas.
After a few minutes, dry and cover him with clothing or blankets. Give him something warm to drink.
If the numbness continues for more than a few minutes, call your doctor.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Snowy Day Finger Plays
Here are some finger plays and songs about snow you may want to try.
Snowman Song: (Tune: I'm a Little Teapot)
I'm a little snowman, round and fat. (hold arms in front of you in a big circle)
Here are my mittens, Here is my hat. (pretend to put on mittens,and a hat)
When the sun comes out I melt away. (put arms in a circle over head for the sun)
When the sun comes out I melt away. (put arms in a circle over head for the sun)
See you next year On a snowy day. (wave good by)
Walking in the Snow
Let's go walking in the snow,(walk)
Walking, walking on tiptoe(walk on tiptoe)
Lift one foot way up high (lift 1 foot)
Then the other to keep it dry.(lift other foot)
All around the yard we skip (skip around the room)
Watch your step or you might slip!(pretend to fall)
Supply Card Winner
The November winner of a 20 dollar Supply Card for Family Dollar was Crystal Kassler. Remember to get your Developmental Calendar in for December. It's easy to win! Each day of the month jot down what you and your child do that helps foster your child's development.Then give to your Service Coordinator or mail it in. Things like singing a song, counting, stacking blocks, telling your child nursery rhymes, or reading a book and pointing out the pictures are but a few ways to help build your child's development.
The snow is a perfect opportunity to explore something new. Talk about the snow. Explain that is cold and snow melts and becomes water when it gets warm. Bundle up and go outside. Let them touch and feel the snow. Bring some snow inside and watch it melt. Talk about it. Listen to your child, answer their questions. Don't be afraid that you might not know the answer. Let them know that you will find out together. Go to the Library and get books about snow. If you have the Internet at home look it up. This is showing your child different ways to learn and if they see you doing it they will grow up to do the same. After all, parents are the first and most influential teachers of their children and these early years lay the foundation for yor child's success in school and life. Most of all, remember to have fun!
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