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.

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)

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

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

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!

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