Sight Words- Action Words Game

Aly is a very high energy child. If she can learn in a way the allows her to jump, dance, make noise, and act crazy she's all over it!  That's how I came up with the Action Sight Words game.  A friend gave is a set of foam rectangles and foam letter stickers of various sizes and colors. Aly loved making her flashcards. We did two sided opposite cards.  For example, one side says MOM and the other DAD. One says SUN and the other side says MOON.  You get the idea I'm sure. I would let her pick a word, tell her how to spell it, and she would put the letters on the cards.  I made a series that had the following words:

• jump
• hop
• dance
• sing
• wiggle
• wave
• clap
• kick

First I started with just three words.  I pointed out the beginning letter and phonic sound for those words.  I told her the word the first few times we played.  Then I would just show her the card without saying the word. Next I added a new word in the same fashion as the first three.  Being active and learning sight words in a fun way...that's what I call creative learning. :)

Sight Words Game- Barn Yard Fun

I was on Pinterest one day and saw a totally awesome idea from the blog Juggling With Kids...Sight Words Parking Lot Game.
  http://www.jugglingwithkids.com/2011/10/sight-word-parking-lot.html?showComment=1319571243034#c5501857452008954589

She drew a parking lot on a large sheet of paper, wrote sight words in the parking spaces, calls a word, and her son parks a toy car in the right spot.  I thought this was a super cute idea and came up with my own variation.  I drew a barn, and wrote a different animal name in each stall.  Then I call out an animal and she places it in the right stall.  We use our Animal Planet Mother and Baby Playset. http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4073732

Then I drew a " bush" and we used the little figures in her creepy crawly box which consists of bugs, reptiles, amphibians, and bats to play the same game again.

In Kindergarten they will be using the Dolch sight words list. While we work on those words as well, my main focus is to give her words she is interested in learning.  Reading any kind of sight word introduces your child to recognizing the order and shapes of the letters as well as building phonemic awareness.

My Favorite Learning Songs for Aly

Aly is very musical.  If she hears a song she likes, she wants it over and over until she knows the words.  Fortunately she doesn't care if  it's a princess singing about life as a frog or a song about shapes.  If you have a musical child like Aly songs a great tool in your creative learning toolbox. Here are our favorite educational CDs and videos.  This is simply a list, not reviews.

• Here Comes the ABC's from They Might Be Giants (Album and DVD)
• Here Comes the 123's from They Might Be Giants including a days of the week song (Album and DVD)
• KidsTV123 Phonics Song 1 and 2
• KidsTV123 Big and Small Letters Song
• KidsTV123 Letter Sounds
• Sesame Street Will.i.am What I Am
• Sesame Street Elmo sing the Alphabet Rap
• Sesame Street: J Jacket Song
• Sesame Street: V Violin Song
• 50 Nifty United States
• Have Fun Teaching Count by Tens
• Have Fun Teaching Count Down Song
• Early Learning at Home 1 Addition Tables Song 
• Early Learning at Home 2 Addition Tables Song

The Different Kinds of Schools

New Times, New Schools

When I was growing up there were basically three option for school: public, private, or home school.  Twenty years ago most private schools cost a small fortune, home schooling meant sitting at the dinner table with textbooks and worksheets all day, and public school was often simply adequate.  Times have changed and there are many options for parents to pick what is best for their child.

Public School-  from self-contained gifted classes that are often have students working multiple grade levels ahead of their peers, to bilingual programs, and more. Public school is recognizing the need to keep up with other educational institutions.  My niece is at a school that has am equestrian program allowing the children to take part in horseback riding during the school day.  Another school in the same district offers a bilingual track for students whose families enter a lottery.  Arizona allows you to send your child to any district you want.  If your school has cut the arts, you can send them to a different district.  Take advantage of these opportunities.

Private School- month to month payment programs, scholarships, and tax credit programs that allow others to donate their state taxes owed to an individual child's tuition instead of the state are making the private school dream a reality for families who might not otherwise be able to afford. Many parents are drawn to private schools for smaller class sizes and stricter discipline policies.  In addition, aspects like spiritual guidance or specialized curriculum are to good to ignore for families willing to make the financial commitment.

Charter School- the common description of a private public school can be confusing to some parents.  What this means is a private school style education using public funds.  The idea behind charter schools was if an academic need demanded in a community was not being met, individuals could open up a charter school to fill that need.  Charter schools offered in the Phoenix Metro offer specialized curriculum in the arts, technology, accelerated academics, equestrian studies, all girl's school, foreign language/bilingual, Montessori, and more.

Virtual School- some parents call this home schooling but it is very different.  Virtual schools like K12 offer teacher support, free materials, field trips, and are still considered part of the public school system.  This program is appealing for families whose students are competitive in athletics, pursuing careers in the arts, travel, or like learning on their own schedule.

Home School Co-op- want to home school but have concerns about your abilities or the time commitment? Consider a co-op, multiple parents working together to home school children.  Some home school support groups teach weekly classes in special area subject matter such as art, music, p.e., foreign language, ect.  There are also stores that specialize in home school curriculum that teach academic subjects such as 7th Grade Science or Geometry.  Form your own co-op or find one already established.  Alternate weeks at different parents houses teaching from an agreed upon curriculum that meets all the students needs.  Think old-timey-one-room-school-house style.

Home School (Single Family)- this is a family that chooses or creates their own curriculum entirely up to their own discretion.  There are many curriculum materials available to home school parents these days in a variety of media besides the more traditional textbooks and workbooks.  Through state associations and home school support groups students can take band, go to prom, have graduation ceremonies, and more.  In the Phoenix Metro there are many programs such as Science Fairs and academic classes through  the Arizona Science Center, earth science through Desert Botanical Gardens, classes at the Phoenix Zoo, and more for home schooled student.  Home schooled student are also allowed to participate in specials at public school.

What is important to know when selecting a school?

1) Private schools and charter schools are privately run by individuals who may or may not have a background in education.  They do not have restrictions like the public school for hiring certified teachers.  Make sure your private or charter school runs criminal background checks on all employees and teachers.  Confirm that state standards are being met at each grade level.

2) Charter schools that are highly desirable may have waiting lists or use draw names randomly.  The school may give preference to siblings.

3) Some public schools are classified as Excelling while other are Failing.  Know where your school stands.  What does it take for a student to get expelled in your district?  How far will they let bullying go.  At what point will they hire a new teacher if their is a sudden influx of students?  Will they allow 30, 35, 40?

4)  If you participate in a virtual school program you may not attend specials at your local school in many districts in Arizona.  Some programs such as K12 may provide your student with a computer if they do not have one.   Virtual schools may be ahead or behind the public school curriculum. K12 Virtual School curriculum is about a semester ahead of the Arizona state standards.

5) If you home school or home school co-op you need to file a declaration to home school with the state or risk facing truancy issues.  Home schooling students can attend competitions such as spelling bees and geography bees at their local school.  Home schooling student may also participate in extra curricular activities and specials at their local public school.

6) For all schools, consider what is offered for specials, language, technology, arts, clubs or extracurricular activities, and of course, academics.

7) In junior high and high school students can earn college credits through co-enrollment.  Co-enrollment means the student actually attends a college level class either at high school or through the college directly. Parents should know if a student earns college credit in high school at the institution they plan to attend after graduating, the grades from classes taken during high school will be factored in to their college GPA.  Advanced placement classes prepare students to take a test that waives the requirement for the student at college, but does not award them credits for the class.

15 Ways to Give Your Child a Better Education

Regardless of whether your child goes to public school, home school, or something in between there are ways you can develop their love of learning and improve their education.  Here are fifteen suggestion in no particular order.

1)  Love Unconditionally-  It may seem like a big "DUH" to most parents, but some parents need to be reminded to let their kids know they are proud of them for trying their best.

2) Know Your State Standards- Make sure your students are learning everything they need to know.  Occasionally some teachers teach to the standardized tests leaving little time for social studies and science.  If your child then gets a teacher the following year that expects them to already know standards that may have been deficient in another classroom they might struggle.

3) Identify Your Child's Learning Style- There are three learning styles: kinesthetic aka tactile, visual, auditory.  If your child is struggling with a subject, you may find it is only being taught using one learning style that isn't theirs.  Work on their homework with them in a way that addresses their learning style.  More on this in a future post.

4) Identify Your Child's Dominant Multiple Intelligences- once again, knowing how your child learns and what their intellectual strengths are allow you to work with your child in a way that will keep them interested and successful.  More on Howard Gardner's theory in a future post.

5)  Feed the Brain- consider their school day schedule when planning their meals. Carbs will give them a burst of energy for physical activity which would be needed at lunch going into recessor for a morning starting with specials like PE or music.  If your student starts whole morning is academic mostly sitting at a desk, consider starting the day of with protein.  And don't forget those Omegas!

6) Take a Field Trip- is your preschooler learning about apples? Visit an orchard? Is your first grader studying the rain forest? Visit the rain forest habitat at the zoo. Is your fourth grader studying state history and culture? Visit a battlefield or southwest museum depending on where you live.  I think you get where I'm going with this.  Want a field trip idea? Tell me what your child is studying, what grade, and where you live I will recommend a field trip.

7) Understand Gender Learning Difference- Did you know boys commonly learn better if they are physically moving? That is one reason the traditional classroom environment of sitting quietly at a desk is better suited for girls.  More about this in a future post.

8) Know Developmental Milestones- How many blocks should a three year old be able to stack?  What physical and emotion milestones are expected? Check out this link for ages 5-8 http://www.babycenter.com/big-kid#band1

9) Use What They Like- if curriculum allows, let them pick their own silent reading materials on whatever subject they like.  Check out their toy box for math manipulatives. Talk about the math and science involved in skateboarding or gymnastics.

10) Creative Learning Through Play- don't underestimate the value of free time.  Social interaction can be an important part of free play. Develop their vocabulary by having dialogue  with your child while they play.  What character is your favorite?  What does he look like? What accessories does he have?

11) Advocate for Your Child- whatever your child's need are,  be sure they get met.  If they are gifted, get them tested for gifted programs.  If they have physical disabilities, make sure they have a 504, IEP or similar equivalent.  Are they being bullied? Talk to the teacher, team leader, principal, or whoever until it is addressed.

12) Use Technology- let kids make their own movies, record songs, play learning games, make digital art, take pictures, create a webpage, or whatever they'd like, but don't forget t supervise.

13) Communicate- have a dialogue with your student about their life.  What happened at school? Who are there friends? What to they like best or least about their teacher? What's their favorite special?  Check out my upcoming posts 5 Questions to Ask About Homework and 5 Questions to Ask About Their School Day.

14) Real World Application- it is important that students understand what they learn in the classroom has real world application.  If they are learning about money, let them go shopping.  If they are learning about fractions have them help bake a cake or slice up the pizza for the whole family.

15) It Takes a Village-  think about all the adults involved in teaching your child: classroom teachers, teacher aids, specials teachers, daycare, babysitters, coaches, private lesson instructors, spiritual leaders, friends, family, internship directors, and I'm sure I missed somebody.  Are all these educators on the same page as you for manners, behavior, and discipline?

Creative Early Learning Math

Creative Early Learning Math with Manipulatives

Math happens to be a subject my daughter loves.  Since she was one, she's been counting objects and asking about shapes.  It's pretty easy early on for kids to learn the basics because there are a bombardment of toys, puzzles, and books covering basic math concepts such as numbers 1-10 and shapes.   But what comes next?  Not all parents are familiar with the difference between rote counting and  rational counting or are familiar with the vocabulary terms used by teachers such as math manipulatives.  This post will cover some vocabulary terms used in education, how to use as manipulatives, and what can be used as manipulatives.  When I discuss a state standard, that means they should know this information by the end of the school year for that grade.  I am also discussing the standards for our state which is unfortunately ranked 48th in the nation for education.  The k12 online virtual school curriculum is about a semester ahead of our state.  Search for your state's department of education webpage, find standards, and select your child's grade level or subject.  For math apps look at my previous post on how to use apps and video games to reinforce learning.  If you like saving money check back over the next few days for my DIY manipulatives.

Defining Vocabulary

Rote Counting- Counting through the practice of speaking the subject matter repeatedly.  In other words, when you practice counting with your child simply by saying "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10."  In the state of Arizona Kindergarteners are expected to be able to rote count to the number 100 by ones and tens. First Graders should be able rote count to 120 by ones, twos, fives, and tens.  They should be able to rote count forward from any number. For example, if you say "18" then child says "19, 20, 21..."

Rational Counting- Counting objects with a number representing an amount.  For example, if there are seven frogs the child touches each frog giving it a number if 1-7.  In the state of Arizona Kindergarteners are required to count rational count to 20, first graders to 120.

Skip Counting-  When I was a kid we were just asked to count by twos, fives, or whatever number.  These day it is commonly called skip counting.  For example, a teacher might ask can you skip count by fives to 50.  Which would sound like 5, 10, 15, 20, 25....  As mentioned above, Kindergarteners should be able to skip count by tens and First Graders by twos, fives, and tens.

Manipulatives- The description is somewhat implied in the root of the word. Objects that can be manipulated to represent and explore mathematical equations and concepts.  Common math manipulatives in the early education classroom would be counting beads, those little cubes that are used to teach place values,   three dimensional shapes, paper clips used for measuring, ect.  There are many great store bought products that are packaged specifically as manipulatives.  While some of these products are very original and well worth the expense, you can also you items from your local dollar tree or household items.

Creative Learning with Math Manipulatives

The best math manipulatives may already be in your house.  Does your son have every super hero action figure?  Does your daughter aim to collect every Squinkie or Zooble?  When it comes to manipulatives for rational counting, skip counting, measuring, addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division use the toys or household objects they already love.  I feel the need to say if your child is at a developmental level where they still explore the world by putting objects in their mouth, avoid any objects that are choking hazards.

Here is a list of common things you could use as manipulatives:

candy pieces- chocolate chips, sprinkles, Reese's pieces, M&M's, ect
snack food- goldfish crackers, fruit snacks, yogurt drops
craft supplies-  pom poms, rhinestones, sequins, beads, stickers, fake flowers
play jewelry- rings, bracelets, necklaces, hair bows
toys- stuffed animals, baby dolls, Barbie Dolls, trains, cars, action figures, character figures, blocks, legos, balls, tools, puzzle pieces, animals, bugs, play food, pretend place settings, board game pieces, nesting cups
household- paperclips, clothespins, band aids, cotton balls, qtips, rubber bands, small 2-3 oz paper cups,

How to Use Manipulatives 

A recent "game" I came up with for Aly is an addition subtraction lesson.

My materials are:

white board about 12x15 (substitute chalk board or paper on a flat surface)
white erase markers  (substitute chalk, or numbers from puzzle, or magnetic fridge numbers)
 manipulatives- I use a collection of about 40 small bugs, reptiles, and creepy crawlies we have collected from various places but mostly the local Dollar Tree

Directions:

1) Sitting on the couch with Aly next to me, I put the white board across our laps centered more towards her. I place the box on the side of me opposite my daughter where she can't reach.

2) I ask, "How many bugs are on the board?"
Aly: zero
Mom: That's right.  I'm adding one bug to zero bugs.

3) I write the equation while slowly talking through the equation like a word problem.
Mom: One bug plus zero bugs equals how many bugs?
I write:  1+0=

4) Wait for her to answer.  Validate the correct answer or effort.  I write the answer to the equation and repeat, "That's right. 1+0=1.  Can you say that?"

5) I add bugs for equations up to 6 with the highest equation being 1+5=6.  Then do the same with subtraction until there are no bugs.

6) Then I erase all the equations and repeat the activity until we are through the whole box of creepy crawlies.

If your child is writing well have them write the equations on the board.  Once they can quickly recite their addition and subtraction facts within number 1-6, increase to 10.

Other Ways to Use Manipulatives

1) Measuring objects- measure how many paper clips (substitute any small manipulative) long their baby doll and other toys or books are.  Which book is the longest? Which doll is the tallest?

2) Place Values- use legos to represent ones, tens, and even hundreds for older children.

3) Word Problems- If Mom has 3 cookies and Aly has two cookies, how many cookies are on the table?

4) Geometry- How many popsicle sticks do you need to make a square? Triangle? Pentagon?

5) Comparing values- greater than less than, most and least...Which paper plate has more beans? Least?

6) Patterns- red bead, striped bead, heart bead, red bead striped bead heart bead... What comes next?

How to use apps and video games to reinforce learning

I frequently get asked what I use and how I teach my daughter the subjects of math and reading.  One great tool our generation is privileged to have is technology. There are mixed opinions on the positives and negatives of exposing children to media.  Well, my daughter watches TV, plays video games, and sings pop songs from Kidz Bop.  She also reads, has math knowledge listed in our state's third grade curriculum, and can categorize and graph scientific data so I don't think her exposure is hindering her educational development. It's all a matter of how you use these technological tools. There are virtual books, apps, video games, learning songs on YouTube, and so much more.  It is not enough to just make a play list of videos or download the games.  You need to actually use varied forms of media and other tools to reinforce skills you have worked on together.   Don't just introduce a concept in a single game or episode of their favorite show and expect it to stick.  Make it the lesson of the week.  This post will include how to use different learning tools to create a lesson for your child, an example of how I've done that with Aly, apps we love for learning, and a DIY activity described below.

An Example of How to Use Multiple Learning Tools to Teach the Same Lesson

We are currently working on phonics blends.  Many parents know to teach their children the basic phonic sounds of the letters.  The next step is phonic blends, which are sounds such as SH, CH, WH, TR. One activity I've seen done in a Kindergarten classroom involves sorting pictures based on the phonic blend sound.  You select four phonic blends and place each one in its own section of a four section tray.  Then, the students are given picture cards to sort. For example, using the sounds mentioned above the cards might be pictures of a shark, a chair, a whale, and a train.  We have a DIY set of these I came up with to practice phonic blends. See the end of this post for how to make your own set.  In addition to having a hands on activity, we also have a learning app on my iPhone by Brain Beanz called Blend Seeker.  It is a video game that basically does the same thing.  My daughter loves sea creatures so the star fish and other under sea characters make this game extra fun for her.  When they answer correctly enough times they get a virtual sticker for for that specific blend. When they select that sticker, they are given a review.  The review contains a sea anemone that says, "I'm hungry. Feed me." Then bubbles float up from the sea floor with pictures.  You need to select the right pictures for that phonic blend or it says "Yuck!"  Then continue the lesson by reading a book containing words with the blends from your activity.  Point out the word to the child.  Saying something like, "Look, a whale. What are the first two letters of the word whale? What sound do those letters make together."   Follow it up with an episode of Word World.  A specific one I like is the one where Shark is introduced.   Duck thinks he is a sssss-hark and doesn't find out until the end that he is a Sh-ark.  They episode addresses how letter sounds can change when two specific letters combine.

So we have had a hands on activity, a video game, a book, and a TV show.  Take it one step further by identifying any signs in the mall, reading labels on food products, or someone t shirt that has a blend you know.  That is what I call Creative Learning.  Depending on your child's age and development consider explaining simply to them why they need to learn blends.  I tell my daughter, "When you know all the letter sounds you can read a book all by yourself!"
Keep in mind that this is actually a Kindergarten standard for Arizona.  It may take a few tries before your child gets the concept, especially if they are in the 2-3 year range.  When teaching younger children concepts intended for older children:
1) Be patient.
2) Show them how to do it the first couple times.
3) If they struggle, allow them to copy you.  Then when they are confident, introduce one new card.
4) If they get upset, stressed or bored quit the activity.
5)Be positive and tell them what they did well at the activity.

You can use this reinforcement technique for any number of subjects.  I have even designed lessons around a specific episode of a TV show she likes.  While math and reading are impressive subjects for showing off your child's knowledge, don't forget the focus should be a well rounded education.  There are science, social studies, art, music, technology, and physical education standards included in states curriculum for a reason.  Teach to what your child is enjoys. Not every 3,4, or 5 year old will want to sit and sort phonic blends.  If they like bugs, make it a science lesson about what bugs need to live, like to eat, where they live, or if they go through metamorphosis.  Don't assume a subject matter is too advanced if they seem engaged and interested.   If you would like help developing lessons for your child, leave a comment with their age, favorite thing, and what subject or skill you want them to learn.

DIY Phonic Blend Sorting

My DIY version of the Kindergarten store bought set I saw involved some sort of sorting tray, paper, and stickers.  For the tray you can use whatever you already have: an egg carton, a sectioned child's plate, Tupperware lunch container, scrabble tile holders, or just plenty of room on a flat surface. Find a list of phonic blends online. One link I like is  http://www.enchantedlearning.com/consonantblends/
Cut at least 3-4 paper squares for each blend sound.  Use stickers or drawing pictures with markers that have beginning sounds that match the blends.  Show them how the game works. Consider rewarding them with a special sticker to wear.

My Favorite Learning Apps

These are all apps I use with my 3 year old daughter.  Some apps have content that meet standards as high as fourth grade while others are very basic.  These apps are in random order but are all Aly and Mommy approved.  This is just a list of what we use, not reviews.  If you have a specific question about an app post it in the comment section.

Science

1) Earth Science Flashcards by Kindergarten.com
free

2) Animal Flashcards by Kindergarten.com
free

3) Sid's Science Fair by PBS Kids
$2.99

4) Smarty Shortz 1st Grade by Smarty Shortz LLC
$2.99 for all subject or .99 for just science

5) Complete Toddler Preschool by Toddler Teasers
Worth spending $2.99 for all 30 categories rather than .99 for each category.
Science categories include Tools, Seasons, Mammals, Birds, Fish, Reptiles and Amphibians, Bugs, and Animals.

6) Learn Sharks by Live Doodles
free

Social Studies

1) Stack the States Lite by Dan Russell-Pinson
free for the lite version, worth buying for older kids
If your child like this they might like Stack the Countries Lite, though we haven't tried it yet.

2)Smarty Shortz 1st Grade by Smarty Shortz LLC
$2.99 for all subject or .99 for just social studies


Virtual Books

Smurf Classics by istory time
free
Dog Story by TabTales
free
Wizard of Oz by TabTales
free
Meet Biscuit by istory time
free
Wow Wow Wubbzy's Pirate Treasure, GoodTalkApps,
$1.99

Math

1) Team Umizoomi Math by nickelodeon
$2.99

2) Jungle Time - Learn to Tell Time by Andrew Short
.99

3) xGerms Counting by k12 Inc
.99

4) Math Train Free Addition Subtraction by App-Zoo
free

5)  Complete Toddler Preschool by Toddler Teasers
Worth spending $2.99 for all 30 categories rather than .99 for each category.
Math categories include Shapes, Numbers, Money, Fractions, and Roman Numerals with beginning and advanced levels of play.

6) A 2nd Grade Pattern Recognition by Nth Fusion
.99

7) 1st Grade Math: Splash Math by StudyPad Inc.
free

8) Smarty Shortz 1st Grade by Smarty Shortz LLC
$2.99 for all subject or .99 for just social studies

9) Teaching Number Lines by Little Monkey Apps

Language and Reading

1) Dora

2) If You're Happy and You Know It

3)Complete Toddler Preschool by Toddler Teasers
Worth spending $2.99 for all 30 categories rather than .99 for each category.

4) Hot Dots Jr Beginning Phonics by Educational Insights
.99 or free for the lite version

5) First Word Sampler by learning Touch
free

6) ABC Phonics by Abitalk
free

7) Blend Seeker by Brain Beanz
$1.99

8) Phonics Awareness by Bugbrained
free

9) ABC Letter Tracing by Critical Matters, Inc
free

10) Build a Word by WordWorld
lite version is free, .99 for full version

11) Grammar Fun by Paradox Software
free

12) Sight Words Flashcards by App-Zoo
 free

13) ABC Phonics Rhyming by Abitalk
free

14) Phonic Vowels- Short by Abitalk
free