Accessible Dance classes for children- Luka 'Lazylegs' Patrelli

Luka 'Lazylegs' Patrelli was born with artherrosis and has had 16 surgeries between the time he was 7 months old to 17 years old.  He started his own style with skateboarding, then started dancing at 15 years old.  He started breakdancing using his own style, and now works with dance studios along with his wife and business partner, to make them more accessible for children with physical disabilities.  He was on the Ellen show over the holiday season and showed his dance moves, he was amazing!  He claims his inspiring dancing shows, "No excuses. No limits!"

Resources:

Luca Patuelli
lazylegz.com

See Luca perform on ellen on tube
or  at http://www.elementallity.ca/the-ellen-degeneresshow-lazylegs-break-dancing/

How to exit an elementary school mid-year graciously?

I had a friend call me on the phone to ask me how she should take her child out of school, as they are moving to Colorado.  These are my suggestions:

1.  Do not say anything negative about the school to parents at the school, since you are now leaving,  it is not fair to others who are deciding to stay.  Stay gracious, friendly and welcoming.

2.  Tell the teacher and the principal first, before telling other parents or children.

3.  Give the school reasonable notice since schools rely on funding based on your child's attendance.  Two weeks is a preferable time, though you can also do an independent study if you do not have that much notice.  Set up the independent student as far ahead as possible and you will need to pick up work ahead of time.

4.  Send a farewell card to the teachers and administrator.

5.  Send a farewell e-mail to parents and/or your child's friends.  Be careful about telling one family or friend before another, as this can cause hard feelings.

6.  If time, set up a farewell playmate or picnic and invite your child's friends and their families.

7.  Bring a gift to teacher and other caring staff on the last day to show appreciation for what they have done for your child.

8.  Lastly, send a postcard from your new destination, school to share with the class.

Holiday LIghts, Gilroy Gardens, Gilroy, CA- Our Family Tradition

Soon, it will be 2014!  The presents have been opened, we went to Christmas eve service at church, had a huge meal, what is missing?  I remembered today that we haven't yet gone to Gilroy Gardens Holiday Lights!  There are two more days of the festivities, today December 29th and tomorrow, December 30th!  The hours are from 3:00PM to 8:00PM.  Why go to this event?  There are millions of twinkling lights and it is truly magical, even for adults.  There aren't the same kind of rides as most amusement parks, so the focus will be more on the lights and the magic of the season!  This event is free with 2014 membership.

There are so many things to do now as we get ready for 2014, but I am thinking we'll still do the drive tomorrow to go to Holiday Lights!

Resources:

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
3050 Hecker Pass Hwy
Gilroy, CA  95020
Information and Guest Services
(408) 840-7100
http://www.gilroygardens.org

Where to stay in Gilroy Gardens:

I've stayed at both of the places below, they were clean and nicely maintained.

Best Western Plus, Forest Park Inn, Gilroy, CA
Hilton Garden Inn, Gilroy, CA
Contact Expedia.com for rates

Lego kits for ages 6 to 12 years, "Castle Kit"

One of the things my son got from his uncle was a lego "Castle" kit for ages 6 to 12.  The kit includes 248 pieces and this is a building toy.  My son is 5 and 1/2 and needed someone to sit with him and help him put this together.  Then, when it was completed, it did come apart.  It is not a permanent toy after it was built, and it is important for children to be told this as it was a little upsetting for my son when it started coming apart.

My son said, "I like this kit because it was fun to put together!"

Resources:

Lego Castle kit
Building Toy
LEGO.com
Item # 6024772

LEGO Systems, Inc.
Enfield, CT  06083

Toys this Christmas- costumes from the Disney Store

One of the presents my son got for Christmas he already had at home, luckily my mom had the receipt so yesterday we went to the Disney store and my son got to pick out something else.  He said,

"I loved picking an Iron Man Suit because it was cool."

My son hasn't even seen the movie Ironman, he is only four and he's watched only a few full length movies in his lifetime.

The exchange was fairly easy!  I always tell people who buy for children at Christmas to always get a gift receipt and pack it with the present.  Things either don't fit, or don't quite match the taste of the children, or they already have the item.  Plus, why waste money?  When I give toys to children, my ultimate desire is for them to have fun with the item!

I really like going with the child myself, especially Disney, and watching them pick out a toy!  It is so much fun to be at the Disney Store!

Update:  My son and I took the Ironman suit home, size 5-6, and it was too tight in the chest, it kept coming undone.  So, we went back to the Disney store and returned the Ironman costume for a size 7-8 Captain America costume.

Disney was great about these returns and treated us very respectfully!

This year my son started his own workshop, and he enjoyed making presents

This year, at age 5, my son talked to out of state family on the phone, and he asked them what they wanted him to make for them.  He has set up a workshop at our house, and he has been making presents.  He claims his specialty is a candle holder, but he also makes a pencil holder.  Tonight, at Christmas dinner, my son's gift to his uncle, my brother, shone brightly as the centerpiece, and my son seemed delighted.  He now has two more orders for his candleholder from family in Michigan.

Spasso Coffeehouse in Oakland, CA, open at 7:00AM- going there to get coffee for the day!

Going to Spasso Coffeehouse in Oakland, CA at 7:00AM today to get an almond milk honey latte.  It is a relaxing place to wake up, have a warm drink, and get ready for busy Christmas Day!

Resources:

Spasso Coffeehouse
6021 College Ave.
(Between Armanino and Harwood)
Oakland, CA  94618
spassocoffeehouse.com
(510) 428-1818

Christmas Eve service, our tradition

In my family when I was going up we'd go to my mom's side of the family on Christmas Eve, and my dad's side on Christmas.  Now, with our son, we have started the tradition of going to church on Christmas Eve.  They sing carols, the children do an impromptu Shepherds play with costumes, and ends of singing in a circle with candles.  My son was so excited to go tonight that all day he'd say, "Mommy, we don't want to miss church tonight."  At the end, everyone got a chocolate kiss as they left the church.  The church we go to has been around for 100 years and the architect was Julia Morgan, so it is historical and gorgeous!  Taking my son to church last night was the one thing I felt I completely "got right"  this season.  I did not have the holiday party for William's friends I wanted to have, with ideas I saw in a magazine.  I did not have my friends and my husband's friends over for an elegant dinner, like I wanted to.  I didn't even get any of my holiday cards out yet, and am going to picture people on the 26th for cards, and will send New Year's cards instead.   Though I feel bad about what I didn't get done, after going to service last night I feel better.  When I saw my son run out the door, going to church, with his new suit I got on sale on Macy's that he picked out, I was immensely proud of him!

Santa's visit

My son wanted a HUGE boat with a remote control for Christmas from Santa.  I told Santa that him and his elves can only make so many toys for all the boys and girls, and so children cannot always get exactly what they want. Sometimes, Santa even has to have his elves go to the store, but he prefers making them.   Also, santa sometimes has to get smaller toys so he doesn't hurt his back.  Will  my son get the HUGE boat?  We'll see?  I'll report after he arrives.  Last year he ate the cookies, drank the milk.  This year we left milk, cookies, and tylenol as I heard that his back was bothering him.  Be careful Santa, all the boys and girls need you!

Recommended toy for children ages 4+, wooden block construction set

My son is 5, and he loves building with wood blocks!  This toy is a staple for my son and is something he doesn't get bored of.  I love it as it inspires creativity and uses his imagination!

Resources:

Kinder Blocks
Classic Wood Construction Set
IDEAL TIMELESS TOYS
No:6480
Poof Slinky Inc.
P.O. Box 701394
Plymouth, MI  48170 -0964
www.poof.slinky.com

Recommended places to stay in Grass Valley, CA- dog and child friendly

The Sierra Mountain Inn in Grass Valley, CA is both dog and child friendly!  Also, it is three blocks  from downtown grass valley, which is a cute, old fashioned town.  The people there are amazingly friendly.

Resources:

Sierra Mountain Inn
www.sierramountaininn.com
(530) 273-8133
816 West Main Street
Grass Valley, CA  95945

Nevada City School of the Arts, Nevada City, CA- an arts charter school

My son and I were at the Grass Valley Cornish Festival when we met a 10 year old boy who was playing violin at the Cornish Festival.  He was dressed up in Cornish costume and was playing holiday music, but he also told me that he can play "Smoke on the Water."  He was so confident in his musical ability and stage presence that I asked him where he went to school, he told me, "I go to the Nevada City School of the Arts."  

 I hadn't heard of that school so I did a little research, and this is what I found.

Their recipe for success:

15 passionate teachers
2 music instructors
4 resident artists
12 community artists
9 instructional aides
13 support staff
347 students

1 GOAL

Resources:

Nevada School of the Arts
13032 Bitney Springs Rd.
Building #8
Nevada City, CA  95959
Phone:  530-273-7736  x218
FAX:  530-273-1378

Best place to stay in Nevada City with both dogs and children, Outside Inn, Nevada City, CA

The Outside Inn has a motel style look and feel to it, but it is updated so there is organic Peerless coffee in the room, yellow stars with blue sky on the ceiling, the walls are all painted yellow, and a vincent Van Gogh painting "starry night" on the wall.  Since it is motel style, it is easy to take your dog outside for a walk in the morning.  This place is walking distance to the town of Nevada City.  This town is really decked out for the holidays with twinkling white lights everywhere!  It is hard not to be in the holiday spirit as you walk down this street!

There is no breakfast included, but the rate is reasonable, and it is walking distance to lots of cafes down the street.

Resources:

575  E. Broad Street
Nevada City, CA
95959
Phone:  info@outsideinn.com
www.outsideinn.com

E is for Empire Mine State Historic Park, Grass Valley, CA

The Empire Mine is located about 50 miles from Sacramento.  The park is 856 acres and sits among gorgeous forested foothills at elevations of 2,500 and 2,900 feet.

My 5 year old son really enjoyed this museum yesterday, in fact, he wants to go back today!

They had a mining kit that he was eyeing yesterday, I also discovered that they have mining clubs still existing as there still is gold in the hills.  In Fact, recently there was a vote about whether to open this mine again, but it lost by 5 votes.  The word by the park rangers was that many people are worried about environmental damage to the area if the mine opens again.

The mine had a small gift shop with some "fools gold" which my son is fascinated with!  There are mostly adult items at the shop, such as jewelry, etc.

My son said, "I liked going down into the shaft."  We waited until other people were also walking down into it as it was a little dark and scary for me, too!  The most interesting part of this museum for my son was this shaft viewing area.  The ore "skips" that moved the rock to waiting ore cars sped through the portal at 600 and 1200 feet a minute.  The deepest shaft is more than 5,000 feet down.

Resources:

Empire Mine State Historic Park
10791 East Empire Street
Grass Valley, CA  95945
(530) 273-8522

Victorian Christmas Festival in Nevada City

Nevada City is where one of my favorite Hallmark holiday films, "The Christmas Card," was filmed.

Sunday, December 22nd, at 1:30PM  is the Nevada City Victorian Christmas Festival.  Here's the official description:

The enticing aromas of roasted chestnuts and hearty holiday foods fill the air, along with cries of street vendors hawking their wares and lamp-lit streets filled to overflowing with authentic Christmas treasures. It’s the 35th one & only Victorian Christmas-full of new shows, sights, sounds and attractions.

Welcome the holiday season in style in historic Nevada City, a quaint, Gold Rush town nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Sierra where each year the town’s picturesque downtown transforms into a genuine Christmas card come to life. It’s a magical setting of hilly streets outlined with twinkling white lights and authentic gas lamps, wandering minstrels and carolers dressed in Victorian attire, and a myriad of visitors sharing holiday cheer and good tidings.

This annual, family tradition takes place three Wednesday evenings and two Sunday afternoons in December and features holiday activities for all ages:  carriage rides, live entertainment, savory yuletide treats and libations, and of course, Father Christmas!

There is oh so much to see, hear, feast upon and experience at Victorian Christmas. Whether you’ve been naughty or nice…we look forward to welcoming the best of the holiday Season with you and yours!

For anyone looking for the Christmas Card movie, here it is:

Cornish Christmas in Grass Valley

The Cornish Christmas Festival in Grass Valley, California is tonight until 9pm.  We are having a great time!  

Lots of food, crafts, etc.  Hot cider.  Hot chocolate.  Cornish pasties.  Clam Chowder.  Tons of other food.  Police are patrolling on horseback.  Lots of people; great way to get into the Christmas spirit.  

One big highlight for us -- chestnuts roasting on an open fire in front of the Holbrooke Hotel.  Just like the song.  And we have just learned that my son loves roasting chestnuts.  

Another highlight -- a 10-year old student at Nevada City School of the Arts playing Christmas songs on the violin.

Holiday Gift Idea: Chunky Monkey, set of 10 markers

This set of markers is wonderful for a child's small hands.  My son has a journal and he draws pictures in it with these markers. They have been so well used that I need to get him a new set soon.  Students first writing is drawing, and then sharing about what they have read.  My son loves to draw pictures of trains right now.  When I taught Kindergarten, we would have them work on coloring a picture with at least three colors.

Resources:

Chunky Monkey
Set of 10 markers
Manufactured by International Arrivals LLC
Oceanside, CA92056
www.intlarrivals.com

(On the container it says it is not suitable for children under 4)

Holiday Gift Ideas- Play-Doh Diggin' Rigs-- Chomper The excavator

Play-Doh has a whole new series called, Diggin'  Rigs with all kinds of tools for playing with Play-Doh!  My son has really been enjoying them.  This kit has supplies to create pretend bricks and build a wall.  Then, when it's done, they can bash it and tear it down.   After a day at school, my son loves to smash, press, and build!

Notice:  The Play-Doh products contain wheat!

Contents:
Playset with boom and claw
hand tool
book mold
2 cans of play-doh

www.play-Doh
1-800-327-8264

No batteries required

This set includes everything you need for fun!  I love the way I opened the package and was set to go, no batteries, and not much assembly!

Holiday Gift Idea: Mario's Pizzeria- No batteries required

My son has several of the WOW toys that he's collected.  The Mario's Pizzeria set is fun because it has the following qualities:

-Can spin the chef to choose the pizza toppings.
-There is a magic oven with push to bake button
 -It includes a pizza delivery truck and 3 removable pizzas

This is a fun toy for role-playing, imaginary play, and language development.

Resources:

Mario's Pizzeria
WOW Toys, Ground Floor
Palace Wharf, Rainville Road
London, W6  9HN, UK

We get the WOW toys from Games Unlimited in Danville, CA.  They have a large selection of WOW toys.

Holiday gift idea- Coastguard Carl, Wow Toys, no batteries required

When my son and I saw all the fire trucks, helicopters, and rescue cars in front of Rockridge Bart station, he was fascinated.  Then, later that day he had earned points toward a toy, and he gravitated toward this toy.  It is a little young for him, but he is still really enjoying as he loves dramatic play!  For 3 plus years, it is fun for role play and exploration.  To be honest, I personally prefer wooden toys, but there are just some things you can't make out of wood and cloth!

Qualities of Coastguard Carl:

-A squeeze trigger to activate friction-powered rotors
-Flying doctor and patient figures
-Magic pick-up stretcher, then you can twist the searchlight to release
-No batteries
-1 and 1/2 years to 5 years (These age limits depend on your child and their interests, and the WOW figures are great for dramatic play!)

Resources:

Coastguard Carl
WOW Toys
Ground Floor
Palace Wharf, Rainville Road
London, W6 9HN, UK
wowtoys.com

We get our WOW toys in Danville, CA from Games Unlimited.  They have a large selection of WOW toys.

Science gift- 4X-6X Two Way Bug Viewer

When I was at the Salmon Festival with my son in Knights Ferry, CA, some of the booths had these nifty two way bug viewers they were using to view salmon eggs, etc.  I wrote down the information on the box since I want to get my son one for the holidays.    The following are the things the bug viewer can do:

-Allows 2 people to view  simultaneously
-Ventilated bug viewer with base and easy-grip handles
-top view 6X magnification
-Bottom view 4X magnification

For ages 5 and up (Though younger children could use this with supervision.)

Discovery Zone
Edu-Toys
No. BL010

Rockridge Kids in Rockridge, CA is closing at the end of December!-- DRAFT

Teddy Bear Teas, for Children.... DRAFT....

Nutcracker.... (DRAFT)

Lafayette Library - Traditional Folksongs of the Winter Holidays - Thursday, December 19, 2013 - 6:00-8:00PM- FREE

I love libraries!  I remember when I was a child growing up in the midwest, we would go to the library at least once a week.  My father liked taking a drive and going to different libraries in our area.  To me, libraries are a safe and cozy place to be, a haven from the stresses of life.  For my son, I want him to have that same feeling.  Libraries are free, and when I went to Peet's today in Lafayette, they were crowded to the brim, and there was no where to sit.  I got my gingerbread, almond latte (yes, Peet's has almond milk now), and headed over to this library where it is humming but not crowded.

This Thursday, December 19th, in the LLLC Community Hall, there is a concert of the Traditional Folksongs of the Winter Holidays,  It is from 6:00-8:00PM and no reservations are necessary.  We already have a commitment for this Thursday evening, but if we didn't then we'd go!

Resources:

Traditional Folksongs of the Winter Holidays
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation
Ages:  All ages
Time:  6:00 to 8:00PM
Fee:  Free
Reserve:  No reservations necessary

The LLC Library writes,  "Join us for a very special free holiday concert with Legendary folksinger, storyteller, and autoharp virtuoso Adam Miller.  Well-known (and not so well known) sing-along songs of the holiday season; traditional folksongs, carols for the new year, Hanukkah, Christmas, and the Winter Solstice- from pre-Christian times to the present."

Lafayette Library and Learning Center
Home of the Glenn Seaborg Learning Consortium (GSLC)
Information at LLLCF.org
(925) 283-6513
Lafayette, CA

Santa Trains in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area....(DRAFT)

Why is homeschooling increasing? Part I

I've been asked by several parents at parks and playmates, "Why do you think homeschooling is increasing?"  One mom, who is also a teacher, told me, "I know how the sausage is made, which is why I won't eat the sausage!"  Interestingly, a high number of homeschoolers have one or more parents who are teachers.

 In 2012, Education News stated, "Since 1999, the number of children who are being home schooled has increased by 75%." (Education News, Monday, May 21, 2012.)

One homeschool mom and blogger, wrote some interesting quotes on her blog, unplugyourfamily.blogspot.com:

"Thinking of life as fragile puts things into great perspective."

"We follow our hearts and our minds and learn about things that interest us."

"The ability to allow our children to be the authors of their own education is priceless."

"Parents should always have responsibility of primary educator."

Resources used from mom who writes, unplugyourfamily.blogspot.com:
(I haven't personally used the resources below, but I want to look into them.)

Education News article
http://www.educationnews.org/parenting/number-of-homeschoolers-growing-nationwide.

Educating the Whole Hearted Child, by Clay and Sally Clarkston

Dr. Brian Ray
(NHERI.org)

The Unplugged Family blog
unplugyourfamily.blogspot.com

Jolly Phonics Program

Sonlight's Language Arts K program

Recommended Winter and Holiday Book - Stranger in the Woods - A Photographic Fantasy

I still have a friend who I met in Kindergarten!  Her mom gave my son the book "Stranger in the Woods" a few years ago.  It also comes in a movie DVD version as well as a soundtrack.   I love this book as it reminds me of growing up in the snow and all that includes!  It truly is a photographic fantasy!  The book has won many awards, including the 2004 National Humane Society KIND Award.  It is dedicated "For those who protect wild places and to the snowman that lives in every child's heart."

Resources:

Stranger in the Woods- A Photographic Fantasy
by Carl R. Sams II & Jean Stoick
Carl R. Sams II Photography, Inc.
361 Whispering Pines
Milford, MI  48380
(800) 552-1867
(248) 685-2422
Fax 248-685-1643
www.strangerinthewoods.com
www.carlsams.com
ISBN 0-9671748-0-5

Recommended Holiday Book- Frosty the Snowman, music and lyrics by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins, music by Kenny Loggins

I took this to a Kindergarden class last week to read to the class.  I love this book because it is a great holiday book, yet every child can appreciate it, no matter what religion, beliefs, or holidays they celebrate.  This book also includes in the back cover a 3-song CD recorded by Grammy Award Winner Kenny Loggins.  I read the book to the class, then we brainstormed words about snow, winter, snowman, and I wrote them on the board, some with pictures for reminders.  Then, the students drew a picture, and some of them wrote words or sentences while I played the CD.  It was an excellent K lesson and was very uplifting.  I belief kindergarden should be a time to get children jazzed about school, and this book brought smiles and excitement to the children's faces!

Resources:

Frosty the Snowman
Music & Lyrics by Steve Nelson & Jack Rollins
Illustrated by Wade Zahares
Includes a 3-song CD recorded by Grammy Award Winner Kenny Loggins
Imagine! a Peter Yarrow Book
ISBN # 978-1-62354-012-8

My child's idea - making a candle holder out of clay

"Today, we made a candle holder out of clay.  First, I thought of the idea.  I got the idea from Godly Play yesterday.  I learned that  back then, they knew how to make candle holders that looked like a tea pots.  That's what they told me.  That's the only way they knew how to make them.   Back then, they didn't need to have candles, but they used oil and wicks.  I made it out of clay, with a handle.  I needed water too, and a 'stirring' straw design with.  Then, my mommy found a candle holder to put in it, and lit it.  We decided not to use oil, because we didn't have any oil, but mommy had beeswax candles.  And that is how I made this candle."

Transcribed by momma, idea by Matthew

Resources:

Clay

Crayola Air-Dry Clay

White, NET 5 lb.

No Baking, Dries Hard

crayola.com

code # 57-5055-0-952

style # 57-5055

This is a fine, natural earth clay which air dries to a hard solid.  Use it to make clay sculptures, decorative items, or plaques.  No baking or firing needed.  

While working with this clay, use only water to soften clay or join pieces.  

Drying time for a project is generally 2-3 days, depending the size and thickness of the sculpture.  See crayola.com for tips on working with Air Dry clay.

Beeswax cake candles
from Nova Naturals catalogue
comes with 12 candles, 3" tall, natural or multi-colored
#2695  $5.00
www.novanaturals.com

Set of three brass candle holders
(These holders are from Germany)
Solid Brass
Holds a 0.5" candle.  #2645

Upcoming Jewish Holidays

As a teacher and parent, I think it is important to know about holidays, within your culture as well as others.

Here are some upcoming and just passed Jewish holidays:

The first Chanukah candle was November 27th, Chanukah came early this year.

Chanukah- November 28-December 5th

Tu B' Shevat- January 16th

Purim Night- March 15th

First Passover Seder- April 14th

Passover- April 15-22

Shavuot- June 4-5

Tisha B' Av- August 5th

Rosh Hashanah - September 25-26

Kol Nidre- October 3

Yom Kippur- October 4

Afikomen Judaica, jewish children's books, toys, etc.

Afikomen Judaica has a wealth of Jewish books, toys for children, candles, etc.  They have complimentary tea and a children's playspace.  They are located in Berkeley, CA.

Resources:

Afikomen Judaica
LIVE.
SHOP.
SHMOOZE.

www.afikomen.com
3042 Claremont Avenue
Berkeley, CA  94705
Phone:  (510) 655-1977
E-mail:  mail@afikomen.com

Hint:  Call before visiting or look at website as they are closed on all Jewish holidays.

Tot Shabbat at Chochmat Halev in Berkeley, CA

"Come sing, dance, and bless with Jen Miriam Kantor (also a certified Music Together teacher, Razel the Camel, and her other fabulous puppet friends!  The half hour service includes candle-lighting, sing-alongs with guitar, drums and instruments, puppets, and dancing."

Specially geared to children aged 0-5
The service is followed by vegetarian pot-luck dinner.
Please bring a vegetarian dish to share.

Start time is 6:30 pm on first Friday and 5:30 pm on third Friday of each month.

Resources:

Chochmat Halev Tot Shabbat
(Check the calendar at www.chochmat.org)

Homeschooling, Connecting Waters Charter School

I met a mother today who has her daughter registered at the Connecting Waters Charter School in Modesto.  She meets with a teacher monthly at a local library, and receives money for curriculum and programs such as music, dance, science classes, etc.  Supposedly, they give more money toward programs then other charter schools.

Resources:

Connecting Waters Charter School

Hand Book Sketch Journal- from Arch Store, SF, CA

I discovered a perfect journal for my son, it is the Hand Book Sketch Journal.  It can be purchased from Arch Store in San Francisco, CA which is in the Dogpatch neighborhood.

Resources:

Hand Book Sketch Journal

Purchase from the Arch Store, San Francisco, CA

Recommended bilingual language arts program- Estrellita Accelerated Beginning Spanish Reading

I was at a cafe a few days ago with my son, and I met a teacher in the Berkeley Unified School District who teaches in a bilingual class.  I was telling her that I wanted to continue helping my son in Spanish so he can eventually be biliterate.  She recommended looking at the resources in the Estrellita Accelerated Beginning Spanish Reading program.  I looked at the website this morning and it is written, "The most comprehensive and effective elementary school bilingual program on the market."

Resources:

Estrellita Accelerated Beginning Spanish Reading
www.estrellita.com
Phone:  (303) 779-2610
FAX:  (303) 779-2640
E-mail:  info@estrellita.com
Address:
6050 Greenwood Plaza Blvd.  #120
Greenwood Village, CO  80111

Zoo Phonics

Bullying- an epidemic in schools today

Why do I hear so much about bullying?  A few days ago, I was in a cafe, and the woman who worked there told me about her son who has been bullied all year.  Her story brought tears to my eyes, because her son is in high school.  He is so young to hate school and not feel safe.   It is so sad for me to constantly hear these stories now about children being bullied at school,  while  parents are working hard to make a living and wanting to trust the school system to keep their child safe.  What a delight it would be for their children to want to go to school, to enjoy learning, to feel safe.  I am going to research what successful schools are doing to create a safe, peaceful, and accepting environment.  I am looking forward to sharing my research.

Teacher Mama

Jenga

Our son received a Jenga game over the holidays last year.  We played occasionally, maybe one game at a time.  We ended up putting it away because we weren't using it very much.

I broke it out the other day.  We've been playing maybe ten games at a time - he just loves it.  The game is a building game that includes a bit of strategy.  Perfect for him now that he is 5 1/2.

My son didn't want to go to school today

My son didn't want to go to school today.  A week ago he was hit and bullied by another child at school.

The New York Times and other news sources are reporting on the graphic details about what happened at Sandy Hook Elementary School a year ago.  I am part of a brand new generation of mothers who have to face the following scenario: when their child doesn't want to go to school, and they look at you with big teary eyes, I wonder, "What if?"

It doesn't help when I was watching KTVU news last night for the weather, and they said they now have the live words of what was happening at the elementary school on December 14th.  It said to go on KTVU.com and look under national news, Sandy Hook.  Will I look?  No.   Does it bother me?  Yes.

A year ago, on December 14th, I was teaching.  I remember parents looking in the window, but I didn't officially know what happened until the recess break.  Teachers and administrators were shocked.

Today is a beautiful day, but in my heart I still feel sad about December 14, 2012.  Parents will never again feel completely safe when they drop their child off to school.  I wonder if there were any children that day at Sandy Hook who didn't want to go to school that morning?  My heart goes out to those parents.

Toy Rocket - waterproof and includes 2 astronauts

I got my son the Rocket from Green Toys at the Whole Foods Market in Lafayette, CA.  I like this Company, Green Toys, because the products are made from 100% recycled plastic.  As it says on the box, "This saves energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizes carbon footprint."  I like purchasing products from companies that are working with recycling products.  Also, the Green Toys Products meet all international toy safety standards, and contain no BPA, PVC, or phthalates.  They are even safe to use with real food, and dishwasher safe.  The 3-2-1 Blast Off Rocket has a detachable top capsule, two flip-down doors, and includes two astronauts.

Resources:

3-2-1 Blast Off!  Rocket
www.greentoys.com
Made In USA
100% curbside collected, recycled plastic
Green Toys Inc.
912 Cole Street, Suite 283
San Francisco, CA  94117
($24.99 at Whole Foods in Lafayette, CA in November 2013)

The Mommy Hook, perfect for connecting to strollers or shopping carts

I found the Mommy Hook when my son was younger, but I still use it sometimes now as he still likes to ride in his BOB sometimes.  It hooks to the Bob, other stroller, or even a shopping cart.  It fits almost all stroller handles and doesn't slide.   The mommy hook holds such things as diaper bags, shopping bags, camera bags, purses, toys, groceries, or athletic accessories.

Resources:

The Mommy Hook, stroller hanger
From CITI Kids in San Francisco, CA on Geary
www.momdadandbaby.com
Distributed by Keen
7404 W. Detroit Street Suite 100
Chandler, AZ  85226
888-376-4763
www.keendistribution.com

Classic Train Set, Lights and Sounds!

My son and I had visited the train museum in Sacramento, CA and we picked up the Classic Train Set.  It is fairly small and compact compared to other trains sets in box boxes.  I recommend it for a present, though this set is not big enough to fit around the tree.

Resources:

Wow Toyz
103 Panton Road
Vergennes, VT  05491 USA
www.wowtoyz.com
Item #WT-TR14
$14.99 at the CA State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, CA

Recommended Pajamas and Long Johns for children up to 6 years old- Under the Nile

My favorite pajamas and Long Johns for my 5 year old son are definitely Under the Nile Long Johns.  They are made of 100% handpicked organic Egyptian cotton, and are incredible soft!  I usually get them at  Whole Foods, but they can also be ordered online.  They sizes only go up to 6 years old, so soon I'll have to find another brand for him.  They are perfect for wearing under clothes on chilly days too!  A mom started the company and her story is on the company website.  I love these PJ's! They are even dyed with natural, "metal-free" colors and fair traded for the benefit of all the people producing their product.

Resources:

Under the Nile PJ's (Kids Long John's)- $32.00 online
100% handpicked Egyptian cotton
1-800-710-1264
underthenile.com