Saturday, August 29, 2009

Practice makes perfect: How you can learn and remember a new sign quickly

As busy parents, many times our brains are overloaded with the tasks and responsibilities of our daily grind. Whether it be work, play, child rearing or all three, learning and executing a sign does take some work, but it doesn't have to be as overwhelming as you think. There are many things we can do to help increase our chances of remembering a sign learned in a book, DVD or class. When learning new sign language vocabulary, consider these important tips to help you remember them:

1. Will a short note or picture help you to remember how to execute the sign? Have pen/paper ready so you can write down memory reinforcers. Sentences don't have to be complete, little notes will do. Better yet, if you don't have a handout of the sign vocabulary, draw little pictures of the sign to help jog your memory.

2. Is the sign iconic? Does it look like what it represents? An example of this would be the sign for "banana". It looks exactly like what it is... peeling a banana.

3. Is there another sign that looks similar to the sign that you know? Sometimes distinguishing one sign from another can help you to recall the signs quicker. When you forget the sign, another word comes to mind to help you remember what you learned. An example of this would be the sign for candy and apple. They are both done at the cheek and with the pointer finger. The only difference is apple uses a bent index finger and candy uses a straight index finger. If you tell yourself that the sign for "apple" is very similar to the sign for "candy" and vice versa, your chances of recalling the sign increases.

4. Is it an initialized sign? Meaning, does the sign begin with the first letter of English word? An example of this would be the sign for "yellow" where the sign is made using a "Y" hand shape. A short mental note of this will help you to recall the sign quicker.

5. Does the sign show a movement that the object makes? For example, the sign for "monkey" is done very similar to how a monkey moves. Again, a short mental note of this will help you to recall the sign quicker.

The best advice I can give you to increase your potential in remembering a sign is something my father taught me long ago, "practice makes perfect"! Sign the vocabulary over and over and over again in as many appropriate contexts as possible. The more you practice using the sign, the easier it will be to recall it.  







Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Friday, August 28, 2009

Sign the Petition: Fix No Child Left Behind!

Dear Congress:
We, the undersigned, urge you to make revamping No Child Left Behind your top priority in education reform this year. It’s two years overdue for reauthorization, and the time to act is now.
The one-size-fits-all approach to the law doesn’t reflect or support the incredibly varied needs and strengths of the schools across our nation.
Instead, in many towns and cities, NCLB has fostered an environment where teachers are forced to drill only basic skills that can be measured by a multiple-choice exam instead of helping children acquire a true depth of knowledge. As a result, 44 percent of districts nationwide have made significant cuts in untested subjects, including history, science, and the arts for the sole purpose of making more time for reading and math. Our children—and the future of our country—deserve better. As you begin your work, we urge you to ensure the new law:
1. Receives FULL funding. Since 2002, you’ve put $85 billion less into education than the law called for. And while the infusion from the stimulus package was much needed, it’s only a start.
2. Sets realistic standards. The notion that nearly 100 percent of students—including those with learning disabilities and those new to this country—will achieve a certain level of proficiency by 2014 is ludicrous. Children are not robots. They each learn differently and at different rates.
3. Provides for well-rounded student assessment. We don’t expect standardized testing to go away, nor should it. But we do expect you to help states design better tests—ones that can demonstrate that children can actually work out a problem, make connections and describe their knowledge.
4. Measures individual progress. The current system looks no deeper than groups of students. While that’s beneficial to a point—schools are no longer allowed to hide behind broad averages—adopting growth models would allow teachers and schools to know how much each student actually gains from year to year.
5. Gives schools and teachers the support they need. Of course, there need to be consequences for schools that fail their kids. But those that are struggling need the flexibility to choose programs that actually fit their needs—instead of being forced to use cookie-cutter curriculums. And teachers need more money for training so they can become the best they can be.
Together, we can help every child reach his or her potential, which as parents, is exactly what we’re supposed to do.
Thank you.

Click here to sign the petition!






Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Thursday, August 27, 2009

No Child Left Behind: The Good And The Bad

Krista Sokolsky teaches third grade in San Lorenzo, CA, a lower-middle-class area near Oakland. Every morning she greets 24 little faces at Hillside Elementary, and they kick off each day with a grammar game. But lately she's wondered whether her ten years of experience in the classroom even matters. Because her school has failed to meet California's reading targets for the past four years, Sokolsky must follow a state-mandated, cookie-cutter curriculum intended to do one thing and one thing only -- raise test scores.

continue reading.





Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Wordless Wednesday







Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Tueday MEME



Ok so today is about not cracking open a bottle of wine! My daughter woke up with a 104 fever. My husband took her to the ER. It went down, and she came home. They did send her home with a script for antibiotics...but we have NO money to get them until Thursday. So she woke up from a nap crying...her fever went up to 105.6! I have been giving her Motrin (which we ran out of and, of course, can't get more of!) and Tylenol.

My baby (2 months) got shots yesterday and has a 100 fever from it. He is doing ok, but screaming a lot.

My 2 yr old has a temp, but not a high one...99.5.

I am getting over being sick as well, and totally exhausted.

Wonder if my 9 yr old will be next?!

Oh, and did I mention that my 2 yr old got out of the house while everyone was sleeping the other day and got into the (thankfully mpty) pool?!

And I have managed to kep my sanity....so that is my MEME lol. I have not killed anyone or checked into the mental hospital! 

Anyone have a margarita?





Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

The benefits of extended nursing

I have 4 children, each with their own  breastfeeding history. My oldest, now 9, nursed sporadically for about 2 months. I was a young mom, in the middle of no where with no family, in a new town. I had a lot of trouble, and he seemed to flat out refuse to nurse. So I promptly gave up. Even though he had an exceptional vocabulary by the age of 15 months and currently tested with an IQ of 140, he suffers from ADHD and other behavior problems.

My daughter, now 6, nursed like a champ for the first 4 months of her life. I contracted a kidney infection, and ended up in the hospital for a weekend, on meds. The nurse told me I had to stop breastfeeding...instead of looking for a lactation consultant to talk to me! I am quite sure she  would have nursed for quite some time. She had bottle mouth so bad by the age of 2, that she had to have mouth surgery. We are still not sure why this happened, as we always brushed her teeth, and took care of her mouth. She also has some behavior problems, uncluding Autism. On the bright side, she is 2 grade levels ahead of her class in reading and math.

I wish I knew about Le Leche League for my older 2 kids. I would have been able to nurse them a lot longer then I did, and they would have been a lot better off for it! To this day, I still feel guilty for quitting on them!

My little man, now 2, nursed for 23 months. I would have gone longer, but he decided to stop, even though mama tried to encourage him to continue! He never had a drop of formula! He is exceptionally bright and, even though he can be a handful, seems to have no other behavior problems I saw in the other two by this age!

The baby seemed to have a hard time adjusting to the outside. He is nursing like a champ, but we did end up giving him a couple bottles of formula a week, maybe 3 a week, for the first 4 weeks of his life. He is now 2 months old and exclusively on breastmilk. I plan to keep it that way for as long as he wants to go! Maybe he will be my kid to go past the 23 month mark. He is also my last baby...so it may take mama a while to wean him!

I see a lot of people wondering when they should wean their baby off the breast. Many think that they have to by a certain age (3 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc...) because they either heard it from a friend or relative, or a doctor. The good news is, there IS no age you HAVE to wean.

First and foremost, doctors have little to no factual knowledge in the area of breastfeeding. They only know what they may have read in a book, or learned in a 5 minute blurb in a class in medical school. If you want the real facts on breastfeeding, contact a lactation consultant, or the local Le Leche League.

Many will tell you that, after a year, there is no nutritional value to breastmilk. That is about as true as saying that after one, there is no nutritional value to food itself. It is just not true. In fact, unlike formula, breastmilk changes and grows WITH your child, to meet their current nutritional needs. The milk that your baby had as a newborn, is not the same as it was/is going to be at 12 months, 24 months, and beyond.

The longer you breastfeed, the better the benefits to both you and your child!

Breastfeeding benefits toddlers and young children...nutritionally, immunilogically and psychologically.
    * Nursing toddlers benefit NUTRITIONALLY
    * Nursing toddlers are SICK LESS OFTEN
    * Nursing toddlers have FEWER ALLERGIES
    * Nursing toddlers are SMART
    * Nursing toddlers are WELL ADJUSTED SOCIALLY
    * Nursing a toddler is NORMAL
    * MOTHERS also benefit from nursing past infancy
    You can read more on the above on the Kellymom site.

There are also some other great resources out there,  including Dr. Sears and LLL.

Some great books I reccommend are:
The Breastfeeding Book 
Mothering Your Nursing Toddler
The Breastfeeding Answer Book 
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
The Nursing Mother's Companion

These are all great resources to arm yourself with information, the next time you are confronted on your personal choice to breastfeed, and the most important thing you can do for your baby and toddler!

Happy nursing!






Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Monday, August 24, 2009

Fighting for a School System that puts children and families first!

What IF we had a school system that challenges our most gifted, raises up our most vulnerable, engages our families, and supports our communities?
YES - It is POSSIBLE!
As Wake County continues to grow and our financial resources are stretched, we have seen our school system significantly challenged. Around here we do not agree upon much - Tarheels vs. Wolfpack - Republicans vs. Democrats - and of course how we prepare our BBQ. But what we do agree on is our children. We want the best for them, and we want to have a say in the process that shapes them and our community. 

continue reading

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Eight Principles of Attachment Parenting

Prepare for Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenting Become emotionally and physically prepared for pregnancy and birth. Research available options for healthcare providers and birthing environments, and become informed about routine newborn care. Continuously educate yourself about developmental stages of childhood, setting realistic expectations and remaining flexible.

Feed with Love and Respect

Breastfeeding is the optimal way to satisfy an infant's nutritional and emotional needs. "Bottle Nursing" adapts breastfeeding behaviors to bottle-feeding to help initiate a secure attachment. Follow the feeding cues for both infants and children, encouraging them to eat when they are hungry and stop when they are full. Offer healthy food choices and model healthy eating behavior.

Respond with Sensitivity

Build the foundation of trust and empathy beginning in infancy. Tune in to what your child is communicating to you, then respond consistently and appropriately. Babies cannot be expected to self-soothe, they need calm, loving, empathetic parents to help them learn to regulate their emotions. Respond sensitively to a child who is hurting or expressing strong emotion, and share in their joy.

Use Nurturing Touch

Touch meets a baby's needs for physical contact, affection, security, stimulation, and movement. Skin-to-skin contact is especially effective, such as during breastfeeding, bathing, or massage. Carrying or babywearing also meets this need while on the go. Hugs, snuggling, back rubs, massage, and physical play help meet this need in older children.

Ensure Safe Sleep, Physically and Emotionally

Babies and children have needs at night just as they do during the day; from hunger, loneliness, and fear, to feeling too hot or too cold. They rely on parents to soothe them and help them regulate their intense emotions. Sleep training techniques can have detrimental physiological and psychological effects. Safe co-sleeping has benefits to both babies and parents.

Provide Consistent and Loving Care

Babies and young children have an intense need for the physical presence of a consistent, loving, responsive caregiver: ideally a parent. If it becomes necessary, choose an alternate caregiver who has formed a bond with the child and who cares for him in a way that strengthens the attachment relationship. Keep schedules flexible, and minimize stress and fear during short separations.

Practice Positive Discipline

Positive discipline helps a child develop a conscience guided by his own internal discipline and compassion for others. Discipline that is empathetic, loving, and respectful strengthens the connection between parent and child. Rather than reacting to behavior, discover the needs leading to the behavior. Communicate and craft solutions together while keeping everyone's dignity intact.

Strive for Balance in Personal and Family Life

It is easier to be emotionally responsive when you feel in balance. Create a support network, set realistic goals, put people before things, and don't be afraid to say "no". Recognize individual needs within the family and meet them to the greatest extent possible without compromising your physical and emotional health. Be creative, have fun with parenting, and take time to care for yourself. Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Be My Guest...Mamapedia...I am weaning: any tips for dropping the last feeding before bed?

As a guest blogger on MamaPedia I always see many great questions!

As I was looking through the posts, I found one that was near and dear to me, here.

The subject of weaning always comes up in my little circle of moms. Many times, there are feelings of guilt on mom's part, because of all the pressure from the breastfeeding population to go as long as you possibly can. But for many reasons, we need to start the weaning process. Whether it be because of work, scheduling, low milk supply, or just personal reasons, weaning is something that weighs heavy on the heart.

The first feeding to drop is usually the night time, before bed, feeding. If for nothing else, this is to teach the child to fall asleep while not on the breast. One option is to feed from a bottle, but this usually means that the child will still be dependent on that before bed feeding. 

One solution to this is to have dad/partner start doing the night time routine. This will not only give daddy some bonding time, but it will also show the child that they can have someone else put them to bed.

We started my 30 month old, who stopped nursing at 23 months, on this routine around 15-18 months. It took a few nights, as any weaning process will, but eventually he realized that it is OK to have someone else besides mommy put him to sleep.

For some children this may take a few days, and for some a month. The key is to be consistent, and not give in during the process.

The next night time weaning is the middle of the night feeding. Most children over the age of 8 to 10 months wake up for this feeding, not because they are starving, but for the interaction with mommy. Daddy/partner can also help with this, by getting up with the child, either giving the child a bottle, or rocking them back to sleep. Once the child realizes that mommy is no longer going to get them in the middle of the night, they will have a better chance of sleeping through the night.

We co-sleep, and this way still worked for us. So even if you co-sleep, have daddy/partner do these things to help in the weaning process.

Of course, never make the weaning process stressful on your child. There are several studies that have shown forced weaning to be harmful to a child's psychological well being.

Obviously for single moms, they do not have the luxury of a dad/partner, and this proces may take a little while longer. My advice is to just take your time. It will happen.

For either case, you can always use the don't offer/don't refuse method for a while, where you do not offer to nurse them, but don't refuse when they ask. After a week or so of this, try the distraction method. When your child wants to nurse during a time when you are trying to wean, distract them with other things, such as toys, books, etc...

Good luck to those who are in this process! And I promise...they won't be nursing until college!!! :)





Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Top 10 Ways to Help Your Kids Get A's

Parental Involvement Is the Answer Study after study has shown that parental involvement is the number-one determinant of how well all children -- regardless of their background -- do in school. Here are ten ways you can help your kids succeed in the classroom -- and beyond. 1. Create an environment in your home that encourages learning. This will be a major influence on how well your children do in school. Provide them with many different opportunities to become excited about learning. Make sure that appropriate materials from puzzles to paints to computers are available to stimulate their curiosity. 2. Provide your children with a well-balanced life. A stable home, filled with love, serves as a solid foundation for getting straight A's. Establish routines so your children get enough sleep, eat regular nourishing meals, and receive sufficient exercise. Limit excessive TV-viewing and the playing of video and computer games. 3. Read to your children every day. Most of the learning your children do in school involves reading. Read to your kids to teach them about reading, expand and enrich their vocabularies, and broaden their experiences. Reading aloud exposes them to materials that would be difficult for them to read on their own. 4. Encourage them to read extensively. As your children progress through school, as much as 75 percent of what they learn will come from the printed page. The more children read, the better their reading skills become. Make sure there is a wide variety of interesting reading materials in your home to encourage the reading habit. 5. Show your children how to be organized. Children who are organized find it much easier to succeed in school. One of the best ways to teach organizational skills is through example. Show your children how to use such organizational tools as assignment pads, calendars, notebooks, binders, and backpacks. 6. Teach them effective study skills. Good study skills are absolutely essential to get A's. Make sure your children know how to read their textbooks, prepare for tests, memorize facts, and use their time efficiently. Encourage them to have a regular time for studying, and provide a study place that is free of distractions. 7. Urge your children to listen and participate in class. Listening in class is the easy way for children to learn. Advise your older children to take notes, which will help them concentrate on what is being said. Encourage your children to participate in class -- it will greatly increase their interest in what they're learning. 8. Help your children learn how to tackle homework. Doing homework reinforces what your children learn in school. Show them how to do it so that homework quickly becomes their responsibility. Help them learn what assignments to do first and how to plan their time. Encourage them not to rush through their homework but to consider every assignment a learning experience. 9. Talk to your children about school. Your children spend hours in school every day. A lot can happen during that time. Show that you are genuinely interested in their day by asking questions about what they did and talking with them about the papers they bring home. When problems occur, work with your kids to find solutions. 10. Develop a good relationship with your children's teachers. Good communication between home and school helps children do well in school and makes it easier to address problems. Be sure to attend parent-teacher conferences, visit your kids' classrooms, and volunteer to help their teachers. And don't forget to express your appreciation to teachers for all that they do for your children. Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Friday, August 21, 2009

using the multisensory approach

I believe that there are no bad brains, no broken children who must be fixed in order to fit in with their peers or to perform the way we adults believe they should perform. I also believe that there are ineffective teaching strategies that engage a limited number of children and leave gaps in understanding for many others who learn from a different point of strength.

If your child is struggling or simply not enjoying school, instead of teaching in traditional ways, try a multisensory teaching method, which simultaneously engages all of the senses. By incorporating specific elements in your teaching approach, you can ensure that each child will learn and that you can successfully teach multiple children at once. Multisensory teaching also creates a richer learning experience, benefiting even those who can learn in more traditionally accepted ways.

Learn more atCurrClick!

Hands on. Children who best learn this way need to physically interact with materials; it will not be enough to simply hear something in order to remember it. They may physically build an item, or come up with their own way to find a solution to a problem. After they have worked out their learning, asking them to talk about what they did will deepen their understanding and their ability to remember the lesson.

Visual. Showing the learning in a picture (chart, graph, word map, etc) will enable children who learn visually to have a way to remember it. They may take a mental picture of the image you give them and then mentally see this when they encounter the idea in the future. (Research tells us that children from ages 4-7 will learn most effectively through these key elements).

Movement. Children who best learn through movement need to use motions that mimic the shape of learning. For example, children who are learning their alphabet may be helped by making the shape of the letters with their whole bodies while saying the sound of the letter.

Patterns. These occur both in math and in reading. Children who learn by patterns need to have information presented in groups and these patterns pointed out. For example, when working with spelling lists, it may help to group words like play, say, may etc. together. An effective math pattern is 0+7=7, 1+6=7, 2+5=7, 3+4=7.

Stories. By embedding rhyme and rhythm into stories which give a reason for why something is the way it is, children who best learn through stories will have a way to remember. When later asked to recall the piece of information, they may remember the story complete with the characters. An example is the letter A. We can say it is like an anthill (which has the same shape) and that a bug got tired while trying to climb up the side so tunneled straight through instead, forming the cross bar on the A.

Emotions.
Humor and attractive visuals are two of the ways to engage a child in the learning process. Telling a funny story about what they are learning will make the child want to learn.

After completing a multisensory lesson, ask your children “How did you remember that?” Talking about it will help you to better understand your children and know how to tailor future teaching. Realize that each child may learn in a combination of ways. Making children verbalize the way they remember also helps them understand themselves, allowing for future success in learning while boosting their confidence.

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Thursday, August 20, 2009

The latest post from Dr. Kerby T. Alvy

The United States has some serious parenting-related problems that are costing billions of dollars to treat and manage.

These include...
  • Child abuse and neglect,
  • School dropout,
  • Delinquency,
  • Childhood obesity,
  • Drug abuse, and
  • Gang warfare.
These problems are making life in many of our communities unsafe and intolerable. These problems are wasting an amazing amount of human potential.

Read more and see how YOU can help here!

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

My Pal Scout Electronic Plush Toy Dog Recalled


My Pal Scout

LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc., of Emeryville, CA. in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have mandated a voluntary recall of their My Pal Scout Electronic Plush Toy Dog. The decals on the paws of the plush toy can be removed and ingested by a child, posing a choking hazard.

These toys were sold at Toys "R" Us stores nationwide, and on the Web at www.toysrus.com, www.leapfrog.com and other retail Web sites from May 2009 through June 2009 for about $20. Consumers should immediately take the toy away from young children and contact LeapFrog to receive a replacement My Pal Scout with embroidered paws rather than decals. Click here for

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Know the Rules...For Going To and From School More Safely

Every day millions of children take to the streets and highways to get to and from school. For many children this experience is a new one and they may not understand or be able to use the safety rules. Young children do not have the same frame of reference for safety as adults do. They may not “look before they leap,” which is why it is so important for families to supervise young children and practice safety skills with their older children to make certain they really know and understand them. The tips noted below will help prepare for a safer journey.
Tips for Parents and Guardians

  1. Instruct your children to always TAKE A FRIEND, always stay in well-lit areas, never take shortcuts, and never go into isolated areas. Teach them to stay aware of their surroundings and observe all traffic rules in place to more safely share the roads and sidewalks with others.

  2. Walk the route to and from school with your children pointing out landmarks and safe places to go if they’re being followed or need help. Make the walk to and from school a "teachable moment" and chance to put their skills to the test. Make a map with your children showing acceptable routes to and from school. If your children wait for a bus, wait with them or make arrangements for supervision at the bus stop.

  3. If anyone bothers your children or makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused, while going to or from school, teach your children to trust their feelings, immediately get away from that person, and TELL you or another trusted adult. If an adult approaches your children for help or directions, remember grownups needing help should not ask children for help; they should ask other adults. Instruct your children to never accept money or gifts from anyone unless you have told them it is OKAY to accept in each instance.

  4. Even though there can be more safety in numbers it is still not safe for young children to walk to and from school, especially if they must take isolated routes anytime during the day or in darkness. Always provide supervision for your young children to help ensure their safe arrival to and from school.

  5. Instruct your children to leave items and clothing with their name on them at home. If anyone calls out their name, teach them to not be fooled or confused. Teach your children about the tricks someone may try to use to confuse them or engage them in conversation. Children should also be taught that they do not need to be polite if approached and to get out of the situation as quickly and safely as possible

  6. Ensure current and accurate emergency contact information is on file for your children at their school. If you, or another trusted family member or friend, need to pick your children up, make sure to follow the school’s departure procedures. These procedures need to include the school’s confirmation of your children’s departure with only those you authorize to pick them up.

  7. Teach your children if anyone tries to take them somewhere they should quickly get away and yell, “This person is trying to take me away” or “This person is not my father/mother/guardian.” Teach your children to make a scene and every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting if anyone tries to grab them.

  8. Teach your children if anyone follows them on foot to get away from that person as quickly as possible. If anyone follows them in a vehicle they should turn around, go in the other direction, and try to quickly get to a spot where a trusted adult may help them. Advise them to be sure to TELL you or another trusted adult what happened.

  9. Instruct your children to never leave school with anyone until they've checked with a trusted adult. If anyone tells them there is an emergency and they want your children to go with them, teach your children to always CHECK FIRST with you before doing anything. Also teach your children to always CHECK FIRST with you if they want to change their plans before or after school. Make sure your children always play with other children, have your permission to play in specific areas, and let you know where they are going to be. Instruct your children to TELL a trusted adult if they notice anyone they don’t know or feel comfortable with hanging around them.

  10. In the event your children may be lost or injured, make sure they carry a contact card with your name and telephone numbers such as work and cellular. This card should be hidden from plain view.
Key Tips to Reinforce With Your Children
  1. Always TAKE A FRIEND with you when walking, biking, or standing at the bus stop. Make sure you know your bus number and which bus to ride.

  2. Say NO if anyone you don’t know or a person who makes you feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused offers a ride unless I have told you it is OKAY to do so in each instance.

  3. Quickly get away and yell, “THIS PERSON IS NOT MY MOTHER/FATHER/GUARDIAN” if anyone tries to take you somewhere or is following you. If anyone tries to grab you, make a scene and every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting.

  4. NEVER LEAVE SCHOOL GROUNDS before the regular school day ends. Always check with the office before leaving school early.

  5. NEVER take shortcuts or walk through alleys to get to or from school faster. We will talk about which way to go to and from school. Remind me if activities you participate in cause you to leave earlier or arrive home later than usual. Remember to call me once you have arrived home.

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Tuesday MEME Beginner BabySteps




So in my local moms group we are doing Fly Lady Baby Steps. Today is day 18 of 30. I have been doing ok with keeping up with it. My house is always pretty clean, though the bathrooms, baseboards, floors, and fans could use a little light cleaning. We try to do a deep cleaning every couple weeks. With Evan here, it has been a little harder then usual, but we are getting the job done!

Come join us on Triangle Mommies to see what we are all about!Have a Tuesday Toot? Check it out here!

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Unsolicited advice

So yesterday I decided to take the kids to the new Family Dollar. I had forgotten my sling, so I had to take the lil man in with his car seat. Of course, he does not like his seat...so he proceeded to scream. Now normally, I would carry him, but I had all 4 of the kids with me, so it was a little difficult.

Now, this is actually the first time I have gotten a comment other then "you have your hands full" from anyone other then some family memebers (who will remain nameless, but they know who they are!). The EMPLOYEE was actually following me around, telling me to pick him up, that he is going to choke, and that I am being mean. Really lady? Wonder what she would have done if I pickd him up and handed him to her?! Would she have stopped telling me how to parent my children?

I wonder when it became OK for complete strangers...and employees of a store for that matter...to tell people what to do with their kids.

OK rant over!

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Monday, August 17, 2009

Bullying and Cyberbullying Ends With Me!

Bullying is a serious problem that affects millions of kids and teens of all races and classes. Bullying and cyberbullying are at an all-time high; one out of four kids is bullied and 42 percent of kids are cyberbullied.

Read more here

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Sunday, August 16, 2009

The benefits of co-sleeping...

So I see a lot of my friends getting slack for sleeping with their babies in their bed. WHY do people insist on trying to tell others what is best for them...most without any real research to back them up.
I found this awesome article on the benefits of co-sleeping.
Other cultures around the world co sleep, and many never even heard of SIDS or colic! Perhaps they know something we do not? Maybe we could learn from them!!

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Saturday, August 15, 2009

New Nationwide Study Confirms Homeschool Academic Achievement

Next time someone tells you that your child will not be on par with their public school peers, send them to this article.

Each year, the homeschool movement graduates at least 100,000 students. Due to the fact that both the United States government and homeschool advocates agree that homeschooling has been growing at around 7% per annum for the past decade, it is not surprising that homeschooling is gaining increased attention. Consequently, many people have been asking questions about homeschooling, usually with a focus on either the academic or social abilities of homeschool graduates. 

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Sale Hours, Location, & Important Information
Saturday, August 15, 2009

7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The sale is open to the public on Saturday.
The sale is held at the Kerr Scott Building at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

CASH ONLY (no checks).
Come early for the best selection. We recommend you bring a clothes basket to help you carry items you want to purchase.
Listen to our radio ad for the August 2009 sale! It is playing all week on G105 and 93.9KISS FM.


See news coverage of the March 2009 Sale on WRAL.


See more here

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Tuesday MEME

Today is simple...I have 3 of 4 kids (the 6yr old, 2yr old, and 7 week old) who have high fevers. I have actually managed to keep the house tidy, and get them fed at a reasonable time! And to also go to the bathroom lol. Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese! YUM

Ok so the easiest meal I know how to make, which apparently can feed about 200 people...is my gramma's baked mac and cheese!

All you need is:

32oz Elbow Macaroni

1 big blok sharp cheddar cheese

1 large can CRUSHED tomoatoes

heat oven to 350

cube cheese

cook macaroni aldenti, drain, return to pot

pour in tomatoes and cheese

mix well

pour into large baking dish, cook 15 min

take out, stir, back another 15 min

let cool and serve

This is a family favorite, and has also been served at a large group get together, of over 200 people. I have been asked many times about this recipe!!! Total prep to serve time is no more then 45 min to an hour! Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Monday, August 10, 2009

365 Days of Creative Play

My friend Gabriele over at A Work Of Childhood is having a great giveaway! Gabriele homeschools and has SO many great things to share on her blog. I think this is such a great contest!
365 FUN, CREATIVE ACTIVITIES TO STIMULATE YOUR PRESCHOOLER EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR
A fun indoor or outdoor activity for each day of the year! For parents, grandparents, childcare providers! Uses only safe, simple, household supplies! "Projects that you can do with your kids, and even better, activities they can do by themselves."-Family Circle "Now there is a solution to every day of the year."-Parenting This amazing resource of fun and thoughtful activities for kids ages two years and up will help encourage their creativity and learning through play. Using only safe, simple household supplies, 365 Days of Creative Play is great for parents, grandparents and childcare providers. Illustrated by children. Go on over and check it out!
Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Another great one from Elizabeth Pantley!

I love love love! Her books. I recently started reading Hidden Massages: What our Words and Actions are Really Telling our Children. I came across this line, that I have always used as my mantra:

Making our children ultimatley responsible for their own behavior doesn't hinder them. Instead, it frees then to achieve success, unencumbered by the fralities that can readily drail a less-disciplined person, and it helps them to find confidence and happiess in their lives when they reach adulthood. Isn't this one of our highest goals as parents?

I love it! More people need to start making their children become responsible for their actions. You see too many parents getting mad at someone else for something their child did, in turn relaying to that child that they will not be held accountable for their actions. This could be disastrous in the long run!

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Friday, August 7, 2009

6-Month-Old Kicked Out of Restaurant for Not Wearing Shoes?!!

When Jennifer Frederich took her 6-month-old daughter, Kaylin, with her to Burger King earlier this week, she never imagined that the tot’s bare feet would have her kicked out of the restaurant.
bk_sunset_hills1.jpg
Frederich was standing in line to order her food with her baby, her mother, and her grandmother when the restaurant’s manager looked over and told the group that they would have to take their order “to go”, because the baby’s shoeless feet violated the restaurant’s policy.
Trying to explain to the manager that the baby didn’t even have a pair of shoes yet because she didn’t walk did no good, the manager insisted that shoes needed to be worn, and threatened to call the police. Frederich and her companions quickly finished their meal and left the restaurant.

read more here

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Defending Wake's handling of No Child Left Behind

Seriously, are they for real?!

School board members and administrators managed to simultaneously defend their handling of No Child Left Behind choice requirements while also acknowledging they can do some things better.

continue here

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Monday, August 3, 2009

Wake schools' student market share drops

So this is how they view our children? As market shares?!

The school district's market share dipped to 83.3 percent of the school age children in the county.

continue reading

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 18 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com