ParentalNotes.com - Parenting Articles and Resources

[Montessori Questions answered]- Sensorial age

admin — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 16:08:56 +0000

August 17, 2004 — ?What did Dr. Montessori do with new students when they were past the sensorial age? Did she start from the beginning or skip the sensorial education??

Dr. Montessori writes in ?The Advanced Montessori
Method, Volume 1? that she had a 5 year old boy who
started in her class several years later than her
other students. What she noticed is that this child
participated in classroom activities at his particular
level of development. In this case, he did the number
rods first, however, Montessori observed that the
student then did the red rods, brown stair and pink
tower. She noted that older children did work on the
sensorial material, only in an inverse order to the
normal pattern.
I found this to be true when I had older children join
the classroom. They worked at their level in the beginning,
but later on worked backwards with the sensorial
and practical life activities.

?How does the child progress in mathematics from
concrete to abstract??

Concrete math uses apparatus or manipulatives to teach
math in a sensory way. Differentiating between large
and small objects, sorting from small to large and
large to small, learning about patterns and sequence,
geometric shapes, counting, and so on are learned at
the concrete level. The sensorial equipment also leads
to concrete math apparatus, such as the number rods,
spindle
boxes, and numerals and counters. The Golden Bead Material-
http://www.wiki.montessorimom.com/index.cgi/Golden_20Bead_20Material
is then introduced to bridge the concrete level of
math to the abstract level math.

After going through this concrete process,
a child starts to do mental math. Some
children may be able to apply what they have learned
to other problem solving situations as well.
They can add numbers in their head, understand the
basic concepts of math; they understand that
numerals represent quantities.

If a child is given concrete math readiness materials during the sensitive preschool years,
the ability for math abstraction is even greater when a child starts to think at this higher level.
This abstract age often begins around the age of 6.

Here are some math concepts children can do when they can abstract:
Fractions
Decimals
Percentages
Ratios
Negative Numbers

Find more practical tips from Montessorimom by visiting http://Montessorimom.com and signing up for her free newsletter.

For New Year celebrations: free ART-e-CARD system released by artist

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 16:08:52 +0000

December 11 2003–As a painting artist and musician, Peter Whiterose has developed an unusual system for people to enjoy his artwork all over the world.

It’s a free special ART-e-CARD system in which he combines his paintings with his music and his lyrics.
Everyone can use it easily to send their feelings in a “different” way to friends, lover, relatives…

Direct link: http://www.peterwhiterose.com/sendcard

Feel free to mention this in your editions and to put a link on your website.

PS: Hot item for New Year

Five FREE Neighborhood Tours

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 16:08:45 +0000

Looking to show the kids the neighborhood without costs? This is a great place to start.
Wondering where to take the kids this weekend? If you find yourself looking to stay close to home, then you need to consider a free tour. Free tours in your neighborhood are only minutes from your doorstep. Most government agencies and companies open their doors to the public for a peek inside. Actually, some of the best tours are local. The sight of bagels being made or how the police department works is enthralling. These people are part of our community.

All one needs to do is contact the tour and ask them about their reservation policies. Once a reservation is set, show up to have fun with the kids while learning about a whole new world. A bonus to this trend: the free tours are within driving distance of home so dinner is still at your house.

Finding several neighborhood tours for your kids enjoyment isn?t as hard as it sounds. Here are some great pleases to start:

Firehouse - The big red fire engine is enjoyed by every child, no matter their age. Inside the firehouse find the newest technological equipment used to fight fires.

Grocery store - While a store is a common establishment for every community, the workings of a grocery store is fascinating. Expect to see how a large business works on this tour.

Library ? This tour will be full of books and interesting facts. Anticipate the chance to hear the history of the community, architecture and the art of books.

Bakery ? The giant cinnamon rolls smell delicious, but the ingredients need to be mixed early. A bakery tour will explain the importance of baked items and following recipes.

Candy Store ? Watching sweets being made can never be sweeter. Toffee, chocolate candies and even fudge tours are sure hits with the kids.

About the Author

Jodi Jill is the author of the Tours For Free Series. Guidebooks highlighting places to take your family for FREE, fun tours. When not touring thrifty, you can find her helping others to read. Read more at www.quitwhining.com

Small Cherry Cabinet Transforms into a Bed

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:08:27 +0000

San Antonio, TX April 3, 2004–Somnus is now making their chest bed available on eBay this month.

Initially found only in Sams outlets, these very unique beds will be available with manufacture to door delivery.

The Guest Chestbed is made of solid wood in a classic cherry finish. This patented piece of furniture easily converts even the smallest space to a guest room in seconds. Throw out the old saggy sofa bed. The cantilever system uses the bed’s own weight so that it opens and closes with ease. The caster wheels make moving the Guest Chestbed a snap.
Comfort is a plus on this convenient bed with a 4 inch high-density foam mattress that meets California Flame Standards.

Size - 40″ tall, 38″ wide and 17″ deep.

This item can be found on eBay at http://tinyurl.com/3fuls

Both of Us Have Tremendously Grown from Martial Arts Lessons in Boulder, Colorado at Mile High Karate

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:08:23 +0000

Boulder, CO August 30, 2004 — Stephen Oliver?s Mile High Karate has locations in Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Englewood, Aurora, Denver, Parker, Boulder, Thornton, Westminster, Arvada, Lakewood, Lafayette, Broomfield, and Northglenn

Both of us have tremendously grown from this experience of Mile High Karate in Boulder, Colorado My self-confidence has certainly grown a lot. I?m a lot more apt to look at people when I talk to them, have more eye contact, as well as certainly the physical fitness aspect gives me the confidence to go out and do what I want to do, feel very assertive when I do it.

My son, as well, is in daycare and has a lot more confidence than he has in the past in terms of talking to teachers, having a lot of respect with that. This happened very quickly. We?re about 5 months into the Mile High Karate program in Boulder, Colorado.

These people are really friendly people. They?re very, very accepting of everyone. Even when we started, we weren?t exactly sure what we were getting ourselves into, but they were very accepting and worked with us, and were very patient with us. That?s very important. I would recommend Boulder Mile High Karate very highly to anybody wanting to get their kids into a program, as well as themselves, as adults, for physical fitness as well as the confidence.
Traci Johnson

For Two Free Weeks of Martial Arts Lessons in Boulder, Colorado
Visit: http://www.FreeKarate.com
or, Call 1-800-229-2286

?She walks with her head held high now, she makes friends very easily, and it?s a confidence that?s not arrogant.?
I originally got the kids involved in karate just as an extracurricular activity. Boulder Mile High Karate in Colorado?s turned into a lot more than that. Boulder Mile High Karate in Colorado?s turned into more of a lifestyle for them. And especially with my shy girl. Karate has taught her a magnitude of self-confidence. She walks with her head held high now, she makes friends very easily, and it?s a confidence that?s not arrogant. It?s just a really strong sense of herself.

Brittany, the same. She really was probably more confident than Anna. She?s learned how to be confident without being arrogant. She?s the pretty girl and she knew it, and everyone treated her as such. And now with karate, with the confidence level that she has, she?s able to generate confidence without having to be the princess of everybody. So karate is just amazing.

He?s very confident in himself and his skills. And karate has taught him how to be disciplined.
Boulder Mile High Karate in Colorado?s a life-changing thing, Boulder Mile High Karate in Colorado?s not just learning how to punch and kick. Boulder Mile High Karate in Colorado?s a way of life. If I have anything to say about it, we will be in Mile High karate in Boulder, Colorado forever.
Lisa Taylor

For Two Free Weeks of Karate in Boulder, Colorado Visit:
http://www.MileHighKarate.com
or, Call 1-800-229-2286

Would You Like The Chance At Seeing Your Baby In A Newspaper?

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:08:16 +0000

February 28, 2004–This gift to remember can either be the baby’s first Christmas ornament, adorable clothes, or a cherishable engraved figurine. But what may be even more special, meaningful, and beneficial to not only the baby and family, but to the person giving it as well, is a rare, personalized and customized baby newspaper or magazine cover.

The astonishing, make-it-yourself birth announcement contains information on the newborn including height, weight, date of birth, along with top news, latest TV shows, songs, toys, and a customized story. An individual may also have the opportunity to sell the newspapers as a work at home, legitimate business.

The baby newspaper business also enables an individual to create personalized candy bar wrappers for events such as birthdays, holidays, parties, or they can stand for school fundraisers as well.

The baby newspaper work at home business and it’s products are “Fabulous! Great ideas and easy to do,” as well as “worth every cent,” claim satisfied customers and entrepreneurs of the products.

Krystine Lewis, website owner, says that after the sign up fee, the individual is directed to a “members only” website. There, they learn and can create their very own baby newspaper, magazine cover, or candy bar wrapper with special fill in the blank templates. The customer can also view tips on how to sell the unique product. Lewis adds the site offers a message board for customers in need of help as well.

For more information on creating your first baby newspaper, contact Lewis, or visit the website at http://www.yourbabybusiness.com

The Imperfect Parent

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 16:02:06 +0000

Are you a perfect parent? Don’t worry, no one is. But you can learn how to be an perfect imperfect parent!
The Imperfect Parent By Ron Huxley, LMFT

How many of the parents, reading this column, are perfect parents? None? Well, how many of the imperfect parents, reading this column, have perfect children? Still none? While it may be that perfect parents don’t need to read this column, I think the real truth is that there are no perfect parents or perfect children.

If that is true, then why do so many parents act as if there is such a being as the “perfect parent” or “perfect child?” To illustrate my point, try completing the following sentences. Just say the first thing that comes to mind:

1. A good parent always… 2. Good children should… 3. As a parent, I must… 4. My children ought to be more… 5. If I were more like my own parents, I would be more…

If a parent falls short of these standards, and so, is not a “good” parent, what does that leave the parent to be? Parents are left with the belief that he or she is a “bad” parent. These beliefs are responsible for why parents feel so out of control and powerless in their parenting roles. Parents need more realistic beliefs about parenting.

Realistic Beliefs about Parenting

Beliefs are expressions of parent’s values about themselves, other people, and the world. Unrealistic beliefs create a feeling of demand that pushes and drives parents unnecessarily where realistic beliefs create a feeling of inner stability, even when circumstances aren’t always stable.

One way to create more realistic beliefs is to evaluate the evidence for your unrealistic thoughts about parenting. Ask yourself these questions: What law states that a child will always listen and be respectful? What evidence really suggests that all parents must be available to their children at all times? What edict states that I must be perfect?

For one day, make a list of all the negative thoughts that come to mind as you go about your parenting duties. At the end of the day, look over the list and write out alternative, positive counter-thoughts. Whenever the negative thoughts come up, immediate state the alternative thought to break its power over you. If it is too hard to remember them all, pick one or two of the negative thoughts that create the most interference in your parenting and counter those only. Do that for about a week and then move down the list to the others.

Changing what you say about your parenting will change how your feel about your parenting. Try this experiment: complete the following incomplete sentences and notice the emotional difference between these and the first list.

1. A responsible parent always… 2. Good children sometimes… 3. As a parent, I can be… 4. I desire my children to be more… 5. If I were like my own parents, the positive qualities I would like to have…

Only one word was changed in each of these sentences and yet it dramatically changes how you think and feel. If you are going to accept the fact that you are imperfect then you will have to eliminate “perfection” language from your thoughts and words. You will need to accept the fact that you are acting “good-enough.” This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t strive for more out of yourselves or your child. Self-improvement is not the same as expecting perfection

“The Courage To Be Imperfect”

It takes courage to be a “good-enough” parent. This is what the child psychiatrist, Rudolph Driekurs, calls “the courage to be imperfect.” While there are plenty of perfect parenting standards to fail short of, there are no rules for how to be an imperfect parent. Here are ten un-commandments for developing the “courage to be imperfect”:

1. Children should be encouraged, not expected, to seek perfection. 2. Accept who you are rather than try to be more than or as good as other parents. 3. Mistakes are aids to learning. Mistakes are not signs of failure. Anticipating or fearing mistakes will make us more vulnerable to failure. 4. Mistakes are unavoidable and are less important than what the parent does after he or she makes a mistake. 5. Set realistic standards for yourself and your child. Don’t try correcting or changing too many things at one time. 6. Develop a sense of your strengths and your weaknesses. 7. Mutual respect, between parent and child, starts by valuing yourself. Recognize your own dignity and worth before you try and show your child their dignity and worth. 8. Unhappy parents are frequently discouraged, competitive, unrealistic in their standard for themselves and their children, over ambitious, and unbalanced in their love and limits. 9. High standards and expectations are frequently related to parent’s feelings of inferiority and lack of adequate parenting resources. 10. Parents need to develop the courage to cope with the challenges of living, which means, they must develop the “courage to be imperfect.”

Ron Huxley is the founder of the http://parentingtoolbox.com and http://angertoolbox.com websites. Get the power tools you need to build a happier, healthier life today. Become an affiliate and earn 50% on all subscriptions to our powerful tools for living at http://www.parentingtoolbox.com/affiliate.html

About the Author

Ron Huxley is the author of the book “Love & Limits: Achieving a Balance in Parenting.” Visit his website at http://parentingtoolbox.com and get expert advice on anger management, mental health, and parenting issues.

Suzette Book Certified As Trainer For Arthritis Self Help Course

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 16:02:01 +0000

Toledo, OH August 22, 2004 — Suzette Book, RKT and director of kinesiotherapy for CPW Rehab, has been certified by the Northwest Ohio Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation as a new trainer for the Arthritis Self Help Course (ASHC). Ms. Book will be responsible for training class leaders in a 16-county area. Arthritis is one of the nation?s most prevalent chronic health problems. In 2002, 70 million Americans (1 in 3 adults) were diagnosed with arthritis or chronic joint problems.

The Arthritis Self Help Course is designed to identify and teach arthritis sufferers the latest pain management techniques and help them develop individualized exercise programs. The class includes methods of stress and fatigue management, discussion of the purposes and uses of medications, the role of nutrition in arthritis management and methods of dealing with problems caused by arthritis. Participants are also shown new ways to communicate with family and friends and are encouraged to form partnerships with their health care teams.

?This is a group education program,? said Ms. Book. ?People share their experiences and encourage each other to develop confidence in taking an active role in their arthritis management,? she added. As Director of Kinesiotherapy for CPW Rehab, Suzette Book works with patients and clients with arthritis on a daily basis. CPW Rehab offers the Arthritis Self Help Course as part of its Medical Fitness Program schedule.

About CPW Rehab
CPW Rehab provides physical therapy, aquatic therapy and kinesiotherapy to NW Ohio and SE Michigan. Originally opened as Southwyck Rehabilitation Services in 1987, the clinic was one of the first facilities in the area to include on-site aquatic therapy in its traditional physical rehabilitation services.

The facility’s full size rehabilitative pool is heated to 94? and equipped with both ramp and hydraulic chair lift. CPW Rehab is handicapped-accessible with convenient, well-lit parking and convenient access to both pool and clinic within the same building. In addition to older adults, injured workers, athletes and individuals with orthopedic and neurological injuries benefit from the range of therapeutic programs the facility offers.

For more information, visit www.cpwrehab.com or call 419.841.9622.

Contact:
Allen Mireles

Cindy Binkley
419.878.3023

419.841.9622

Is Your Home Your Worst Investment? Take This Quiz And Find Out!

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 16:01:54 +0000

Millions of Americans admit to a certain amount of pride and confidence that their home
is their best investment. Should they feel so sure?

Garth Gibson, a ten year veteran of finance and authority on real estate says probably not.

“For most Americans their pot of gold turns out to be fool’s gold,”

According to Garth here is to how to find out if your home is an investment.

Answer True Or False to the following:

* I have more than 10% equity in my home
* I put down a large downpayment on my home
* I make payments to pay down my mortgage
principal
* I have a 15 year mortgage
* I own a single family home

“If you answered TRUE to at least two of these scenarios, then your home is not an investment,” says Garth.

One of the ways according to Garth to turn your home into an investment is to have the right financing.

He says for example take places like California and Massachusetts where the average home value
is $200,000.

“For homeowners with excellent credit they could have a monthly mortgage payment of $400 or less using the right adjustable rate mortgage,”

But he says instead most homeowners end up paying $1,200 or more a month using fixed rate mortgages.

“That’s like someone going out an literally burning $1,000 every month for the next 30 years”

“You would think they were a little crazy to do that, wouldn’t you?” says Garth.

Often asked if adjustable rate mortgages are more risky Garth says no but qualifies it with a tip.

“Banks help to perpetuate the myth of risk,”

He says the reason for this is all about cashflow.

Fixed rate mortgages set the homeowner up with higher monthly payments. Banks in turn use that
money to make more loans.

“Take the extra money you are saving and invest it,” says Garth.

“By not spending the extra money and having it grow outside of the home you are essentially making mortgage payments to yourself and not the bank.”

If you would like to learn more about adjustable rate mortgages a free online tutorial is available. Go to http://garthgibson.com/arm to sign up. You may also request a copy by sending a white postcard to Garth Gibson, Suite 1159, Miami Shores, FL 33153-1159

Please Support. Help us for Christmas, do a free search and raise money for Charities and Schools

Sun, 02 Sep 2007 16:02:52 +0000

SMS Relief Limited is a data management company that raises funds for National Registered Charities. We have built an unprecedented opt-in database of Mobile Phone Users that is available to advertisers for the use of paid Short Message Service (SMS) text advertising. In exchange for accepting advertisements on their mobile phones, our members will receive a payment for each message they read. In addition an equal amount will be donated on their behalf to their chosen Charity Partner.

SMS Relief Limited is a UK based company and as such will operate solely in the UK, with the intention of expanding into international markets following a successful launch.

Industry veterans Richard Driver and John Ellis founded the company in 2002 with the intention of raising significant funds for National Registered Charities and UK Schools.

SMS Relief Limited is clear in its intentions - “To help struggling Charities and Schools receive those crucial donations that enable them to provide the relief for which they were originally founded and aid in the education of our Children.”