Rain

It's raining today, so much for sunny spring break. For this reason I think that they should have Spring Break later like how about in Spring, not before it. Much more enjoyable instead of being in class on warm days. Hopefully next year when we go to 2 weeks instead of just 1 they will schedule it better, one can hope anyways. 

What to do today, the kids are pretty much ready to go back to school and regular routine. I know I am ready for them to back to school......

Spring Break............

We are enjoying our break from our school routines. We all have been looking forward to this for awhile now. Nice to take a break. Currently we only get 1 week off for spring break, hopefully as early as next year we'll get 2 weeks. I just finished my 5th course towards my certificate. I start my last course on the 20th and finish mid April. At that point I will be able to apply to the province for my license and have to pick up a 1 day first aid course somewhere. Certainly hope I won't have too much problem getting a job after all this is done.

Hard to believe that there is only 3.5 months left in the school year. Ball season is just right around the corner, Mikayla has decided to play again after taking a break. Joshua played last year and is looking forward to playing again this year. He also has an interest in hockey. We are pretty hesitant about that one as it is VERY expensive, especially if he gets really good and wants to continue. There is a hockey clinic coming up to give kids a taste of it. We are debating on putting him in that or not.

Will update you on that. Blog soon !!

Ignore

Ignore behavior that is designed to attract your attention however don't ever let one child hurt another. Most tantrums fit into the category of attention grabbers. pay attention to the children when they are being good and they will have less need to "push your buttons"

Teach desired Behavior through modeling

If you are trying to teach a child to be gentle to your dog, you must do it in a non aggressive way. Aggressive or rough behaviours are the ones you are trying to eliminate. You need to show him how to gently pet your dog. Touching the child gently at the same time gives a stronger message. Take every opportunity to model the behaviour you are trying to teach. Modeling is a powerful tool.

Natural Consequences !!!!!!!!!!!!

Allow children to experience the consequences of their acts (within reason) The child who leaves the table during lunch, can be told that the time to eat is when lunch is served. If he chooses to leave, then he will have to wait until afternoon snack to eat again.
Any of these methods can be punishing if done in a way that hurts the child. The key to avoiding punitive overtones is to remain calm, firm, respectful, and confident that changing the behavior is best for the child, you and the other children.

If it is interesting blog about it !!!

School

As most of you know I have been going to college working on my Family Childcare Certificate for the last several months. I have 2 more courses to go after the one I just started. I thought it would be useful to blog about some of my learning. The course I am taking right now is called Understanding children behavior. I am going to share with you one effective way each time I blog about Alternatives to punishment.

Punishment is NOT the most effective way to discipline. Punishment creates side effects such as fear, anger, and lose of self-confidence. These feelings get in the way of the lesson the punishment is trying to teach.

1 way to change undesirable behavior is stop the behavior. Provide control for the child. If a simple no and a quick explanation work fine;if not provide physical control. Sometimes a simple touch will do it. Other times you need firm physical control, even to the point of removing the child from the situation.

Stay tune for the next effective way, the next time I blog !!

Finally.....

I made it back to my blog. It seems that I have problems logging in here after not being here for awhile then it becomes a pain in the butt and just as I am gonna give up it lets me in. Anyhoo I got in and look I still have some time to blog and catch everyone up on what's been happening out here for my family.

Over the summer we once again had a honey do list around the house and pretty much got it all done. I didn't do much gardening this year as I found out that I don't have a green thumb and have really no interest. maybe later in life I will get into it. I love grass, and actually don't mind cutting it either..hahahaha Guess I don't mind watering the garden either. We re did the main bathroom with fresh paint and a new tiled floor. Paul also tiled the entrance way at the front door. Now I have to start painting down there. brighten it up a bit. I have decided to paint in shades of brown through out the house. One room at a time though, might not get to it until Spring.....

Mikayla is first year Middle school, grade 7. Joshua is Grade 1. Both have been adjusting to alot of change. Logan is the midst of potty training and being quite stubborn about it at least at home. I will be back soon....

School Year Begins....

This year is especially exciting because Mikayla is in the top grade of her school, 6 out here is still elementary and Joshua starts kindergarten. Tonight we attend his open house, meet the teacher and see his classroom. Tomorrow he has his one to one interview with his teacher, then FINALLY he starts next Monday. They are gradually starting them for an 1 hour first couple days and as of Wednesday full 2.5 hrs. Joshua is in the afternoon class with his friend Spencer from daycare.

The last month or so has been quite the adjustment for Joshua. Middle of July he decides he is done with going to daycare and wants to wait for kindergarten. Let's just say it can't come soon enough..lol

As for Logan he is in the stages of attending daycare as well, we are just waiting for the paper work to be approved. Joshua was diagnosed being globally delayed, daycare has made such a difference he has caught up nicely. I am hoping Logan will have the similar experience.

As for Mikayla today was her first full day of school , so far so good. By Friday she thinks she'll have her class and teacher.