OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS

Here is a song "memory" from when I was little girl many, many years ago. It's still a great song and a meaningful way to compare/contrast and talk an about the "olden days."

Over the River
(Traditional Tune)
Over the river and through the woods (Pretend to hold reins of a sleigh
To grandmother’s house we go. and drive as you bounce up and down.)
The horse knows the way (Put hands behind back and nod
To carry the sleigh like a horse.)
Through the white and drifted snow.
Over the river and through the woods, (Pretend to drive sleigh.)
Oh, how the wind does blow. (Wrap arms around self and shiver.)
It stings your toes and bites your nose (Touch nose and point to toes.)
As over the ground we go.

Through the country and cities far (Pretend to drive a car.)
In sun or wind or rain.
We might go by train (Pull down on train whistle.)
We might take a plane. (Fly hand like a plane in the air.)
Or maybe a bus or car. (Hold out right hand, then left.)
Through low valleys and mountains high (Look down low and then up.)
Now, grandmother’s house I spy. (Hand over eyes.)
Hurrah, for the fun! (One fist in the air.)
Is the turkey done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie! (Cheer with other fist.)

https://bit.ly/drJRiver

Comparisons

Use a Venn diagram to compare what it would be like to visit grandmother a long time ago and how we visit now. How are things the same? How are they different?

Graphs 

Make a graph of how they will travel to their Thanksgiving dinner. Car? Plane? Train? Bus? Boat? Stay at home!

Olden Days
Bring in a rotary phone, typewriter, record player, and camera. (A note to parents might help you find one of these.) Talk about how they were used when their grandparents were kids. What do we use now instead?

*Hint! I think it's important for children to know what these items are because most of the books copyrighted before 2000 have pictures or reference them.




Family Celebrations
Holidays are a good time to talk about diversity. Not all families celebrate Thanksgiving, but most families do celebrate something. Ask children to bring in photos of celebrations they have in their home. Put their pictures together to make a class book.

11 RESOURCES FOR RAISING SAFE, HEALTHY, AND HAPPY KIDS!

You know, everyone WANTS to be a good parent, but it's more of a challenge today than ever. I love the information that Laura Pearson is willing to share to enable us to care for our children and each other. 

11 Resources for Raising Safe, Healthy, and Happy Kids 

Raising children is a remarkable journey filled with excitement, growth, and endless learning opportunities for parents and kids alike. Navigating through the twists and turns of each age and stage can be daunting. But fear not. Courtesy of Dr. Jean and Friends, the resources below will equip you with the knowledge, strategies, and confidence you need to embrace every milestone — from those adorable baby coos to the ups and downs of adolescence.

Safety

No one needs to tell you about the importance of keeping your child safe throughout the years. Here are some resources to help you along the way:

●      Child Safety and Injury Prevention from Better Health Channel

●      Tips and Reviews from Safe Smart Family

●      The CDC shares Info on Safety in the Home & Community for Parents With Teens 

Health

We all want healthy children. Here are some of the best health-related resources on the web: 

●      Child Health Issues and Tips: 1-5 Years

●      10 Tips To Keep Kids Healthy This School Year

●      Fitness and Your 13- to 18-Year-Old (for Parents)

●      Pathways 4 Youth

Happiness

These resources will go a long way in helping you create an environment for your child to enjoy a happy life — now and in the future!

●      5 Secrets to Raising a Happy Child

●      How To Let Go of Hyperparenting and Learn To Relax With Your Kids

●      Create a Positive Home: How to Raise Happy Kids in a Positive Atmosphere

Thrilling, rewarding, enlightening — that’s what it’s like to raise children through every age and stage. You can navigate the complexities of parenthood with poise and assurance by staying informed, adaptable, and maintaining an open line of communication with your child. 

Each phase presents unique challenges and joys. The key is to cherish every moment and celebrate each accomplishment along the way. Here’s to creating a nurturing environment where your child can flourish and laying a foundation for a lifetime of success and happiness!

Dr. Jean and Friends has the children’s songs, music, and activities you’ve been looking for. Questions? Email drjeansongs@gmail.com.

 

#10-BACK TO SCHOOL FOR YOUR BEST YEAR EVER! Home/School Bridges

The amazing thing is that the more parents are involved, the better their children do and the more they value the school. There are many ways that parents can participate and contribute to their child’s education. A good place to start would be an interest inventory where parents have the opportunity to discuss their experiences, hobbies, and talents.

Here are other some suggestions for a check list where parents could check off how they will support your program:

Attend meetings and conferences.
Chaperone field trips.
Make phone calls or send emails.
Plan parties.
Collect free items for projects. Participate in recycling programs.
Make games and materials for the classroom.
Assist with technology for the classroom.
Plan service projects and fund raisers.
Share their culture, trips, career, or a hobby with the children.
Volunteer to tell stories, assist with learning centers, help with a project.
Tutor children.
Participate in clean-up days or repair broken equipment.
Compile a class scrapbook or video.
Advocacy for legislation that supports children and education.

Brown Bag Special
This is perfect for the working parent. Put materials for making games, art projects, etc. in a brown grocery sack. Children get to deliver the “brown bag special” to their parents to complete at home. They will be so proud to return the bag knowing that their parent is involved in their classroom!

Hint! For parents with computer access and financial resources, ask them to download books and free materials from the internet. For other parents, you could put in paper and a pattern for them to cut out for a class game. Everybody can do something and everybody needs to feel appreciated for their efforts!

Helping Hands
Cut out paper hands and write different items you would like for your classroom, such as paper lunch bags, tissues, plastic bags, etc. (You know all those things you have to buy with your own money! Materials could range from something inexpensive to a Dust Buster or old rocking chair.) Tape these to your door and “invite” parents who would like to help to choose a hand and purchase those items.


The Kissing Hand
What would we do without this wonderful book to help children (and parents) transition to school. I know there are countless activities to do with this book, but one of the simplest is to have parents and children trace and cut out each other’s hands the first day of school. After kissing the hands, pin the parent’s hand to the child and send the parent to the “tear tea” below with their child’s hand.  

Tear Tea
Sometimes it’s as difficult for the parents to say good-bye as it is for the children. Planning a tea for parents in the library after they drop their children off will ease the separation. It would also be a great time to recruit volunteers for the school!

Hint! Give a pack of tissues as a party favor!


TLC for Parents
Put the note below in an envelope with a cotton ball and tea bag and send it home to the parents the first day of school.

Dear Parents,
Thank you for entrusting your child to me. I promise to do my best every day to be your
child’s companion in learning. Sit down, relax, and have a cup of tea. Hold the cotton ball in your hand to remind you of the gentle spirit of your child. I know we will have a wonderful year as we learn and grow together!
Sincerely, (Teacher’s Name)

Tell Me About Your Child
Give parents an envelope and ask them to write you a letter about their child. What a simple way to encourage parents to share special information and show how much you care!