Meet Dave the googly eyed bee.

Meet Dave the googly eyed bee. I made him and seven others for the home corner in my classroom. Simple to do.

1. Paint a polystyrene ball yellow allow to dry.
2. Paint black stripes on allow to dry.
3. Stick googly eyes on.
4. Fold wings in black card and stick on.
5. Attach paper clip and use wool to hang up.

6. Name bee mine is called "Dave".

Birimingham Sea Life Centre review and giveaway.

I was very pleased to be invited to go Birimhgham Sea Life centre, i have been to many aquarium around the world so I was interested to go to a local world. First impressions was that it was a very busy attraction which is a good sign!.

A busy Sea Life Centre

The star attraction were  the Hammerhead Sharks and turtles ( though one turtle was away and the other was asleep, famous people can be fickle.) we found all the attractions fascinating to watch,. . Another highlight was the rock pool where you can hold crabs and starfish if you are brave enough. 

J getting interactive with the rockpool.

An informative Sea Life staff member giving an interactive talk on rockpools.

I’d also recommend the walk-through underwater tank. It’s like being in a submarine. Huge turtles, manta rays and leopard sharks swim just above your head – quite unforgettable.

A Moray eel wouldn't want to get on his bad side!.

Nemo ie the Clown Fish.

Negatives.I would like the Jellyfish to have a better looking tank, my son J commented on it and it was his fear that it might get bored.


Overall, I’d recommend it. But as it’s not cheap, it’ll be a while before we go again. However, the wide variety of species, seen at close quarters makes it a memorable experience for all age groups.


However you can buy a Merlin pass as well that lets you enter all the Sea Life Centre and attractions such as Alton Towers as well all year.

Yes it can be quite expensive to go round , I would recommend it as part of your day out as it is not a day out in itself you will probably be there 2 and half hours maximum. There are always plenty of 2 for 1 vouchers around.

There is also a 4d cinema show there showcasing scenes from Happy Feet , probably a bit scary for really young centre but gentle enough fun .

Throughout the Birmingham Sealife Centre there is a emphasis on sustainable fishing. You can take a takwaway card with tips on how you can reduce your impact on fish in general ( including tips on eating sustainable fish). Its good that they do this and if you can catch the young ( No pun intended it's a good thing!.)

Sustainable fishing

Visit http://www.visitsealife.com/  and then come back here and tell me your favourite sea creature. The prize is a family pass to a Sea Life Centre. just in time for half term that's one day sorted.

Ends 19th October



( I was given a family pass for the purpose of this review and opinions are entirely my own)

Behaviour mangement in children a short guide.

Why do children misbehave at home or at school?

• Because they are bored- reported in TES that a third of schools bore their pupils. I suspect the same can be said of us parents !.

• Poorly explained and maintained boundaries.

• Lack of respect.

• Inappropriate teaching/learning or parenting style.

• Problems at home.

How do we change?

• Make the curriculum at school and activities at home  more interesting.

• Remember that boys in particular learn better when they are doing something that is more physically involved.

• Boys need competition to thrive.

• And for those of us that teach - it is an idea to have a no hands up policy, this prevents the same children answering all the time and encourages others to be involved.

• Meet and greet children as they arrive in the class-set the scene as the day starts- look for signs of unhappiness and try to sort before the lessons start. This can be the same if you are a parent and about to either go shopping or perhaps attend a big event like a wedding.

• As it often case of school every lesson is treated as a clean sheet. At home you can move onto a new activity and treat this as your clean sheet.

• Break your lesson /parenting day into small chunks- quiet and still/ physical - ie use hand clap game to brain storm ideas/ share knowledge in pairs. And if you are a parent at home perhaps a game of i-spy?.

• Agree firm fair boundaries and be consistent.

• Respect is a two way street.

• Maintain a child's self esteem .

• An activity that is fun will get done

When things go wrong 

• Deescalate the situation.

•  Gentle reminders- praise then a quiet reminder.

• Use child's name, maintain eye contact, say thank you but not please as this suggests you are asking them or pleading.

• Be aware of everything that is happening.

• Ask child- What should you be doing?Do not tell. A child's attention is maintained and they are taking ownership of the situation and their behaviour ( it is helping develop self awareness)

• Do not disagree with child- this causes an argument and leads to confrontation.

• Humour can sometimes deescalate a situation.

• Give child choices- right choice = praise, wrong choice = consequence.
  
  
  
  

Personal development

• Always seek help and advice - it is OK to say you need suggestions / help.

• Be critical of your own performance and teaching of your lesson if you are a teacher. If you are a parent it is pretty much the same really!.

• Observe other parents and observe your child's teacher if you help in their, class or another class or year group.

• Share knowledge and experience.

• Look for solutions to problems.

• Children can see if you lack confidence- appear confident and remember body language.

I don't have all the answers to behaviour management in children these are just a few useful tips. Your parenting style is up to you and no one can  tell you how to bring up your own child. Do what is right for your child at each stage in their life and take it easy and don't stress over things. Parenting is for life . It is a honour to be a parent and should not be seen as a chore.

The importance of Outdoor play despite the weather !

 Whatever the season there is no excuse not to go out and play outdoors!

It doesn't matter if it's too hot out there (put on a hat and sun cream) or if the leaves are turning brown, the conkers are looking ready to drop. It is raining ,when doesn't it rain in this country. It can be tempting what ever the weather to just plonk them in front of Cbeebies and run for your computer catching up on Twitter or Facebook. Though hopefully you are reading this at at sensible time when your little angels have got to bed after you've been playing outside.The weather is not an excuse not to get out and there and  play. You must have all seen the various government campaigns on the television at the moment encouraging your to take exercise of at least 60 minutes outside. And this doesn't even have to cost you any money in most cases.

At my school we have a canopy so they can play outside even when it is raining. We also have a welly shed and raincoats. So they can play in the puddles, stamp on those crunchy leaves, make mud pies and of course the child hood favourite making homes for wriggly worms. Though making their homes out of stones was not a good idea I discovered as a child !. You don't even need toys as they will produce their own toys from what ever is around them.

A canopy makes out door play accessible in all weathers.

Well of course that’s an appealing thought but what about all that outside play that the children got during the summer? Why let it stop just because it’s a bit colder! A few layers, a raincoat and trousers and a pair of wellies and they are all set. In the colder months you don’t even need to give them toys to play with as the changing seasons and the natural toys that they are producing will be enough to keep them entertained.

A sandpit is a marvellous addition to outdoor play just make sure it has a cover otherwise it will turn into a giant kitty litter. It doesn't even have to be an expensive sandpit it can be one you've made your self . Just cover it with tarpaulin.

(photo used with permission from @chocorange )

Just make  sure the children have suitable waterproof clothing on if they go to play outside when it wet.

If a child could design their outdoor space it would be naturalized with plants,flowers,dirt,sand,mud and insects,but would also be rich with a wide variety of play opportunities of every imaginable type.If children could design their outdoor play space then this would further enriching their developmental learning environment and they would want to stay all day. I know as its a hard job getting the reception children in from their outdoor play !



So before you reach for the safety of plonking them in front of a dvd, why not turn off the television get the wellies on( Hunter Wellies if you want to be a scrummy yummy mummy ), dig out a magnifying glass and go looking for insects?( No pulling the wings of fairies !!! ) Or build a den or a fort ?

If you don't get your child into the outdoors they are never going to build up their immunity and be able to fight off those coughs colds and other nasty bugs!

.
So get out in the outdoors and just have fun what ever the weather ! It is England after all.

Moving from Reception to Year one transition help .

Working in an infant school is great , being their inspiration means the world to me, I say this because at the term received many gifts. It wasn't the wine or the chocolate that touched me but the cards, one in particular that had a sentiment from a parent. "............. comes home speaking of you fondly, thank you for making her Year 1 a magical time" I know that this child will make a happy transition into year 2 with absolutely no problems. For some children this however is not the case, so here are a few tips they make help the transition from reception to year one. pre Year one is know as EYFS ( Early Year foundation Stage) with a huge emphasis on play and free flow between the classes. There are structured activities within this but it is more relaxed.

So my top tips from moving from  Reception to year one are:

1. Remind them that when they moved from nursery to reception they had less play than when they did at nursery.


2. If they have siblings explain that will will leaning things to teach them and even yourself as parents. We all like to learn new things don't we?

3. Factor in treats and rewards to counteract the fact that there will be less playing, This doesn't have to cost you any money even a trip to the park can help.

4. If its of real concern have a word with the new class teacher before they start, sometimes they may have be split up from their friends. This is less likely to happen in year 1 but nether less it might, this is more of an issue in the transition from Infants to Juniors.


4. Don't forget they have just had  six weeks off, that is enough to confuse and disorientate the adults let alone the children.

5. Remind them that their Play times will be an opportunity to let off steam. I know that at my school time we have 'Golden Time ' where some sort of treat comes into play.


6. Routine is key try and keep to a routine during the holidays. They may go to bed later during the holidays, but week by week gradually bring this make to their usual bed time that they have when they are at school. Also always  make sure that they have had breakfast before they go to school, and not on the way to school. it is hard sometimes when you have a line line of children behind you making you look like ' The Old woman who lived in a shoe'

6. Encourage their development of characters they are keen to  be individuals , but need the safety nerd of the herd of the classroom!

7. Any child can find it hard to make the transition , I am not going to say its just boys that have these problems. It is the step up in concentrating that can also before an issue, So play games that help with with this situation again from snap - junior monopoly. Perhaps have a toy that will help them  go to school and be waiting for them when you pick them up.

8. Accept it is going to me a little tough for the first few weeks and don't forget the teacher/ teacher assistant is just as likely to be stressed ( despite it being their job)

9. Make them part of the process I can stress how important this is. Let them within reason choose their school shoes, bag etc. It really does make them feel grown up, though at the same time it has to be fun they are only children after all.

10.  Don't mourn them going into year one , I know its hard seeing them grow up. Try and focus on what joys and achievements this next stage will bring.

Also my school each class has its own bear which you can take on holiday or for the weekend . This teddy bear follows the class through their time at the Infant school, I think this is very sweet and another nice touch that makes the transition from school year to another school year that much easier.

Back to School Reading tips.

 Getting your child basically to read can can be like banging your head against a brick wall. Here are some simple tips that may help in that situation.


1. Find a quiet spot to read with them, squeeze in to a little play tent with them, make it an adventure. No distractions ! Ten - fifteen minutes is long enough. So if you want to start to read them the entire book of ' The Hobbit' is going to have to wait.

2. If your child doesn't pronounce the word correctly- first allow them to correct themselves. Encourage them to sound out the  word using the Alphabet sound. This is basically Phonics but don't get hung up on this it will come in time. A good place to find the frequency word is here click on Literacy then go to phonics . Go right to the bottom and you will find 100 frequency words.

http://www.communication4all.co.uk/HomePage.htm

3. If you are struggling at first choose a book without words. It doesn't matter that it doesn't have words, the things is to get them used to looking at a book reading and being comfortable.  This encourages them to talk about what they see and helps the with their comprehension and understanding of the book. Also if they say an word wrong don't say its wrong simply  ask them to read that sentence back asking them if that sentence makes sense with that word in it.

4. Tailor the book to their interests. For boys it might me snot,dirt,cars,bottom noises ()! dinosaurs, football etc. Books like  harry and his Bucket full of dinosaurs are lovely. For the girls its probably going to be cats , horses and ponies, fairies,ballet,or princesses. Of course this is a bit stereotyped and each child will  have other interests !

5. Hug your child while they  are reading , it is a wonderful thing it makes you feel loved and instill your child with pride and confidence,. one of those many quality you need for reading.

6. Why not read out side outdoor? learning is very important , why not make a story shoe box up; recreating a scene form a book you are reading perhaps change the story around a little, you could invent a different ending. Of you could even create a story setting in a tray or in your sandpit ? I am sure there is a product you can buy to encourage this , I will try and find it for you.

7. Try and remember what you enjoy reading as a child and go re visit those stories.

8. If you have any problems always go and see the teacher its what they are there for, and they are always happy you help and suggest things for you.

9. Don't fret just keep trying if they don't want to read today , go back to  it another day.

10 .  Have fun they are only young once !.

Photo is copright free(author(AKARAKINGDOMS)and is free from http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7980535829028668483&postID=2207412596963745666


And I sure that our local library will do story times for babies and toddles. Here is one I found for those of you in the leicestershire area http://www.leics.gov.uk/libraries_wriggly_readers

Selling Mr T's organ...... and a competition

What price do you put on education if you go to a state school. There is the constant demands from an early age for trip money. If you do not pay your child will suffer blah blah. Now this is hard enough in this economic climate if you have one child but one if you have more the pressures are even greater. Now J my son is a truly able sportsman

Now its been a constant ask all through his school life so far for trips,charity , school PGL but I was not prepared for the shook of the cost of senior school. Now J does not go to private school just a academy school but it s like private school. For the off there was trip after trip  first skiing, then cricket , three lots of rugby, singing . Now I am pleased my son is talented I really am but I felt the need to draw the line somewhere so I said NO to the rugby tour. He was a little crestfallen but he got on with his life, We all have to make sacrifices in this world.

Then came the school sports award night. J had already won various certifaces for academic achievement being best in his class etc glowing report etc. Model child, etc not stereo typical of Only
child syndrome. Well on the night he picked up award after award culminating in the sports personality of the year. Basically the teacher said if there was a tiddlywinks team he's be in . Now faced which this pride how could I refuse to NOT send him on the rugby tour. So another cost for me so far these trips total up as £750 for skiing, £120 for cricket, £350 for rugby not to mention £50 for another rugby trip ,£25 for singing trip and another £25 for another rugby trip . I try not to  add it up, knowing it is such a scary amount. And all this is before spending money, clothes etc. This is where i cam e up with a plan to sell stuff on that internet auction site. Good opportunity to clear out etc and help pay for all these trips. First up was Mr T's organ he didn't use it any more , it was just there gathering dust. I know it was hard but I just had to let it go.....

There you've seen it Mr T's organ, also I started selling his train set as well. All little amounts help, the school were puzzled as I started paying off these little amounts and indeed ring to ask me was this right. You do what you have to do so your child has a better life etc, but at what cost.?

So to perhaps help you with your costs a little by not going to the gym , I am offering some large hot pants suitable for sizes 16-20 its a fitness thing best you scoot over http://www.zaggora.com/products/HotPants.html to see. Now I was given these but I have decided these as a prize ( this is not a sponsered post) .These are new and unworn I have to add.  So to win these just comment below with an extreme cost you've had to face doesn't have to be child related.


So I ask you follow 1. Follow my blog.

2. Comment below
3.Come and say hello to Rollie(my cat)  via @needaphone


Closing date is the 31 August

Autism ....

I am no Autism expert really. I don't have autistic children. I work with them. Many moons ago there was one autistic child who I was working with one to one. I worked the morning session. Now this child was very clever as autistic children are but  was very clever  and a bit naughty really. No throwing stuff around etc but in the minipulation  of the adults around them they were very very clever . The child played me up so I told them no reward, to which they  told me it didn't matter as they  would get their reward in the afternoon as it was a new session. So autistic  children are normal they can be naughty , and naughty for a reason just like a 'normal' child.

Meet Shelley the Easter Hat.....

Hi meet Shelley the Easter Hat.

She's a bit old now but a goody made for my son when he was seven for the Easter Bonnet parade, he's now twelve. We never won, it was  full of those  zealous mothers etc who spent years perfecting their little darlings masterpieces who won . No that I harbour drudges or anything .....


1. Get a balloon.
2. Papermache round the balloon building up the layers
3.You have to do this over a few days to allow the layers to build up.
4. Once it is dry cut the base of the balloon shape off. ( about a quarter)

Stick it inside the other half.


5. Turn it back round and cut a jagged egg shape.

6. Decorate as you wish. Chick etc is optional.

One bird that managed to escape the clutches of my cat.

Please Paws for thought....

A funny title with a serious message. Its about my experiences with Autism. I work with on occasions Autistic kids ands its hard yet rewarding. I can at the end of the school day hand these children back and go home to my family. Autism is rewarding you have to open your heart to being accepting. It doesn't matter if you are different bit like evil ninja cat really. Hats off those to who have autistic children or those with varying disabilities. You might have seen my on twitter asking for donations for my school.  the autistic kids are a huge part behind it. We don't have a sensory room and we don't have a trim trail etc to promote their motor sensory skills.I don't claim to be a expert on autism but I have gained my experinace through working with these children. I shall continue doing what I can for those who have and work with autistic children.

This is what I wrote recently to one  care organization." I am proud to work in social care as a SEN ta with autistic children. A breakthrough came with one autistic boy. He had to do some counting from 1 to ten but does not always understand because of his autism. I sang 1,2,3 45 once i caught a fish alive and so on . Through this he was able to order the number 1-10 . He loved the singing. It was a very rewarding moment. And he has since gone on to saying little sentences."