msjones
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Posts posted by msjones
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Thanks for all these replies. You're helping me get excited about this.
The boys will be on a very, very beginner team -- all they need to be able to do it swim one length crawl stroke. The meets are optional, but the workouts are every day for the summer. Lots of neighborhood kids are trying it out for the first time, so I have high hopes for a good experience for them.
Does anyone have any advice for me about teaching kids to dive? My older (9 and a half) is very willing to work on his dives, but they look awful. Awful! Poor guy.
My younger (turning 8 next week) is spooked by the very idea. He has tried a few dives, and actually looks better than his older brother, but HATES it. I just don't know how hard to push, or whether to just leave it up to the coaches. I don't want to make him miserable. This is supposed to fun, right?
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We have begun a the marathon schedule of swim team / swim lessons. We're all enjoying it, but I don't yet have a system for all the towels, goggles, suits, shampoo, etc. I didn't grow up swimming, so I don't know the ins and outs of all the swim STUFF.
My questions:
What is in your child's swim bag?
How often do you wash their suits and towels?
Is the chlorine shampoo worth the money?
Do your kids change back into street clothes or just come home wet in the car?
Do your kids just rinse off, or do they take a real shower with soap and shampoo after workouts?
If you have boys, how do you get them out of the locker room within a reasonable amount of time? (Mine love those hot showers, and I can't go in to holler at them to get out!)
I realize I must sound like a doof with these questions, but I'd love to hear what you experienced swim-moms do.
Thanks!!
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Sorry to be gross. I am at my wits end trying to eliminate this in my boys. They don't frequently do it out in public (at least I haven't caught them more than a few times), but in the car, while they're reading, etc. YUCK.
I've tried the positive approach -- explaining how icky it looks, reminding how unsanitary it is, pointing out that it makes them a target for teasing, etc.
I've tried the nagging, shaming, and sending to the bathroom to wash hands each time I catch them.
I have failed. :glare:
Have any of you managed to eliminate this nasty habit in their children? I need your suggestions.
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Every parent does the best they can. And I find it heartbreaking and a bit appalling that there are those who have posted and openly blamed the mom for the loss of her precious child. You have no idea what the situation was. She could have run into the bathroom, any one of a number of scenarios...and lets face it, there are a vast number of parents who allow their children to play in their own yard, believing them to be safe. And you know, they SHOULD BE. Children darn well SHOULD be safe in their own flipping yards. It is not the mother's fault that a twisted, sick EVIL individual stole her child and killed her. It is the evil sack of scum's fault, and nobody else's. The mother is his victim as well. If she knew this person that did this, she's even more his victim, as she's been doubly betrayed...this is no longer a stranger, but someone her and her child trusted.
Blows my mind and turns my stomach that people would actually sit here and blame the mother for the actions of a sick and twisted individual because she didn't have her eyes on her child every moment.
I hope to God that nobody who knows this poor woman is in any way associated with this board. I can't imagine the pain that such callous, lofty judgment would cause her.
I'm with you here. It's one thing to believe the mother is partly to blame for her daughter's rape and murder. It's another thing to toss it out for casual discussion on a message board.
I've been thinking about this thread all day...
I was raped at gunpoint in the middle of the day while I was at work. The story was on the news for days. I remember people speculating that I shouldn't have had the window open and my door should have been locked.
People want to blame the victims because it gives them the feeling that, due to their vigilance, this sort of thing would never happen to them or their children.
I was stunned and absolutely furious that anyone had the nerve to say what I should or should not have done to prevent my attack. In the midst of the agony of my shock and grief and fear I had to deal with women criticizing my behavior. I imagine this poor mother would feel the same way if she were reading this thread.
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I would have been okay with it. I don't feel that my kids (ages 8 and almost 10) need to be within earshot or in my sight at all times. I would be fine with my kids playing in a fenced yard if there was a trusted, in-charge adult nearby. It sounds like your neighbor's neighbor was babysitting and was willing to have other kids in the mix.
This is the typical after-school play arrangement in our neighborhood. That being said, we have a beautiful, safe, centrally located park in our neighborhood. My boys know they can go to other moms for help, and I assume that at times I'll be the 'other mom' providing help for my friends' kids.
The way to avoid the problem in the future would probably be to check in with the family prior to sending your kiddos over to play.
It sounds like you're new to the 'let-the-kids-roam-a-bit' lifestyle. I can see why you weren't comfortable, but if you want to ensure a high level of close supervision, you'll need to be the one to provide it.
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Ditto what Bethben said.
No daily prep. Initial prep -- yes. But none once that's done.
No independent work here so far. (We just finished Level 2.)
I do occasionally have my son review the Key cards on his own for a minute or two, but that's all there really is for him to do independently.
We both enjoy the lessons and I'm very pleased with the results.
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...the documentary pieces that Steinbeck wrote about life among migrant workers that was the background material for your book. Wow, if you thought Grapes of Wrath was emotional, read the other one--"The Harvest Gypsies." It shows that actually Steinbeck really pulled his punches in GOW.
My favorite work by Steinbeck is "The Moon Is Down." It is almost indescribable. It contrasts democracy and facism in an extremely skillful way. I don't want to say any more about it or I will spoil it, but read it. Seriously!
Pulled his punches in Grapes of Wrath? That's hard to imagine. I'll have to find a copy of The Harvest Gypsies. I also have not read "The Moon is Down, but will have to find it.
I believe I feel a Steinbeck kick coming on.
I can see "East of Eden" on the bookshelf across the room right now....
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I think it's amazing, and I cry every time I read it. My niece read it recently at school, and she and her mom were complaining what a "downer" it was, way too depressing, etc. They both adored Twilight, tho, and spent an awful lot of time gushing over that one, how great the writing was, for example. It took a lot for me not to laugh at them.
I've been biting my tongue during Twilight conversations lately, too! I've frequently heard it compared to Pride and Prejudice. :confused: I find myself stunned by those remarks.
I know I sound like a book snob, but after reading someone like Steinbeck, it's always a struggle to find my next book.
Which contemporary authors compare to Steinbeck? Anyone have some suggestions for me?
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Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden are two of my all-time favorites.
Yup. Vivid images from East of Eden hovered around in my mind long after I finished reading it, too. I have yet to find anyone else who enjoyed that one, though.
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I am re-reading The Grapes of Wrath. I've been lying awake at night feeling burdened by this book. I can't get Ma Joad, Tom, Grandma, and Rose of Sharon and their struggles out of my mind.
I find myself thinking of Ma Joad during the day and I'm reminded to be thankful. The part where Ma picks up the crow bar and announces that she'll beat the _______ out of anyone who breaks up her "fambly" had me in tears.
I keep thinking of Rose of Sharon and Connie and their lack of education/opportunity and feel so thankful to be educating my boys.
And all those proud, hard-working men, forcing themselves to practically beg for work, and then earning almost nothing.
I can't think of another book that so clearly illustrates the plight of the desperately poor in America. Angela's Ashes has similar themes, but, of course, isn't an American story.
Anyone else have a strong reaction to this book? If you have a teen who has read it recently, what what his/her reaction?
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I taught public school for 8 years -- grades K, 2, 3/4. I still tutor in a public school and have done some summer school sessions, too.
I left when my first son was born, planning to come back and job-share. Instead, I wound up making a nice hourly wage tutoring. The students I tutored were homeschoolers. I liked what I saw in the homeschool setting, and gradually decided that was what I wanted for my kids.
What appeals to me most about the homeschool setting is the flexibility. I don't need to schedule a meeting with 10 different people to change the learning plan for my boys. I just do it. Addressing individual needs in a traditional classroom is like turning the Titanic. Here at home, it's more like turning a bike.
I do not struggle with the sense of 'not doing enough.' I do more at home than I did in my classroom... and what I do, I do better. Everything is easier with just 2 kids.
It may help that I still work at a school and am frequently reminded just how much work it is to teach well with a big class of kids.
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You've got to look at staying in Edmonds.
Here's a link to a Best Western in downtown/waterfront Edmonds: http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/selectHotel.do
Edmonds is a beautiful suburb north of downtown. The Edmonds 'downtown' area is lovely -- nice restaurants, waterfront parks, right near the ferry, incredible sunsets. The waterfront park has huge driftwood, a great play area, a nice walking path. Very safe, very quiet, and not too far to drive into downtown (15 -20 min if you avoid rush hour).
I saw the Lake Union suggestion. I know that's a decent hotel, but do be aware that near Lake Union you'll be in a very urban area with all the associated urban issues. You'd also be very close to all of the fun stuff to do in downtown Seattle!
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Have you been to Cannon Beach on the northern Oregon Coast? Beautiful. Very relaxing. You can get a cabin on the beach for $400 a night, or a place in the woods (just a short walk to the beach) for about $125/night.
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My lego kid wants to be a philosopher and own a yo-yo shop at the mall. ;)
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The teacher would be a dear friend of mine, who is mother to some of their best friends. I'm trading some child care for the lessons.
They know my friend very well, trust her, and would be happy about going to the lessons since their friends will be there, too. She's given them some impromptu lessons in the past, and they respond very well to her.
I'm certainly willing to get them to the pool in between lessons. I've been feeling for some time that they need one last big boost to really become confident swimmers. I've decided that this summer will be the boost.
Any suggestions for keeping it fun? I don't think they'll be thrilled about swim team, but I'm pretty sure they'll be willing enough.
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If you are a swimming teacher or a swim team mom, can you help me out?
Is there any way these boys of mine could be ready for very-beginning swim team by June 23rd?
My boys can swim. They can jump off the deep end diving board and swim to the side. One of them could swim a length if he had to. The other can't yet -- still struggling to coordinate his arms and breathing. So, they aren't strong swimmers, but recreational swimmers.
I have the chance for them to have about 8 free private lessons between now and the end of June. Would 8 lessons be enough to get them ready for a beginning level team? It's a team for 7 - 10 year-olds. The only requirement to be on the team is to be able to swim a length of the pool.
What do you think? :confused: I need to know whether to write the check and get them on the roster.
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I don't have much time at the moment, but wanted to suggest using graphic organizers.
Google 'graphic organizers' and you'll find lots of free ones you can print off.
Often, having a format to fill in can get them started. They are quite motivating to my boys and I've also used them successfully with many different students.
Good luck!
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Never thought about it that way! I guess I can use that one now! "Yes, we are current"...LOL
I haven't read the whole thread yet, but am stunned that you would do this. I'm sure you understand the true meaning of "current" on these forms.
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I'd love to find more long skirts. I just don't see many of them this year. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
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I always have a tanktop on, but they're always under something. I wear tank tops for nursing instead of bras (I don't like my belly to show). I wear them under lightweight solid knit ponchos (versus the open-crochet style), solid colored tees (I love the Target basic tee-shirt), and button-down shirts (elbow-length sleeves, capped sleeves, and sleeveless). My favorite fabric is seersucker--it is lightweight and breathes very well.
I wear these shirts with cargo shorts, knit shorts, or skirts of all kinds. I love skirts--air conditioning! :)
I hate shopping for swim suits. I am so glad they have started making tankinis and skirted bottoms. I like tankinis because they cover my belly and they are easier to take off than one-piece suits for when ya gotta go. Land's End has a huge variety and the skirted bottoms are long enough I don't feel all exposed. I also like that Land's End lets you pick and choose/mix and match your tops and bottoms.
I love the Land's End suits! I have 2 of the skirted ones -- one is very sporty and will stay up no matter what. The other is the aforementioned strapless one -- it has a skirt, and the top, while strapless, is very 'blousy' and not revealing, in my opinion.
I'm interested in trying their swim shorts, but wonder if they're comfortable at all. It seems that they would be even heavier than the skirts when wet.
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The 'no strapless' thread has me thinking. If you find tank tops, spaghetti straps, or strapless garments to be inappropriate, what do you wear in the heat? How about in the pool or at a beach?
I am not opposed to these kinds of tops (I even own a strapless swimsuit that, to me, seems more modest that some with-strap suits I see out there), but when shopping I find myself looking for, hmmm..., a little less 'va-voom' than I used to wear. ;)
I am genuinely interested in finding some stylish, up-to-date, non-frumpy, yet modest-ish clothing that is comfortable in the summer.
I'd especially like to see your links to specific items that you love.
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I'm reading about some of you loving "CLE" workbooks.
What is CLE?
Thanks!
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A plastic squirt bottle.
A cape.
A toy grocery cart. (This may fall into the yukky plastic category for you, however...)
These are my 'routine' 3-year-old gifts, and they're usually a hit. I love three year-olds!
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Right Start Math
We have had such success with it in our homeschool. I also use many parts of it with students I teach.
It is very thorough, a pleasure to teach, and my kids and I look forward to math every day.
AAS...any negatives? I hear lots of positives...
in K-8 Curriculum Board
Posted
I am very happy with the progress my son has made using AAS. He is becoming a confident speller, and we both enjoy the lessons.
The only negative about AAS for me is the price. We are working quite quickly through the books, and are just finishing book 2. We only began in February, so this will be 3 books I've had to purchase in just 5 months.
I'm very glad that he's progressing so quickly, as he is going into 3rd grade and had been a struggling speller. But it has been a lot of books to buy.
Good luck finding what works for your child!