Great summer websites for getting your kids involved with math and movement.

In this article in Teaching Children Mathematics, Andrea Christie Elkin recommends a website with simple activities to encourage mathematics and physical activity in the classroom: http://www.yourtherapysource.com/freestuff.html.

“Students Hop, Skip, and Jump Their Way to Understanding” by Andrea Christie Elkin in Teaching Children Mathematics, May 2012 (Vol. 18, #9, p. 524), http://www.nctm.org.

Lying

Weekly Tip from the Love and Logic^® Experts

One of our Facebook friends wrote, "Is lying about brushing your teeth something to drop for my 11-year-old son? As we are pressing into the teenage years I am questioning what is worth not letting go because it is still lying which I don't want to condone."

Lying is unacceptable and wise parents don't ignore it or condone it. The wise parent does two things about lying.

#1. AVOID THE "DID YOU?" SITUATIONS

Very few humans, including adults, are like young George Washington in the cherry tree story. Most people, including children, tend to lie to protect themselves. If the youngster didn't brush his teeth, and the parent asks, "Did you brush your teeth?" the answer will probably be a lie. So, why ask in the first place?

A better approach might be to say, "I hope you're protecting your teeth by brushing. I've been a little worried for you since I pay for the good dentist reports and you pay for the bad ones. I hope you get a good report from the dentist."

And yes, a Love and Logic parent would have the child pay for the bad report. We don't make hollow threats. Remember that sincere empathy precedes the consequence. "How sad, a bad dentist report. Do you want to use your allowance money or what? Could you use a hug?"

#2. LYING EARNS CONSEQUENCES

In the event that a child tells a lie, the generic Love and Logic consequence, called the "Energy Drain" technique, can be used.

"Son, I know that you lied to me about talking back to your teacher. That's not acceptable in this family. I spent a long time on the phone talking with your teacher about your behavior, and didn't get my own work accomplished. I'll let you know later how you can replace the time and energy I used up dealing with this."

This boy can do some housework to replace the parent's "drained energy."

You can hear more about dealing with this problem on our audio CD, Childhood Lying, Stealing and Cheating.

Thanks for reading, and remember that the child's job is to test the limits, and your job is to enforce them.

Jim Fay

Our goal is to help as many families as possible. If this is a benefit, forward it to a friend.

An interesting article on The Perils and Promises of Praise from Educational Leadership.

http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/oct07/vol65/num02/The-Perils-and-Promises-of-Praise.aspx

It was a busy and eventful week at Fisher so I know everyone is ready for the three day weekend. I spent some of today watching the first grade teachers and students release butterflies that had hatched this week. It was great to see how excited and inquisitive the students were as they asked questions of their teachers and made scientific observations, all while using butterfly vocabulary. The joy on the students' faces was priceless!

I also participated in an egg quiz that one of our Kindergarten teachers had given her students to complete with their parents while visiting her blog at home. During the quiz, you were given a set of 14 egg photos. You then had to identify the oviparous animal that you think matched which egg. It was a really hard quiz, but with a little help from Miss Caras' sweet kindergartners, I was able to get 4 out of 14 egg matches correct. As one of the kindergartners told me, "At least you got 4 right." Yes, only 4!!

What a great way to end a Thursday.

Remember, no school on Friday, April 6. Everyone have a great weekend!

Interesting read called How the Brain Reads Words.

http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101030728/brain/brain.swf

Young children who are used to clear rules and consistent consequences are less likely to risk using alcohol and other drugs as they get older. They are also more likely to have the self-confidence to say “no.” On the other hand, studies show that children are at greater risk for drug abuse in homes where punishment is too severe or where there is no discipline.

Below are tips on using rules with your family.

Discuss how rules protect health, safety, and the rights of children and others. Let children know you love them too much to let them take dangerous risks or get into trouble. Set rules to help them take care of themselves, avoid dangerous situations, and respect themselves and others.

Discuss how different families have different rules. Let your child know that, in different houses and in different countries, families may have different rules. In your family, your child follows the family’s rules.

Discuss your rules and expectations in advance. Make clear rules with your child. Make sure everyone understands the consequences for breaking the rules. Don’t make too many rules; you might not remember or enforce them all consistently.

Follow through with the consequences. Children need to know that rules are enforced. Young children test their boundaries. Clear negative messages let them know potential dangers.

Don’t make any rules you do not intend to enforce. Rules without consequences have no meaning for children, so set rules you know you can and will enforce.

Don’t impose harsh or unexpected new punishments. Stick to consequences that have been set ahead of time. Be sure that anger doesn’t influence your discipline. If you need one, give yourself a “cooling off” period before confronting your child.

Praise children when they follow the rules. Positive reinforcement helps them develop self-confidence and trust in their own judgment.

Watch your thoughts,

for they become words.

Watch your words,

for they become actions.

Watch your actions,

for they become habits.

Watch your habits,

for they become character.

Watch your character,

for it becomes your destiny.

http://www.bblocks.samhsa.gov/

Loved this article from our Parent Coffee on Reading with Your Child at Home.

http://www.scilearn.com/alldocs/rsrch/30388RAExtra10min.pdf