Another really cute project

Here is a really cute project that could take some time i.e. perfect for something to do during summer vacation - a play shul. There is also a doll house variation on the same blog as well as other good ideas. Enjoy!!!

Confessions of a book junkie

I love books. In fact I am convinced that one can never have too many good books in the house. Computers are nice but there is nothing like sharing a great book with a child or reading one in general. There is the excitement of the search, the anticipation, the actual reading and then sharing your thoughts and reactions, etc. So much pleasure from such a seemingly simple activity. I consider books and related book activities one of the main ways to teach and learn things with your children that is also very easy on the parent in terms of preparation aside from the time investment. The possibilities are almost infinite. Of course you have to prescreen for content and illustration suitability. The benefits of reading to and with children are well documented. All good education approaches have good books at their base. It's a great way to encourage language development, increase vocabulary, learn about myriads of subjects, practice communication and other life skills and of course spend quality time together. I get excited just thinking about it.
Here are a few links for good children's book sites for ideas of what's out there.
Chinaberry
FUN Books

Interesting art and crafts links

Here are a few links for some interesting paper crafts
Tea bag Folding
Iris folding

And another link for yet another craft compendium with some great ideas for what to do with the kids in the summer Whip Up

A nice site with old out of copyright book art Old Book Art that could be used for decoupage projects.

The long view

Parenting often involves balancing the here and now while at the same time being able to project years if not decades into the future. Our sages say that a wise person anticipates the outcomes of his actions. One has to be able to deal with today's challenges and needs but also to envision what you'd like to imbue your child with in order for him to actualize his potential in the future and become the adult he was meant to be (not always synonymous with what the parent wants). A few years ago, I attended a parenting class given by a student of Rebetzin Spetner, a renowned educator here in Israel. One of the things that really stuck in my mind was that if a parent decides to correct a certain negative behavior in a child, it has to be something that either hurts the parent/ child relationship or something that is to a child's detrement in some way, otherwise it's better to ignore that behavior. And very importantly, a parent has to make sure that what he is punishing isn't the child's personality. A person can never change his innate nature, you have to work with what you have. It's imperative therefore, to have a realistic picture of who your child is, by really getting to know your child. Parenting mostly involves the parent working on his own character. Parenting and marriage are really the best middos workouts one could wish for if used properly. Often it involves giving up instant gratification for long term gain. Very rarely do problems have instantaneous solutions. One really has to learn how to take the long view while appreciating and enjoying the journey.

L'chvod shabbos

In the end of the day, what else do we want, but for our children to be good, holy Jews, please G-d.

Nothing new under the sun

Sorry Mr. Editor, more music.

What's cooking?

Cooking and baking are another two activities that most children really enjoy and are very good from the educational standpoint. Besides being very useful practical skills, they are also great ways to teach responsibility and build self-esteem by allowing the children to contribute and participate in the running of a home. One can make it as simple or as complex and sophisticated as desired. It's appropriate for all age groups, which makes it a wondreful activity that could be shared as a family. Plus, it's a great springboard into other subjects such as: math -measuring and counting, history and geography- trying out various cuisines from different eras and places, art and creativity can also be made part of cooking- garnishing, cake decorating, improvising recipes, science - there are many scientific principles that could be tought with food and many experiments that could be done right in the kitchen. All these also can lead to a feeling of camaraderie and teamwork in the family which are important social skills in and of themselves. These are just a few of the many ideas and I'll try to post specific projects/recipes in the future.