July 04, 2008

What's Happening...

July4th

Looking for some family fun on the 4th?

Arizona is full of food, fun and fireworks on the 4th of July!


4th of July Celebration
Date: Fri. 7-4
Location: Tumbleweed Park
City: Chandler
Time: 4:00pm
URL: http://www.chandleraz.gov/special-events

Free Admission
Minimal Charge for Parking
Food & Beverage Vendors
Interactive Amusements for Kids
Live Music Entertainment
Spectacular Fireworks Show Starting at 9:30pm

Rawhide
Date: July 4th
Location: Rawhide
City: Chandler
Time:

5:30pm

480-502-5600

Free Admission                                      

The event will include a cowboy costume contest, live music, prizes, food and fireworks. Admission and parking are free, but individual attractions have a fee.

Gilbert's Old Fashioned 4th of July
Date: Fri. 7-4
Location: Mesquite High School
City: Gilbert
Time: 5:00pm - 10:30pm
URL: http://gpcgilbert.com
There is something for everyone to enjoy including live entertainment and the Sing Your Way to Gilbert Days finalists, contests, games, “bouncy” rides for the kids, community exhibits, kids parade and our grand finale fireworks display at approximately 9:00pm.
Activities include live music, food and beverage vendors, amusements for the kids, and a fabulous display of fireworks at approximately 9:00 p.m. Gates open at 5:00pm with Opening Ceremonies at 7:00p - MUSIC WILL CONTINUE TO 10:30pm. There will be a charge for refreshments, rides, novelties and amusements and we are not able to accept credit cards or checks.
This is an alcohol and tobacco free event. Pets, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, glass containers and weapons of any kind are NOT allowed on the grounds. Overnight camping, open fires and barbecues are also prohibited. Baby bottles are permitted.

Glendale’s 4th of July Celebration
Date: Fri. 7-4
Location: Glendale Community College
City: Glendale
URL: http://www.glendaleaz.com/events/FourthOfJulyCelebration.cfm

Get fired up for July 4th fun! Celebrate America's birthday in style at Glendale's 4th of July Celebration at Glendale Community College with hot dogs, water slides, music and fireworks. The fun starts with free swimming at the GCC pool beginning at 1 p.m. Gates open for the event at 6 p.m., with free admission and free parking. Entertainment on the APS Main Stage begins at 6 p.m., including a patriotic program and an F-16 flyover by a Luke Fighter Squadron, followed by musical entertainment. The awesome fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 8:40 p.m. Entertainment for children will include a juggler on the kid’s stage. Parents can keep little ones cool and happy with an inflatable water slide, or other inflatable games that will be available for a small fee. Bleacher seating is available inside the stadium, as well as acres of grass for blankets and lawn chairs throughout the college grounds and at Sahuaro Ranch Park. Coolers will be permitted inside the stadium, but subject to search upon entry. However, glass containers and alcohol are prohibited. Food and beverages will be available for purchase during the event, as well.

Star Spangled 4th
Date: Fri. 7-4
Location: Goodyear Community Park
City: Goodyear
Time: 6:30pm - 10:00pm
URL: http://www.ci.goodyear.az.us

Join them for great live music from headliner, Billy’s Gone, with special guests, Shallow Water. Their food court is a destination place with a wonderful array of vendors, a beer garden and lots of shade with seating and tables for you to enjoy. Their Kid’s Zone will have water rides and bouncers for all of the kids. ($10.00 all you can ride wristbands). They will bring on the night with the #1 fireworks Display in the Southwest Valley as voted in the West Valley View’s “Reader’s Choice Awards” featuring a 25 minute show set to popular and patriotic music. Free parking and shuttles available from St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Estrella Mountain Community College.

Great American BBQ
Date: Fri. 7-4
Location: Pacana Park
City: Maricopa
Time: 6:00pm
URL: http://www.maricopa-az.gov
This slice of Americana includes a pie eating contest, water zone, and movie in the park. Festivities include a fireworks show set off immediately following the movie, a whiffle ball tournament and a watermelon seed spitting contest.

July 4th Fireworks
Date: Fri. 7-4
Location: Mesa Communtily College
City: Mesa
Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm
URL: http://cityofmesa.org
The Sertoma Club of Mesa will be sponsoring its 48th annual 4th of July Fireworks Show. The Show will be heldat the Mesa Community College Riggs Stadium, Dobson Road and Southern Avenue. The stadium gates will be opened at 6 p.m. Admission to the stadium is $1.00 per person with children under 6 admitted free. Campus parking is accessible off Dobson Road to the west, Southern Ave on the north and Longmore Street on the east. Campus parking is $5.00 per car with occupants admitted to stadium free of charge. Proceeds from the show are used to support local, national and international charities.

4TH Of July All American Festival
Date: Fri. 7-4
Location: Peoria Sports Complex
City: Peoria
URL: http://www.peoriaaz.gov

Looking for a wonderful way to spend the fourth of July? Come join us at the Peoria Sports Complex (16101 N. 83rd Ave), on the Mariners Practice Fields! We’ll have 2 entertainment zones, (1 country and 1 rock and roll) an F-16 Fly-over, a food zone, a Kids Zone and a Water Zone, where you’re guaranteed to get wet!! Also, in the main walkway will be vendors offering a variety of goods and services. All this and one of the BEST fireworks shows in the valley! Gates open at 5pm. Parking is free. Admission is $5 for those 13 and older. Seating is on the plush lawn and is first come first serve. Bring the family, bring the lawn chairs, and even your own food, but please leave all glass containers, pets and canopies at home.

4th of July Celebration
Date: Fri. 7-4
Location: Schnepf Farms
City: Queen Creek
Time: Begins at 5:00pm
URL: http://www.schnepffarms.com
Arts and crafts, children's booths, rock climbing wall, inflatables and more.
Cost to get in is $10.00 per carload. Ride wristband is $10.00 per wristband, No coolers allowed.

Scottsdale 4th of July
Date: Fri. 7-4
Location: Scottsdale Stadium
City: Scottsdale
Time: 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Activities include free hot dogs, watermelon eating contest, potato sack races, tug-o-war competition, music and arts and crafts. Pictures/cards will be made for soldiers oversees. Barbecue grills will be provided and families are encouraged to bring food to cook up and eat at this community picnic.

26th Annual 4th of July Celebration
Date: Fri. 7-4
Location: Surprise Recreation Campus
City: Surprise
Time: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
URL: http://www.surpriseaz.com
Come celebrate Independence Day with the City of Surprise! Choose from a number of family friendly events all held at the Surprise Recreation Campus.

Tempe 4th
Date: Fri. 7-4
Location: Tempe Beach Park
City: Tempe
Time: 4:00pm - 10:00pm
URL: http://www.tempe.gov
TruWest Credit Union presents the CBS5 July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival Produced by the Kiwanis Club of Tempe Tempe Beach Park, Friday, July 4th Gates open at 4pm Delivering more than power SRP presents the 57th Annual Fireworks Spectacular The July 4th attractions include: SRP 57th Annual Fireworks Spectacular will present the best fireworks show in the Valley shot from Mill Avenue bridge. The spectacular family night SRP Fireworks Show will be choreographed to patriotic and classical music. Main Stage featuring great live local entertainment. Scheduled to Appear The Walkens G.A.S Chris Parker Project

July 03, 2008

Helping Children Succeed in Sports - Part 7

Community Corner1 

Img_1242a_2About the Author: Jim Roberts is the Physical Education Specialist at Crismon Elementary School in Mesa, Arizona. Jim has taught elementary physical education for the past 24 years. Jim was selected as the 1998 National Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. 

 

Children under the age of 14 are participating in sports in record numbers.  Sport participation is not only big in American culture; it has a big impact on children’s lives.  That impact can range from very positive to very negative.  Adults are the ones who are primarily responsible for determining that impact.

We continue our look at the “Bill of Rights for Young Athletes.”

Bill of Rights for Young Athletes

1.         Right to participate in sports

2.         Right to participate at a level suited to their maturity and ability

3.         Right to be treated with dignity

4.         Right to play as children, not as adults

5.         Right to share in decisions regarding their participation

6.         Right to have qualified adult leadership

7.         Right to participate in safe and healthy environments

8.         Right to improve skills and strive for success

9.         Right to proper preparation

10.       Right to have fun

4.         Right to play as children, not as adults

Treat children as children, not as miniature adults.

Sports challenge children to strive for excellence in order to achieve goals.  But when adults expect children to excel beyond their years, the children become frustrated and discouraged.  Given a choice, youngsters will naturally pursue activities in which they feel they can succeed. 

Coaches and parents sometimes treat young athletes as miniature adults, expecting them to learn instantly and perform flawlessly, which is unrealistic even for most adult learners.  Some adults demand more excellence of their children than of themselves!  Is it any wonder that these children wouldn’t like playing sports?

Let children take sports less seriously than adults do.

Not only do some adults expect children to perform flawlessly, they also expect children to take sports as seriously as they do.  These adults tell children not to laugh or “goof around” during practices or games.  The message is conveyed that fun is to be found only in victories and not in the pursuit.  Some coaches even tell children not to be friendly with their opponents because they are the enemy. 

   

Allow children to show emotion.

Some adults also expect children to master their emotions with adult control.  They are to subdue their joy when they win and hide their sadness when they lose.  Children are to show no frustration with their own poor play or happiness with their accomplishments.  However, when adults display child like emotions, they expect children to be tolerant and understanding. 

Permit children to play as children.

When children play sports without adult supervision, they do not drill on skills for hours on end, confine themselves to playing on position, or mask their emotions.  These are adult ways of playing sports.  Left on their own, children play sports with the skills they have, developing their skills as they play.  They play many positions, switching when bored and occasionally fighting for their right to play a preferred position.  They play with a marvelous mixture of seriousness and silliness. 

At the same time, adult leadership is critical in helping to reduce the risk of injury and to help children learn sport skills and strategies.  Often times, some adult organization is welcomed by children.  Youngsters love attention, the prestige of a uniform, and the satisfaction of mastering a skill.  However, overly structured practices, over specialization of skills, and over emphasizing the seriousness of sports are clearly unwelcome.  Children deserve to enjoy sports their way, not the way some adults prescribe. 

“You’re acting like children!”

Coach Drake was fuming; his soccer team was losing at halftime, 3-2, to a team he felt they should beat.  He had even gone so far as to devise a rather complex offensive system, one that many of the players had difficulty mastering, “because they weren’t paying attention.”  By using this system his players ought to be able to score goal after goal. 

“You guys are playing lousy,” Coach Drake said as his players drank water on the sidelines.  “You’re not running the plays correctly.  You’re just out there having a good time.  Is that what you want, just to go out and play and have a good time?”

The players exchanged glances but no one said anything.  A few, out of sight of the coach rolled their eyes.  Finally James, one of the older boys on the team, spoke up.  “Yes, that’s what I want to do.  Go out and play and have a good time.  Is that wrong?”

Coach Drake narrowed his eyes at James and sucked in his breath before by replied.  “It’s because of players like you that we’re losing,” Coach Drake said.  James shook his head and a few other players laughed at a private joke.  One player squatted and scooped up a frog that had wandered onto the field.  Coach Drake watched as this boy tossed the frog to another player and others gathered around the boy to see what he had.  Coach Drake’s neck turned red and he looked like he was going to explode.

“Stop it, all of you!” he shouted.  “We’ve got a second half to get ready for.  You’re acting like children!”

July 02, 2008

Operation: Organize!

 Meet The Mama Behind 

Oporganize_logo

Meet the mama behind Operation: Organize! - Jill Graham. Jill's mother taught her the basics of organizing at an early age. Jill later passed on her organizing skills to students and fellow teachers while spending over ten years in the educational field before becoming a professional organizer. Her favorite organizing tool is a cross-cut shredder, one of the first things she recommends to new clients. Her clients are primarily busy moms and professionals with families who seek her professional organizing expertise with creative products and solutions. Clients find her easy-going, resourcefull, fun and motivating. Jill's goal is to transform clients spaces and lives through trust and her client's dedication to the projects at hand.

What inspired you to start your business?

I started Operation: Organize! in early 2004 because of my life-long passion for organizing and wanting a flexible schedule as we were going through the adoption process.

What is your favorite thing about your business?

Passing along my discounts to clients at a variety of local and online stores, setting my own schedule and meeting new people (many clients have become wonderful friends through the process).

How long have you lived in Arizona?

Since the summer of 1996

What is your all-time favorite thing about living in the Phoenix area?

It's diverse! I love all that a big city offers, yet within minutes I can be in the middle of the desert hiking.

Where is your favorite place to eat?

Joe's Farm Grill, Arcadia Farms, the Farm at South Mountain and Chelsea's Kitchen.

Where is your favorite place to go with your child?

The World Wildlife Zoo because we can actually experience animals up close. For a 1 year old, that's important!

Where is your favorite place to go for some quiet time?

The Aji Spa at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass.

Any insider secrets to share?

Clients refer to me as "Dex" because if they need a night out, a restaurant recommendation, travel tips or creative ideas, they know I'll have them. Because I work around the valley, I find a lot of unique shops and restaurants and my clients pass along their go-to people and favorites as well. The next time you're in downtown Phoenix for a mom's day out, check out the Coranado Cafe!

Jill is also an author of Beyond an Apple, an organizational and management guide (the first written by a professional organizer and former teacher) for primary teachers. It provides an overview of the organizing process, including eight organizing principles every primary teacher must know and over 300 organizational and management tips.

You can check our her websites at www.operationorganize.net and www.beyondanapple.com for more information on her services and book!

July 01, 2008

Let Freedom Ring

Tuesday Tidbits 

 JULY4TH3

3flags

 

With the 4th of July right around the corner we would like to share a few ideas and thoughts with you. It is the perfect time to enjoy some old fashion fun with family and friends. If you have a pool, invite people over to swim and BBQ. We have all of our family over on the 4th and the kids have so much fun swimming together. Everyone brings a dish to share and it is fun to see what red, white and blue food there will be to eat. Desserts are easy, make a cake or cupcakes and decorate them with sprinkles or decorate the cake to look like a flag. Jell-O gigglers cut into stars are a fun treat. Jell-O is always good and you can top it with cool whip and put blueberries and raspberries on the top. Make ice cubes with berries in the middle and put the ice into glasses of lemonade. Watermelon is a good, refreshing fruit that everyone loves. Corn is great with any BBQ! We have a recipe for home made ice cream and it is good!

 

Ice Cream

This recipe is for an ice cream maker (rock salt and all!)

1 package instant pudding mixed (we usually use vanilla)

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons vanilla

1 pint whipped cream

1 can evaporated milk

Fill container to ¾ full with milk

 

 

Fire Engine Red Cake

½ cup shortening

1¼ cup sugar

2 eggs

1&1/3 cup buttermilk

2 ¼ cup and 3 tablespoons flour

2 oz. red food color (this is a lot of food color, so you can use less)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon vinegar

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon soda

2 teaspoon cocoa

Heat oven to 350. Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs. Make a paste of food coloring & cocoa and set aside. Add salt to buttermilk and add alternating with flour to creamed mixture. Add vanilla & blend. Add soda & blend. Add vinegar & blend. Fold in red food coloring and cocoa mixture. Bake about 35-40 minutes. Makes 2- 9” layers.    

 

  

 

Check out our Friday Fun Blog for great places to go watch the fireworks and community fun!

June 30, 2008

Father's Day Reflections

Monday Morning Coffee

Monday Morning Coffee - Bio

The month of dad is just about over. Do you have any special reflections to share?

Here’s one from a brand new granddad.

For the first time I sent a Father’s Day card to my son who is now a dad. How can my own son be a dad? Better than that, “How can my own son be such a great dad?”

Parenting is work, but the joys, thrills, and rewards make it all worthwhile.

What special experiences have you shared with a son or father this month?

Good Green Fun!

Here is a fun green game from Make Your Own Preschool Games that teaches will enrich your child’s physical skills.

Exercise Stations, p.9

Objective: To teach your child how to do aerobic exercise in a small space.

About the Game: There are several active movements that can be done in place. Here are three popular ones: running, jumping, and jumping jacks. You may think of others like hopping, if that is something he/she particularly likes to do.

How to Play: Take three sheets of copy paper and write with a marker in large clear letters a different movement on each piece of paper. Place each paper in a different corner of the room. Take turns doing what it says on each piece of paper. Count to ten as you and your child do the actions. Then move to a different sheet of paper. Again, count to ten as you and your child each do the actions. Continue play as long as you both keep your interest in the game.

Dr. Sally

For parenting insight…

www.drsallyparenting.com

 

June 27, 2008

ABC Expo

What's Happening...  

Homepage- ABC Expo AZMama

The Arizona Babies & Children’s Expo is truly a unique experience where you can discover what is best for you, your pregnancy, baby or child.

The Arizona Babies & Children’s Expo is dedicated to providing you with the most respected local, regional and national companies who provide products and services to enrich the lives of Arizona Families as well as the latest innovations, essential parenting tips, children safety and educational advice from experts
all under one roof.

Please explore our website to learn what The Arizona Babies & Children’s Expo offers and then come and enjoy this exciting event with the whole family.

The Best Products!!!
See the latest, safest and most practical products with hands on displays and demonstrations. You will go away with an appreciation of all the best products and services available. Our exhibitors’ helpful guidance will assist you in making the right choices for your needs.

Expert Advice!!!
Our Expo is also about providing information from respected support groups, health professionals and City, County and State departments. In a relaxed environment you have the opportunity to gain great tips and advice.

Family Entertainment!!!

If you have little ones already there’s hours of FREE fun for them too. Enjoy the live shows, creative play areas, a baby animal farm and much more – the kids will love it and sleep all the way home!

Great Facilities!!!
We make it easy to spend the whole day at The Arizona Babies & Children’s Expo - many of our visitors do!

Check out more details at:

www.arizonababiesandchildrenexpo.com

Come and join Arizona Mama for some this weekend!

June 26, 2008

Helping Children Succeed in Sports - Part 6

Community Corner1 

Img_1242a_2About the Author: Jim Roberts is the Physical Education Specialist at Crismon Elementary School in Mesa, Arizona. Jim has taught elementary physical education for the past 24 years. Jim was selected as the 1998 National Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. 

 

Children under the age of 14 are participating in sports in record numbers.  Sport participation is not only big in American culture; it has a big impact on children’s lives.  That impact can range from very positive to very negative.  Adults are the ones who are primarily responsible for determining that impact.

We continue our look at the “Bill of Rights for Young Athletes.”

Bill of Rights for Young Athletes

1.         Right to participate in sports

2.         Right to participate at a level suited to their maturity and ability

3.         Right to be treated with dignity

4.         Right to play as children, not as adults

5.         Right to share in decisions regarding their participation

6.         Right to have qualified adult leadership

7.         Right to participate in safe and healthy environments

8.         Right to improve skills and strive for success

9.         Right to proper preparation

10.       Right to have fun

3.         Right to be treated with dignity

Protect and build children’s self-respect.

“Some parents, they get really mad if you do bad and they tell you you should just quit if you’re not going to shape up.”    

                                                                                           - Tiffany, age 12

Human dignity knows no age limit.  Children want their personal feelings respected just as much as adults do.  They wish to be treated with dignity when participating in sports just as much as when they are engaged in other activities.  The conduct of some adults, however, indicates that they think children don’t need to be treated with sensitivity and understanding.

Here are just a few examples of how adults can deny children’s dignity:

*          By yelling at children when they make mistakes during a contest.  “Did you see that goalie?  He let that ball go right through him!”

*          By intimidating children for showing fear or reporting an injury.  “You aren’t hurt.  You just twisted your ankle, that’s all.  Football players have to be tough.  Walk it off.”

*          By humiliating children for quitting sports.  “What do you mean you want to quit volleyball?  I didn’t raise you to be a quitter!”

*          By heckling young athletes in hopes of unnerving them.  “Hey, batter batter…SWING!”

*          By devouring young athletes’ self-respect to feed their own egos.  “You kids ought to be ashamed of yourselves for playing like that out there!”

*          By cowering youngsters into practicing harder and playing better.  “If you’re just out here to have fun, you’re on the wrong team.  We’re here to WORK and to WIN.”

Adults should help children build self-respect, not destroy it!

Don’t allow children to humiliate other children.

Adults aren’t the only ones to humiliate children in sports.  Often the most devastating

attacks on young athletes come from their peers.  Adults who permit children to humiliate

and intimidate teammates or opponents are just as guilty as if they committed the offense.

For example, coaches and teammates sometimes make one child a “chump” who

becomes the brunt of team ridicule and cruel humor.  Even though children may

seemingly enjoy the attention they get from this role, they sacrifice self respect for it. 

Adults should not permit or force a child to pay such a price.

Discipline children without destroying their dignity.

Certainly at times a parent or coach will need to discipline a child for inappropriate

behavior, but adults can do this without humiliating the child or destroying dignity.

Coaches should consistently apply discipline to the whole team (including star players),

and should keep disciplinary matters between themselves and the child, and not involve

others.

Preserve children’s dignity through sports and help them develop a healthy sense of identity.

When children know that adults place their welfare ahead of winning, they are more

likely to develop a healthy sense of identity and self-esteem.  When children sense that

they are valued for who they are rather than for what skills they bring to the team, their

dignity can be preserved no matter how they perform.  Adults who succeed at preserving

children’s dignity are placing children first and winning second.

June 25, 2008

Bows On The Go Flip-Flops

 

Meet The Mama Behind 

Bows on the Go logo  

Meet the mama behind Bows on the Go Flip-Flops - Shannon Fossett! Shannon does ribbon flip-flops in sizes toddler to adult. They can be custom made to match an outfit, favorite colors, team colors, sports, hobbies and more. She has wedding flip-flops and flip-flops for all occasions!

What inspired you to start your business?

I wanted a unique gift for a friend and I created a pair as apart of a "pool theme" gift. I started doing them for gifts for people and I got a lot of interest.

What is your favorite thing about your business?

I love being able to be at home with my two little boys. There are days I miss teaching, but making flip-flops allows me to be creative and experience the "girly" side of things.

How long have you lived in Arizona?

13 years

What is your all-time favorite thing about living in the Phoenix area?

We used to visit Phoenix as a vacation spot when I was little and I always thought it was so fun. Now I get to live here!

Where is your favorite place to eat?

Oreganos!!!

Where is your favorite place to go with your kids?

My boys and I love the zoo and Desert Breeze Park.

Where is your favorite place to go without your kids?

Well since kids, my husband and I don't get out much...so even the movies are exciting! With girlfriends or out of town friends - we love the shopping!

Any insider secrets to share? Shopping tips, eating tips, driving tips, etc.....

Check the guest services desk at any Westcor Mall you are shopping at. They sometimes have a deal where if you spend so much that day you get something in return. For example, spend $200 in total receipts and get tickets to a Diamondback's game or a gift certificate to a great restaurant. If you are already headed there to make a large purchase, why not get something free in return? Or if you are having a great shopping day and you are a few purchases short, it might make it worth it! Check it out!

View some of Shannon's adorable creations! Shannon can take all orders through e-mail including sending you a sample picture! Contact Shannon at Shannon@BowsOnTheGo.com

June 24, 2008

Happy Birthday to You!!!!

Tuesday Tidbits 

On Friday, June 27, 1859 the melody was composed by Mildred J. Hill, a school teacher born at Lousville, KY.

Her younger sister, Patty Smith Hill was the author of the lyrics which were first published in 1893 as “Good Morning to All,” a classroom greeting published in the book Song Stories for the Sunday School. The lyrics were amended in 1924 to include a stanza beginning “Happy Birthday to You.” Now it is sung somewhere in the world every minute of the day. The melody is probably the most often sung song in the world.

It only takes a minute to wish a friend Happy Birthday. Pick up the phone and sing that famous song Happy Birthday….it will either make their day or give them a good laugh!

 

A birthday is just the first day of another 365 day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip!

 

So many candles….so little cake

 

Birthdays are good for you; the more you have, the longer you live!

 

You take the cake!

 

A pinch to grow an inch

 

Presents and cake and friends-what fun!

 

May your day be filled with blessings, like the sun that lights the sky,

may you always have the courage to spread your wings and fly!

 

Some people, no matter how old they get, never lose their beauty-they merely move it from their faces into their hearts!


 

June 23, 2008

Being A Couple!!

Monday Morning Coffee 

Monday Morning Coffee - Bio

Q. Are there any special things to know about being a dad?

A. Yes, Day in And Day out!

Be a Couple. Just as you support each other with your parenting, remember to support each other as a couple. It is the first and most important relationship your child will see, and its impact will last forever.

Good Green Fun!

Here is a fun green game from Make Your Own Preschool Games that will enrich your child’s cognitive skills.

Find the Number, p.9

Objective: To teach your child number sense and number concepts from one to ten.

About the Game: By playing a manipulative game, your child will see that any particular number is always in the same position on the number line. Your child will have many hands-on experiences with these cards and therefore grow in his/her knowledge of number concepts.

How to Play: Use two sets of ten 31/2” x 5” index cards numbered from 1 -10 with large clear numerals on them. Draw or use stick-on dots to place the corresponding number of dots on the back of each card. Place one set of cards in a line on a table, number side up in ascending order. Mix up the second set of cards and place them in a pile, number side up.

            Have your child draw the first card from the pile and say the number on it. Tell him/her to find the match on the number line of cards and to place it on top of the match. Take your turn and continue to play until all the cards from the pile have been correctly matched.

            A more advanced version of the game is to match the dot sides of the cards to the number line of cards. In addition, you can use the number side of the cards to match a dot-side number line. You can also make more of these cards and continue the game with cards up to 20.

            Carrying this game to the highest level, you can place one set of cards out to be a number line and then set up two sets of the dots cards from one to five in a pile. Then take turns with your child picking two dots cards at a time. Count the dots on the two cards together and then place them on the correct number card on the number line.

Dr. Sally

For parenting insight…

www.drsallyparenting.com

 

My Photo

Visit Our Website

Fun Things To Do With Your Kids

Buy "The Arizona Mama's Handbook"

July Birthday Shout-Outs!!!

  • Arizona Mama would like to give a BIG BIRTHDAY "SHOUT OUT" TO....
  • Hailey Fincher - July 12th - 1 YEAR OLD!
  • Lisa Osguthorpe - July 30th
  • Maddi Lynch - July 31st
  • Would you like to give a "shout-out" to a friend or family with a Birthday? Just e-mail us at info@arizonamama.com and put "Birthday" in the subject line.

Support Your Local Mama - Shop

Fun Days & Monthly Themes in June

  • July 1st - International Joke Day
  • July 2nd - I Forgot Day
  • July 3rd - Stay out of the Sun Day
  • July 4th - Independence Day
  • July 5th - Work-a-holics Day
  • July 8th - Video Games Day
  • July 9th - National Sugar Cookie Day
  • July 10th - Teddy Bear Picnic Day
  • July 20th - National Ice Cream Day
  • July 23rd - National Hot Dog Day
  • July 24th - Cousin's Day
  • July 26th - Aunt & Uncle Day
  • July 27th - Parent's Day
  • July 28th - National Chocolate Milk Day
  • July 30th - National Cheesecake Day
Blog powered by TypePad