Traveling Famly 5

Who says you can't enjoy traveling with kids?

Well, I suppose if your idea of travel is arriving at a single destination with the sole purpose of joining several hundred half-clad bodies, seeking uninterrupted R & R while basking in a heat-drenched oven of sun and sand, then perhaps traveling with children isn't your best choice after all.

As for my family and I, we love to explore.  Exploration is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of travel.  At large our love of exploring has mostly been manifested

FREE Tots Ebook Give Away!

Today & Tomorrow ONLY!

My tots ebook is available for FREE Sunday, March 31st and Monday, April 1st, 2013!  If you know someone who might enjoy this short read with their child/grandchild, please let them know about this promotion.

If you download and enjoy my book, would you kindly click the like button and leave a brief review?  This would be a huge help to me.  Thanks in advance for your time!  Have a blessed Easter.

To download a free kindle reader app click here.

Click on the link appropriate for your location & enjoy this FREE read:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C1JNQOU
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00C1JNQOU
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00C1JNQOU
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00C1JNQOU
https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B00C1JNQOU
https://www.amazon.es/dp/B00C1JNQOU
https://www.amazon.it/dp/B00C1JNQOU
http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00C1JNQOU
https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/B00C1JNQOU

Spring

My New ebook for Toddlers Now Available on Amazon!    

 

Going on a road trip with your toddler this Easter?  Ebooks are great ways to break up long stretches of travel while keeping your luggage light!  

Book Description
"In celebration of spring time, this brief read is perfect for the busy toddler. Spring's use of word repitition is well suited for the early developmental stages..." To read more or to purchase this book, US readers can click here, for Canadian readers click here.  Readers from other Countries can search for Spring by Dagny J. Olson or send me a message for a link to Spring.

Documentary: Class Dismissed - Trailer 2

Couldn't resist throwing in one more teaser.

Class Dismissed - A Documentary

Looking forward to seeing what comes of this intriguing project!

Gone Fishing

Supplement those bright number books and numeral flashcards with this hands on learning activity.   This game can be played with your toddler who is beginning to read numerals or can be played with a Kindergarten aged child who is starting to read double digit numbers.  This playful approach is a great way to relieve the pressure if reading numerals is a struggle for your child.

The Game
For this game you'll need paper fish with one number written on each of them and a paper clip on the front of each fish.  You'll also need a magnetic fishing rod (use string, a dowel, a small magnet and hot glue to make this).

Give your child the magnetic rod after spreading the paper clipped fish over the floor.  When he makes a catch read the number on it to him: "You've caught an 8 fish" or "this fish is called 8".  If your child is ready have her read the numeral on the fish's body.

Meet Glori Meldrum, founder of Little Warriors

I had the privilege of speaking with Glori Meldrum and learned a little more about Little Warriors -how it began and where she would like to see it go in the future.  Here is a sneak peak into our conversation... (read more)

Is Your Child Safe?

Are you doing all you can to prevent sexual abuse in your child's life?  Contact Little Warriors and register for the Stewards of Children program (a prevention and response program for adults).  You will learn the 7 effective steps to preventing child sexual abuse, become aware of the signs of abuse, know how to respond appropriately to suspicions and how to respond to a child who confides in you concerning his/her experience(s) with sexual abuse. This course is highly empowering and equipped me with the tools and confidence I need to be effective in preventing child sexual abuse.  

Is This how You see Child Sexual Abuse?

Did You Know...

One in every 4 girls and one in every 6 boys are sexually abused?  That means that you most likely know several victims of sexual abuse.  It is also likely that you know a couple of  abusers.  The greatest risk to your child is dose not come from strangers but rather from someone you and your family know and trust (eg. your friends, a family member/relative, your child's teacher or babysitter).  "Over 90% of children who are sexually abused know their abusers" (Darkness to Light -confonting child sexual abuse with courage).  Abusers look and act like normal people, often going out of their way to be seen as trustworthy.

Easter Advent Tree

Make this spring center piece and let your child add an egg ornament each day leading up to Easter.  If you have a personal relationship with the Christ of Easter, use this advent tree to teach your child about the spiritual significance of the events surrounding Easter.  Starting with a paper egg for Palm Sunday put a scripture verse on the back of each egg with the day of the week labeled on it as well (Palm Sunday, Monday, Tuesday etc.).  Or  label the eggs with numbers 1-8 Ending with a verse for Easter Sunday.

To make this tree you'll need...

Introuducing Your Child to Math - Numicon Style

Wondering where to start in regards to introducing your child to numbers and basic math skills? Watch the 1st Steps at Home video above for Numicon's great suggestions on fantastic ways to get started. Simple and Beautiful. This is what I call learning made easy!

I fell in Love with Numicon

Math was ( is ) not my strong point so I wanted a fun, preferably hands on, way to introduce math concepts to my little ones. While searching the net for manipulatives I stumbled upon Numicon and I am so glad that I did! Numicon's multi-sensory, step by step and playful approach to introducing math makes learning stress free and fun for both parent and child alike. This is by far the best math product I have ever seen. 

Apple-lutely Fruity Fractions

Here is a fantastic introduction to basic fractions, starting with whole, halves, thirds and quarters. It is called Magnetic Apple Fractions and can be found at Education Station. The pieces are magnetic and connect to show how many of each fraction it takes to make a whole. In the box you'll find a small pamphlet of activity suggestions for larger groups. However, large groups are not necessary to enjoy these brightly colored math manipulatives. It is just as fun for the individual child to discover the basics of fractions using play, brief discussion and adapting group games for one on one activities.

Creativity, Your Child & The School System

"Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining and profoundly moving case for creating an education system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity." This video is a must see for all parents and teachers who desire to help their child's built in genius thrive. Watch now to see why Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity | Video on TED.com

Lettering them Jump!

One of my friends recently told me of a fun game she created for her daughter who is constantly on the go. This game is great for children who learn by doing and children who need to keep moving. It is also great exercise... so why not join in mom?

The Game:
Take letter puzzles and scatter 3-5 pieces on the floor. Choose one letter from the pieces on the floor and call out its name. Your child then identifies the called letter by jumping onto that puzzle piece. Reverse roles and let your child call out the name of the letters. Be enthusiastic about it and let your child know how fun learning is.