Tuesday, February 26, 2013

[Anti-Bullying] Pink Shirt Day Is Tomorrow

Pink Shirt Day is a day to raise awareness about bullying
Bullying is a major problem in our schools, workplaces, homes, and over the Internet... On February 27, 2013... wear something pink to symbolize that we as a society will not tolerate bullying anywhere.

Here's the story of how this initiative began:

David Shepherd, Travis Price and their teenage friends organized a high-school protest to wear pink in sympathy with a Grade 9 boy who was being bullied [for wearing a pink shirt]…[They] took a stand against bullying when they protested against the harassment of a new Grade 9 student by distributing pink T-shirts to all the boys in their school.
 
‘I learned that two people can come up with an idea, run with it, and it can do wonders,’ says Mr. Price, 17, who organized the pink protest. ‘Finally, someone stood up for a weaker kid.’
So Mr. Shepherd and some other headed off to a discount store and bought 50 pink tank tops. They sent out message to schoolmates that night, and the next morning they hauled the shirts to school in a plastic bag.

As they stood in the foyer handing out the shirts, the bullied boy walked in. His face spoke volumes. ‘It looked like a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders,’ Mr. Price recalled.

The bullies were never heard from again.” [Source].


Don't forget to wear pink tomorrow!

8 Ways to Support Pink Shirt Day
Follow Pink Shirt Day on Twitter.
Like Pink Shirt Day on Facebook.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Link Love 22.2.2013

Here's an excellent, cheap and easy way to entertain your toddler during a plane ride.
Another way to entertain your kids for cheap (especially during travel): a busy board clipboard. Bonus: you can make it yourself!

Are you looking for a teaching job? If so, these tips might help.

The history of hamantaschen, plus 32 crazy varieties. (Happy Purim, if you're celebrating this weekend)!

This site allows you to customize printable handwriting worksheets with your own text. Excellent for nursery and kindergarten teachers. Related: resources to help teach your children letter recognition.

Enjoy your weekend!

Monday, February 18, 2013

Canadian Author Extraordinaire: Barbara Reid


For those of you who have not yet been introduced to Canadian award winning author and illustrator Barbara Reid, by the end of my blog post, you will be at the library, online, or at the bookstore purchasing her many works!

I was first introduced to Barbara's stories and wonderfully creative plasticine works of art, when my daughter was in Kindergarten. I am not sure who loved these whimsical creations more, Rebecca or myself. I can tell you that the books became a staple in our ever expanding library.

Here are my top 4 faves. They'll be a great addition to your bookshelf at home or at school.

1 Read Me A Book. The power of literacy begins at birth
2 Fox Walked Alone. Join Fox as he meets up with other animals and follow their adventure.
3 Sing A Song of Mother Goose. A lot of childhood favourites packed into one fabulous book
4 Zoe’s Year. All 4 seasons now included in one board book. Join Zoe as she experiences winter spring summer and fall. This story is ideal for toddlers.

Quick, get yourself a hot cup of whatever-you-drink and explore the enchanting world of Barbara Reid.

Affiliate links have been used in this post. Thanks for supporting LinGorenkoff.com!

Monday, February 4, 2013

Transition Time at School/Daycare


Today we are going to discuss transitions within daycare and school.

What exactly is transition? 

It can mean ending one activity and starting another. Or it could be aiding the anxious child in understanding that her teacher is going on holiday but will return.

Some children have a more difficult time with transition than do others. The reality is even adults experience transition and have to adapt themselves.

What can you do to make it easier?

Know the personality of the child that you are dealing with. Some children are perfectly fine, switching from one thing to the next, while others are not. For the child who has difficulty in these times, you can try the following tried and true strategies:
 
  • 5 minute warning
  • Visual schedule/first then board
  • Familiar music as a warning
  • Flash the lights off and on
  • Rhythmic clapping

Changing schools/teachers:
 
  • Take pictures of the new school/classroom.teacher.
  • Ask if you can visit to familiarize yourself and your child to the new surroundings. bathroom, classroom and playground.
  • Ask for a class list so that you can arrange playdates with children in the new class.
  • Put stickers on the calendar for the days in which you will be away, and a different one for the day in which you will return.