Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Kindergarten Readiness Presentation for Lamorinda Moms!

Never too early to learn and talk about Kindergarten Readiness.  I'm looking forward to speaking at the September Lamorinda Mom's Club Night Meeting. My goal is to educate and give parents confidence as they prepare their children for school.
Who:  Lamorinda Moms
When:  Tuesday, September 13th, 7:00-9:00 
Where: Lafayette Library,  3491 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, CA 94549


Our guest speaker will be Lamorinda Mom, Diana O'Daniels. Diana is the mother of a preschooler and former kindergarten teacher, pre-K and mommy-and-me instructor. You can check out her blog: http://www.mrsodaniels.blogspot.com/
Diana will present the signs of academic and social readiness for kindergarten, and she will provide fun and simple preparatory activities for you and your child to work on together at home. She will review the pros and cons of starting your child early or holding him/her back.
Know what to look for now so you can feel confident in making this decision, when the time comes. We hope you'll join us!
Moraga's Mommy and Me Class begins Tuesday, September 20!  Register Now
http://mrsodaniels.blogspot.com/2011/08/fall-fun-mommy-and-me.html

Monday, August 1, 2011

Post-It Notes - Why I Love them

This is a fun and easy game to prepare.  Your child will love playing!  Number Search:
Step 1.  Using adding machine paper roll, write the numbers 1 through 12 on it and tape it to the wall.  Step 2. Write the numbers 1 through 12 on individual post-it notes and hide them around the house. Step 3.  Have your child search and match the numbers found and put them on the number line.
We played the Number Search a few times.  The last time, my son hid the numbers and I had to find them.  Be sure to ask your child questions about the numbers along the way, "What number did your find?"  or "What numbers are left for you to find?"  The number line is now hanging in his room.  He can go and move the numbers around on his own.
Depending on the level of your child, you can draw dots on the post-it notes representing numbers through 12 and your child will have to count the dots and then match the number on the number line.
This also works for practicing letters, upper and lower case, shapes, sight words or whatever skill you want your child to review.

3M Post-It notes are my favorite because they stick even after pulling them off and on paper/walls numerous times.  They also come in a variety of fun shapes and colors.  I've used cheap brands and their "stick" does not last.