Hi Everyone,

   Thought I would take this snow day opportunity to share some fun resources that I have bumped into in my work during the month that you might find useful in the month ahead!

1.      This sight has lots of good info from Dr. Jean but I want to share the great “cheers” to use with children to build self-esteem, confidence, competence, empathy and positive self talk!  For February try the  “Kiss your Brain, Kiss your Heart”  and the “A-W-E-S-O-M-E” Cheer!  Teach them all the cheers and help them celebrate everyone’s accomplishments.  Don’t forget to set the example and cheer for yourself too!!

http://www.drjean.org/html/monthly_act/act_2004/06_june/06_2004_pdf.html

2.     If you want to teach children how to get their needs met and have positive relationships (with themselves and others) in life check out Dr. Becky Bailey’s Conscious Discipline.  For February the “I Love You” Rituals would be awesome.  I’m also excited about her “Baby Doll” circle time as a way to teach toddlers positive feelings, self-regulation and empathy.  I’d like to attend one of those workshops someday.

http://consciousdiscipline.com/store/pc/I-Can-Calm-4p198.htm

3.     I love children’s books and this week the 2013 Caldecott Winner was announced.  You can see the whole list of nominees at the link below.  I was able to be the first to check out “This is Not My Hat” by Jon Klassen from our library.  It has great illustrations and I can imagine a lot of great conversations taking place because of this book.  A great way to help children ask questions!

http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottmedal

4.      When I first started working in child care I was introduced to great music makers for kinds like Hap Palmer and Ella Jenkins.  I don’t hear enough singing with kids anymore.   So go check out Ella Jenkins website: http://www.ellajenkins.com/index.html  She’s 88 years old and a national treasure!  And here is here new 2013 recording:

http://www.folkways.si.edu/get-moving-with-ella-jenkins/american-folk-childrens/music/album/smithsonian 
If you’re not familiar with Ella you can listen to her on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTmoAobX5mY

“more,more, wintery weather” is the repeating line of this song!  Great for today!  Or any day cold or hot!

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