A Different Kind of Summer

   Every summer since the girls have been with their dad, I have traveled long and far. I couldn't bear being alone in the house with everything that reminded me of them. So I left. I visited friends and family, but mostly I visited places from books and author haunts.
   This summer is going to be different. Partly because I messed up on my tax return and it won't be getting to me for months. Partly because, after teaching first grade this spring, I need some rest and recovery time! It has been a joyous, fun filled few months but whew, I am just not cut out to be around kid germs full time. I get sick. I get really sick. Maybe I just have a poor immune system, I don't know, but I just can't seem to stay well when I'm teaching long term.
   And so, yes, this summer is going to be different. I am staying home!
   Well, not the whole summer. There will be short jaunts to some hot springs and I'm sure I impromptu throw camping gear in the car and disappear into the redwoods for a few days. And of course, I will be going to Santa Cruz to visit my family and rest on the beach. Oh, and my grandparents' farm in the central valley, I'm sure I'll go there too.
   But it will be the first summer where I'm well and truly HOME for the bulk of it. I plan to garden, read, write, swim, and eat earth food. Oh, and hammock for like, um, 5 hours a day.
   So come, SUMMER! I shall tackle you AT HOME this year!

Watercolor Waldorf Paintings, Second Grade

The Cricket in Times Square

   I've had such fun teaching first grade these past two months. We have read a lot. I mean, a lot! One book I read to the kids and they just adored was The Cricket in Times Square. One of my students came to class and told everyone she had a dream the night before that she was eating money, just like Tucker Mouse in the book. Hilarious!
   In Waldorf education, real chalk boards are used and a scene will be painted on the board that has to do with the story being told or the main lesson being taught. I did a drawing of Tucker Mouse and Chester Cricket and the kids really loved it. I don't count myself as a artist so I was proud of my attempt!

Help Your Child Have A Stress-Free Recital

Recitals can be even more stressful for parents then they are for the child playing. I know. I am one of those nail-biting, stressed-out cases where I have to try and breathe act normal while my child is playing. My daughter on the other hand is as cool as a cucumber. Not me. I think one of the reasons she is so comfortable is because I have a few tricks up my sleeve that keep her on track and excited, rather then nervous, for her recital. Here are some tips to glean from. Let me know what works for you!

1. Talk about the recital well in advance.
      You don't want to hit your child with new of their public performance on the day of. Be respectful of their process and give them time to adjust to the idea.

2. Make sure they know you think it ALL sounds beautiful.
      If your kids feel like you of all people, who love them no matter what, only like to hear them play when it sounds PERFECT, they will internalize that and feel scared to play for others, who might not be as forgiving. Keep it light and non-judgmental during practices.

3. Eat extra protein and fat on the day of the recital.
      You don't want your kids blood sugar to plummet during their piece. Make sure they get plenty of protein and fat to keep them calm and low key.

4. Have something special planned for afterwards!
      If you have something fun planned--a fancy restaurant meal or a family outing--for afterwards it have ease the anxiety by giving them something to get excited about during the show.

5. Let me wear something they feel comfortable and beautiful in.
      My old hockey coach use to say, "if you look good, you'll play good." If you child feels they are wearing something special, they will make their playing something special too!

Do you have any tips for helping 

ease your child's recital anxiety?

Malakoff Diggins

   The fourth graders are off! Today they embark on their field trip to Malakoff Diggins, a period preserved state park where they will eat, drink, play, and work like mid-1800's gold miners. I went on the same field trip with Clare's class a few years ago and I knew I couldn't miss it with Josephine. Of course much preparation went into planning and pulling off a successful three day trip.
   These are the pre-journey pictures. Still clean children with not a care or worry. If they only knew! Hahahaha!

Almost 13!

Is it crazy or is it crazy!? My girl is almost 13!

Bulbs

Feline Love

Ah! January Reading....

The Hill