Personal Childhood Web

When I think about the people who nurtured and cared for me as a child, I think of my Mom, my Step Dad, my Great Aunt, and my Grandma.

My Mom has always encouraged me to be creative and try new things.  When I was younger, it was not uncommon for me to request some random items for an experiment.  I might say, "Mom, I need a needle, some tape, a balloon, and some Vaseline."  Without batting an eye, my Mom would get me these items and ask if I needed help.  She was never concerned that something was too messy or too silly.  Everything was a learning opportunity and she was happy to let me explore.  When I asked for an Easy Bake Oven, she handed me a brownie mix and said, "We have a real oven."  I was worried that I would mess up, but she assured me that I could always try again if they didn't turn out right.  Her attitude towards learning and exploration still influence me today.  I am confident enough to try new things, and I view learning as a fun, sometimes messy, hands-on process.

My Step Dad, Wally, has been in my life since I was very young.  My parents divorced and I no longer saw my biological father.  Wally was around as far back as I can remember, though.  He is a man of few words, but shows he cares in other ways.  When I was little, Wally would use his work printer to make these huge posters on my birthday each year.  They were probably 6 feet long and had pictures of all my favorite Disney and cartoon characters on them.  He used to use the phrase, "That isn't necessary" all the time.  If I wanted to sleep over at a friends house or wanted a new toy, that was the standard response.  While it frustrated me to no end at the time, I am much more careful with the use of my time and money because of it.  Wally hasn't become more talkative, and our relationship has never been a typical father-daughter relationship.  I have, however, learned to appreciate his loyalty, his commitment to family time, and his actions that speak louder than words.

My Great Aunt Elfride took care of me when I was very young.  She never had children of her own, but she made up for it by nurturing every child who crossed her path.  Aunt Elfride showed love through food.  She is an amazing cook and would spend all day in the kitchen to make your favorite meal.  She is an expert at making apple pancakes and stuffed cabbage.  She was one of the first people to help me learn to cook.  My skills in the kitchen are proof of her continued influence in my life.  I also have taken on her love of cooking for others.

My Grandma, or Oma as I call her, was another special influence when I was young.  She loved to take me swimming and was always working in her yard.  Oma taught me the value of hard work at a young age.  I thought it was fun and helping, but she helped me to learn that chores come first and play comes second.  I still live by that today.  While I make time for recreation, I know that my studies, work, and "chores" need to be done first.

Children's Books

I have a passion for reading aloud to children.  My students know they can always convince me to read one more story.  I also never say no to the same book over and over, even if I'm tired of it!  My favorite picture books to read aloud are books that contain humor, rhyme, or allow me to use silly voices. 

One book that I always share with my class is The Hungry Thing by Jan Slepian.  It is a book that I remember reading when I was little, so the majority of my students have never heard it before.  The story is great for teaching rhymes.  It also allows the children to interact and predict as you read.

 

 

As far as chapter books go, I really enjoy reading Junie B. Jones books to my Kindergartners.  She is a character who is a Kindergartner through and through.  My children can always relate with her worries and crazy antics.  Throughout the school year they get to "know" her and are able to make great predictions about how she will solve her problem in the story.  We're currently reading the last Kindergarten Junie B. Jones book.  I always get a little choked up when her teacher talks about how much she will miss her...and my little ones think it's hilarious that I'm so attached to a book character!

 



Meaningful Quote

When I was in High School, I had a course called Child Care.  I was exposed to the quote below and I fell in love with it.  Too often people talk down to children or underestimate their capabilities.  I believe we need to listen to their ideas, encourage their spirit, and allow ourselves the opportunity to learn from them as much as they learn from us.

"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today."  - Stacia Tauscher

This is me!

With my little sister.

 

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog.  I look forward to learning more during our journey.