Agenda: Meeting #4

December 11, 2012

9:15-9:35

            Connections

            Agenda Review

9:30-10:05

            Microlabs - Holiday preparation

                    1. What will be the highlight of the time between now until early January?

                    2. What will be the biggest challenge of winter break and how will you handle it?

                    3. How will you encourage gratitude in yourself and your sons/daughters?

           

10:05-10:55

            Protocol: Text Rendering

            Susanna Sonnenberg. "Stuffed." Wonder Time December-January 2009: 79-83.                

10:55-11:05

            Scheduling for January meeting*

            Closing

11:05-11:15

            Parenting in Pdx evaluation

*note--the December meeting is the last one of your FREE Fall session. The fee for the winter/spring will be $45.

Microlabs Protocol

Microlabs

Purpose: To address a specific sequence of questions in a structured format with small groups, using active listening skills.  The Microlab is useful for team-building and democratizing participation because it asks that participants equalize communication and withhold judgment.  It affirms people’s ideas and builds community while addressing specific content issues.

Time allotted: About 8 minutes per question — this works best with a series of no more than three questions.

Group format: Form triads, either with the people you’re sitting near or others in the group you don’t know well.   Number off—1, 2, 3.  

Facilitation Tips:  “I’ll direct what we will talk about.  Each person will have one minute (or, sometimes 2 minutes, depending on the group and the question) to talk about a question.  While one person is speaking, the other two in the group simply listen.  When time is up, the next person speaks, and so on.  I’ll tell you when to switch.”  Emphasize that talk has to stop when you call time, and, conversely, if the person is done speaking before time is up, the three people should sit in silence, using the time to reflect. 

The quality of the questions matter in this exercise.  The questions should be ones that matter to the group.

The Activity:

After instructing the group, read the first question aloud (twice).  Give everyone time to write in preparation.  Then, tell people when to begin, and then tell them when each one/two minute segment is up.  On the first question, begin with person #1, then #2, then #3.  Then read the next question aloud.  On the second question, begin with #2, then #3, then #1.  On the third question, begin with #3, then #1, then #2.

Reflection questions following the activity:

• How did this go for you?  What worked well, and what was difficult?  Why?
• How might your conversations have been different had we not used this protocol?
• What are the advantages/disadvantages of using this activity?
• What would you want to keep in mind as someone facilitating this activity?

Source: National School Reform Faculty, 1/2003

Adapted 2012

Text Rendering Experience Protocol

The Text Rendering Experience

Purpose:             

To collaboratively construct meaning, clarify, and expand our thinking about a text or document.

Roles:  

A facilitator to guide the process.

A scribe to track the phrases and words that are shared.

Set Up:

Take a few moments to review the document and mark the sentence, the phrase, and the word that you think is particularly important for our parenting.

Steps:

1.  First Round: Each person shares a sentence from the document that he/she thinks/feels is particularly significant. The scribe writes it down.

2.  Second Round: Each person shares a phrase that he/she thinks/feels is particularly significant. The scribe records each phrase. The scribe writes it down.

3.  Third Round: Each person shares the word that he/she thinks/feels is particularly significant. The scribe records each word. The scribe writes it down.

4.  The group discusses what they heard and what it says about the document.

5.  The group debriefs the text rendering process.

Source: NSRF, 2001; Adapted 2012

A Little Break

I'm taking a little break from blogging except for updates related to the Parenting in Pdx groups.

Be back soon. 

Playing with scissors

Activity: Cutting paper
Required materials: Paper, kid's scissors with metal blades and blunt ends (like these), a bowl, crayons/markers (optional)
Age: Probably 3 and up (under close supervision)
Reason to try it: It's simple, fun for the kids, and easy to clean up

Let me start by saying that kids need the real thing when it comes to scissors. We have had the plastic kind. Yes--they are safer than metal, but they just don't cut as well. Getting each of my kids good scissors was worthwhile.

Recommended activities:

1. Making 'soup'

Letting kids cut up paper makes a mess. It's an easy-to-clean-up mess, but it's still a mess. Try telling them to make soup with their scraps.

How is this done? By simply putting scraps into a big bowl.  This keeps the scraps off the table and floor in an engaging way for the kids.

2. Coupons

Coupons made for me by my son

I'm a coupon-clipper. The kids see it every Sunday. Give them a chance to help. Either save the coupon section (that you don't need for yourself) or let them make their own.

My daughter calls her little scraps coupons. She doesn't color them first.

My daughter designated the red piece a coupon. 

3. Cutting practice

Draw lines on paper and have your kids cut the paper by following the lines. This improves their manual dexterity and fine motor skills. Here I did some zig-zags, some wavy, and some plain straight.

Try drawing shapes for older kids.

For clean up? Just brush any loose scraps into the bowl. Same with the scraps on the floor. Simple!

____________________________

Stealing Time giveaway update --  Unfortunately, there is no winner due to the lack of comments. 

Election Recap

Ours is a divided household. My husband and I are not members of the same party and every election is a more than a little interesting. Adding a very aware 5-year-old made things even more fun this year. When asked who he would vote for, my son said, "President Obama."

Truly curious because we've been quite careful not to sway him, I asked, "Why?"

He said, "Because he's President!" I think if my son had been a few years older that would have been followed by a 'duh'. 

We watched the election returns with him, but he went to bed before President Obama was re-elected. He loved seeing the states flash on the screen and watch the map of the country turn red and blue. He didn't understand that those colors mean that we have a deeply divided nation, and that the division means that things aren't working, unlike in our household. 

Both my husband and I were impressed with the speeches. My favorite part of Governor Romney's speech was when he said, "The nation, as you know, is at a critical point...Our leaders have to reach across the aisle to do the people's work. And we citizens also have to rise to the occasion."

I was reminded of my son, and his perception of the electoral map when later in the evening, President Obama said, "We remain more than a collection of red states and blue states. We are and forever will be the United States of America."

"Half the Sky"

Book: Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn

Target audience: Adults

Topic: The international status of women and how we can help

Basic summary: Through specific stories and shocking statistics, the authors shine light on an issue that has far to little air time in this country.

This is an important book. 

Why should you read it? And why am I featuring it on a parenting blog?

Simply put, women around the world are being hurt or killed because of their low status. Their daughters are born systems that do not value them. As a woman, and as a mother of a little girl, this matters to me. We, as a country, need to do something about it.

Truth be told--this is a tough book to read because it details true stories about the abuse of women. It's also a celebration of the human spirit in the face of incredible hardship. It includes stories that break your heart and also make you wonder, "Could I have been that strong?"

I was embarrassed that I did nothing about the issues presented in Half the Sky after reading it the first time. I meant to. Now, having read it again, I'm determined to help get its messages out there. This post is my first step.

I've actually read this book twice: once when it was originally published and again this month for my book club. It was chosen partly thanks to the PBS special that aired in early October. If you missed the broadcast, see more info about how to purchase a copy here. It focuses on specific women and girls in countries around the world. It is thoughtful, challenging, and makes us see these issues on a personal level.

Get a copy of Half the Sky from library. Buy a copy from the bookstore. Watch a copy of the PBS special. Just please, inform yourself about women's oppression and the opportunities these women create in spite of it. Knowing what is happening is the first step. 

The next step is do something. Here are some suggestions from their website. 

Agenda: Meeting #3

November 6, 2012

9:15-9:35

            Connections

            Chalk Talk - Halloween

            Agenda Review

9:35-10:15

            Protocol: Save the Last Word for Me

            Text: "Into It All," by Sarah Gilbert, Stealing Time magazine Issue I

10:15-11:05

            Consultancy protocol

            Topic: Managing siblings

           

11:05-11:15

            Scheduling for December meeting*

            Closing

*note--the December meeting is the last one of your FREE Fall session. The fee for the winter/spring will be $45.

Save The Last Word for Me Protocol

Save the Last Word for Me

The purpose of this protocol is to clarify and deepen our thinking about a text. 

Format:

The group needs a timekeeper/facilitator who keeps the process moving.  The protocol is designed to build on each other’s thinking, not to enter into a dialogue.  Timing is important; each round should last approximately 7 minutes. 

Total Time: approximately 30 minutes.

Process:

1.  Create a group of 3-4 participants.  Choose a timekeeper who has a watch.

2.  Each participant silently identifies what s/he considers to be the most significant idea addressed in the article.

3.  When the group is ready, a volunteer member identifies the point in the article that s/he found to be most significant and reads it out loud to the group.  The first person says nothing about why s/he chose that particular point.

4.  The other 3 participants each have 1 minute to respond to that idea.

5.  The first participant then has 3 minutes to state why s/he chose that point and to respond to his/her colleagues based on what s/he heard.

6.  The same pattern is followed until all members of the group have had a chance to have “the last word.”

7.  Debrief the experience.  Was this a useful way to explore the ideas in the text and to explore your own thinking?  If so, why?  If not, why not?

Source: Patricia Averette, National School Reform Faculty 1/2003

Chalk Talk Protocol

Chalk Talk

Chalk Talk is a silent way to do reflection, generate ideas, or solve problems. Because is it done completely in silence, it gives groups a change of pace and encourages thoughtful contemplation. 

Format

Time: Varies according to need; can be from 5 minutes to an hour.

Materials: Chalk board and chalk or paper roll on the wall and markers.

Process    

1. The facilitator explains VERY BRIEFLY that chalk talk is a silent activity. No one may talk at all and anyone may add to the chalk talk as they please. You can comment on other people’s ideas simply by drawing a connecting line to the comment. 

2. The facilitator writes a relevant question or topic in a circle on the board.

Sample questions:

                             •  What was your biggest success this week/why?

                             •  What are your favorite foods/why do you like them?

                             •  How can we keep the noise level down in this house?

3. The facilitator gives each participant a marker and lines a table with paper.

4.   People write as they feel moved. There are likely to be long silences—that is natural, so allow plenty of wait time before deciding it is over.

5. How the facilitator chooses to interact with the Chalk Talk influences its outcome.  The facilitator can stand back and let it unfold or expand thinking by:

                             •  circling other interesting ideas, thereby inviting comments to broaden

                             • writing questions about a participant comment

                             • adding his/her own reflections or ideas

                             • connecting two interesting ideas together with a line/adding a question mark.

Actively interacting invites participants to do the same kinds of expansions. A Chalk Talk can be an uncomplicated silent reflection or a spirited, but silent, exchange of ideas.  It has been known to solve vexing problems, surprise everyone with how much is collectively known about something, and get quieter members of the group to share.

                      

6. When it’s done, it’s done.

Source: National School Reform Faculty, 1/2003

Pumpkin Banana Smoothies

I have proclaimed that Fridays are now called 'Smoothie Fridays'. It's a no-school day for the kids, so I have the time and energy to fix something for breakfast that requires a little extra effort. They love the novelty, and I love the break from our breakfast rut. 

I have some extra canned pumpkin from all the pumpkin bread I haven't made, so this helps use it up.

RECIPE: Pumpkin Banana Smoothies  (adapted from this Cooking Light magazine recipe)

Serves: 2 kids and 1 adult

Time: 10 minutes

CAN KIDS HELP? Yes. They can help measure and turn on the blender with supervision.

1 sliced banana, frozen

3/4 cup canned pumpkin, chilled

1 cup vanilla greek yogurt

1/2 cup crushed ice

1/3 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

dash of ground cloves

1/2 tablespoon Nutella (optional)
Colored sprinkles (optional)
Whipped cream (optional)

The day before:

I forgot to do this step once and the smoothie was not thick enough.

Open the pumpkin, transfer to container with lid. Put in the refrigerator. Slice up the banana, put in a baggie, freeze overnight.

To prepare smoothie:

Put all ingredients in the blender. Blend until smooth. For an extra treat, include the Nutella. You'll taste just a hint of chocolate in the smoothie. Garnish with sprinkles and whipped cream if desired.

How did the kids do?

BEFORE:

My daughter's cup is on the left, my son's is on the right. Note that I added some sprinkles and whipped cream just for fun.

AFTER:

Yep--Smoothie Friday is a big hit around here. They also had some toast to round out the meal.

Portland Children's Museum - part II - Chagall exhibit

Here, in my second part about the Portland Children's Museum (see first post here), you'll learn more about the fantastic Chagall exhibit at the museum. It's there until mid-January.

Outing: Portland Children's Museum

Cost: $9 for adults and children 1 and older (you can buy tickets for $8 online here). Info about membership here. Parking is additional. They have free first Friday afternoons-info here.

Travel time: Located next the Oregon Zoo. Map here. 

Age: Any age, but a child who is mobile will have more fun.

Reason to go: The current special Chagall exhibit is excellent.

I took the kids to the Portland Art Museum a couple of weeks ago to see their new Body Beautiful exhibit. It was beautiful but how would the kids do on their first trip to the museum? They were well-behaved, yet I won't be featuring it as a recommended activity at this time. My three-year-old had trouble keeping her hands away from the art.

This Chagall exhibit is so refreshing for that reason. It's designed with little hands in mind. The mini-gallery of art made by kids is the first part of the exhibit.

 

I was struck with how mindfully the rest of the exhibit was structured. Each representation of Chagall's art featured an activity and phone to listen and learn more.

Kids can do weaving here.

This puzzle mimics the lines of the painting.

The illuminated puzzle re-creates the stained glass window.

There's more than these activities. Kids can paint or contribute to a mural in the large art station.

 

I can't think of a better way to expose kids to great art, encourage their creativity, and teach them that art doesn't have to be hands off. Maybe the next time we visit the grown-up art museum, they will appreciate the pieces even more.

Happy Halloween!

From the pumpkins on my porch to yours, enjoy Halloween! 

Here are some pumpkin seed recipes to try:
Pumpkin Seeds - with sprinkles, cinnamon sugar or salt and oil

Source: asubtlerevelry.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Pumpkin Seeds - Sweet and Salty

Source: realsimple.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Pumpkin Seeds - baked in pumpkin bread

Source: foodnetwork.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Take advantage of this time of year to enjoy pumpkin and its seeds. It doesn't last long.

"Blue Hat, Green Hat"

Book: Blue Hat, Green Hat by Sandra Boynton

Target audience: This is a board book

Topic: Getting dressed

Basic summary: The animals wear clothes of different colors except the turkey who is very confused.

Every baby has books by Sandra Boynton. She's a master-illustrator and creates an excellent rhyme. I like this one more for its simplicity.

It was the first book my son 'read' to us when he was little. The read is in quotes because he really had just memorized the book. You know how that is. It's the first book my daughter is 'reading' right now. With only about seven words per page (and those words simply listing the item of clothing and its color), it's such a boost for young kids to learn a book by heart and share it with other people. Who doesn't want their little kids to say with delight, "I'll read this one to you, Mom"? 

It might seem silly to spend time on a book like this. I disagree. A love of reading starts with books that are simple and fun with illustrations that directly support the text. I encourage you to give Blue Hat, Green Hat a try with your toddlers and older kids who are learning to read for real.

Our other favorites by Sandra Boynton are The Going to Bed Book and Barnyard Dance.