FACT OR FICTION

PARENTS NEED TO HAVE CHILD'S EYES TESTED BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS!

                Parents Need To Have Their Child's Eyes Tested BEFORE School Starts!

As a retired teacher and now a reading tutor I have seen too many children classified with learning disabilities,  labeled as attention deficit, slow, and with discipline problems or even classified as autistic because they have a problem with their eyesight. The child does not know enough to tell the parent or the teacher they cannot see the page or the white board from where they are sitting. They just start to feel there is something wrong with them self or they are dumber that other kids. The child is put into a group with others with learning problems. He or she gets tested and of course cannot get the needed score because of sight problems. The child's psyche is affected. Every child in the class knows which is the slow to learn group no matter if the teacher gives each group a fancy name.  Quite often the child acts out and becomes a problem in the class and is labeled ADHD. The child is also classified and put into a special group and He or she gets tested and of course cannot get the needed score because of sight problems. taken away from the class for special help--which also affects his psyche and  he loses what the class has learned while he was taken for help. Most teachers do not first think to ask the parent to check the eyesight before the child is classified.

 When I have noticed what I think is a sight problem and I have approached parents with the suggestion of having the child's eyes tested by a pediatric ophthalmologist , I am told the pediatrician checked the child. Pediatrician's are not taught to find a children who are farsighted, near sighted, astigmatic, or  amblyopic. I used to think any optometrist could test the children until I had a parent of a student in my class who was an ophthalmologist . I had noticed my grandchild was having problems with finding what she dropped or recognizing letters or even seeing what I was pointing  to. My son took her to a mall optometrist  but she still had problems even with her glasses.  I was asking my ophthalmologist parents'  advice and she said a young child needs a pediatric eye doctor to correctly find the problem. She was right, my grandchild had the "lazy" eye and needed to wear a patch to correct her eyes. This need to be corrected before age 7 or it would never be correctable.  I had another child in my class who I noticed had  to come so close to what I was writing or demonstrating in the class that he was almost in my lap. For three months I spoke to the mother who ignored the problem. Finally I cornered the dad who listened and got the child tested. To this day I am considered the savior of the child because the  eye doctor found a defect that would have caused blindness.

I could go on and on with examples of how eyesight can affect a child's learning or discipline problems and the many parents and teachers who did not realize it was a simple matter of having the eyes checked before the child is classified , so I implore you as a parent to have your child's eyes checked before school starts. I think all schools should require eye examinations by a qualified eye doctor just as they require pediatric examinations before school starts.

   

GIFT  TIME—MOTHER’S DAY, CHRISTMAS, ETC.—SCULPTY BEADS

   In my class’s we have astonished mothers with the most beautiful bead creations   the children hand crafted. We use the polymer clay that can be found in all the craft stores such as Michaels, or AC Moore. There are a few different brands and I use what is on sale.  One of the brands I use is Sculpty.  Sometimes the store marks the bricks down to $1.00 each. I usually buy at least 10 colors so they can be mixed into all kinds of marbleized patterns. I start by explaining how to soften the clay to be useable and show the kids how to mix colors and make shapes




. Warn them not to mix too much or the clay will become one solid color and not a beautiful colorful mixture. I show them how to roll 1 to 3 colors, then twist together or braid together to make colorful beads. They can also put polka dots  around, or any other shapes on the beads. The beads can be made into many shapes, not just round and I also demonstrate that. For young children I have them use a rounded toothpick to make the holes.

 Older kids or adults can use a smaller pin for the hole maker. The way I explain it is that the hole is ok only when you can look into it and see the outside, otherwise you have  not completed a full hole for the bead string to go through.

To start I allow them about 2 inches from each color brick and let them start and explain not to make the bead so large  it  won’t cook. After they have made their shapes and run out of material I will let them get more. You will be surprised how much they love making the beads. I have had classes, even kindergarteners not want to stop and would continue for as much as 3 hours and ask to do more the next day

Next I explain about symmetry, patterning, and centerpieces and show how the larger shapes can be the centerpiece and how on beads you want each side to match.  You as the teacher will have to go around and help put the holes in the right way for the centerpiece and check that the beads get the holes made correctly before cooking. 

One of my favorite centerpieces is the one of a snail. I have had a kindergartener make children and animals as centerpieces. Gemstones, glass, and metal objects can also be used as centerpieces if you put the clay around them or make a bail on top from the sculpty. Do not try to use plastic as it will melt when cooked.

The most difficult part of the whole project is for the teacher now. All the beads have to be cooked at 275 degrees for 15 minutes and the hard part is getting everyone’s correct beads back to them. What I do is to give each bead  maker a zip lock bag with their name in it and have them put the beads they made in.  After trial and error I think I have the perfectly easy way to cook beads for a class of 20 in just a few hours. I use a toaster oven. Put aluminum foil on the oven tray and with a permanent marker divide into 4 parts .Put the name of the person whose beads you are cooking on each division. You do not have to throw out the foil each time you cook—just cross out the name and put another name when cooking again. If you have adults they can take their beads home and cook them. In a class, if you are lucky and have a toaster oven it can be done in the class while everyone is working. It will smell a little but don’t worry, it is safe.

When stringing time comes I bring in all types of other beads to add to the handmade polymer beads to add more interest. A mixed media necklace usually gives a more professional look the project. To better visualize their design I have them lay the beads out on a paper plate. This helps keep the beads  and  design together and prevents them from falling to the floor all the time.  For stringing I use a tiger tail cord which is plastic coated around wire. It holds up better than cord and other stringing material. You will need crimp beads to end the necklace or bracelet, jump rings to attach the clasp and end. You can also use memory wire for necklaces or bracelets. I use chain nose pliers, and round nose pliers and clippers to put it all together.

Parents have been amazed at what their children can handcraft. Most look just like what is featured in the stores. I have had parents come and tell me their friends ask where they bought their necklaces and one even told me the exclusive clothing shop in our town asked where she got the necklace so she could carry them in her shop. We also participated in a outside fair in town for a money - making event and the necklaces sold from $18 to $38 and it wasn’t the parents who bought them.

CARBON DIOXIDE AND YEAST EXPERIMENTS

Most children have no idea what yeast is, or how it is used. When I explain to them that bread, rolls, and cake are made from yeast the kids got interested.

 I start by telling them that yeast is a living organism, a fungus.  As a living  organism it needs the same things to live as humans and it gets old just like we do. Its life span is only 6 months after its container has been opened and it must be kept in the refrigerator..  Then I ask what people needed to keep alive. Almost always the kids will guess oxygen, food, and water.  When I tell them that the the yeast needs the same oxygen, food and water to live and just like them the yeast breathes out the gas carbon dioxide. Yeast also needs warmth to grow. If one element is missing the yeast will not grow.  Lets' do an experiment to prove that 1. yeast needs oxygen and gives off carbon dioxide, 2. yeast needs sugar for food , 3. water to grow, and 4. warmth.

We set up 3 small soda bottles. In one bottle with the blue balloon we put yeast and water, no food.  In another bottle with the yellow balloon we put fresh yeast, sugar, and water.  In the third bottle with the green balloon we put old yeast, sugar, and water. We put different colored balloons to be able to keep track of which experiment it was.  We used 1 tablespoon yeast, and sugar and 1/4  water in each.

We set the bottles on the top of the stove and put the oven temperature to 200 degrees because it was winter and my house temperature is only  64 degrees. Yeast needs 75 degrees. A lamp would give warmth also.

The yellow balloon bottle with the new yeast, sugar and warm water is growing big because it has food is creating the gas carbon dioxide. Just like people yeast needs food to grow bigger.

The new yeast with food continued to produce carbon dioxide and grow bigger.

·        The balloon of the bottle of old yeast (green) just stood up but did not grow. This proves that new yeast is needed to make bread rise.  The balloon of the bottle of yeast without food (blue) only stood up but did not grow proving that yeast needs food to grow and produce carbon dioxide--just like people.

·        The total time we needed for this experiment was 2 hours.

CRAFTS—CREATING  DINOSAURS’ FROM BOXES AND SCRAPS

Children of all ages are fascinated by dinosaurs. I find it amazing that kindergarteners’ know the names and habits of so many dinosaurs’.  Many of their concepts are from cartoons, movies, and some books. I have found YouTube to be invaluable in presenting what scientists have found out about dinosaurs up to now-I say that because they are always finding new fossils and coming up with new concepts about how they lived and why they died. The YouTube Program I use in my classes the most often is, National Geographic’s “ How Dinosaurs Lived”. It consists of many different videos of dinosaurs roaming the earth, how they are born from eggs, how they fight (the boys love this), where they lived and the theories of how they died, etc. I find the children remember better and are more excited when they see the videos.

After we read, study, watch videos, discuss, and write about dinosaur life we create dinosaurs. This year I saved many sizes of cartons, different shaped boxes, paper, cans and craft scraps. I let the each child pick the carton they want and whatever they thought they needed for the project.

To put the dino together I had masking tape, glue, and hot glue guns.  I had my aid help the children with the glue gun. Young children should not use the glue guns because of the danger of burns.

This was one of the most exciting projects we did. I had some dinosaur books the kids could look at to help with their concepts. They spent the whole day creating and were very disappointed when school ended-they wanted to stay and work on their project

I was very surprised by the reaction of most of the parents. They also got excited about what their child did and couldn’t wait to take them home. Some even took pictures with their phones to show them off. A few parents had them displayed in the family room for the rest of the year.

MARSHMALLOW CRAFT, FOR ALL AGES, FOOD, ENGINEERING, SCULPTURE, AND SCIENCE PROJECT, EDIBLE FUN PROJECT

CRAFTS-MARSHMALLOW  SCULPTURES

Creating marshmallow sculptures is a perfect craft for all ages from kindergarten to college and adults.


 It is not only a good fun project for art.  This craft is also an excellent project for engineering , architecture. and science groups. It is also one of the most enjoyable projects to create because you can eat the finished project. 

Materials needed- - 
 1.Large and small Marshmallows, 2, Round toothpicks, 3.Gumdrops, and any other soft candy, 4. Large paper plate.

The project is to make a sculpture using the candy.  To start I will give a large paper plate filled with marshmallows, toothpicks, and other candy to each child (make sure you give the same amount to each) The large paper plate is so the project can be carried home when finished.  To start I will give the children 4 small candies to eat and tell them they cannot eat the ones for the sculpture until they take them home.

I know most people think this is not an architecture, engineering, or science project but it really is.  It is very difficult to get these soft candies not to collapse or cave in. The child or adult has to position them so they do not lean, or fall down



                          
                                              
. They have to engineer how to reinforce with the toothpicks, how to keep the heavier candies at the bottom, etc. I suggest you try it yourself to understand how difficult it really is.

I  add to the fun and also to keep any one from eating the candies as they work by offering prizes (an extra gum drop or marshmallow) for different categories such as who can build the tallest, widest, most interesting, etc.

CRAFTS---ROCK CREATURES    

Children love be creative! Crafts that are designed and packaged so that they all look the same and use the same materials take away the fun of using the child's own imagination. 

When I present a craft project I will use a theme or a particular material or topic,  I  encourage the children to create their designs and use whatever materials they feel will enhance their own creation.

To start a project I will put all materials on the art table, give the kids a tray and tell them to pick whatever they want to work with.

CREATED BY 10 YEAR OLD

CREATED BY A 12 YEAR OLD

For the "rock creatures"  I go to a garden center and buy a bag of river rocks that are 2 to 5 inches. If you live in a rural area you can always ask the kids to bring a rock in. On my art table I will put paper, plastic, foam, and material scraps, eyes, pipe cleaners, wood shapes, yarn scraps, straws, pom poms, ribbons, and whatever else I have that might be used.  On the work tables I will place white glue for the kids to use and if they are older I will allow them to use glue guns.  Glue from the glue gun is quicker to dry and holds better than white glue which takes hours to dry. If the children are younger I will glue with the glue gun for the kids.

CREATED BY A 12 YEAR OLD

CREATED BY A 7 YEAR OLD

                                                                           

This craft is good for all ages and usually the kids take from one to two hours to complete the project.  I have used it in my kindergarten class to the summer camp I am teaching with kids ranging from 7 to 12.  All approach the project with the same enthusiasm and have sooo much excitement and fun.  

 CRAFTS---PLASTER OF PARIS  CASTS TO PAINT

When my children where young there was a plaster of paris figurine  kit that had rubber molds you filled with the plaster. When it dried the figurine would come out of the mold and the children would paint them. The kids just loved it. A few years ago I started looking for the kit for my craft classes but all I could find was a single flat plaster cast in a bag with some paint for anywhere from $1.50 to $3.00 for a single object which would be much too expensive for a class of 20 to 30 kids.

   I started looking for something that I could use to make those fun molds. I went to toy stores, Michaels' and AC Moore. You could buy a mold strip that contained from 3 to 12 molds , depending on the size of the grouping. I have found pirates, cars, flowers, toys, animals, bugs, princess, etc. groupings.

                           

Often used mold

  In the same craft stores or in a hardware store you can buy a small container or a larger bag of plaster of paris for just a few dollars that will yield up to 50 or more plaster casts for the kids to paint.  It is easy but messy to make. I try to do it outside but have made them inside too. Make sure you use newspaper or plastic under the molds while you work to contain the spills.

  I use a small container, or a larger 10 oz disposable cup to make small batches, You have only about 3 minutes to mix the plaster before it starts to set. Put water in the cup first and then add plaster a little at a time, stirring constantly to prevent blobs of unmixed plaster. You are ready to pour when the plaster has the consistency of a milkshake or thin cake batter. It will begin to harden quickly. I usually do at least 3 or four strips at a time. Let the plaster cool, if it feels warm they are not ready to come out. Pop them out, and start again. I usually make over 50 to 100 casts at a time because the kids will want more than one or two.

 

This has been a favorite project at my craft classes or summer camps. Age does not matter as 4 year old's to 15 year old's love to paint them, but chose your subject matter carefully and adjust to the ages and genders you are working with.

SPRING CRAFTS-----EASTER BUNNY

                                                                 

                                                            

I needed a quick cute Easter bunny for my kindergarten class to make.  I used a small paper plate for the head, a larger one for the body, and a small one cut in half for the ears.  Because I was in a hurry, spring vacation was the next day, I stapled the plates together to make them stronger.

On our craft table I put puff balls, eyes, and pillow stuffing for the kids so they could pick their own supplies in whatever colors they wanted to use. Before putting the pillow stuffing I pulled the material so the kids would use less and not put too thick a fluff blob. I put white glue on the table with a paint brush for the children to brush the glue on the plate and not on the fluff.  It will stick better.

                                                                     

                 

The kids had a great time putting it all together.         

NATIVE AMERICAN CEREMONIES

Now that my class understood what Native American life was like in the past and they have made many of the tools and crafts, I wanted to prove to them that the Native Americans were still very much alive and still practiced many of the same crafts, music, and ceremonies.

I love U-tube, because you can find a visual of almost anything you are teaching. Children relate to visual images more than just reading about it in a book.  Seeing and hearing what you are teaching brings everything to life for them. They relate more when they can actually see and hear the ceremonies I have been telling them about. I had pictures I had taken in New Mexico and Arizona of the ceremonies and Indian rodeos and they thought it was interesting, but when I would find an actual rodeo or celebration on U-tube they could see and hear the action. If you have access to a computer you can just Google Native American Ceremonies in New Mexico or Arizona.  You can also type South Western Indian Ceremonies, and then click on video.

My class just got fascinated by the Ceremonial Costumes, the headdresses, the face painting, the clothing and the dancing.

To make a headdress I cut strips out of flat foam sheets (found in any craft store or catalog). I usually cut them one to two inches wide and staple two together to be long enough for a child’s’ head.  Then I put feathers and beads on the art table and let them pick the supplies they want to use.  On the tables I put white glue in a paper cup or plate and show them how to dip the bottom stick of the feather in the glue and to put that on the foam. I make sure that no one is dipping the whole feather in the glue.

It will take at least one day for the feather and the beads to dry.  When it all dries I will staple the headdress to fit the child’s head.  Make sure to put their name on the inside of the headdress.

After all is ready we paint faces, put on the headdresses, bring out our drums and dance. The dance that intrigued them the most was the hoop dance.  I brought in our hula hoops and let them go.  All the kid’s wanted to try. This became their favorite activity and even when we weren't watching the ceremonies the kid's would ask to hoop dance.

 

7. NATIVE AMERICAN CRAFT—SAND PAINTING

Children love to sand paint. The idea that they can use real sand to make a picture just intrigues them—the thought of the messiness of the sand to make a picture just delight their imagination.  They love all the colors and the feeling of the sand, especially those children who have gone to the beach and made sand sculptures.  I explain to the children how the Navajo people believe the universe to be delicately balanced.  Only man can upset it, causing disaster and or illness. When this happens the medicine man must restore the natural balance. Balance is restored in the universe by healing the offender with chants, herbs, prayers, songs and sand painting. Most sand paintings use symbols, fetish, and kachina dolls for their works and are created using natural colored sand found in the desert

The Native Americans are not the only people who think the sand paintings are sacred. There are sand paintings in India, Australia by the aborigines, Japan, Tibetan, and other countries that are made by healers.

 I usually bring a sand painting I own to show them how it looks and feels so the kids get a better idea of what to do.  If you do not have access to a sand painting, use the computer to show the kids typical Navajo sand paintings.

After I show my painting I will also show pictures of typical kachina , fetish, and  symbols that are used by the Navajo. Each child can draw their interpretation on oak tag as plain art paper is too thin and will rip quickly.  I will also not give a regular size paper because I have the children make a frame using popsicle sticks.

It is easier for the children to use if you put the sand in small bottles with a squeeze bottle tip. If you don’t have that, put a small amount of sand in a small paper cup with a small paintbrush for the glue. Don’t forget to put plastic covering or newspaper on the tables for the dropped sand and glue.

1. Have the children draw their picture.
2. Show how the glue is put on a small area, than the sand wanted is sprinkled on. Give each child a paper plate to do the pouring over. Have them move the picture back and forth to have the glue catch the sand. Than do the same thing with another small area that is using the same color sand.

1. Put the extra sand back into whatever you are using to hold the sand.
2. Paint with only one color at a time so as not to mix the sand. The paper plate for catching the sand is very important so you will capture the extra sand for others to use. Kids have a habit of pouring too much sand at one time and the plate under the picture will capture most of it so you have enough sand for all the kids.

1. Hand out popsicle sticks for the frame and have the kids paint or use markers to color them.
2. Let it all dry overnight- Next day put it all together.
   When cleaning the tables you can make a mixed bowl of all the dropped sand and use it for something else. The kids love it all mixed.

 6. NATIVE AMERICAN—NAVAJO FRY BREAD

Every holiday and culture we study we learn about special foods that is typical to the people of the culture.  I remember how I loved the Navajo fry bread every time I visited Arizona and New Mexico, so as part of our Native American project we made Navajo fry bread.

 It is very easy to make in the classroom or for any group.  I bring my electric fry pan, and all the ingredients. All that is needed is a bowl flour, salt, baking powder, dry milk, water, and oil. The recipe I use is from the Arizona cook book. I got the book on one of my trips.  It has Native American, Mexican, and South Western recipes that are somewhat easy to make. The kid’s just love to cook and eat what they have made especially when you put cinnamon sugar or honey on top. 

First I will put the recipe on the board and appoint one child to keep track of the ingredients we add. I usually double the recipe so we have enough for seconds as the kids always ask for more.  Each child in the group gets to add ingredients and form the doughnut like fry bread.  In the West fry bread has many uses. It is used for chile, beans, eggs, sandwiches, and as a type of donut.

            Navajo Fry Bread-combine all dry ingredients—6 cups flour –1 tablespoon salt----   2 tablespoons  baking powder—1/2 cup of instant non-fat dry milk

Add enough lukewarm water to make a soft dough—knead thoroughly—pinch off a small ball of dough about the size of a large egg. I give each child a paper plate with their ball so they can form their own.  Work it back and forth from one hand to the other to make it thinner.  Put a hole in the center.

Heat the oil at least an inch deep in the fry pan.  I ask each child to bring their plate up—no more than 5 at a time so you can remember where each child’s own one is. Fry till golden brown on each side.  As it fries the bread puffs up and becomes light.  Drain it and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or honey.  The batter as is will make between 18 to 24 pieces—but I warn you they will want  more.                 
          
                    

5. NATIVE AMERICAN CRAFTS—KACHINA DOLLS

One of the favorite crafts of children of all ages is the making of Kachina Dolls. The Mysticism of the dolls and their mystical looks and design capture the imagination of children from kindergarten to sixth graders.

The most costly original and famous kachina dolls are made by the Hopi Indians of the South West. The kachina dolls are ancestral spirits in the mythology of the pueblo Indians. They represent the holy spirit of the earth, sky, water and corn. The dolls are usually made of cotton wood roots and embody the spirit of a ceremonial kachina.

The Navajo and Zuni Indians also make Kachina dolls but not the all wood ones. The main carving is out of wood but is embellished with fur, feathers, wool, clothing flaps, bows, arrows, and much more. The Navajo carvings have become more of a tourist collectors’ item as they are more affordable and more decorative.  The children prefer making the dolls in the Navajo style.  They love the furry and scary bear dolls with their furry faces, big teeth, and claws. The sun dolls, and  buffalo dancer and the chiefs with all the feathers and fur and scary poses delight the kids. The other favorite doll is the hoop dancers.  I will discuss the hoop dancers when I post about festivals and Native American music and dancing.

It is fun to see how the kids interpret the dolls when they get creative and make their own.  To start hot glue a foam ball for the head onto the center roll of a paper towel. It will hold better if you cut slots on the ends of the roll so it can spread out to fit the foam ball. The bottom I spread out on a square of cardboard so it will stand up without falling. I will put it together for the kids to save time and because I do not let younger kids use the hot glue gun.  For this  regular glue would add an extra day for drying before you could start decorating so, to be able to present the project in a timely manner, and get the kids all excited to start crafting, I will get it all ready.



 On my art table I will have a scrap box of paper, and pieces of material, real or fake fur, a tray of eyes, a tray of feathers, pipe cleaners, ribbon, yarn, assorted wood pieces (found in craft stores, catalogs ,etc.)  I will also put Popsicle sticks, and whatever else I can find.  I encourage the kids to go pick whatever supplies they want. For this part of the project I use white craft glue.  If the kids need I am always ready to hot glue for them.

I do not interfere with the interpertations  the kids create.  They have their own creations and who are we adults to tell them that they aren’t wonderful.  Some will look somewhat like a Native American doll and some become princesses and other fun things.  All dolls are fantastic!  This is a wonderfully creative craft that all kids love.