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May/June 2016 • Issue 23
To those of you who know me for many years, you know that
my mantra of this season is, “Go outside.” I will not tire or bore
of this topic. I have long believed in the benefits of outdoor
play, way before the advent of 24-hour children’s television
programming, iPads, iPhones, etc. Now, I hold onto that
mantra with white knuckles as this nation has begun to
experience what’s being coined as a “nature deficit”. Children
have less incentive to go outside due to the ever-widening
range of indoor play options provided by technology. Not
surprisingly, this is being linked to an increase in children
experiencing sensory challenges.
There are over 7,000 nerve endings in each foot. Activate
those nerves. Take off babies’ socks so that they can feel the
ground and the breeze. Release kids of all ages from their
strollers and get them running and walking, barefoot if
possible!
It’s important for us to remember the benefits of playing dirty.
Studies show that playing in soil and getting dirty actually
improves moods and boosts the immune system. Exposure to
the bacteria in soil has even been linked to the prevention of
adult allergies and asthma. Microbes in soil also support
intelligence and overall happiness!
There are so many ways to incorporate dirty play into your
routine. As you know, Elliott’s Classes moves to the parks for
the summer. Additionally, our Kids in Bloom students have
been engaging in rooftop gardening. In this issue, we provide
several ideas to promote good, old dirty fun in your home as
well as a few other tips. Hope to see you outside this season!
Programming Notes:
Elliott’s Classes summer camp will run from June 6 –
September 2 for ages 18 mos. – 4.5. Registration is open!
Registration is currently open for our Kids in Bloom
preschool alternative in its new location beginning this
September.
Play with Mud
I. Mud Cloth
Materials: Old t-shirt or rag, bucket
of mud, paint or food coloring, sticks
or paint brushes.
Instructions:
1. Have your little one help gather a
bucket of mud.
2. Begin painting, incorporating
other colors, creating patterns.
3. Let the cloths dry in the sun,
rinsing off the mud once set.
II. Cave Drawings
Materials: Cardboard or rocks,
bucket of mud, sticks.
Instructions:
Dip your stick in the mud and use
this tool to create pictures on your
surface whether it’s a rock,
cardboard, etc. just as they did in
prehistoric times!
H
liter
SAY THIS NOT THAT
LESSONS FROM
THE FARM
Spring has officially sprung! It
is our second spring on the
farm and I am struck by how
nature has matured from little
patches of grass to the tomato
vines. Nature is a true
representation of life.
This season, take time to reflect
on all of the changes in your
child over the past year. Reflect
on the challenges that were
overcome and find pride in new
skills and how many of their
behaviors have matured.
Help them enjoy a sense of
pride in how they’ve developed.
Have a discussion about how
they learned to tie their
shoelaces or even just put
shoes on. Remember with them
how they would react rashly to
a situation back when they
were little that they now handle
with ease. To illustrate how
they grow, do as our Kids in
Bloom preschoolers and plant a
pot of wildflowers at home.
And, as you enjoy this season,
remember that seasons
change and each one brings
new challenges that will once
again fade into the past.
This newsletter was originally coined, “Using Our Words,” because we
believe that it is very important to choose the words you use with
children carefully. They are very literal, imitable beings and our words
shape their confidence, belief systems and the language they
themselves use. We opt to use words and phrases that reward
children for good actions, while avoiding labeling their identities.
In the spirit of all of the “Eat This, Not That” advice about what goes
into your mouth this BBQ season, we have our own graph focused on
what comes out of your mouth!
You are a bad boy.
Say sorry.
Don’t run (in a safe
environment).
You are the best.
Stop being so lazy.
Don’t be scared.
You’re ok!
Get over here before you get
hurt.
I don’t care what you want to do.
Put on your shoes!
Don’t hit your friends.
Your behavior is unacceptable.
Say excuse me (it’s not
impactful to force children to say
what they do not mean, but they
must acknowledge their
behavior).
Have fun!
You did a great job!
Let’s move our bodies!
It’s ok to be scared. I am here
for you.
I understand that your feelings
were hurt, but you will get
through it.
No running away!
I hear what you are saying, but
you have to put on your shoes
.
We don’t hit anyone.
FOR GIGGLES
Elliott (to Charlie): Come here, Cha-Cha (a nickname he uses for a
different Charlie)!
Charlie (age 4): Elliott, why did you call me that?
Elliott: Sorry Charlie, I was confused.
Charlie: Oh, that means you're old.
Elliott’s Classes Headquarters: 131 W. 86th St., 917.517.8721, [email protected]
Mailing Address: 203 W. 90th St., Apt. 1D, NY, NY 10024