Washing Hands and Grandparents

Highlights of our day
We had a very special treat today. Damon's Grandma and Papa made a special stop at the Casa to see where Damon goes to school. They were visiting from Kansas. They had a nice time watching the children interact and play. It was so nice to met you both!

Music (and Singing While We Work)
We sang along to The Wheels on the Bus and the children are fine tuning the hand motions. This is the same tune I use for the handwashing song we sing while we wash our hands.

Practical Life
I've been focusing a great deal on working with the children on washing their own hands and completing the steps on their own. In addition to learning this ' care of self ' skill (and reducing the opportunities for illness, especially during the peak season), in doing these exercises, children are able to integrate and practice a variety of skills while gaining a better understanding of the importance of sequence in completing a task. We sing a couple songs while we do this, mainly this one:

Washing Hands Song (tune of Wheels on the Bus)

This is the way we wash our hands
Wash our hands
Wash our hands

This is the way we wash our hands
After we play outside.

Variations:
(After we use the potty)
(Before we eat lunch)

"Warm Water" is another handwashing song the children are learning, but haven't quite mastered yet. =)

I'm also working on helping the children learn how to dress themselves (i.e. put shoes on, pull undies up, pull pants up after diaper change, etc.). At home, please work with them on this also. They are very excited about what they can do now. Some examples: After a child uses the potty, I will set their undies and pants right-side out and lay them in the direction they will put them on to encourage them to do it with minimal assistance, yet have success as they're beginning this skill. This will help them control their movements and acquire independence. =)

We also have been enjoying singing worksongs while we clean and play. Singing and humming fills the Casa with joy and calmness. Also, singing while we work can help deepen our breathing, balance our life, and help us become more present in the moment. Even when I'm sweeping the floor, instead of looking at it as a daily nuisance of a chore, I sing or hum the Sweeping Song, which gets me IN the task of sweeping, and it's a simple way to practice presence and mindfulness. Being present in mind and heart can make us better parents and teachers.

Try it and see how it makes ya feel! :)

Bird Binoculars, Azul el Pescado, and Visitors!

Wrapping up the week with some photos.

Art
Painting the rolls which will become our bird binoculars.









Austin helping clean up.



Culinary
The children helped make treats for their pet dogs. And the only one that tried licking the spoon was my daughter. Go figure.







Ok, so did ANY of your pets eat the treats we made? The mix ended up having WAY more flour than the recipe called for, but I promise, my feelers won't be hurt if EVEN your pooch didn't eat them! ;()

I don't think I've given a proper introduction to our school pet.

Meet Azul (name given by Domi).



I rescued him at a dinner banquet in which he was the centerpiece at our table. He's already grown and his color is beautiful now. The kids enjoy feeding him and watching him.

Ita comes to visit
We had a treat yesterday. Mia brought her Ita to come visit the casa for a while. Ita (short for Abuelita), was visiting from McAllen. It was wonderful meeting you Ita. And now I know where Mama Tanya gets her warm fuzzy hugs from.





Practical Life
Putting on shoes and getting ready to go home.