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Preschool activities and crafts with a sporting fun
theme!
Keep
the good times rolling for your preschooler!
September
2005 - Issue 18 Contents
Quote Of The Month "Victory isn't defined by wins
or losses. It is defined by effort. If you can truthfully say, 'I did the best
I could, I gave everything I had,' then you're a winner." ~Wolfgang Schadler
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Editorial Hello! We have just wrapped
up a great summer session of Kid Rock! Our Kid Rockers and their parents had a
wonderful time participating in our "Rock It Olympics", where we learned
a lot about sportsmanship, as well as sports. With the fall season upon
us, there is no better time for sports! My sons have never been classically athletic,
although they both do play soccer. We have a dancing family, so both of my boys
are dusting off their tap shoes and are ready to go back to class. Whether
you enjoy sports or not, having your child involved in physical activity from
a young age can benefit them for the rest of their years. A recent study showed
that adults who were not involved with physical activity before the age of 10
had a tendency to revert back to their more sedentary ways. In a world of
video games and television, it's more important than ever to make sure that your
child develops active habits. And, it's not bad for you, either! After all, it's
parents who set the example! Hope you enjoy this issue! Have a wonderful
September! Mari P.S. If you are in the Chicago area, be sure to check
our website for a Kid Rock class near you
Special
Announcements! We are pleased to welcome our newest park district to the
Tot Rock/Kid Rock family...Lisle, IL Park District! If you live in the
Lisle area, please be sure to support this new programming. We also have
a great new program coming to select communities in Winter 2006 -- Rock 'n'
Roll Storytime! This unique program for children ages 20 months through
6 years will combine literacy and music to develop and enhance language acquisition
and reading readiness through imaginative play, music exploration and socialization!
Various age groups will be offered. Rock 'n' Roll Story time will debut in Crystal
Lake, Huntley, Lake in the Hills and Cary, Illinois. Look for details to be added
to our website soon! Return to top
Reading Rocks! Recommendations |
Winners Never Quit!
by Mia Hamm, Carol Thompson This book
tells the story of a young soccer player named Mia who quits the game when things
don't go her way. It's through her friends, her brother (sweetly named for the
author's late brother), and ultimately herself that she realizes that it's not
about winning, but rather about just being in the game. In fact, on the last page,
she's going for a goal, but the book doesn't say whether or not she scored, just
that she was there playing, and that's what counts. There's no better message
for a young person than that, as it pertains not just to sports but to life itself.
I bought this for my young daughter who is just starting soccer. She doesn't know
who Mia Hamm is, but I certainly do, and can't wait to read it to her. Even if
she doesn't stick with soccer, the lessons in this book will be ones we talk about
for a long time. Mia doesn't disappoint in this book - she proves yet again what
a role model she is for all of us. I highly recommend this book!
Reviewer:
elleinthecity (NYC) | |
| |
Salt in His Shoes : Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream
by Deloris
Jordan, Roslyn M. Jordan, Kadir Nelson This book has it all. Kadir Nelson's
illustrations immediately capture your attention. The cover is representative
of the size and quality of pictures throughout the book. I've used this book in
my classroom. Kids love it. Both boys and girls enjoy the story of the young Michael
Jordan. They relate to going up against the big kid and wanting to change physically
(in this case to become taller). Some kids even admit to putting salt in their
shoes. The family support in this story provides the direction he needs to accomplish
his goal of becoming a great basketball player and becoming the playground hero.
Great message, great story, great illustrations. Everyone needs to realize the
importance of hard work, determination, and believing in a little Michael Jordan
magic. We want to encourage our kids to reach for the stars, and this book helps
do that.
Reviewer: Brooke (WV United States) | Return
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Kid Rock
"Party In The Spotlight" Kid Rock 'n' Roll Time to get 'em
moving! Our Kid Rock 'n' Roll party will get your children all warmed up as they
shake, rattle and roll to some good old rock 'n' roll! This party theme
may include the following songs or other rockin' tunes:
- The Body
Rock
- The Freeze Dance
- Splish Splash
- Who's Got the BeanBag
- Hokey
Pokey
- Limbo Rock
- Follow The Leader
- Silly Dance Contest
Reserve
your party date today! Email to parties@rockitkids.com or call
us at 847-961-6584. Return to top
Craft Of The Month
Gold Metal Materials: - 2" flat, round
paper mache
- Gray Gesso (or any color)
- Paintbrush
- Gold
spray paint
- Large star punch
- Posterboard, cardboard, cardstock
(whatever can be punched)
- Glue (school or tacky)
- 1/2" or
wider ribbon (inexpensive)
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Newspaper
or plastic bags to cover work area
Instructions:
- Paint the paper mache with Gesso and let dry. (Note: Gesso primes
the surface and doesn't allow the paint to soak in).
- Punch 2-3 stars
out of the stiff paper. Glue together and adhere to the middle of one side of
the medal. Let dry.
- Spray paint both sides of medal, allowing to dry
before painting other side. Be sure to spray in well ventilated area.
- Measure
the ribbon to fit around the child's neck and to hang down a bit. Cut ribbon.
- Glue the two ends to the back of the medal. Let dry.
Tip:
Using Gesso gives a protective coating on the paper mache. The Gesso keeps the
paint from soaking in, so you use less paint. It also will help prevent the paint
from cracking. Return to top
Having a party? Don't forget to invite Kid Rock! If you are in our
neighborhood, we happily provide stress-free, interactive children's party entertainment
for any function. Or, make it a Kid Rock day no matter where you live, with our
perfectly assembled gift bags and party favors! Visit the official Kid Rock
website at http://www.rockitkids.com/
for more information!
Snack Of The Month Banana
Crackers Ingredients: - Banana
- Peanut Butter
- Wheat
Germ
- Colored or Chocolate Sprinkles
Directions: - Slice
half a banana into 1/2 inch chips.
- Spread each with peanut butter.
- Sprinkle
with wheat germ.
- Add a few sprinkles.
This is
a very healthy energy snack for your preschooler "on the go"! Letting
your child join in the fun of making this yummy snack will help the development
of their fine motor skills. My son loves to spread the peanut butter. I scoop
a bit of peanut butter out of the jar into a small dish, and then he spreads it
using the back of a plastic spoon. Have fun! Return
to top
Music Rocks!
Recommendations
|
Sports Illustrated for Kids "Game Time" Sports Illustrated for
Kids "Game Time" is 15 of the ultimate tunes for sports fans. All original hits
by the original artists, including "Move This" by Technotronic, "Jump, Jive, 'n
Wail" by Louis Prima, and "Everybody" by the Backstreet Boys. "Game Time" also
includes a special Sports Illustrated for Kids screen saver and four interchangeable
action (lenticular) CD covers! |
| Return to top
Motor Activity Of The Month Obstacle Course Take
advantage of the cooler weather and plan an obstacle course outside for your child
and friends! Consider including some of the following activities: -
Ride tricycles from one place to another.
- Climb over or under an object.
-
Fill a wagon with blocks, pull it to a specified spot, and unload it.
-
Roll or kick a ball from one place to another.
- Crawl from one spot to
another.
- Go down a slide.
You can even plan
an obstacle course at your favorite playground! Remember, children learn by example,
so tie your tennis shoes tight and join in the fun! Return
to top
Special Guest
Article Kid Safety Sports Checklist For Parents Helps To Keep The Game
Ball On Safety
From Robin McClure,
Your Guide to Child Care.
Sports
Safety Should Be Priority No. 1 The kid safety checklist below contains
some recommendations from the SAFE KIDS Campaign: Protecting Kids From Their Number
One Killer--Unintentional Injury; the National Safety Council; and from area physicians:
- Is my child in shape and possess an adequate stamina level to support
the particular sport?
- Has my child's doctor provided a recent
physical examination, and are there any concerns or warnings that I should be
aware of and perhaps provide to the coach?
- Does my child comprehend
the sport (understand game and/or know basic skills) and agree to the commitment
level specified?
- Does my child want to play this support or am
I forcing him/her to participate?
- Have arrangements been made
for water at the practice field, games, or gym, and are appropriate water breaks
and/or rest breaks provided? Do I know what the coach's rules are regarding water/rest
breaks?
- Are there rules/ regulations regarding outdoor practices
in the event of extreme heat or cold, during inclement weather, or air pollution
watches? Does the coach adhere to these? Are parents informed about these rules?
- What type of transportation arrangements are made regarding team
travel or carpools? What kid safety rules are put into practice? What about the
use of seat belts, booster seats (if needed), occupancy loads, and other provisions?
Am I comfortable with how my child might be traveling? Do I know or trust the
driver?
- Is my child provided with an appropriate warm up and
then cool down before and after playing a sport? Are appropriate stretching exercises
and techniques utilized or are kids just told to go warm up on their own?
- Does
my kid have appropriate protective gear that fits and is in working condition?
Do coaches check for compliance?
- Do I apply sunscreen on my child
before outdoor practice or games? (This should be a parent responsibility; not
a coach's task).
- What is the condition of the field surface,
playing area, or gym floor or mat? Are they safe? Level? Are their any holes or
areas where kids can trip and fall? Who inspects the fields? What are the minimum
requirements for play?
- Is my child supervised at all times? Is
there at least one other adult always present? Is there any situation in which
a coach might be one-on-one with my child, and am I comfortable with this arrangement,
if so?
- What happens if a child is injured? What are the rules
concerning a child playing with a slight injury, watching the game from the sideline,
attending practice if ill (and what is the definition of "illness" according
to the coach), and are there consequences to illness or injury?
- What
are the behavioral guidelines and are there consequences? How are teamwork, good
sportsmanship, respect, and paying attention emphasized? Are there spectator sportsmanship
rules?
- Is there a referee, umpire, judge, or other type of official
at games? Is this a professional or volunteer position? If a call or action is
disputed, is there an established grievance procedure that still sets the example
of positive sportsmanship for children? Are parents informed of this in advance
of games or competitions?
- Does my child have a clear expectation
of what he/she is supposed to do at a competition or game? Have I discussed winning,
losing, doing your best, and making a best effort?
- Am I sure
I am keeping the participation in sports fun and healthy for my child? Is my child
enjoying himself/herself? Does my child look forward to attending practices and
games, or do I have to force participation?
Remember,
children learn from their parents and other adult role-models, so it is up to
you to help make your child's participation in sports a positive and memorable
experience...while keeping an eye on kid safety. Return
to top
Subscriber Talk!
Do
you have comments or suggestions for us? We love to hear and share what our readers
think! Please send your feedback to us at: rockittimes@rockitkids.com
Great Links and Freebies Check out these great
links for parents and caregivers! - Featured Link - Free Sports and
Olympic Games Coloring Pages! When the weather keeps you indoors, print out
some of these great coloring pages to keep your preschooler entertained! http://www.first-school.ws/theme/cpsports.htm
- It's never to late to take off the baby weight! Join NutriSystem weight loss program to become a healthier, thinner mom. Join now and get a free week of food!
- Is
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- Learning has never
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Software only $4.95 each
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- Get a FREE poster and FREE issue of Zoobooks
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- 21 jigsaw puzzles that encourage creativity in all budding young
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- Free
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book color, page colors, layout, and add your own photo descriptions.
- Join free at
Chart Jungle and download a never ending supply of printable calendars, charts,
schedules, and more. Great stuff for parents, along side everything you can think
of to motivate and organize your child -- a "Stop Sucking Your Binky"
chart, a "Stay In Bed" chart, "Please and Thank You" charts,
and much more!
- As a believer in holistic and natural remedies,
I was thrilled when I found this site --
Native Remedies, The Psychologist's Natural Choice. I personally use many
of the products from this site for both myself and for my children. I've been
a regular customer since mid-2004 and have loved everything I have purchased from
them.
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Mari Peckham
RockItTimes@rockitkids.com
IPRA "Outstanding
Teacher of the Year" Award Recipient
Publishing Editor, Rock-It Times
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