Outside time, all the time?

As I type this, my two older boys run around outside in our (blessedly) big back yard. The youngest was outside, too, until naptime overtook him with a thunderstorm of neediness. Everett asks, "could you bring me something to eat out here?" and I unhesitatingly say, sure.

I've just been reading this about a U.K. preschool whose students spend nearly every moment out-of-doors. And I've been "studying" my kids' behavior and finding an unsurprising result: the more time outside, running, jumping, digging, collecting worms, fighting all those bad guys who seem to inhabit our block, or just lying in the dirt with a serious expression and a dump truck; the happier everyone is. Everett's therapist asks, "what do good days look like?" My answer is "plenty of intense outdoors play" and I immediately wonder what I'm doing with him in public school at all.

For a lot of complicated reasons, I've been considering home schooling him. With what will I fill his days? I wonder, imagining dozens of mini-power struggles over adjective worksheets. And then discarding all that wonder with the thought that maybe, we'll just have math, reading and outside time. Lots, and lots, of outside time.

Out there, we have a hundred lessons in science, math, social studies, vocabulary, agriculture; it's the Green Hour supercharged. I wonder if we'll have enough for him to build the skills in which he's lagging while at the same time protecting him from the often too-stressful, too-troubled environment of the school he's attending. Unschoolers have already been convinced, I know. For those of you who do homeschool, unschool, free school, or some variant thereof -- even just for preschool -- tell me how you've balanced "curriculum" and teaching children the parts of speech, multiplication tables, and all that with a sufficient amount of outside time. Have any of you considered changing your child's schooling to allow more time outside? How has the thought process gone for you? Have you tried it and gone back to the way of the formal schoolroom? Have you just longed for more untrammeled running, free-range kid raising time? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Do you stop while you read?

Last night when I was reading through Chapter 5 of "The Borrowers", I was interrupted several times.  "Mama," says the little one, raising her hand but waiting before she speaks.  When I reach the end of the paragraph, I look at her.  She says: "You know what I did today with Aidan?"  I say, "Maybe we can talk about that when we're done with the chapter."  After a few more sentences, again it's "Mama!  Mama!"  I read to the end of the paragraph and again look at her.  She asks "Where did the borrowers get that chair?"  We stop and talk about how the chair is an empty spool of thread, but her older sister is growing anxious, wanting for me to read on and on.

It's tough for me to read to two different children at different ages and different attention spans.  But, this is our storytime, and it's not going to change.  I personally don't like stopping so often to talk about the day or talk about the setting (although I suppose I shouldn't mind the latter).  I like to dig into the book and read right through.

One of our daughters has always been inquisitive at story time, whether it be a chapter book or picture book.  Always asking tangential questions about the characters, their mamas, papas, brothers, and sisters.  Our other daughter enjoys just listening and silently visualizing the words.

I have long wondered: do you stop while you read?  To really examine and discuss the pictures?  To talk about what it may be like to be that character?  To talk through feelings about the story?  Or, do you read straight through and leave the discussion to the end (of the book or the chapter)?

Ross W. Greene and the 'Explosive Child'

A few years ago, when I was first understanding my son, Everett, and his behavioral difficulties, I read Ross W. Greene's The Explosive Child. Now that he's at the Pioneer School, a special school geared toward children who have major trouble adapting in the general education environment, and many of the members of the schools' staff have been through Greene's workshops. His approach for dealing with challenging kids, called "collaborative problem solving," is now taught in workshops and MESD-sponsored book groups around the city.

I was surprised, then, when I told several of Everett's teachers that I had just ordered Greene's newest book, Lost in School, a follow-up to his previous books that lays out a framework for how parents and schools can work together to help challenging kids succeed. They hadn't yet heard of it. (What, do you people not have GoodReads?) I've read a few chapters of Lost in School, now, and I already recommend both books to anyone who has a child with behavioral challenges, whether they're like Everett's or more strictly diagnosed (the autism spectrum and ADHD are also maladaptive disorders and can be approached with Greene's philosophies). When adding the new book to my GoodReads shelf, I decided to review the The Explosive Child; I've copied the review after the jump.

Getting kids involved without polling places: I voted!

I remember going with my mom to the polling place when I was a kid; there was one right at the end of our block, at 25th and Madison, so watching the people stream by all day was so exciting. I couldn't wait until I was old enough to vote. Now my six-year-old is just like me: only there's no polling place. My husband and I voted after bedtime on Friday and the only evidence was our sealed, signed ballots on the table the next morning, whisked away by my parents to drop off at the elections office.

So, how can we invest our children with the excitement of civic involvement in our vote-by-mail state? Here are a couple of things we've done (and plan to do):

• Electoral maps. There will be electoral maps to color at Backspace for the election party tonight; and last night Everett insisted I fill in every state as blue (he's loyal, that kid) on the New York Times electoral map, a fun interactive map that lets you run different scenarios while you wait.
• Mock election. Asha at ParentHacks has a fun idea with imaginary candidates who espouse candy policies and bedtimes.
• Get your freebies. Though election law now says they can't ask if you voted (nothing of value can be exchanged to induce someone to vote, or to refrain from voting), Starbucks is giving away a free tall coffee in honor of voting, Ben & Jerry is giving away free scoops from 5 to 8 p.m., and Dunkin' Donuts is giving away star-shaped pastries.
• Campaign with every last second. Moms Rising has several "get out the mom vote" campaigns, like offering to be backup childcare for friends who want to vote, and making last-minute calls to remind moms to vote. Maybe the best way to adapt this to Oregon is to offer to drop off ballots for your friends who haven't yet voted, or to stage a "voting playdate" where you bring your ballots, vote, and hand them over to one mama to hand-deliver to a ballot drop-off location.

How will you get your kids enthused about your civic involvement today?

How many books is 'enough'?

"One more time?" says Truman as we finish his latest book crush. This came in the "red bag" from school, part of a Multnomah County program to make sure underprivileged kids have books in the home.

Seriously? One more time? I thought. Even though I loved the book, I had things to do! But part of the whole reason I quit my job and am doing a few hours' daily freelance work is so I could do this, read it ah-gain. I read it again, expressively, and closed it decisively. "All done!" I said happily.

"One more time?" says Truman. "Read it ah-gain?" And this time I say, "no, two times is enough!" and head to the kitchen to finish the dishes. But I have to wonder: how many times is enough? Last night while Monroe was sleeping on my lap I read Inch by Inch four times in a row (and then it was requested again at bedtime). Later I listen to him, sitting studiously on the couch, "reading" it to himself. Be still my heart.

So repetition is good, I know from my sisters' early childhood development classes. But how much can I stand? How about you? When do you call it quits on "one more time"?

Sustainable living on a budget: Am I inspired yet?

Monique Dupre was, as everyone seems to agree, not what we expected. She's too lovely, too pulled-together, too funny, too American. (For the record, she is married to a Frenchman, grew up near Astoria, and now lives in Vancouver, Wash.) I half-expect her to start her insanely popular 'Sustainable Living on a Budget' workshop with a little ledger for us to add up our errant spending and lots of judgment, but that's entirely not what she does.

She starts by saying that she just wants to inspire us, reminds us that inspire means "in the spirit," and that we don't have to do everything, just start where we are. And begins to talk about where she is.

It's at once devilishly inspiring (I will admit to having called Comcast to cut off my cable the next day, and removed the TV from the living room, although it was only minorly influenced by Monique) and crushingly overwhelming. Monique, through lots of hard work, much ability to be present and inquisitive, and the oh-so-useful French husband questioning all that is America, has created a life that is truly my dream. She gets all her food locally and organically, creating healthy and whole-foods-y meals for each and every bite her family eats. She leaves her home each morning with a clean kitchen and a small pile of laundry. Her children want nothing for Christmas because they have everything they need. Her eldest daughter can recognize fennel plants when they're an inch tall. She loves fennel!

Prenatal / Infant Care DVD

Theresa is entering the realm as a health educator.  She was hoping that the greater readership at-large could provide some insight on DVDs or videos that could help her provide support to expecting mothers.  She emails:

I recently moved back to Norcal and miss Portland dearly.  But that's another story.  I still check out the UM website for thought provoking info and advice. My question; I recently got a job as a Health Educator for low income pregnant women.  Most of my clientèle are young mothers.  Does anyone have any effective / helpful Prenatal and Infant Care DVD's/Videos you would recommend? Childbirth is taught by someone else.  Thanks for you help!

The Business of Being Born - Private Screening

So it's been a few years, but I'll never forget.  Not the labors (one excruciatingly long, the other excruciatingly fast), not the stitches (yes, the dreaded 'stage 4' tear).  And definitely not the hospital midwives, dedicated labor nurses, and OB (think forceps) who helped me vaginally deliver two children without drugs - not their norm.

I'm all for natural, but only to a point.  Drugs?  No way.  Bathtub at home?  No thanks.  Hospital?  Absolutely - plus, that's what my insurance covered, right?   But enough about me and my boring births of yesteryear.  We're ready to hear about someone else's births - namely Ricki Lake's - and the birthing "business."

Parenting philosophies: Is *anyone* right?

I've been thinking, studying, and discussing a lot lately about one very important topic: parenting. Not just parenting in general, but how to parent, and how to parent right. But even more troubling than the realization that I haven't been parenting entirely perfectly is the growing conviction that no one knows what they're doing. And I'm not judging you guys, the parents: no, I'm judging the experts, the parenting authors, the pediatricians, the teachers.

Everett's temporarily in a special education program and we're finding that the teachers, "coaches," and other great staff are -- despite their commendable patience and amazing energy -- frequently guilty of inconsistence. Are they right when they ignore bad behavior, or right when they provide consequences? I was all ready to embrace Love & Logic without question when I discovered some of the more punitive examples proffered by its creators. I love my children's pediatrician unreservedly, but occasionally her behavioral advice seems half-cooked. Another mama was raving about Alfie Kohn's speech, but admitted she had trouble putting much of his advice into practice after she got home.

While it's somewhat comforting to conclude that no one knows what they're doing, it's also terrifying -- how can I get it right if I can't even decide what right, is? I wonder -- has anyone come across a philosophy you embrace whole-heartedly? And why is this parenting gig so darned hard?

Bringing Healthy Food to the Classrooms

Meg poses an interesting question and seeks some wisdom from urbanMamas:

I am a high school teacher and I teach a course called environmental issues.  As part of the on-going guiding question of “How do you impact the environment and how can this be measured?” I wanted to do a weekly bit on healthy eating; healthy for the planet and healthy for the student.  My idea was to get a local farm or grocery store to donate organic fruit that was all locally grown.  I approached my administration with this idea and was told that I could only serve prepackaged food in class…. In other words, soda, chips, pizza, doughnuts, candy are all a-ok, but not organic fruit.  What are your experiences with what is acceptable to serve in the public school classroom?  Are there any loopholes I could squeeze through?  I know I can’t cook anything, but I thought raw foods were ok.  What would be the best way to go about changing this policy in a time efficient manner?  Lastly, does anyone have any connections with Washington County organic farms just in case I get this off the ground?

Tessy & Tab: How did you know?

About a week before one of our first summer trips to the beach this year, some mail arrived for Tati, our 3-1/2 year old.  It was her first issue of Tessy & Tab (yay for this locally produced tot-mag!), "Tessy & Tab have fun at the beach".  Toward the end of the summer, as we were packing up for a week with the kids' grandparents in New York, more mail came for Tati.  In that issue of Tessy & Tab, "Tessy & Tab went on a trip", and I must say that their examples probably provided impetus for Tati to be particularly independent on this trip; it was our first trip without a stroller or any other carrying device.

Back from our end of summer trip and preparing for Tati's first few days at her new school (today being her first longer day), we were met by psychic mail again.  This time, "Tessy & Tab go back to school."

Tati gets excited when she sees her preschool magazine in the mail pile waiting for her.  More than that, she loves when the Tessy & Tab adventures are stories that she can completely relate to, at that moment, in her life.  She lights up and gets so excited to be able to connect with Tessy & Tab.  When I think about it, who wouldn't light up and get excited?

Another wonderful thing about Tessy & Tab for our family is that our older girl, Philly (aged almost-7) loves to read issues to her little sis and she loves to help her little sis start to recognize letters.  We know other Tessy & Tab subscribers who love the tot mag for the big-kid-helps-little-kid experience too.

We'd love to hear about Tessy & Tab experiences, as well as feedback on any other preschool periodicals.  We've heard of Ladybug Magazine?  What about periodicals for the older set?  I myself am an old Highlights fan...   

Sewing with kids: when do you start?

When I was visiting my sister a few days ago, her 13-year-old step-daughter was busy working on her first sewing project (after a lesson from her grandma). Even though she's clearly old enough, I was surprised at how well her little bib had turned out. The next day Everett and I were busy choosing projects from Amy Karol's fabulous beginner's book, Bend-the-Rules Sewing and the number of projects he demanded was, well, impossible. I started thinking about teaching him to sew...

When we were kids, we always begged to use the sewing machine, but mom made a rule: you had to be eight years old to use it. I'm pretty sure, though, we started in with hand-sewing before that (and you can bet our great-grandmas were sewing before they knew the alphabet). I'd love to hear your experiences (or plans) -- if you're into the textile arts as I am, when did you learn to sew? When did you, or do you plan to, teach your own children?

Oh yes: and if you're looking for that perfect gift for a teenager (or adult) who's taking up sewing, Amy Karol's book would be a nice place to start.

Do you homeschool?

Melia would love your thoughts and tips on homeschooling:

On an education thread someone asked for local information about home-schooling, but it was never answered. We are thinking about home-schooling after a tumultuous kinder-year. I'd love to know if there are people doing Montessori-based home-schooling.

Summer Reading 2007 - Starts today!

It's that time of year again! The wildly successful and popular Summer Reading program starts today, June 1, and runs until August 31, 2007. Find tons of resources for kids' reading and participation, including booklists (sorted by age group) and opportunities for sending book reviews or sending in kids' own poems.

Don't delay! Head to your neighborhood library today, and start your summer reading.

Exploring Oregon Coast Tidepools

Oregon's coastline provides a mix of sandy beaches and rocky headlands. This mix creates a lot of opportunity to see a rich mix of sea life in coastal tidepools. Tidepools are found all along the 350+ mile coastline but many great viewing areas are easily accessible from state park and public scenic areas.

We were recently in Yachats and spent a few mornings exploring tide pools in the area. We enjoyed seeing chitons, snails, limpets, barnacles, sea stars, mussels, anemones, crabs and more!  But there are many tidepool areas even closer to Portland including:

1) Ecola State Park - About two miles north of Cannon Beach. This area also offers access to the Clatsop Loop Trail which connects with the Tillamook Head Trail that we explored this February - a good trail for older children due to the elevation gain and length.

2) Oswald West State Park - About 10 miles south of Cannon Beach just off the 101. This is also one of our favorite camping spots and there is some great hiking in the area including a hike to Cape Falcon (about 3.5 miles round trip, uphill getting to the top but still a nice family hike).

3) Cape Meares Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge - 10 miles west of Tillamook on the Three Capes Loop. Added bonuses are touring the lighthouse and the vistas in the area.

4) Cape Lookout - About 18 miles south of Tillamook also on the Three Capes Loop. There is a family-friendly campground at this park as well.

If you are going to explore tide pools, be ready to get wet, wear some sensible shoes - maybe even some gloves, and be ready to do some scrambling on rocks to find some wonderful surprises!

Consult a tide table and plan your exploration to coincide with low tide - which means being on the coast in the morning. Watch out for exposed animals as you walk along. For the best viewing, head for the lowest tide pools that are closest to the ocean. In the lowest pools, you are likely to see the most activity as well as the greatest variety of animals. But be mindful of the tide location and of the ocean at all times - don’t let yourself get stranded or surprised by a rogue wave.

When viewing the pools, tread lightly and be respectful of the animals. Don’t pry any animals from their locations. A gentle touch on a sea star by a curious little girl (or excited adult) is not entirely out of line but try to avoid touching of the animals as much as possible.

Also, these are great areas for a picnic, so pack a meal to enjoy once your exploring is over. When you are ready to go, leave everything where you find it - except for garbage! Pack out any trash that you find (or any trash that you brought). It is never too early to instill some outdoor ethics in your kids.

One final practical item to keep in mind, many - but not all - parks require a day use fee. If you are going to hit more than a couple of parks/areas that require a fee, consider getting an Oregon Pacific Coast Passport which will give you unlimited access for 5 days for only $10. Have fun!

National Teacher Day tomorrow!

Tomorrow, May 8, is National Teacher Day.  We know so many of us are privileged with wonderful, inspirational, patient and nurturing teachers in our lives.  Do you have something planned to celebrate your teacher tomorrow?

Special Mother Day's Event

Mother’s Day weekend kick-offs Saturday, May 12th at the Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd) with a special celebration of motherhood that also provides mamas a unique opportunity to learn and talk about the issues that are important to them: Motherhood Manifesto Day!

•  10 am - 2 pm Mother’s Day Market:  Local women-owned businesses that offer creative goods and services with particular appeal to mothers will turn the lobby of the Hollywood Theatre into a fun-filled bazaar. Admission to the Market is FREE!  
  
• 11 am - FREE Special Performance by Super XX Man! Super XX Man creates bittersweet folksongs of love and memory, sure to soften even the most hardened cynic. According to Bob Boilen of NPR’s All Songs Considered, “If we’re going to choose 10-songs every week, let it be Super XX Man.”
• 1:30 pm - Special Screening of The Motherhood Manifesto. This screening will be followed by an unique opportunity to discuss the issues presented in the film with the filmmakers. Admission is only $7 and all proceeds will support momsrising.org and the 2008 Portland Women’s Film Festival.
• Special Raffle! Movie ticket holders may enter a FREE raffle and get a chance to win some great prizes like gift certificates for Milagros, Natural Light Photography, and Campbell Salgado Studios, free pilates Classes from Divine Pilates, great products from  Blueprints for Footprints, Global Sistergoods, Zoom Baby Gear and more!

Get advance tickets to the showing of The Motherhood Manifesto on-line or directly from the Hollywood Theatre box office at 4122 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR. See you there!

 

School Preferences: Public vs Private

Just a couple days ago, OPB was airing a story about how students seem to be disappearing from public schools and moving to private education.  I've always liked to think that no matter what, I would send my children to public school, unless it was detrimental to their health or well-being.  Of course my eldest is still a pre-schooler so I don't know for sure until the time comes what will be the right choice for our family.  One local mama, Laura, asks this question:

We have a year to decide where our child will go to school. We are debating on whether to send him to Portland Public Schools (we're not impressed), private school (expensive) or move (flee) to the burbs. Any thoughts?

For us, our neighborhood is non-negotiable.  We love where we live and it is our community.  So for now, we are planning on sending our child to PPS.  How about you?  Have you thought this through, and what decision works best for your family?

Parlez vous francais?

Je ne comprend pas (I don't understand) is one of the first phrases I learned in French when I took an "Introduction to French" class at the community center with my mom when I was a kid. As it turns out, my mother was a whiz at languages; I think she can speak four languages fluently. It's never too early to learn another language. Many children show keen interest and ability to absorb. Stephanie is looking for French classes for her 4 year old:

Does anyone know of anyone/anywhere that offers French language instruction (or even French summer camp) for preschoolers? My daughter used to take French lessons at the Alliance Francaise de Portland, which she loved, but her teacher accepted a college-level teaching position and the class was discontinued. I do know that there is a French preschool program at the Fulton Park Community Center, but it starts at 12:30 and my daughter doesn't get out of preschool until 12:30, so that won't work for us. There's no way we could get there before 1 p.m. I heard a rumor that they offered French classes through Portland Parks and Rec. at Sellwood Park, but I'm not finding any evidence of that online. Any other leads out there? My daughter is four and she has been BEGGING to take French classes for ages - she brings it up almost every day. (I suspect it is because she had so much fun at French class when she was younger. She still remembers all of the songs!) Since the interest is there, I really want to encourage it, but I haven't had any luck finding any classes out there for four year olds. I'm familiar with the Portland French School and the French International School, but sadly, we really can't afford the tuition. So, I guess I'm really looking more for a class or camp situation that would be supplemental to preschool for her. We live in the Hawthorne neighborhood, but I'd absolutely be willing to drive to another part of town for class. I know there are a lot of great French tutors in the Portland area. If there aren't any established classes out there already, are there any other mamas out there who might be interested in trying to start one by sharing the costs of hiring a tutor for a weekly session?

I Don't Want to Go to School!

Every time we tell my son "it's time to get ready for school" his inevitable reply is "but I don't want to go to school!"  This started over a year ago, and even though I kept telling myself it's just a phase, it hasn't stopped yet.  Late last winter I was just starting the pregnancy with son #2 and despite my best efforts to contact pre-schools and get my elder son enrolled, the strong urge to procrastinate won out and I didn't lift a finger until November that year.  This means we MAY be able to get him in to another pre-school by next fall (2007).  That's a big MAY.

Currently he's only going to his care center 2 days a week at most.  Sometimes if he's sick or there's a weather day, we haven't taken him in.  Add to that the two and a half months he was home with me for my maternity leave, and maybe he thinks just whining about it will mean he can stay home instead (or better yet, go to Granny's house!).  When he starts his denial I try to engage him in a conversation about what it is he doesn't like about school, so we can address what his issues are rather than just dismissing them.  Usually he says he doesn't like when his "friends" at school hurt him (which doesn't necessarily mean physical hurt, but also emotional hurt).  The scenarios he describes are not unusual interactions for 3 year olds, as far as I can tell, so I offer him some solutions for dealing with the situations that arise.  I've discussed his concerns with the teachers and tried to probe them for solutions, but they have their own issues in trying to deal with the gaggle of kids in the classroom, so my little guy's needs just get lost in the mix.  In my heart of hearts, though, I know that this is not the place for him to do his best growing and learning.  But, until our number is up at any of our other choices, this place will have to do.

Am I the ONLY mama who totally missed the preschool boat?  I mean I heard it was difficult but I think needing full time preschool 2-3 days a week and needing to get enrolled more than a year in advance really threw me for a loop.  I think I really mucked this one up and I hope my little guy doesn't suffer for my mistake.  Hopefully, I'll get a call that our dream situation has arrived, and then things will get better.  I also can't help wondering if we actually make the change, he'll still not want to go to school because ultimately, he just wants to be with his family instead.

It's Seussical!

Everyone loves Dr. Susss. The first week of March will be celebrated by many as Dr. Susss Celebration week, part of the Seussentennial fun. Theodor Geisel's birthday is March 2. In his honor, the National Educational Association has instituted a day to Read Across America. Also to celebrate, our daughter's classroom will "read away the day", coming to school in jammies, bringing loads and loads of books, and read, read, read.

Multnomah County Library has a bunch of stuff planned to celebrate Dr. Seuss. The fun starts tomorrow at a library near you. See this flyer (*pdf) for all Seussical events.

Seuss Storytime: Celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday with stories!

For preschoolers:
Thursday, March 1, 10:15–11 a.m. @ Midland Library
Thursday, March 1, 11–11:30 a.m. @ Central Library
Tuesday, March 6, 10:15–10:45 a.m. @ Hillsdale Library

For toddlers:
Wednesday, March 7, 10:15–10:45 a.m. @ Hillsdale Library

It's a Seuss-a-thon!: In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday, drop by the Belmont Library and be read to by volunteers from neighborhood schools and the community.
Friday, March 2, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. @ Belmont Library

Celebrate Seuss!: National award-winning storyteller Christopher Leebrick shares Dr. Seuss stories as well as delightful multicultural tales. Suitable for ages 5-105!
Friday, March 2, 3–3:45 p.m.@ Northwest Library
Saturday, March 10, 2–2:45 p.m. @Rockwood Library
Thursday, March 29, 2–2:45 p.m.@ Midland Library
Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program.

Seussational! Crafts! Games! Seussical snacks! Become a Daisy-Head Maisy! Play with your Green Eggs and Ham! Create your own zoo animal!
Saturday, March 3, noon–3 p.m. @ Capitol Hill Library

Discover the Lorax: Celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday with a reading of The Lorax, and create your own three-dimensional Truffula tree with artist and storyteller Kathy Karbo.
Saturday, March 3, 1–3 p.m. @ Capitol Hill Library
Sunday, March 4, 2–4 p.m. @ Gregory Heights Library
Saturday, April 7, 1–3 p.m. @ St. Johns Library
Registration required; call 503.988.5397.

Dr. Seuss Birthday Party Celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday with stories, games and more!
Sunday, March 4, 2–4 p.m. @ Fairview-Columbia Library

International Schools and Immersion Programs

Here in Portland, we believe we have a wealth of educational choices.  On such choice is language study.  Portland Public Schools offer language immersion programs: Ainsworth, Atkinson, Beach offers Spanish Immersion; Woodstock offers Mandarin Immersion; Richmond offers Japanses.

The International School also offers language study (Chinese, Japanese, Spanish) for our children.  Melinda, in a previous conversation on kindergartens, says:

Giving our daughter a bilingual education is a real priority for us. We went to an open house at the International School last night. They offer immersion programs in Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese from pre-school to grade 5. Does anyone have any experience, both positive and maybe not-so-positive, with the International School?

Children's Art Supplies Study

We've gotten information about a study that some urbanFamilies may be interested in...

Study Details:
The project is focused on children's art supplies and will be conducted by SmartRevenue on behalf of a leading children's art supplies manufacturer. Participants will meet one of SmartRevenue's researchers at a local retailer to participate in a short, mock-shopping trip. After the shop-along participants will engage in a brief 12-15 minute interview on their shopping habits and history.

Compensation:
Participants will receive $25 dollars after the completion of the interview.

Dates:
Friday, Saturday, and Sundays from March 3rd -March 25th 2007

Eligible Participants:
* A mother with at least one child in your household between the ages of 2 and 10 years
* Have purchased Children's Art Supplies in the past 12 months
* Are open to purchasing Children's Art Supplies in the next 6 months

Contact Us:
Interested candidates should email Anne Dougherty, SmartRevenue Children's Art Supplies Study Director at crayons@smartrevenue.com to schedule an appointment. Be sure to include "Portland urbanMamas" in the subject line.

Ariel Gore, Hip Mama, in Portland

Ariel Gore, publisher.editor of e-zine Hip Mama, will be at the Central Library leading reading and discussions. See her live in action at the Central Library on Saturday, February 17, from 1 PM to 2:30 PM. Event is hosted by Multnomah County Library.

Healthy Foods for Healthy Students

Today, there's a bill being introduced to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee to get junk food out of Oregon's schools. The bill sets nutrition standards on snack foods and beverages sold in schools for sugar content, fat, saturated fat and calories. These standards are consistent with a law passed in California and with national guidelines negotiated by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. We know many of us are conscientious about what we eat and where our foods come from. This effort will make healthy food in more available in schools to make sure schools model good eating habits in addition to teaching nutrition in the classroom. Read more at Upstream Public Health.

And, if you feel so inclined, call your legislator and let 'em know what you think.

Sensory Integration Disorder - Questions!

Keith posted a comment recently seeking recommendations from the urbanMamas community:

My wife and I (can I be an UrbanPapa?) (urbanMamas note: Keith, of course you are an urbanPapa!) have a 5 year old with SID, and are trying to navigate the process. Throughout, it can be very intense and we worry about getting the right supports for our son, we fret over the intensity of what we have to manage . . . we just want to get it right, and help him be happy.

He is in a Montessori school that has been a good fit for him, and since his referral from the ESD he is in program at Grout for kids with special needs. They're serving him for adaptive and social/emotional delays there.

We're doing OT at Therapy Solutions now for his SID. We have been happy there and are looking forward to working with Barbara Avila who does RDI (Relationship Development Intervention) training for parents. Challenge is that it's not covered by our insurance, and costly.

Questions:

1. Who is doing the best OT work for SID locally? Is there anyone who is an expert, as opposed to "Yeah, we do 'some of that'"?
2. Does anyone have any strategies to manage uber-tantrums? We feel our son's tantrums are anxiety driven, and when he goes there, he screams uncontrollably, kicks, hits, etc. Very little seems to work, short of restraining him, and just re-assuring him that we love him, we're there for him, etc. It's emotionally exhausting for all of us (including, we suspect, his 3 year old brother). Help. Any ideas?
3. Has anyone done any RDI work and found it helpful for SID?
4. Is there any support group going out there? We live in SE, Mt Tabor area.

Celebrate! Portland Public Schools

The season of school info, selection and such is in FULL swing. Most schools are having informational events as well as providing opportunities to tour classrooms. Check with individual schools to find out what on-campus events they may have planned - including what events may be REQUIRED if you are considering a charter school.

THE BIG EVENT where you can get an overview on the myriad of educational choices at every Portland Public School is this Saturday, February 3 from 10:00 am to 3:00pm at the Portland Expo Center: “Celebrate! Portland Public Schools.”

A lot of fun activities are planned for the day in addition to learning about individual schools and the mechanics of the enrollment process. You can find out more info by calling 503-916-3304 or checking the website.

Infant/Toddler Sign Workshop

Thanks Leslie for passing on this info. We're sure many other urbanFamilies will be interested:

Due to loads of requests from local parents, LilyToad is teaming up with the Portland Early Learning Program to offer an infant/toddler sign and language development workshop on Sunday, Feb. 4 from 4-6 pm. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. $45 per couple includes 2 hour workshop and a highly acclaimed infant sign book. You can register either at LilyToad or on-line at here.

Daycare to Preschool in One Spot?

Our son Anders turned 2 in November, and we've thought all along that we'd put him into a pre-school program in the fall. It seems like a good age for him, and based on what our nanny says and how much he loves playing with other kids now, I think he'd enjoy the transition to a larger, more structured environment. However, we've just started sharing the news that we'll be having another baby in August...while we're thrilled about the addition to the family, I'm worried about making the transition to preschool a smooth one for Anders. I dont want him making a negative connection between the baby and going to school. (I expect him to make plenty of negative connections because of the baby, so hopefully I can avoid this one?!) :)

So, more recently, we've been thinking about trying to get him into a program sometime this summer so that he can get through that transition and (hopefully) be excited about it before the baby comes. From reading previous posts about daycare options and preschools, lots of things come to mind about the timing of my ideal situation...Which brings me to my question...What are my chances of getting him into a preschool starting in May or June? Or should I be looking at a center such as Growing Seeds that offers daycare as well as preschool with the intention that he could do daycare in the summer and start preschool in the fall? Any suggestions on centers (preferably in N/NE) that offer both a daycare and preschool situation? Or, any great N/NE preschools that could take him at 2.5 in May or June? I know that many preschools run on a typical September to May school year, but I wonder if any offer summer programs too? I figure I'm not the only mama around who's had to think through timing like this and come up with a strategy...any suggestions?

Getting Ready for Auctions

Auction season is right around the corner, and many of us will be involved in organizing, procuring, and advertising. Auctions are employed by our schools small and large, private and public, preschool and elementary. Not only is it a great way to raise funds for a school, it's also usually a fun way to socialize with teachers, administrators, and parents of the school community. Shane is working on organizing classroom projects for auction at the event:

We are getting ready for our annual auction fundraiser at my daughter's school. Does anyone have any ideas for classroom projects that worked well?

Montessori Schools in Portland

Even though the new year is still so new, it's time to start thinking about the options for the fall. Lydia is gettiing a head start and researching Montessori preschools:

I'd like to ask other urbanMamas about the Montessori schools in Portland. My daughter will turn three during the 07/08 school year, so I'm researching now and getting ready to apply by the end of next month. We live in the Mt Tabor area - so far we've visited the Franciscan Earth School and Harmony Montessori and had good impressions of them both. I'm particularly interested to hear from any mamas who are NOT happy with the schools their children attend, and why.

Another eastside Montessori School is Providence Montessori.

On the westside, there is Childpeace Montessori, Odyssey Montessori, West Hills School, Two Rivers, Child's View.

We welcome your feedback, if you'd had experiences with these schools.

Love & Logic Workshop

The workshop last September experienced a great response, and it's back again.  The session will include a brief overview of Love and Logic (focusing on the 0-5 age group) with lots of time to walk through specific scenarios.  The session hopes to help take the ideas from the Love and Logic books and learning how to really put them into practice in day-to-day situations with kids.  Here are details:

Love & Logic Workshop
Thursday, January 18
6:30 to 8:00 PM
held at Growing Seeds North, 6501 NE MLK

Presenter: Tracey Johnson, LCSW

Cost: $15 person or $20 a couple

No child care will be provided/a parents only event

Please RSVP to Amy at Growing Seeds at amy@growingseeds.net by Friday Jan 12th

Music Classes for Preschoolers

Thank you, Susan, for sending in your question:

I’m wondering if you could post a question about music classes for preschoolers.  I enjoyed taking my older son to music classes at the Community Music Center, but now with my three year old, I’m wondering about the other options out there.  The Music Together classes especially intrigue me, however they cost twice as much as the classes at the Community Music Center.  Are they that much better?  Anyone have experience with other places?

Baby Talk - did you buy?

As a follow up to a previous post on Dunstan baby language videos, has anyone actually purchased them?  Jillian is wondering:

I was wondering if any urbanMamas have purchased and watched the Dunstan Baby Language DVD as seen on Oprah)...?  I remain curious about it, but before I spend $60 I'd love to see if others out there believe it's worth the money.

Planning for Kindergarten

Sometimes it seems like the Kindergarten cut-off is a bit arbitrary.  September is a common month, with a least 20 states using a day in September as the cut-off.  We found a partial list different states' cut-off dates here.  There are reasons to wait, and there are reasons to try to see if your child should enter kindergarten with the rest of his/her friends.  Jessica wonders:

My son is a September baby and so misses the public school kindergarten cut-off date. That means that all his pre-school friends will be going on to kindergarten without him. It’s not that I think he’s some kind of crazy genius, but I do think he’s ready to go on to kindergarten – he’s got great social skills, which is probably the most important thing. On the other hand I don’t want to push him, but I also don’t relish the thought of another year of the same class.

It seems crazy to have to think about this so far in advance, but I guess the testing would need to get done soon. So.  Anybody got suggestions?  Anybody gone through the testing the school district requires for early admission?

Time out for Teachers

urbanMamas, we got wind of a great idea and offer.  The 5th Avenue Suites offers a very special package called "Time Out for Teachers".  It's $89 for a Deluxe Room and $99 for a one-bedroom suite.  The day of luxury includes complimentary valet parking, an evening wine reception, and coffee & tea service in the morning.  It sounds like a wonderful treat for all the teachers that do hard work educating our children.  The special runs now through January 8, 2007; from March 16 to April 9; and from May 25 to 29.  Sounds like it could be a great group gift for the teachers in your lives!

If you or a friend or if any of your children's teachers/care providers would be interested, please feel free to pass this on them.

Return to Audubon

We have a house full of people waiting for a baby to be born, which is a little stressful. So when the sun made a special guest appearance yesterday, my Pop and I took off for a hike. Not wanting to be too far from the house, we went stomping on the Wildwood Trail.

During that trek, we took a break at the Audubon Society of Portland and I spent every minute there mumbling to myself..."Why has it been a year since I brought Mila here?" Not only are there plenty of kid-friendly trails, you can view birds that have been rescued by the Society.  This menagerie includes Julio the Great Horned Owl and Finnegan the Peregrine Falcon. You will also find a natural history display and The Nature Store.

The Nature Store has plenty of educational and whimsical items for young and old alike. PLUS you can save $10 off your purchase of $30 or more if you have a CHINOOK BOOK!  To top it all off the Society has guided hikes, kid camps, and other educational activities all year round - including a performance by children’s musician David Hall on December 9 at 1:30 pm.

One of my New Year resolutions will be to get my family there more often (this joins Tryon Creek State Park  on an always expanding list), I hope to see you there:

Audubon Society of Portland
5151 NW Cornell Road, Portland OR 97210
Off-street Parking on site

*Another option is to park at Macleay Park and hike the Lower Macleay Trail to the Wildwood Trail (the junction is at the Stone House, continue straight at that point - don't go up the hill). The trail stays level as it follows Balch Creek and briefly heads uphill before reaching a parking lot. Head west 1/10 mile from the parking lot to the Audubon Center. This scenic hike is approximately 1 1/2 miles each way and is definitely kid-friendly.

Connected Parenting Series

Zenana Spa and Wellness Center is offering a Connected Parenting Series.  Here are the details:

A 6 week Class and Discussion/Practice Group series. A new session starts January 10th - register now to reserve a spot - childcare fills quickly!

Cost: $120 per person, $160 per couple, plus $45 for childcare for one child, $65 for two in the same family for 6 week session. SLIDING SCALE available - contact Lyla@zenana-spa.com.

Meets once per week for 1.25 hours per week. This group is focused on the primacy of connection in parenting children of all ages and on parenting without punishments or rewards. Look deeply past difficult behaviors to discover the underlying needs of our children (and ourselves), and begin to use concrete tools to respond effectively to parenting challenges. Incorporates concepts from the work of Alfie Kohn, Lawrence J. Cohen, Dr. Gordon Nuefeld, and Mary Sheedy Kurchinka as well as the professional and personal experience of Lyla and Emily.

Facilitated by: Lyla Wolfenstein, B.S., IBCLC, RLC - Parent Educator, Lactation Consultant and Mother of 2; and Emily Troper, ECE - Early Childhood Educator and Mother of 4
Schedule: Wednesdays from 10am - 11:15am

Baby Talk

Did anyone see the Oprah show earlier this week about the woman who has "unlocked the secret language of babies"? An Austrailian woman named Priscilla Dunstan has studied the cries and sounds of over 1000 babies and is now working with a team at Brown University to further study the sounds that babies make prior to crying. She's deducted that all babies say five words to communicate what they are needing..."neh", "owh", "heh", "eair" and "eh"... I gotta say, it was pretty fascinating! Conveniently, she has a DVD coming out at the end of the month that will teach parents and parents to be the sounds and how to listen for them with your own baby. We had a fussy one, and I do think I would have shelled out the cash for another tool that could possibly have helped us during those first few months of fussiness. Go to oprah.com or dunstanbaby.com for more information if you're curious. Was anyone else as intrigued as me by this story? Would you buy the DVD for yourself or a baby shower?

“The Art of Living” at Fox Chase November 11

The Fox Chase Business Association and the Concordia Neighborhood Association are hosting a special fall community event THIS SATURDAY from 11 am – 9 pm.  Enjoy art, music, food, workshops, and fun for the whole family at participating Fox Chase businesses all day long!

The schedule of events is jammed packed! Here is a just a sample:

• Puppet shows at Heart in Hand preschool
• “Crafty Mamas Art Fair” at Milagros
• “Kid's Yoga with Dr. Amy Watson” at The Core Source
• One-on-one sessions with lactation consultant Zenana Rose of Beyond Birth Home Lactation Services at Milagros
• Sample delicious authentic delicacies from Mexico at Autentica
• Sample Stumptown coffee and single origin espresso at Extracto
• Temporary tattoos for kids and the young at heart at Blackbird Tattoo
• Cupcake decorating for the whole family at Herbivore

Yes, it is all FREE! Check out the full schedule on-line. We hope to see you there!

Tapestry of Tales Festival

We failed to share this information before the festival kicked off last weekend.  No fear, there is still plenty more storytelling this weekend!  This is the seventh year of this family storytelling festival, hosted by Multnomah County Library:

Children learn some of their most important reading lessons at the dinner table. These rich opportunities help children develop and practice their oral-language skills in interesting ways. They also acquire new vocabulary as adults around the table use more sophisticated and unusual words to communicate images and information about other times and places. 

This year in addition to the many public performances, the festival's outreach programs will bring stories to over 5000 elementary and middle school students throughout the county. There will also be a workshop to help county SUN School program coordinators learn to incorporate stories and storytelling into their after-school programs.

Check out the calendar for upcoming festival events now through November 18.  Also check out "other storytelling events" for upcoming storytelling (Tuesday Nov 7, Saturday Nov 11, Sunday Nov 12).

Powell's Raises the Bar

Powell's Books, independent bookstore extroirdinaire, wants to give 50,000 books to Beaverton and Portland public schools.  You can buy a $5.95 "book pledge" when you go into Powell's, and each one is good for a book for the schools.  The School Book Challenge will run from November 11, 2006 to January 1, 2007.  For each book pledge purchased, Powell's will give another TEN books to the schools.  Buy your book pleades now!

Read the full press release.

Sensory Integration Disorder: Support

Here's a question that arose from the original post Finding Preschools, Part 31 - Sensory Integration Disorder. Kirsten writes:

Does anyone know of any parent support groups for SID? Or a kindergarten option for a school which would be good for kids with SID? We are new to Portland, from Wisonsin, and are not very familiar with any elementary schools.

Do Re Mi: Seeking Piano Lessons

We have a six-year old, who is so SO so interested in playing the piano.  My husband and I both learned when we were little, so for the past couple of years, we teach her little things and songs on our piano at home.  But, there is only so much we can teach!  We have always wanted to steer clear of over-programming our little ones, though, so we have decided to defer the piano lessons.  Until now.  We signed up for a 10-week class at Ethos Music Center called "Kinder Keyboards".  It was a group lesson for kids 5-7.  After two sessions, we realized the class wasn't for us.  The group was unruly and it was a lot of waiting around as the teacher went from child to child.  In the meantime, waiting children didn't know what to do with themselves.

So, I ask: have you had any great experiences with piano lessons, either private or group?  At what age did you start your child's lessons?

Portland Public Schools Local Option Levy 26-84

You've probably seen the yard signs around Portland, but what does it really mean?  Mama Picture This sent us some factoids so we can spread the word on this measure for the upcoming election.  For more information, visit:  http://www.hope4schools.org/ .

Why do Portland Schools need a local option levy?  The Portland Public Schools Local Option Levy will pay for 380 teaching positions (including some in every school) and for updated curriculum and materials. These teaching positions will help to prevent overcrowded classrooms and will allow teachers to spend more time with students who need individual assistance. The levy will also provide up-to-date textbooks, workbooks, and teaching materials as well as vocational and technical classes that provide skills that prepare students for the workplace.

What happened to the previously approved local option levy? Portland voters approved a local option levy for schools in 2000 but it expired last year.

See Mama Read

Mamas, this sounds like a superb event.  Thank you, Kate, for sending it over!

Multnomah County Library presents "Zinesters Talking".  Come hear three of Portland's mama zine makers read about the trials and delights of birth, parenthood, and more.  Featuring:

• Rhonda Baker of Zuzu and the Baby Catcher
• Ariel Gore of Hip Mama
• Kate Haas of Miranda
  
  Tuesday, October 17, 6-8pm
  Central Library, US Bank Room
  801 SW 10th St.

Money Honey

For sure money talks.  What age is the right time to start learning?  How should allowances work, if at all?  Thanks for your email Sadie Rose:

How do we do it??  What is the best way to teach our little ones how to spend, save, earn, value?  Sometimes we can't just rely on example (wink, wink).  But really, I am dying to hear how other uMs and uFams teach their children the best way to handle this thing called money.

Growing Seeds Parenting Series

A new parenting series is taking place at the Hollywood location of Growing Seeds. I went to the first class which focused on the Love & Logic philosophy of caregiving. I found it helpful to hear other people talking about issues they face with their kids and new ways of approaching the challenging parenting situations I face with my son every day. I'll be at the training next week and hope to see some of you there. Here's the flyer:

Would you like more ideas for helping your child with…
· Name calling
· Physical aggression
· Hurt feelings
· Standing up for themselves in a positive way without needing an adult’s help
· Sibling fighting/relationships
If so, please join us for a training on….

Bullies and Victims:
How to help your child be neither

WHEN: Thursday September 28, 6:30-7:30
WHERE: Growing Seeds Hollywood
DETAILS:
· Presenter: Tracey Johnson, LCSW
· Cost: $15 person or $20 a couple
· No child care will be provided
· Please RSVP to Amy at Growing Seeds amy@growingseeds.net

Crafty Sundays at Contemporary Crafts Museum

Yet another great suggestion from an urbanMama, Sharai:

Hi Urbanmamas! I was searching online for arts & crafts experiences for my 6 year old son, and discovered the Contemporary Crafts Museum, which I've always meant to visit. Looks like they have a cool (and free) Family Discovery Sundays program once a month (next one is THIS Sunday), and also kids day camps on school holidays (camps are fee-based).  Admission to the Museum is always free.

November Elections

This site usually stays away from politics, which is fine.  Some may think these types of discussions aren't relevant to mama-ing or are too divisive.  It's my opinion that while political discussions are divisive, even in liberal Portland, they need to be had...everywhere.   In addition, I couldn't disagree more with the idea that today's politics don't affect our kids.

My first goal is to inspire even more discussion among yourselves, your families, your friends, your friends families (lofty goals!) about how today's issues reflect your values.

My second goal is to make sure that we (family & friends ALL over the country) are all registered to vote in November.   This is a precarious time in history and for our kids sake, we need to think carefully and honestly about our role in delivering them the type of world that they deserve. 

The first step is insuring your voice is heard by electing officials that reflect your values.

For voter registration info go to: http://www.rockthevote.com/2006-voter-registration-deadlines.php