kindergarten

Looking at Turtles (“the tutus”); Jonah 13 months old Now that wedding craze is over and work load steady, I’ve committed to volunteering in Jonah’s classroom once a week for an hour or so. The first week, I mentioned to J’s amazing teacher that I was great at organizing so she asked me to organize her files. I know that sounds like an easy task but it was one of those days where a) my brain was still in bed and b) I honestly had no clue as to what she was talking about and where things were supposed to go. HOWEVER, because she had at one point mentioned to us that ...Read More
The other day… Just as we were about to walk out the door to school… J: Oh, Mom! Can you give me a dollar? Me: Why? J: Because… I need one. Me: Why do you need one? J: Because I promised *Leo I’d give him a dollar. Me: Um. Why did you promise Leo you’d give him a dollar? J: Because he let me cut in line. So I told him I’d give him a dollar. He puts his hand out. I stared at him blankly.  J: Mom. Hello? Can I have one? Was this conversation really happening? When did he get to be a full-fledged kid ensued in  playground bribery? Are these kind of exchanges between boys common, I wondered? When ...Read More
Jonah’s example of an animal hibernating Lately, Jonah has been obsessed with using my computer to play online math games. These “games” are more like digital workbooks, and the kid cannot get enough. (Nerd alert). The games start at Kindergarten and go up to 8th grade. When Jonah found out that there was Geometry and Algebra and a chance to do 3rd, 4th, or even 5th grade math, he begged me to let him do it. I’m happy to support the curiosity over what “big kids” in 1st and 2nd grade are doing– as long as he can do most of it on his own. You can’t learn anything if I’m ...Read More
It occurred to me the other day that there are two very important things my son does, that are not only crucial to being a functional and independent human, but that as a parent I can take very little credit for: #1. Going to the bathroom (in a bathroom)#2. Reading. Let’s start with #1. Sure… Right before Jonah turned 2, in hopes that he would just be naturally drawn to potty training, I bought a little potty that lit up and sang if “the goods” hit the bowl. In truth… Other than becoming a receptacle for Curious George stickers and thick strands of black hair during my (weekly) blowout session (it’s the best I can do, people), ...Read More
I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and their client. #ThisisStyle  for #backtoschool #cbias Gulp. My son is going to be a kindergartener. A full-fledged kindergartener! This year, shopping for back to school apparel and items is more poignant and important than ever. Though my son spent last year in Transitional Kindergarten (thank goodness for “red shirting”), this year really counts as “The Year.” It’s go time, for reals, and there’s no turning back. (Sigh). But, lucky for me, I’ve teamed up with Collective Bias and SearsStyleto find the ...Read More
Last year, I tried to volunteer at school as much as I could. Spending time in Jonah’s class -cutting paper, cleaning up, passing out goodies on special occasions, etc.- opened my eyes not only to the world of Transitional Kindergarten and public school, but also to the differences between boys and girls… At an early age, it’s clear that there is an inherent difference in attention to detail… Generally, the boys scribble fast, while the girls keep the colors (coordinated) and in between the lines. This basically results in Jonah coming home with a lot of projects that, well… look like… someone just wanted to get outside and play zombies ...Read More
We are in the process of moving and I’m in clean up mode from top to bottom, inside and out… Including all things tech. So, I found this video while cleaning up my computer. It’s probably about 3 years old, as Jonah was really only about 2 (though his silliness and sense of humor was quite evident even then). I’m a total dork in the video and I’m not quite sure where exactly I was looking or why I even shot it… but boy, I can’t believe how time is flying. Next week is the last week of school… and then it’s on to Kindergarten (the real Kindergarten). Videos like ...Read More
04.17.13
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“Hi, Jonah’s Mommy,” they whispered as I entered the classroom.  “Hi, everyone,” I said quietly with a little wink directed at Jonah. When I dropped him off at school in the morning, I asked his teacher Mrs. S if she needed any volunteers later in the day. I have volunteered a few times… and though it almost inevitably means my son will misbehave more than usual (I suspect because he’s 5, and is excited that I’m there and therefore, “showing off”), I had an urge to be there… Even if it meant watching Jonah squirm when he should be listening, or me witnessing a flaw in the ...Read More
I’m not saying that my trip to Haiti was brave. I’m just saying that it made me worry. Until I saw the children. As always, children change everything. Day 1 When I was first contacted by Susan Pocharski, Entertainment Director at Ladies’ Home Journal, asking me if I’d like to join them, CrocsCares, and Feed the Children for a trip to Haiti to deliver shoes to school children, I was beyond honored and thrilled. Opportunities like these are rare and there wasn’t an ounce of hesitation when I leaped back with YES! In addition, I was going to be traveling with Real Housewife of New York, Countess LuAnn de ...Read More