Tag: teaching

Posted in All About Self Control, Just Talkin'

Summer Fun: Games That Build Self-Control

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Summer is officially here, and with it comes longer days, warmer weather, and plenty of opportunities for fun! While it’s great to let kids run wild and burn off energy, remember that summer is also a fantastic time to subtly teach important life skills. One of the most valuable lessons you can impart is self-control.

Self-control isn’t just about good behavior; it’s a foundational skill that helps kids succeed in school, navigate social situations, and thrive in various environments. Think about it: sitting still in a classroom, waiting patiently at a restaurant, or being quiet during a church service all require a good dose of self-control.

The good news? You don’t need a textbook or a lecture to teach this! Many classic games are perfect for helping kids practice sitting still, being quiet, and managing their impulses. These aren’t just fun ways to pass the time; they’re powerful tools for developing crucial self-regulation skills.

Here are a few ideas for games that encourage stillness and quiet, perfect for those moments when you need a little calm amidst the summer excitement:

Hide-and-Seek

This timeless favorite is brilliant for fostering self-control. While one person counts, the hiders must find a spot and then remain absolutely still and silent, no matter how tempting it is to giggle or move. The thrill of not being found reinforces the importance of quiet and stillness.

Freeze Dance

Turn on some music and let your kids dance their hearts out. But when the music stops, they have to freeze in whatever position they’re in! This game challenges them to stop their bodies instantly and hold still until the music starts again. It’s a fantastic way to practice quick transitions and physical restraint.

Statues (or Red Light, Green Light)

Similar to freeze dance, the “Statues” game involves striking a pose and holding it perfectly still. You can call out different statue themes (e.g., “animal statues,” “sports statues”) to add to the fun. “Red Light, Green Light” is another variation where kids run on “green light” and must freeze immediately on “red light.” These games are excellent for practicing impulse control and physical stillness.

Incorporating these types of games into your summer routine provides a playful yet effective way to build essential self-control. Not only will you be creating lasting memories, but you’ll also be equipping your children with skills that will benefit them for years to come. So, this summer, embrace the quiet moments and play your way to better self-control!

Posted in All About Self Control

Consistency is Key: Nurturing Self-Control in Your Preschooler

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Self-control is a cornerstone of success in all areas of life. It’s the ability to manage emotions, resist temptations, and persevere towards goals. While it may seem daunting to instill this vital skill in your energetic preschooler, the good news is that you have a powerful tool at your disposal: consistency.

Why Consistency Matters

Think of your child’s brain as a developing garden. Just as a gardener needs to consistently water and weed to cultivate healthy plants, you need to provide consistent boundaries and expectations for your child’s behavior.

  • Predictability Fosters Security: Consistent routines and expectations create a sense of predictability and security for young children. This predictability helps them understand what is expected of them, reducing anxiety and making it easier for them to cooperate.
  • Teaches Cause and Effect: When consequences for certain behaviors are consistently applied, children begin to understand the link between their actions and the outcomes. This helps them learn to make choices that lead to positive results.
  • Builds Trust: Consistent discipline, delivered with love and understanding, builds trust between parent and child. Children learn that their parents are reliable and will follow through on their words.

Tips for Maintaining Consistency

  • Establish Clear Rules: Clearly define and communicate your expectations for behavior. Keep the rules simple and age-appropriate.
  • Create Routines: Consistent routines provide a predictable structure for your child’s day, reducing anxiety and making it easier for them to cooperate.
  • Follow Through: It’s crucial to consistently follow through with the consequences of your child’s behavior. This doesn’t mean being harsh, but it does mean being firm and fair.
  • Be Patient and Persistent: Building self-control takes time and effort. There will be setbacks along the way. Stay patient and persistent in your approach.

Research Supports the Power of Consistency

Research consistently shows that consistent parenting practices are linked to better outcomes for children. For example, a study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that children of parents who were consistent in their discipline were more likely to develop strong self-control skills and better social-emotional functioning (Kochanska, G., & Murray, K. T. (2000). Effortful control in early childhood: Origins of individual differences. Child Development, 71(1), 109-127).

Remember: Consistency doesn’t mean being rigid or inflexible. It means providing a predictable and supportive environment where children can learn and grow. By consistently setting clear expectations, providing loving guidance, and celebrating their successes, you can help your child develop the essential life skill of self-control.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical or psychological advice.

I hope this blog post helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Posted in Good Stuff, Just Talkin', Positive Flow

Every Little Step I Take. . .

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Good Morning Most Awesome and Wonderful World Changers! I remember a song we used to sing at church when I was little. It said, “ If I take just one step, then God will do the rest.” As a child, I truly believed that God actually comes to get involved in our daily lives. As I grew up and had many prayers unanswered, I started learning the laws of God and the universe. So it is a little true that God will do the rest. It’s the laws that God set in place in the universe that does the rest. The law of attraction says if you take a step there mentally, it will come to you. Take step toward joy and believe that you have joy; and it comes to you. If you’ve been there in your mind, you’re a step closer. Although it seems easy, it is not. Sometimes you go 2 steps forward and 3 steps back. It’s easy to settle into the fantasy of God that we learned when we were children; thinking that we can sit back and watch God do everything. It’s so freeing to realize that we can take action mentally, which will bring us steps closer. Every little step we take, gets us closer to our dreams!

Daily Affirmations: today is a magnificent day. I am taking steps closer to my dreams. I am growing and learning every day. I love myself. I love my life. Great things are flowing my way. I am one with God and God is everything. I am healthy, wealthy, whole, and complete. ALL IS WELL IN MY CLASSROOM. ALL IS WELL IN MY SCHOOL. ALL IS WELL IN MY WORLD. ALL IS WELL AND I AM SAFE. #IBlessMyWorldWithLove

Posted in Just Talkin', Positive Flow

Be Responsible, Be Respectful, and Be Ready!

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Teaching our kids to be responsible and respectful are two of the most important concepts you could ever teach! Oh what a wonderful world we would live in, if everybody learned to be responsible and respectful. Which really means mind your own business! Take care of the things you need to do. “Secure your mask first, then help someone else” as they say before you go on a flight! But literally, that what being responsible and respectful means. The old church members used to say, “ sweep around your own front door, before you try to sweep around mine”. As educators, it is important to teach our children these lessons. If we are going to raise up the next citizens, this is what we need to teach!

Posted in Just Talkin'

Mr Demby’s Teaching Philosophy!

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Teachers. Don’t overlook teachable moments trying to teach! Many times we’re so busy trying to follow the curriculum, that we miss major life shaping lessons. Your teaching should inspire your students, so if they are asking questions; help them find the answers. Even if the question doesn’t pertain to to this particular lesson you’re teaching. If children are excited about something enough to ask about it, go with it. It is my belief that children don’t really learn from what you teach, but from how you teach. Case in point, we were doing a piano lesson in class. We were learning to play D-F-A. One of my students said, “ I wonder how pianos makes sounds”? I instantly took the top off the piano and call the students over and showed them the hammers and mechanisms. Then I allowed them to touch it. They were amazed. That wasn’t the lesson. The lesson came the next time someone had a question about something. “Let’s take it apart and see, just like we did the piano” ! That was the lesson!

Daily Affirmations: Today is an Awe-inspiring Day! I look forward to what every new hour brings. My life is divinely guided and I am always headed in the best direction. Every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. I am healthy, wealthy, whole, and complete. ALL IS WELL IN MY CLASSROOM. ALL IS WELL IN MY SCHOOL. ALL IS WELL IN MY WORLD. ALL IS WELL AND I AM SAFE. #IBlessMyWorldWithLove

Posted in Just Talkin', Positive Flow

Mr. Demby’s Teacher Tip Rant

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Children can tell! Children can tell if you, the teacher, don’t like them. They can tell what you think of them, the moment of your first interaction. Most times, their instincts are not wrong. People always look at me weird because I fuss at my children. Sometimes if you walk by my classroom, you may hear me yelling. However, the majority of my students knew, that I was pulling the best from them. Many of them have come back to me, thanking me because I was the reason they wanted to come to school. I’m one of those teacher that is going to keep it real. I even had a few students that I told. “Look I don’t like you, and you don’t like me but since we have to coexist, let’s make the best of it.” by the end of the year we were a lot closer! Be real with your students, they can tell!

Daily Affirmations: Today is an Amazing Day! I am my authentic self. What others do and feel have nothing to do with me. I am guided by infinite love and I am always headed in the best direction. I am healthy, wealthy, whole, and complete. ALL IS WELL IN MY CLASSROOM. ALL IS WELL IN MY SCHOOL. ALL IS WELL IN MY WORLD. ALL IS WELL AND I AM SAFE. #IBlessMyWorldWithLove

Posted in Just Talkin', Positive Flow

Mr Demby’s Teaching Philosophy

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Many people feel like it’s bad to be firm with students. Other teachers tell me, “You can’t yell at kids, it might make them feel bad.” But I yell at them, then talk to them. Sometimes I feel like as adults we have to force kids to do something’s until they are responsible enough to choose for themselves. Just like with brushing you teeth and taking a bath. Our parents have to force us to do it because it’s just the right to do. Then as we get older, they don’t have to tell us because it has become apart of us. Case in point. The first time I made my kids sit quiet and close their eyes and have a meditation moment, they weren’t taking it seriously. So I had to force them to do it and do it right. Now they request the meditation time. So it’s okay to have a “ don’t try me” as you teach. Kids know when you’re trying to help them versus trying to hurt them.

Daily Affirmations: Today is a Marvelous day. I choose to move with joy and ease. Every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. I love myself. I am healthy, wealthy, whole, and complete. ALL IS WELL IN MY CLASSROOM. ALL IS WELL IN MY SCHOOL. ALL IS WELL IN MY WORLD. ALL IS WELL AND I AM SAFE. #IBlessMyWorldWithLove

Posted in Good Stuff, Just Talkin', Positive Flow

Mr. Demby’s Teaching Philosophy

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Freedom is given when you’re responsible enough to handle it. Freedom should not be given with age. The saddest classrooms are those 5th grade classes that the teachers treat like 5th graders but they still behave like 3rd graders. Teachers have to learn to only give freedom when it is earned not because of the age of the students. Even sadder, there are some high school students who have been given the total freedom of high school and they still need 5th grade treatment. Note to all teachers…. “ Freedom is given with responsibility, not with age!

Daily Affirmations: Today is a Wonderful day. I choose to move with joy and ease. Life is simple and easy. I love and approve of myself. I am learning and growing more and more everyday. I am healthy, wealthy, whole, and complete. ALL IS WELL IN MY CLASSROOM. ALL IS WELL IN MY SCHOOL. ALL IS WELL IN MY WORLD. ALL IS WELL AND I AM SAFE. #IBlessMyWorldWithLove

Posted in Just Talkin'

Mr Demby’s Two Cents

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Just ask me a question about teaching, and I’ll tell you the Demby way to do it! I have my own quirky way of handling things in my classroom! I’m going to share it with you!

Daily Affirmations: Today is a fabulous day! I love myself more and more. I am worthy of all the good in the universe. People listen to me. My thinking is sound and solid. I am healthy, wealthy, whole, and complete. ALL IS WELL IN MY CLASSROOM. ALL IS WELL IN MY SCHOOL. ALL IS WELL IN MY WORLD. ALL IS WELL AND I AM SAFE.#IBlessMyWorldWithLove

Posted in Positive Flow

Happy Juneteenth!

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Good Morning Most Awesome and Wonderful World Changers! Juneteenth.com says Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.

Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.

https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2020/06/15/what-is-juneteenth-explained-orig-mg.cnn

Daily Affirmations: Today is a Wonderful Day! I am free to be me. I am proud of my history and culture. I am strong because of my ancestors. I am great and there is greatness in me! I love myself. I sprinkle love into every encounter that I have today. I am healthy, wealthy, whole, and complete. ALL IS WELL IN MY CLASSROOM. ALL IS WELL IN MY SCHOOL. ALL IS WELL IN MY WORLD. ALL IS WELL AND I AM SAFE. #IBlessMyWorldWithLove