Sick, Sick, Sick!

I got something heavy bad last week. It coincided with Allegra's 9th Birthday (November 8) party (November 10) which went ahead as planned and knocked me to the floor in the process. I haven't been online too much because when I sat down I wanted to sink into my sickness and there just wasn't any time for that...I'm much better now, thankfully. Now, of course, I have to go sing:)

I did send this off to Karen at the Little Paper this morning and I thought I'd show you too while I have a moment:

20th Annual Festival of Lights!
Kensington Market
December 21st, 5pm - 7:30pm
Come parade through a spectacular and see the CircleSing! Bringers of Spring! Shadow Puppet stage performing, this year, with Riverdale Youth Singers!

Babytime Sessions begin at St. Joe’s on January 8^{th until} June 10^th
2:15 and 3pm – 6 weeks for $45
Register at Childbirth and Parenting: 416-530-6331

BobSkipHop(Toddlers) at Swansea Town Hall
Musings(Babies) at Swansea Town Hall
begin January 17^th until April 17^th 10am & 11am, respectively.
$150/12 sessions, $110/8sessions, $60/4 sessions
Register with Lucy: 416-603-2335 or missjennielea@circlesing.com

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Where I've Been....Where I'm Going...

I have a very clear memory. I've done this on purpose; kept this memory...

I was 5 and some caregiver was at the end of her day, frustrated with me and didn't care what I had to say - she just wanted me to obey.

I can remember sitting on the stair, the feel of the carpet under my hands, sunlight streaming in through the balcony door and tears running down my face. I was angry. To be fair, I don't remember what it was that I wanted...that's not what I intended to remember. I wanted to remember how unfair it was.

Even then I knew that, sometimes, I was unreasonable and needed to be set straight, but in this instance - in my mind, anyway - I was up against injustice. I remember the allegation that I was too small for it to matter how I felt.

And I remember a promise I made to myself:

"When I grow up, I'm going to listen to little kids. I'm going to take their feelings serious(;p) and not just be mean cuz I'm big."

Honestly, I never thought it would go this far but the fact of the matter is that the development of my work has this idea deeply rooted within it. So much of what I have learned has come directly from the children themselves. It comes from their responses, their stories and their actions. Its an ever-evolving practice that demands each situation be dealt with in the unique way that it presents itself.

I'm not the only one who sees the value of this respect I have found many, many books, magazines, other documents and speakers to support the idea far beyond that fact that its nice to be nice to kids:

The YMCA was in the process of developing its curriculum: Playing to Learn, while I was first exploring CircleSing!, mostly with friends and family.

During that time I was quite inspired by a vast array of educators including Maria Montessori, Rudolf Steiner, Eleanor Reynolds, and Barbara Coloroso. Carl Orff, Emile Jacques Dalcroz,Clare Cherry,and the Royal Conservatory of Music provided specialized information that is still applicable generally.

I've learned lots from Leah Salomaa and Michael Anderson as well as the caregivers at the YMCA Daycares and the University Settlement House. I've read dozens of articles at Today's Parent and ZerotoThree (which, incidentally, has a fabulous book list - linked) and articles AND books by Ann Douglas, who seems to talk to a very wide range of professionals, and of course I always keep up with Dr. Sears.

So, for those who may be wondering where I get my information - there you have it:) Well, most of it - there is more and if you'd like it, do let me know.

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Scrubs?

I'm not in the habit of suggesting that people watch TV but I am a realist. There is good stuff to be found every where. And while I don't watch this particular show that often, I found these clips online and thought: Wow. There are a whole bunch of messages in this episode (made clearly towards the end) that I would LOVE to share with parents and caregivers everywhere.
(and I'll be posting that info on EC Behaviour by tomorrow, Laura - I'm just wanting to give you something substantial:)

So - here you go:
Season 7 Episode 2: My Hard Labour
Part 1



Part 2


Part 3

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