tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10336729522948975552024-02-06T22:01:47.622-06:00Play Therapy at Instilling HopePlay, therapy, counseling, techniques, activitiesLea M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09972961552232493957noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033672952294897555.post-80050131247085832912016-07-12T22:24:00.002-05:002016-07-12T22:24:45.357-05:00Impulse Expert KitIn my therapy practice I have been working with kids that have impulse control issues. I came up with the idea to make an "Impulse Control Kit"
Here is what you will need ...<br />
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1. Small tote (school box)
2. Robot Mask "programmed for good choices" (can be decorated)<br />
3. Compass "Decision Finder"<br />
4. Miniature Tiger "to be brave"<br />
5. Stop Sign "STOP, THINK, DECIDE"<br />
6. Emoji Ball "Stress Reducer"<br />
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I read the book "What Were You Thinking?" and then talked about ways to make the kit. Let the child make the box with you and be creative!
most items I purchased at Michael's.
Send me pictures of your kits! I would love to see them.<br />
<br />
Lea May, LMFT, RPT
Instilling Hope LLC
Oklahoma City, OK
<br />
www.instillinghopellc.com<br />
instillinghopellc@gmail.com<br />
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<br />Lea M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09972961552232493957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033672952294897555.post-21431979625563668752013-07-13T22:10:00.001-05:002013-07-13T22:10:15.226-05:00Someone Like You Adele Cover By Amber Amanda and the Indigo Kid<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kdQoCPcqoZU" width="480"></iframe>Lea M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09972961552232493957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033672952294897555.post-51143362794956305532013-05-21T21:55:00.001-05:002013-05-21T21:55:39.212-05:00Talking to your children about the Oklahoma tornado
With all the coverage on the news about the tragic events that have occurred in Oklahoma the media has only touched on the issue of how to talk with your children concerning this tragedy. Here are some helpful links for parents, teachers and caregivers.
Prayers are with everyone touched by this tragedy.
After the tornado, helping your children heal.
<a href="http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/helping_young_children_heal_tornado.pdf"></a>
Talking to Children about the Tragedy.
<a href="http://www.stand.org/oklahoma/blog/2013/05/21/talking-children-about-tragedy""></a>
Tips for Parents on the Media Coverage
<a href="http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/tornadoes_media_final.pdf""></a>
Information for Parents and teachers on trauma and loss
<a href="http://www.tlcinstitute.org/PTRCtrauma.html">http://www.tlcinstitute.org/PTRCtrauma.html"></a>
Lea May
LMFT
Lea M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09972961552232493957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033672952294897555.post-881740594177607312012-02-26T09:10:00.001-06:002012-02-26T09:13:51.961-06:00Talents - what is yours?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeqQ_doqevF7feud5A5jZCjH6e1BwU7RZAm_Nf1bFagFeCdTwj7ulgUq3kza9wR3EqCEs5rxn1uUfyd-hVgN5Qgs9Rdt_n4vD-HAQPG6cuFsG66GV9QMXOy2Wxmuv7k94FxuJ546-EK6f/s1600/talents.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeqQ_doqevF7feud5A5jZCjH6e1BwU7RZAm_Nf1bFagFeCdTwj7ulgUq3kza9wR3EqCEs5rxn1uUfyd-hVgN5Qgs9Rdt_n4vD-HAQPG6cuFsG66GV9QMXOy2Wxmuv7k94FxuJ546-EK6f/s320/talents.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713462563173649970" /></a>Lea M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09972961552232493957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033672952294897555.post-25134838694069212652012-02-24T21:17:00.003-06:002012-02-24T21:34:37.750-06:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvvpAFRaMu8YUJc4Mw3bDAkLhAanaz5syp0KZ1F1TydP5CdQ_klo1Ewz0aivzRaUuj9tKnl0bpac4j_w5Klh4r1BAlPBGSfnyF5_lpPXSGl5mrFTvs1SdoSjDuFgL4eh3sBgoOoce_BJO/s1600/Can-Do-Attitude-654x434.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvvpAFRaMu8YUJc4Mw3bDAkLhAanaz5syp0KZ1F1TydP5CdQ_klo1Ewz0aivzRaUuj9tKnl0bpac4j_w5Klh4r1BAlPBGSfnyF5_lpPXSGl5mrFTvs1SdoSjDuFgL4eh3sBgoOoce_BJO/s320/Can-Do-Attitude-654x434.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712911343139981394" /></a><br />Attitude - How's yours today? <br />Our motivations and actions are affected by our attitude. Expectations are a big factor in developing a "can-do" attitude. Be realistic about what you can expect from your self and others. <br />Tips to remember:<br /> **Pay attention to your health. Healthy eating habits, regular medical checkups,exercise, and getting enough sleep.<br /> **Be aware of what's important to you. What are your goals and values?<br /> **Attitude can influence your choices and outcomes. Take ownership of what you have control over.<br /> **Practice stress relief activities.<br /> **Get involved in a weekly activity that has nothing to do with your family or job. Get out and play and have fun!<br /> **Plan and manage your time. Keep you important and positive life choices in mind and stay consistent in your values. <br /><br />From the book - 50 Wonderful Ways to be a Single Parent Family, Barry Ginsberg PhD.Lea M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09972961552232493957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033672952294897555.post-54395716113422566882012-02-23T23:06:00.000-06:002012-02-23T23:07:51.590-06:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCatO2xhsmLgzWykaqDpqfRtStepM8DtM97oxXbN6i4miVQxV5VnQjNkT_dEk9Gv-mr3nEc9qNrO5ZEeemgzPTEAAwIJzCdObdGiIoH113irwlEef7fQUZoFe_wxRrnUoLCpnAGVJpfZu5/s1600/positive+thoughts.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCatO2xhsmLgzWykaqDpqfRtStepM8DtM97oxXbN6i4miVQxV5VnQjNkT_dEk9Gv-mr3nEc9qNrO5ZEeemgzPTEAAwIJzCdObdGiIoH113irwlEef7fQUZoFe_wxRrnUoLCpnAGVJpfZu5/s320/positive+thoughts.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712564383601464898" /></a><br />Today's thought:<br />Look For Positives<br />1. Life is always changing-be flexible<br />2. Change negative thoughts to positive<br />3. Keep a list of the events of the day that made you "feel good"<br />4. Practice recognizing the positive things your children do and say while looking past negative behaviors. (My belief is that you get more of what you emphasize).<br /><br />Source - 50 Wonderful Ways to be a Single Parent Family<br />by Barry Ginsberg PhDLea M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09972961552232493957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033672952294897555.post-13910263028167176142012-02-09T20:35:00.000-06:002012-02-09T20:38:04.102-06:00The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)I am writing you today to ask you to help a cause that’s close to me: children.<br /><br />The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is the world’s most universally accepted treaty, a comprehensive statement of the treatment and respect deserved by every child under 18 in the world. The United States and Somalia are the only countries that have not ratified it. For the past 20 years, U. S. Presidents have failed to send the CRC to the Senate for ratification, although President Obama has said that he’d like to see it ratified. Ratification would end the US Government’s exile from global discussions about children and would help children and their families in the United States and everywhere else by making the CRC truly universal.<br /><br />Please sign our petition to President Obama at www.childrightscampaign.org to ask him to send the CRC to the Senate along with his recommendation that it be ratified. You can do it easily by visiting http://childrightscampaign.org/take-action/ask-the-president/petition.<br /><br />Thank you!<br /><br />--------------------------------------<br /><br />Thank you very much. This will make a positive difference for children everywhere.<br /><br />Meg Gardinier, Chair, CRC Campaign Steering Committee<br /><br />Can you help put us into the public eye by posting a link to the petition on your Facebook wall? Experience with other organizations has shown the effectiveness of that simple “like”.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=www.childrightscampaign.org/take-action/ask-the-president/petition"></a><br /><br />Click here to post to Facebook right now!<br /><br />In addition, you can help us by sending something like the message below to your friends and colleagues.<br /><br />--------------------------------------Lea M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09972961552232493957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033672952294897555.post-18904225491757720852011-12-27T00:07:00.002-06:002011-12-27T00:23:36.281-06:00New ExperiencesWell this week has been off to a great start! Residency 1 program in San Diego CA has started today and will continue till Friday. Had chance to go out with my kids today exploring the San Diego area. <br /><br />The Welcome meeting in a room with 450 PhD scholars was exciting but overwhelming at the same time. The Cohort socialization and College Colloquium was a much smaller group that will be meeting with most of the week in sessions. My group is the Human Services group and it seems that I am the only one here for my specialization (Disaster, Crisis Intervention). I can already tell that I am going to learn many things this week. Learning outcomes have been given and as stated "you get want you put into this week" spend this time learning and collaborating with other scholars in your field and others, making connections and building professional relationships.<br /><br />New word of the day (for me) Zemiology -http://www.reference.com/browse/zemiology<br /><br />Sessions start tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. so signing off for the night!<br /><br />LeaLea M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09972961552232493957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033672952294897555.post-16961891449495387932011-12-15T21:09:00.000-06:002011-12-15T21:10:56.453-06:00News from The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children<br /><br /><br />Here we are in the season of wishes. For traumatized children, and indeed for all, there are some very special hopes that are dearer to their hearts than any other gift. <br /><br />Today, we focus on 3 Wishes of Wounded Kids:<br /><br />1) Notice me – Often a child’s biggest worry is feeling alone after having been through a trauma. Check in with them often, say a random “I love you”, and give daily doses of quality connection time. Make frequent eye contact, and find those “meaning moments” throughout the day.<br /><br />2) Understand me – Remember that to be understanding, we don’t have to understand exactly what the child is going through. Be willing to listen, acknowledge, and affirm that they are having a hard time, and create learning space for them to “teach” you what life is like for them. Invite them to share with you and help them feel safe to do so.<br /><br />3) Soothe me – Create opportunities to engage their senses in soothing activities. This means using sensory descriptive words, physical affection that engages the instinctual part of the brain, and even fun activities with soothing scents, sights, and sounds. Use music, soft blankets, and “quiet lights”, especially at bedtime.<br /><br />Kids who have experienced trauma want nothing more than to feel safe and establish a new sense of normalcy in their worlds. The above reminders can help, and you will have given them a gift that will last them forever – confidence, connection, and hope. Be well on your journeys and best wishes to you all during this holiday season! ~ Cherie SpeharLea M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09972961552232493957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033672952294897555.post-72778689966885270452011-07-31T21:57:00.004-05:002011-08-04T07:44:34.085-05:0010 Ways to Ease Your Child's Transition Back to School10 Ways to Ease Your Child's Transition Back to School <br /><br />For most young children, going back to school is both an exciting and anxiety-provoking transition. Whether your child is going to school for the first time, relocating to a new school, or returning to the same school, these tips will help you prepare your child for a smooth transition!<br />1. Visit the school. Take your child to the school a few times to build a sense of familiarity. Point out the places or things that might be of interest to your child, such as the playground, auditorium, and cafeteria.<br /><br />2. Have play dates with new classmates. This will help your child feel comfortable with other kids in the class.<br /><br /> <br />3. Don’t overemphasize the positive. Highlighting the positive aspects of school is helpful, but try not to overemphasize them because this may create unrealistic expectations for your child.<br /><br />4. Prepare your child for the first day. Tell your child about the daily routine and help them make a mental movie of the day.<br /><br />5. Don’t try to fix their fears. If your child feels nervous about going to school, don’t minimize or try to fix their feelings. This may cause them to think their feelings aren’t acceptable. Instead, acknowledge your child’s feelings and let them know they are normal.<br /><br />6. Make goodbye easy. When you drop off your child, don’t draw it out. Try to keep your goodbye short and simple. Also, don’t talk about how much you will miss your child.<br /><br />7. Start getting into a routine. Sometimes structure falls out of place during the summertime, so you can prepare your child for school by implementing a regular bedtime and other routine habits.<br /><br />8. Give your child choices. Not going to school isn’t an option, but you can still give them a sense of control with other choices. For example, you can let them choose some of the foods in their lunch box.<br /><br />9. Play it out. Use dolls and toys to tell a story about going to school. This can be done in a few minutes before bed for a week or two before school starts, and it will help your child know what to anticipate and establish predictability.<br /><br />10. Ask the teacher for help. If your child has trouble adjusting to school, don’t hesitate to talk to your child’s teacher for extra support and assistance.<br /><br />Most children will weather the transition of going back to school just fine, but some may have prolonged difficulties. If your child continues to struggle after the first few weeks of school, consider talking with a professional about it!<br /><br />Warmly,<br /><br />Amy Wickstrom, PhD, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor<br /><br /><br /><br />For all you parents out there with children headed back to school this week. Yes that is right some schools in Oklahoma start tomorrow August 1st!Lea M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09972961552232493957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033672952294897555.post-61362289033734161332011-05-28T09:17:00.002-05:002011-05-28T09:22:34.632-05:00What Did You Do at School Today?Every day parents ask their children what they did at school. Every day students answer, "Oh, nothing." Try asking these specific questions to get real answers.<br /><br />What was something nice you said to a friend today?<br /><br />What did you do in math?<br /><br />What good book did your teacher read to you today?<br /><br />Who did you play with today?<br /><br />What was your favorite part of the day?<br /><br />How are you going to make tomorrow even better?<br /><br />What centers did you go to?<br /><br />Who did you sit beside at lunch?<br /><br />What was the "special" class you had today? (PE,Art,Computers, etc)Lea M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09972961552232493957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033672952294897555.post-82036720032065632412011-05-11T17:15:00.000-05:002011-05-11T17:15:43.949-05:00Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Power of Play with Dr. Stuart Brown<a href="http://webtalkradio.net/2011/05/09/hope-healing-and-wellbeing-%e2%80%93-the-power-of-play-with-dr-stuart-brown/">Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Power of Play with Dr. Stuart Brown</a>Lea M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09972961552232493957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033672952294897555.post-29387440334767476802010-08-26T14:21:00.004-05:002010-08-26T14:33:29.673-05:00Time to Breath<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0EhXVJMM4VKKeYn_rluoU5PWRfg6eIa10swh1j-Qgye9WOVygaACEszcHVNyPX4oulKHwpHdSoyyrFiEk2uZoP1_6Lmpk7xln35ZnD4xpLivMcAcv-kOLUziyX9ximJEQbzgf0ab76Tu/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0EhXVJMM4VKKeYn_rluoU5PWRfg6eIa10swh1j-Qgye9WOVygaACEszcHVNyPX4oulKHwpHdSoyyrFiEk2uZoP1_6Lmpk7xln35ZnD4xpLivMcAcv-kOLUziyX9ximJEQbzgf0ab76Tu/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509803682483163042" /></a><br />Hello Everyone!<br />Back from Scotland and real life now! Wish things in the U.S. were not so BUSY! It is definitely a different life in Scotland. Kristin is adjusting slowly and a little reluctantly. My O.U. class in Adult Psychopathology starts tonight! One step closer to my LMFT and Registered Play Therapist! <br /><br />Listening to the birds, and children play. I am working, just in the park! Hey if you have to work it might as well be in a fun place! Taking a small break in the day before Play Therapy session and class tonight.<br /><br />Hopefully since the weather is cooler you all are getting outside to PLAY!<br /><br />LeaLea M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09972961552232493957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033672952294897555.post-15850847976280160822010-08-01T06:49:00.003-05:002010-08-01T07:03:50.822-05:00Time for a Break!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVPo-bFf_1-XdHoEMi_6dTYl6NRR0AQtgglboFn8CWC_KlpMMhzoeLEwFefsIWpQ_3ThDwG-VjXH3w6qKVseseKoR0Xe601uwBZ8FIiGsMSgCl9vDhv1Z2DrGa7AEGBTFRTEZmMzbJU1n/s1600/033.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVPo-bFf_1-XdHoEMi_6dTYl6NRR0AQtgglboFn8CWC_KlpMMhzoeLEwFefsIWpQ_3ThDwG-VjXH3w6qKVseseKoR0Xe601uwBZ8FIiGsMSgCl9vDhv1Z2DrGa7AEGBTFRTEZmMzbJU1n/s320/033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500410674444265362" /></a><br />The "stuff" in our lives can sometimes get us down...take the time to enjoy the simple things. Go for a walk in the park, just sit outside and enjoy the wonderful world that God has given us. Listen to the birds...remember that God knows when the sparrow falls, just think about how much He cares for you! <br />These past few days in Scotland have been a refreshing time for me. Getting to see my daughter again and knowing that we will be going home in just a few days is exciting and a little apprehensive. But I know that God has a plan!<br /><br />If you ever have the opportunity to visit Scotland, do it! It is a wonderful place full of history and beauty! The rivers, the highlands, the flowers and birds all reflect God's creations.<br /><br />I hear that it is 100 degrees in Edmond and the forecast is the same for next week. Hopefully, my body won't go into shock or melt when I get home!<br /><br />Check out my pictures on Facebook of my Scotland trip. Such fun!<br />Remember take time to play!<br />LeaLea M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09972961552232493957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033672952294897555.post-79806733607985406972010-07-05T10:05:00.004-05:002010-07-05T10:20:20.173-05:00Fireworks, Rain & Fun<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQK8-gzWnyI9kq3sygfBCv7enjXt6cGGB9mvdXp3ZG8vawiqhuXxQuhmlH10lkYUGkMECGBsfJCWIKbhV3zbF_5e-0ehtLkUR-ibmXMxQUER9jvK3XY5-f1umQomV4lpM9kgp5KcpmcaZu/s1600/107.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQK8-gzWnyI9kq3sygfBCv7enjXt6cGGB9mvdXp3ZG8vawiqhuXxQuhmlH10lkYUGkMECGBsfJCWIKbhV3zbF_5e-0ehtLkUR-ibmXMxQUER9jvK3XY5-f1umQomV4lpM9kgp5KcpmcaZu/s320/107.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490441594036803922" /></a><br />This 4th of July has been filled with fireworks, rain & fun! In rural Oklahoma fireworks are free reign! The past 2 nights have been filled with continual color burst and loud noises! I will say our family contributed to that some last night! During the times it has not been pouring down rain, I have taken the time to get out and Play! I put my rain boots on and went outside and played in the puddles. Worked in the garden some too in between rain showers. The Koi pond will have to wait, too muddy. Unusual weather for the 4th of July in Oklahoma! Usually over 100 degrees and HOT! On this 4th of July remember our Military that have fought for our freedom and still do today. Thank God we have our personal freedom and Freedom to Play!Lea M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09972961552232493957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033672952294897555.post-57884919906216445372010-06-27T22:15:00.003-05:002010-06-27T22:19:58.963-05:00Recess = Stress ReductionStress caused by a number of factors, including a lack of recess, can have a negative impact on children. By including recess as part of a child’s school day, it can reduce stress. Children need a developmentally appropriate strategy to reduce this stress. Recess allows children to engage in high level thinking which fosters cognitive development. Adults should encourage interaction of children that guide children toward solutions, but refrain from providing all solutions for them. Free play can look like just playing to the casual observer, but to the child, play is developmentally important. For more information on the importance of play, check out the following link: http://www.nifplay.org/Lea M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09972961552232493957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033672952294897555.post-38368177138530324152010-06-20T11:08:00.002-05:002010-06-22T08:16:33.427-05:00Father's Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ehhBGroyBH51dhY449BAoFVp4pmFczT3Qc9l_NZCclVqIeTf5JmcrRX0QoOhd_NfzWlPh9Jg9JHUxk9VWj2QJiBHubQAdS4WMjBf5ueI0O-J1zqXXonvjXosVfTPWklGqozVt6qs2uzs/s1600/Dad.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ehhBGroyBH51dhY449BAoFVp4pmFczT3Qc9l_NZCclVqIeTf5JmcrRX0QoOhd_NfzWlPh9Jg9JHUxk9VWj2QJiBHubQAdS4WMjBf5ueI0O-J1zqXXonvjXosVfTPWklGqozVt6qs2uzs/s320/Dad.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484893540737622818" /></a><br />Today is Father's Day. Take time to remember the Dad's in your life and tell them thank you for being there. Whether you have a special day planned, or just a time home with your Dad, be grateful that you have a father to spend it with. For those of you that don't remember the good times you had with your father. Talk about special memories with your children to help them remember too. <br /><br />Take time to Play today and every day!Lea M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09972961552232493957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033672952294897555.post-10918871891153428222010-06-17T09:47:00.001-05:002010-06-22T08:18:01.382-05:00Remembering Play<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CLea%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CLea%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CLea%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> 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table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1026"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:11pt;" >Many things come to mind when I hear the word recess.<span style=""> </span>I remember my elementary school days at <a href="http://www.altusschools.k12.ok.us/schoolsites/sun/">Sunset</a> elementary school.<span style=""> </span>I looked forward to recess both before school and after lunch. <span style=""> </span>This was a time to socialize and play with my friends.<span style=""> </span>The recess time I had was spent playing in the dirt, on the swings, slide, and monkey bars creating a world of fun with my friends.<span style=""> </span>Children today are rarely given the opportunity to participate in this type of “free spontaneous play”.<span style=""> </span>The recess time when I was a child has been replaced with a structured play time or has diminished so much that one would not recognize the time as recess.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Children are not given the chance to explore their world in their own way.<span style=""> </span></span>Lea M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09972961552232493957noreply@blogger.com0