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There’s a new  resource site for teachers by teachers, that is so worth the visit!  I think parents will be interest in this site as well.  Teacher’s Pet, a United Kingdom based site, launched in April of this year. It offers classroom  materials, teaching ideas, stickers, themes,  etc.

The web site is the combined work of Christina, a qualified teacher and Jason, a web developer. Christina is in charge of the content for the site and Jason the site itself.

Christina describes her aim in developing Teacher’s Pet as, “Creating a free and useful teaching tools that are unique and creative but also relevant for today’s schools.” Jason, who describes himself as a Flash Junkie, is in the process of developing Flash games and activities for the site’s interactive whiteboard.

In just six months since the launch of Teacher’s Pet, visitors to the site made 113,387 downloads. You can view the site by going to www.tpet.co.uk

Recently I was asked why I coach — why I spend so much time doing what I do even though I don’t have to do it.  After all, a teacher is not required to coach and stay late after school.

My initial reaction was one of puzzlement.  Why wouldn’t I want to coach?  Yes, there are some frustrating moments, but it is a great experience and worth every minute of my efforts.  Plus, over the long term, I can see development in young student-athletes years after I have stopped coaching them.

My greatest moments are not solely those of victory and championships.  They are memories of having been there when a student achieves something that he or she has worked long and hard for:  that “I got it — I did it!” moment.  This success puffs up their chests and gets them to hold their heads just a little bit higher.  That is growth.  That is an important life lesson learned: work hard, don’t give up, and you can make it happen.

The best thing you can do for your child is to get them up, out, and “doing something.”  Get them to move, work with peers, and put themselves in challenging situations.  Let them join a league, attend practices, and become part of a team, something larger than themselves.  Their emotional and physical development will be worth the effort and give them the self-esteem and confidence they will need later on in life.

Now, if you can also give of your time to support your child’s athletic pursuits, that is fantastic.  Not only will you be present for those great moments in your child’ development, but you will also let them know that you support their efforts.

Try and take advantage of these athletic opportunities for New York City kids:

Police Athletic League Sports and Recreation

http://www.palnyc.org/800-PAL-4KIDS/Program.aspx?id=18

Be Fit NYC parks and Recreation

http://www.nycgovparks.org/befitnyc

YMCA of NYC Youth Athletics

http://www.ymcanyc.org/ymca-of-greater-new-york/youth/sports/

Beat the Streets Youth Programs

http://www.beat-the-streets.org/page/Wrestlers/bts-kids-program

In keeping with the theme of helping young children develop caring behaviors, the kid’s blog, published on 9/9,  introduces the idea of caring for oneself . It  does so by asking questions about what a child can do to take care of him/ her self and how that makes a child more   grown up and independent.  A web site that offers practical ways of helping a young child develop these skills is www.extension.org/pages/Ways_to_Encourage_Self-Help Skills in children.

Today’s kids’ post is about helping “Can Do” Kid Willie decide if he is ready to take care of a dog. He is lonely because his mom is in the  Army, stationed overseas, and he lives with his grandparents. His grandparents see the value of him having a pet, but know that they are not up to caring for a dog. A tough decision.

Sites that can help with decision making if you are considering getting your child a dog are:

• www.activityvillage.co.uk/is_your_child_ready_for_a_dog.htm
• www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=1452

A young child (3ish)will ask, “Do you want a hug”? It is as if he or she knows that hugging you will make you feel better.  Some children cry when they see another child cry. Others spontaneously grab and kiss a brother or sister.  All these activities point to a young child demonstrating caring.

Adults know that children learn caring behaviors through being cared for and by being taught by example.  There are so many caring behaviors that adults want to develop in children. Some of these behaviors include a child caring for his or her self, for family and friends,   for personnel property and the property of others, for pets, and for people far away.

One of the first caring behaviors a child needs to learn is how to care for his or her self. Yet, with all that parents have to do, it is an ongoing challenge to find the time and the energy to convince a resistant child that taking care of his/herself by going to the bathroom unassisted  or bathing or dressing independently is a good thing when it is so much easier and attention-getting to insist that mommy help.

Parents, grandparents, teachers and other adults responsible for helping a child develop caring behaviors please write and share what has worked for you!

http://oaklandcountymoms.com

http://www.candostreet.com/
Thanks to reader Joe M for this suggestion! “Can Do” Street is designed for youngsters (3-7) maneuver through a street where they learn valuable lessons in life and learning. The animation is extremely attractive and age appropriate. It’s easy to see how youngsters would get lost in the content and learning while having fun. The content seems wonderful.

http://cdn.attracta.com

“Can Do” Street is a discovery learning website that offers 3-7 year old children fun ways to develop decision making skills about personal safety, friendship, sharing, appropriate behavior and other life skills. The site provides interactive activities for children through creative cartoon programs and educational games as well as downloads that include coloring and activity sheets, follow-up exercises, and instructional materials for parents and teachers.

Note: Both these organizations  and dozens of others expressed hope that our site could be made free so all could enjoy it.  “Can Do” Street is now free for all who want to use it and will  be supported through advertising.