Rainy Days

Rainy days are good for some things,
although it's sometimes hard to remember this
when we are having to run around in it.





Not so Fun Rain Activities: (do any of these sound familiar?...)

* Parking slot 99 is the closest one available. It wasn't raining when you left your house, but somehow the flood gates managed to open since then. You realize your umbrella is not in your car.

* Sure ... of all days for you to have to pack your car with extra items, there is a downpour. It's near to impossible to load your car and hold an umbrella at the same time, although you certainly did give it a try (if only chins came with opposable thumbs!)
* Well, you would've parked your car in the garage, but the garage has made no room for you
* When you went in the store the sun was shining. Here you are at checkout, and you hear the grumble of thunder and the banging of rain on the store roof.

Even through these situations, we (as adults) can still see the value of a rainy day. We know that rainy days are good for things such as reading, napping, lighting candles, watering the flowers, etc.

Kids, though, often do not see any sense at all a rainy day. To them it often means no recess (and this is a doozy for teachers and parents), no outdoor fun, cancelled ball games, and scary thunder sounds.

Rainy days can create an opportunity for a rather significant life lesson. Rainy days are good for certain things. Instead of simply biding time until the sun comes out, we can look around us and see what can be done during the storm. This very simple idea can later translate (into adulthood) from simple rainy day activities to life lessons.

Below are some fun rainy day activities I found online (FamilyFun from Disney). You may find it fun to write preferred activities down on individual pieces of paper, and then fill a jar with them. Label the jar "Rainy Day Fun", and keep it available for rainy days. This is especially helpful to children who really dread rainy days, especially those who fear thunderstorms.

Fun Rain Activities:
(Click on the activity to view the details/directions)

CRAFTS:
Mini Homemade Dolls
Birdometer
Make a Scene
Felt Board
Animal Finger Puppets
Portable Playhouse
Shadow Puppets
The Great Cardboard Castle
Boxcar Derby
Funny Faces
Funny ID Cards
Weather Watching Jars


PRINTABLES:
Word Games
Mazes, Matches, and Memory
Princess Color Page
It's a Mighty Pirate Ship
Wizard Coloring Page
Draw Your Dinner Placemat


For more fun ideas, visit http://www.familyfun.go.com/

Have fun!


Jessica

Oh Sweet Friday

It's Friday! I'm just stopping in to say 'hello'. I'm deep in paperwork today, and am managing to come up for air for a moment :o Fridays for me are an time for me to tie up loose ends from the past week so that I don't carry them into next week.

Remember TGIF? When my little sisters were in elementary school, my mom implemented a TGIF tradition that we all looked forward to (I did even though I was a high schooler at that point). This typically included Friday night shows such as Family Matters, Boy Meets World, Full House, etc. We hit the jack pot whenever we could include pizza. I remember Little Ceasars had a great ongoing deal ... oh how we loved Little Ceasars for that! There is something in knowing that that Friday fun was around the corner that got us through some of the not-so-fun week.

I still look forward to Fridays. Sometimes, though, our weekends end up just as packed as the weekends. If you didn't have the opportunity to look at the posting from this past Monday, now would be a good time to do so!

Have a wonderful ... AND RESTFUL (!) ... weekend.

Jessica

Help!

'In the dark' ... 'Out of the loop' ...

Something I hear every now and then from a parent who feels a general sense of unawareness when it comes to what is 'out there' and available to his/her child. I hear it most often with those new to the area or to those who have a child who is young and/or newly diagnosed.

I want to point out, mainly, that there are opportunities for your child. Yes, it does seem, at times, that it's left to chance of bumping into someone who has been there, done that. I was just discussing this again the other day with a group of parents, therapists, and interventionists. We were discussing a plan to put together some sort of joint blog/discussion board (loaded with lots of pertinent information and tips from various parents and professionals).

Until then, today I want to simply say, "yes, there are opportunities for your child". There are answers for your questions, and there are even answers for questions you don't know you have ... yet.

I think a good initial plan of action for anyone with a child who has special needs is this:

1) Contact your local disabilities board (state and/or county), and get a service coordinator assigned to your child. A service coordinator will be able to provide some good information applicable to resources, therapies, funding, and so on.
2) Parent Advocacy Groups are wonderful. They are the ones who have been where you are, and have jumped through hoops as you are trying to now. They may be able to save you some trouble. Find these by searching the web or simply asking around (other parents of children with special needs).
3) Research! The Internet is a good source, but as always, check the source. Be sure he/she/it is reputable.

4) Speak to your child's pediatrician, doctors, therapists about possible resources.

This is a good BASE from which to start.

Jessica

Away with the 'old thoughts'

What is it that you need to hear today?
What concern, fear, thought is following you?
We often have things that follow us throughout our days, and without our knowledge, they seep into every part of our life. We make decisions and react off of these things, and don't even realize it.

Take some time to sit down for a moment.
Go somewhere that you can be quiet and still.

Put on some calming music or sounds (nature sounds, maybe). Close your eyes, and try to access that concern, thought, fear, motivation. Identify it. From there, ask yourself this:

What do I do about this?

* Some things we can take physical action to remedy.
In those cases:
1) identify the problem
2) take time to contemplate the best remedy/speak to someone knowledgeable about it
3) take action.

* Other things are more a matter of making a decision as to how a certain thing will affect us.
In that case, you may find it helpful to implement some sort of brief quote/phrase/mantra to remedy this. Make it personal. Make it speak specifically to you, your fear, your repeating thought.

What wisdom have you found that you sometimes forget and need to remind yourself of? (i.e. - "I will not worry over ___________ anymore.")

What confirming thought do you need ... what confirming words would bring you peace if you heard them spoken to you? What do you need to hear? Those should be your words to yourself. These should be things that are meant to help you grow as a person, not to hinder your growth.

Here are a couple of examples:
"I am safe. I have done all that I can in this situation. I will not give another thought to this worry. I am safe."

"I am worthy. I will not believe those old thoughts. I have purpose. I am worthy."

OR, it may be an inspirational phrase, quote, or passage that works for you. Make it very short and simple so that you can easily access it. You want to be able to read/recite this (an index card in your pocket or a note in your phone) to yourself each time during your day when you have that 'old thought'.

Realize just how many times those offending/harmful thoughts rehearse themselves in your mind throughout even just the course of a single day. Realize that you need healthy/productive thoughts to counteract these. New thoughts to replace the old thoughts. Rehearse these just as you've rehearsed the old ones.

Rather than the quick fixes we try to put on things, seek wisdom. Seek a longer lasting and more beneficial answer.

Peace is an important thing. I wish you moments of peace today.

Jessica

A Game of Hope

August 09 Newsletter posted

Oh! I forgot to mention ... the August 2009 Newsletter is up and posted on the website.

Jessica

"This blog's for you" (to the moms)

Hey ladies, "this blog's for you!"

We mommies often overlook the need to take time for our own selves. Many times it feels as though we either don't have 'that kinda time' or by the time we do have it, we are too exhausted and just fall right to sleep.

Speaking right now as both a therapist and a mom, I say it's nothing to overlook. How are we to be the best we can be for our children, family, friends, commitments if we never take time to replenish our supply? When we get so overwhelmed and overworked, we start to, inevitably, feel less and less like ourselves. Not only is this not a good place to be for your own sake, it's not a good place to be for the sake of those who depend on you. Even if it's just 5-10 minutes before you go to bed (or some other time during the day), mentally prepare for that to be your time. I think that part is just as important as the time itself. Does that make sense?

Fortunately, I am a night owl, and so any 'me time' generally falls during those late night hours when everyone is in bed. Now, sometimes I am cleaning during that time, but other times I am taking 'me time'. My 'me time' generally includes book reading, song writing/playing, taking a bath ... all of these usually include lit candles and soft music. Those 5-10 minutes go a long way for me. If you are a morning person, utilize that time.

I took part in something last night that I absolutely loved, and definitely served as 'me time'. I went to a place called Bottles and Brushes with a friend of mine. Basically, you create a painting under the instruction of the original creator of that painting. These are local artists. You have the option of bringing your own food or drink (don't bring wine or beer b/c they serve that there). Also, they serve light beverages there as well.

I tell you, I have had no time for me in a while, and this was so relaxing and, may I say ... therapeutic. It was something that I wouldn't do weekly due to the expense, however, I do plan on returning. The price was $35 and, actually, wasn't bad considering you've got that 1:1 instruction, and you leave that night with your painting. They also supply everything you need. Also, something I appreciated is that you are able to add your own touches, and your artistic improv is appreciated by the artist. The picture above is of myself, the artist (in the middle), and my friend, Jenn whose father is a shrimp boat captain.

I have to put a little disclaimer here so that I don't have any fathers angry with me. This is certainly something the dad's may enjoy as well if they are artistic (may be fun even if they aren't!) My husband is artistic, and expressed an interest.

As I've said before, sometimes you have schedule time in for relaxation to be sure you make it a priority, and to be sure it gets done. Schedule in some 'me time' today. Therapist's orders.

Jessica

"... all the colors I am inside ... "

COLORS
My skin is kind of sort of brownish,
Pinkish yellowish white.
My eyes are greyish blueish green,
But I'm told they look orange in the night.
My hair is reddish blondish brown,
But it's silver when it's wet.
And all the colors I am inside
Have not been invented yet.
- Shel Silverstein

I got out my old treasured book, Where the Sidewalk Ends, again today. It always brings a smile, and I can't tell you how much my clients enjoy many of these poems. I've been reading this book since I was in elementary school, and it still catches my attention and my smiles. I remember finding this book in my elementary school library and falling in love with it as a little girl. I also remember getting in trouble with the library for failure to turn the book in in a timely manner. Don't worry, the book I have now was bought honestly ... not stolen from my elementary school library!

I've just come across another poem in the book that prompted a new activity idea. The poem is called Spaghetti. I have a couple clients in mind (in particular) for this activity, and look forward to implementing it. This activity will have the potential to provide work in these goal areas:

- Increasing visual attention (pictures in a cognitive task)
- Increasing/facilitating eye contact
- Increasing cognitive attention/skill
(pre-reading/reading skill & matching words to pictures)
- Increase/facilitate auditory attention and follow auditory cues
- Identification of emotions/appropriate affect
- Increase fine motor skill

I am planning on posting the activity (as it's one that can fairly easily be implemented outside of therapy) in my August 2009 newsletter. I'm a bit behind on posting this month's newsletter (to my website) due to this month's schedule, but still plan on posting one. I will let you know when I do. I think you will enjoy the Spaghetti activity!

Jessica

Happy Tunes ... I love Putumayo!

I spent the first portion of my morning at my son's school tyring to direct lost kids to their classrooms since we are in a new building this year. I was so glad that the principal asked some of the parents to do this. I can still remember having dreams about not being able to locate my classes, loosing my schedule, etc on the first day of school.

The second portion of my morning was spent grabbing a cup of hot tea at Barnes and Noble, and looking through some resources there. I am a big fan of Putumayo World Music, and was so excited to see a new one entitled "Picnic Playground".

For those of you who are unfamiliar, Putumayo World Music offers a whole line of albums which have a mix of music from around the world that fits under a related category. Some are geared toward children, and those typically have 'playground' in the title. One of my favorites is called World Playground. I love song #9 on that album (can't recall the title ... it's "#9" to me!). I also love Bob Marley's mother's version of "Three Little Birds".

This picnic cd is all food related. Visit the site for more details, to watch videos, and to download a free MP3 track from the album. Click on the cd picture above to link to the Putumayo website. From there, go to the Putumayo Kids portion of the site. Also on the site, you are able to submit your favorite recipes to the "Picnic Playground Recipe Contest" which runs until August 25. Also on the site is an area called "Teacher's Tools" that could be applicable not only to teachers but to other therapists, interventionists, parents, and others.

Also, all the artwork for these albums and related items is absolutely gorgeous! I hope you enjoy this as much as I do. Kids and adults generally seem to love the Putumayo collections.

Jessica

NOTE: Jessica Grooms is in no way responsible or involved in your ordering process of any materials recommended or listed here. Ordering materials is done independently by you.

Happy 'Back to School' to You!

Good morning! For some of you school starts today, but for most, we've got one more day. I'm off to set up for our Back to School Teacher's Luncheon that we are having for the teachers at my child's school. I just wanted to stop in to say, "hello" and, "enjoy this day!"

We'll get back to some serious blogging tomorrow ;)

Jessica

Busy Week

Hi! I apologize for my blogging absense this week. We are in the week before school starts back, and there is so much to do! Lots of 'extras' both in relation to preparing my clients as well as my own child for a new school year. Facts and fees and school supplies ... oh my.


Anyhow, I thought I'd make a brief appearance here to say, 'hello'. I hope you are all surviving this crazy time. I'm trying to make a point to make settling down a priority as well in these last few days of summer break. In the midst of the chaos, I'm hoping my son may still be able to enjoy these last few days as well. I wish the same for all of your children/families. Have a great weekend!


Jessica

Chili's Charity Event for Cystic Fybrosis

Hey! I love, love, love it when I see charity events posted! I love the spirit of giving and the attention and support that these various events provide. (And as a little side note, Chili's has a gluten-free menu!) Visit www.chilis.com for more information.

Jessica

Macy's Glamorama Charity Event

I am in no way affiliated with this event, however, I keep getting emails in regards to it. Although I can't attend, I wanted to share this in case you are able. It sounds like something that will bring in a significant amount of funding for this cause.

________________________

Get your tickets for Macy's Glamorama
Glamorama is only a week away and tickets are going fast.
Fashion & music come together with a fusion of colors, textures, tastes and sounds that will create an exciting new aesthetic.
When: Friday, August 14th @ 8pm
Where: The Orpheum Theatre (Minneapolis)

Performers:
Ne-Yo
Kristinia DeBarge
The New Standards

Mission:
Children's Cancer Research Fund is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating childhood cancer by funding the pioneering efforts in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of childhood cancers at the University of Minnesota, a leader in pediatric cancer research. Many of the discoveries we fund have revolutionized the way childhood cancer is treated worldwide. We also provide education and support quality-of-life programs for the patients and their families that come for this world-class treatment.
Learn more about Children's Cancer Research Fund

_____________________________

Just spreading the word :)

Jessica

NOTE: Jessica Grooms is in no way responsible or involved in your ordering process of any materials recommended or listed here. Ordering materials is done independently by you.

School Preparation

Good afternoon!
I have mentioned this resource in a previous blog, but wanted to mention it again as it relates specifically to back to school preparation. The book entitled Social Skills Activities for Special Children (by Darlene Mannix) includes several school related concepts.

Today, I am not simply referring to cognitive based concepts (teaching cognitive skill), but rather, am referring to activities that teach/familiarize the child with classroom/school expectations, appropriate behavior in classrooms/cafeteria/bus, schedule of events in school, and purposes of various school related activities and persons.

As mentioned previously, activities in this book include applicable worksheets, pictures, lists, etc. Implementing some of these activities prior to the start of school is a great way to prepare your child. We should be cautious not to overwhelm the child with numerous activities from the book (although there are lots of good ones) as this may result in increased school related anxiety. This would go against our purpose here of trying to increase confidence and feelings of security related to school. I would simply pick a couple of the most pertinent activities (those that pertain to your child the most and/or those areas in which your child needs the most preparation). I would do only one of these activities at a time/per day. Again, make this as enjoyable as possible.

Some examples of the kinds of activities I am referring to in this book include Entering the Classroom, The Bus Driver, Special Teachers (library, computer lab, PE, music, etc), When the Teacher is Talking, Getting the Teacher's Attention, The School Counselor, among others.

Jessica

NOTE: Jessica Grooms is in no way responsible or involved in your ordering process of any materials recommended or listed here. Ordering materials is done independently by you.

Strummin Along

Seems that most everyone wants to learn to play the guitar. It is such an awesome instrument, and although I am never good at picking favorites with anything, I could probably say it is my favorite of all the instruments I play. At least, it is the instrument I write most of my songs on, and the instrument that I gravitate toward during little stolen moments of my day.

I encourage anyone who wants to learn the guitar to stick with it past that point when the thought dawns on you, "wow, this is harder than I thought" (and that thought will dawn on you sometime during the first 2 weeks you start playing). Remember that every guitarist - even the greatest - had this moment.

Unlike some other instruments, such as the piano, there is no instant gratification with the guitar. With the piano, for example, you simply press a key and you've played a right note. If you play a sequence of white keys, it will sound good and decent. However, with the guitar, this is not the case. This is, of course, not to suggest that the piano is an 'easy' instrument. It has many complexities. I'm only talking about that initial starting point.

When learning the guitar, you are adjusting to and trying to master several things right off the bat ... holding the strings down firmly enough so that the strings don't buzz (and enduring this until you develop callouses), keeping proper finger placement within the correct frets, strumming smoothly (and not plucking a string so hard that you throw it out of tune), keeping your instrument in tune, and so on.

I always tell people to just keep with the guitar past that point because it does get better. There's nothing like getting to a point where you feel you can play a song you love.

I am including pictures of a few of the more simple chords that are related to each other. Click on the images above for a larger view. Once you learn to play these, work on switching back and forth between the chords. Then you can play a song!

I would certainly take it one chord at a time. Work for a few days or a week ONLY on the A chord (start with this chord).

Jessica