How to Switch From Vacation Brain to School Mode

Transitioning kids from summer fun to a school year structure does not have to be difficult!

With the anticipation of a new school year comes the rites of passage that go along with stepping up a grade, or walking into a new class or school, or perhaps even starting school for the first time ever. So often, we focus on the ceremony of shopping for a new wardrobe, backpack, binders and markers, but we forget that we should spend some time acclimating our kids' minds for the classroom environment.

This doesn't mean we should hold mock school sessions at home for a month prior to the first day of school; we can ease their minds into 'school mode' without them even realizing it. You simply have to prepare a little and before you know it, you'll be slipping lessons into your everyday functions and passing them off as mere fun! Isn't it a delicious thought to be able to fool your kids into learning something? Well, it might be way easier than you thought possible.

The three most important things to remember are:
1. Make it fun!
2. Make it Fun!!
3. Make it FUN!!!

The fourth thing … dab their baby toe in first ... ease them back in ~ and yes, MAKE IT FUN!

Below are some quirky yet entertaining brain exercises for every age group.

Young kids:
• A trip to the ice cream stand(!) … or their favorite restaurant! … Woo-Hoo!… hold on, there is one caveat: everyone must only use their non-dominant hand (if you are right-handed, you must eat with your left hand and vice-versa).
• Folks at your neighboring tables might think you are nuts; however, those with kids will thank you when you explain what you are doing.
Benefit: This is a great exercise to engage both sides of the brain to get them working together to prepare for the transition to school-brain.

Tweens:
• Of course, most tweens will also enjoy a trip to the ice cream stand or their favorite restaurant to eat with their non-dominant hand. However, we might need something a bit more challenging at this age level.
• If that is the case, play some fun word gameswith them to get their brain juices flowing. For instance, have them try to say their name backwards, then have them spell it backwards. Still using their name as the template for brain engaging fun, challenge them to hold an entire conversation over dinner while beginning every sentence with a word that begins with the first letter of their first name. For example, Debbie must try to begin every sentence with a word that starts with the letter ‘D’ … Do you understand what I mean? Did you try it yet? Don’t knock it till you try it. Difficult, huh?
Benefit: Nurtures creativity and independent thinking skills while engaging the brain in a 'working' mode.

Teens/Young Adults:
• This one might take a little homework on your part; however, like most activities involving our kids, the older they are, the more involved it typically becomes. Focus on something that your child is really into … music, reading, sports, etc. Research the newest/latest happenings which revolve around that particular subject and start asking them questions about it. For instance, if your kid loves baseball, identify his/her favorite players, ask them to recite their stats (RBI’s, ERA’s, number of home-runs) for the current season; if they are not a rookie, how do their current stats measure up to last season? What is their team’s current record; wins, losses, ties, and placement in the league. Quiz them on these stats. Same for music; pick a favorite singer or band, and their newest album; name all the songs on the CD; which were hits? Do they know their placement on the charts?
Benefit: Gently wakes up the sleepy-summer brain, and gets your kid thinking again.

These might seem like rather ‘mindless’ exercises; however, the goal is to get creative juices flowing to encourage their own individual learning styles. There is no better way to do that than to appeal to them with something that lights up their eyes, and to do so in a comfortable environment. Remember, you’ve got to keep their head in the game, or it won’t do any good.

Although there are many benefits to each of the examples above, the byproduct is that you will be spending top-quality time with your child. Keep in mind that free creative playtime is a great way to learn what is in your kid’s head and heart, no matter how old they are! ... BONUS!

Gotta run now, I think I just heard the class bell!
;-Debbie

Are You Having Fun Yet? ...

Now that summer is in full swing, inspiration is all around us! And so, I believe this is the perfect time to use our summer excitement to catapult our creativity... Need a gentle nudge?

Here's a great way to get the creative juices flowing:

Whether you've been away this summer, or have been having fun at home, choose your favorite moment so far, and write a poem about it. Remember that there is still plenty of summer left to create more magical moments! Perhaps you can use that anticipation to write a poem about an upcoming event ... Also keep in mind the fact that poems do NOT have to rhyme.

You know that I LOVE it when you share your poems and stories with me.

With that in mind, I wrote this poem that I'm sharing with you about my recent trip to Oglebay:



My favorite Oglebay Moment …


There’s too many to choose!
I can’t pick just one … I refuse!

So, I wrote this poem to give you a feel
Of a heaven on earth that is oh, so real:

Quiet mornings were spent on the balcony
While birds performed a symphony.

Flowers and trees were in full bloom
Then we returned to a peaceful room.

My ‘work’ was doing workshops with budding poets,
They LOVE ‘Color My World’ don’t you know it?

What an opportunity to teach and share wit,
And I’m grateful for the chance to relax a bit.

We enjoyed soothing massages in their tranquil spa,
Oglebay certainly has something for all!

While I worked, my hubby took a Segway tour.
He had a blast, that’s for sure!

We dined on sumptuous meals with a panoramic view.
And witnessed two beautiful weddings, too.

After a vigorous workout in the gym,
We relaxed in the sauna, then off for a swim.

We walked along nature trails and around the pond,
It’s as though Mother Nature waved her wand.

There were mountains in the distance and a cozy lake,
No better place for a well-deserved break.

Off in the distance, we heard a golfer cry “Fore!”
On our way to the museum and to do shopping galore.

With all that we did, there’s way more left undone,
So, we’re returning soon to scoop up more Oglebay fun!

Meanwhile, I end this poem with a question, though;
There is one thing I’ve got to know …

The director of every fun-filled fiesta
Never seems to get a siesta!

Anne is there, working night and day,
And her enthusiasm doesn’t ever sway.

It’s obvious that her goal is to ensure a good time
But Anne, you’ve GOT to rest sometime!

It seems that you never get to sleep.
When is it YOUR turn to count sheep?

You are certainly the most gracious hostess
Who delivers the absolute mostess!

Your guests are filled with appreciation,
Because you exceed the highest expectation.

So, Anne, my hat is off to you,
For the heart-felt job that you do!



I hope my friends and fans get a chance to visit Oglebay sometime soon! Meanwhile, thanks for being part of 'Color My World' and remember to click on over to my website for more fun and inspiration!

As always, whatever you do, do it creatively and authentically ...

Enjoy the magic~
;-Deb

Going Somewhere?

My goal here is to provide you with quick, easy-to-apply Tips 'n Tools to nurture creativity and get to know your kids better.

Today's Laser Tip:

Whether you are in your car for 10 minutes headed to a ballgame, or 10 hours on a family vacation, here is a fun tip that you can do together ... everyone can enjoy it at their own level:

• Spot a billboard with people in it; name each person in the billboard, and build a story around them.
• Example: Take turns going around to each person in the car. On the first round, identify each person in the billboard and what they do for a living or for fun. Next round, say where they just came from. Where are they going? Is one of them a stay at home parent? What conversation would they be having now? ... Etc.....
• One billboard can last a long time, or you can start anew with a different billboard.
• See how long you can keep it going~

Oh, and please post your stories here so that the rest of us can enjoy them, too!

Until next time, have the BEST summer ~ EVER! ... Creatively, of course~

;-Deb