For those of us who are no longer in a classroom on a daily basis, there is a great reality check that comes when you are responsible for little children for a period of time. I recently babysat two of my granddaughters (ages 5 & 2 1/2) while their parents were out of town for a couple of days. I seemed to have forgotten that little children need constant interaction. I admit that I was worn out and was reminded that I am very glad I had my small children while I was much younger. Still, it was a delightful experience, one that I would gladly repeat at any time. We made cookies, went to a movie, walked to the bookstore, read stories and many other activities. Little children remind you about what is truly important in life. They remind me that life is about making someone else feel loved. Happy New Year!

I went to a preschool holiday music program yesterday. It was wonderful. Not wonderful in the sense that it was high entertainment with children performing a professional program. It was wonderful because it was so appropriate for 3-5 year-olds. The children sang a few short songs, with actions, that the children enjoyed singing. There was no teacher yelling for the children to sing louder, no flashy memorized synchronized dance moves or sparkling outfits. The songs displayed children being children, singing about snowmen, doing the chicken dance and waving at grandma. I applaud that group of teachers for creating an activity that was appropriate and enjoyable for children. After all, it is not the product that helps children grow, it is the process.

The more I work with children the more I realize that one of the best gifts we can give a child is a book or books. Children's Literature is getting better all of the time. When we give a child a book it is a gift that can last a lifetime. It is critical that we help children link their thoughts to books. Having print awareness is a key predictor of reading success. So, if you are gathering gifts during this season, or throughout the year, consider a book. The gift will keep giving for a very long time. For a list of recommended books, click on the right side of this blog where it says, "Book List for 2005."

I took my son today to get his wisdom teeth taken out by an oral surgeon. We left the dental office with a list of instructions for the next 24 hours. Gauze packing, pain pills, ice packet, etc., are just a few of the things I was charged with for the day to help my 23 year-old get back on his feet. There is a large amount of nurturing and care-giving when someone is sick. I think that young children need that type of nurturing for regular development and growth. I am in the process of gathering developmental guidelines for infants and toddlers. It reads like the list of things I got from the surgeon today. Perhaps more emotional and cognitive than physical, but none the less very critical. We all need a list for early childhood to keep every child in check!