FREE Phonics Worksheets and Activities

Free-phonics-worksheets.com - Worksheets are divided into volumes that represent the various stages of the phonics learning process. Also, Free Phonics Worksheets has other resources that can be purchased to be used along with the free worksheets.

Phonicsworld.com - This site offers worksheets and activities from learning the ABC's to consonant blends. If you are unfamiliar with any of the phonics terms, there is even a glossary to help you find your way.

Softshools.com - Learn phonics with worksheets, games, activities and flashcards. Softschools.com has a wealth of educational information and is a great resource for much more than just phonics.

Senteacher.org - If you are looking for phonics worksheets and activities for a special needs student, Sen Teacher is the best resource online. Worksheets and activities can be customized to accommodate varies levels of difficulty as well as providing various phonics visual cues that you won't find on any other site.

Homeeducationresources.com - For the parent that is home schooling, this is a great site for free worksheets and activities.

edHelper.com - Amazing site offering many worksheets for phonics sounds, building wording list, sight words, coloring pages and much more.

Starfall.com - Interactive website that teaches phonics and word through games.

SchoolExpress.com - Choose from many worksheets devoted to constonants, vowels, blends and much more.

Internet4classrooms.com - Great resource! Listing of many websites of all things phonics. Choose from worksheets, activities, games and more.

Learning the letters of the alphabet and their sounds is important. it's what you do with those letters and sounds that makes all the difference in the world.

Best educational sites for children

There are hundreds of great web sites out there for children. There are those that are geared toward education and entertainment for children of various age groups.

Assuming that we are talking about children who are old enough to work the computer and to interact with the software, yet are not of middle school level...

FOR ENTERTAINMENT:
disney.go.com
cartoonnetwork.com
SesameStreet.com
Nick.com
FunBrain.com
crayola.com
sikids.com
barbie.com

& EDUCATIONAL:
nickjr.com
SesameStreet.com
SoftSchools.com
etacuisenaire.com
FunBrain.com
education-world.com

To get further information on educations web sites for a child based on their particular age group, check out the links given in the following site which offers links to all sorts of educational web sites for science, math, reading for all grade levels: http://www.zen.org/~brendan/ki ds-ed.html

There is a world of learning and fun for kids of all ages through the internet. This is a good place to start with sites and links that are for a variety of ages from preschool to high school - mostly, however, for grades 1-4. Enjoy.

Extremely shy children are challenging and need "HELP" from teachers

One of the most exacerbating aspects of teaching is without doubt attempting to address the needs of each student, given time limitations and class sizes. Extremely shy children are challenging, in that each child has individual reasoning for their behavior, and the cause needs to be addressed prior to implementing a course of action for a teacher. Too aggressive a position by a teacher may result in emotional distress to a shy child, while a passive or indifferent approach may only reaffirm a shy child's distant perspective. In each and every instance a teacher must make the time to get to know the child on a personal level as a unique human being, and to gain a shy child's trust and respect.

An excellent manner in which a teacher can help an extremely shy child is to gain an understanding of a particular child's strengths and weaknesses comparative to others in a given class. While shy children have areas in which they need to improve academically, their education has to be approached gradually with a long term plan. Since many shy children have self-esteem issues, being thrust into the spotlight in front of classmates in a position of weakness many only reinforce feelings of inferiority. In the subjects that a shy child has problems, a teacher should be extra sensitive to the child's emotional well-being, and guard against negative reactions when learning is not as quick as it is in other children.

A teacher can gain tremendous insight into helping an extremely shy child by simply speaking briefly with the child's parent in a private setting. There may be a certain interest that the child has which a teacher can utilize as a tool to bring them into a more socialized existence in the classroom, or a particular area in which the child is superior. This is also an excellent manner for a teacher to assess if the child's home life has anything to do with an associated withdrawal from participation. There are many reasons that a child may be shy - ranging from a bad home life, to the recent death of a loved one or beloved pet. In this sense a teacher should become an investigator and apply their knowledge of children directed toward a solution.

In many cases of extreme shyness in children, until an aspect of the educational process strikes a cord with the child and enthusiasm follows, the issue will remain. It is incumbent upon the teacher to disseminate information concerning the child to enable them to assimilate in social settings more readily.

Thinking of "Gifts" for Preschoolers

Shopping for preschoolers is never easy. It may seem that way but usually, I'm consumed with guilt when I buy something with so many pieces that some are sure to get lost. Or if I buy a gift that makes a lot of noise (which is funny sometimes, especially as revenge against your own sibling who happens to now have a child). Little ones don't usually have the self control to hide their disappointment if the gift they are opening isn't something spectacular. Scoring the perfect gift for a preschooler brings rich rewards! The added bonus is being that special person to make them glow with joy.

This list of toys is compiled for both preschool boys and girls but most are appropriate for both sexes. Since I have a preschool child, I'll tell you the toys on the following list would rate some pretty big points for Santa.

1. Fisher Price Smartcycle Learning Game System This is a TV ready, arcade-style learning toy. It comes with this cute little exercycle. The system costs about $90.
2. Dora's Talking Kitchen Anything Dora,the Explorer is sure to be a hit with a preschooler. This kitchen has sounds, lights, and music and comes with utensils and kitchenware. Amazon is showing the cost at $70 but it's up to $90 elsewhere.
3. Singing Pizza Elmo For those of you who missed out on TMX Elmo, well, now you can have TMX Elmo holding a pizza! It's cute, the kids love Elmo, and this little guy really knows how to move! About $40.
4. Preschool craft sets These sets are designed for little fingers, with larger paint brushes, finger paints and crayons for hours of indoor fun.
5. Board Games Preschoolers are just capable of sitting still long enough to play a game so this is a great gift. Our favorites are Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders. There are many more and all are very reasonably priced.
6. Crayola Color Wonder Coloring books The coloring books are absolutely the best! The special markers only work on Color Wonder paper so this teaches the child to stay in the lines when coloring. There are many activity packs, all of which come with markers. There are also storage cases and activity desks as accessories. Packs start at $10.
7. Blocks I'm breaking a rule here as most wooden, Lego, or Megablocks sets have lots of pieces. However, blocks allow preschoolers to develop motor coordination. And their imagination as they make houses and forts for their dinosaurs or stuffed animals.
8. Fisher Price Little People sets These are wonderful sets for pretend play and the pieces aren't too small.
Fisher Price makes a farm, zoo, Noah's Ark, barn, house, etc. Something for both boys and girls. Sets start at $20. Little People are by far my child's favorite toy.
9. Leap Frog Click Start My First Computer - This cool computer hooks up to the TV so little kids can feel like big kids on the computer! This learning toy helps with skills such as colors, letters numbers, animals and just about anything else a preschooler needs to know. The computer starts at $60 with additional cartridges priced at $20.
10. Shake and Go Crash-up Speedway This speedway requires batteries but it also uses the shake-n-go cars that are, according to my little one, "cooly!" It comes with the cars and tracks. Priced at $50.
11. Leap Frog Little Touch Learning System A great gift! This delightful story-telling toy has tear-resistant pages and 3 learning levels. It's easy enough for even the littlest ones to use by themselves. Pages work by touch. The system comes with the base and a standard storybook for $50. Additional stories are available.
12. V-Tech V-Smile TV Learning System Another system that hooks to the TV. This is an educational gaming system that grows with your child. Prices starts at $60, with additional games available for about $20.
13. Ready Set Learn, Paz's Jump & Dance Mat A preschooler's version of the popular pre-teen and teen dance mats. This has engaging songs and two modes. One mode is a follow-the-leader version and another plays songs for dancing. Reasonably-priced at $30 for hours and hours of fun!
14. Playdoh Another oldie but a goodie. Kids love mushy stuff and Playdoh is just great for indoor fun. It's easy to use for little hands and easy to clean up. There are playmats, activity sets such as Dora the Explorer and Backyardigans.
15. Plasma Car No, it's not a real car but it doesn't have pedals or need batteries. It's a gravity driven, friction-controlled little mobile for your preschooler. Priced from $60. Definitely looks like something the whole family will be trying out!

Again, don't for the batteries!
Cheers! Smile :)
Have Fun....

Gifted Children seem to have Behavioural Problems

Gifted children are often classified as being special needs children. Many parents think their children are gifted, or wish that they were, but they don't realize that raising a gifted child can be a challenging situation. Behavior problems can occur when a gifted child isn't properly stimulated. The following are some of the issues that face gifted children. Some are inaccurate diagnosis's, and some are common reactions to being gifted.

ADHD:

It's not uncommon for gifted children to be inaccurately labeled ADHD due to their behavior. A child who is bored may exhibit similar symptoms to a child who has ADHD but those behaviors will disappear when the child is in a more appropriate environment.

Psychosomatic illnesses:

Some gifted children will complain of stomachaches or headaches in an attempt to miss school. It can be very hard for bright children when their education doesn't match their abilities. Some kids may hide their true talents in order to avoid being singled out or in an attempt to fit in with their peers. It can almost seem like they are living a double life, hiding their true selves from those around them. Needless to say that sort of stress can present itself physically.

Asynchronous development:

Asynchronous development means that a child is experiencing uneven development. A gifted child may score way above their peers intellectually but score lower than average on social or emotional development. Gifted children may experience intense fears about topics which they understand intellectually but cannot process emotionally. For example, they may be extremely worried about dying. Parents and teachers alike often expect too much from gifted children and may be troubled by their immature behavior at times. It's important that gifted children get emotional support to help them deal with their conflicting emotions and abilities.

Manipulative behaviors:

All children are master manipulators but gifted children can cause their parents and teachers grief when they start trying to run things. Parents will often remark that their child is smarter than they are. While a gifted child may be able to formalize a convincing argument it's important that they are not allowed to overstep their boundaries. Just like a typically developing child, they are often looking for the boundaries and they can suffer emotionally if they aren't disciplined appropriately.

Sensory Integration Disorder:

While there hasn't been much in the way of research, many parents of gifted children
report that they have some symptoms of Sensory Integration Disorder. The symptoms can vary dramatically between children. S.I.D. basically means that a person's brain cannot handle sensory stimulation "normally." For example, they may be extremely sensitive to smells, texture, or taste. These are the kids who won't wear socks because the seam is hurting them. Or they will get ill from the smell of certain foods. Some children with S.I.D. will require an intense amount of environmental stimuli, and they may act out when that need isn't met. Sensory Integration Disorder can lead to behavioral problems but once a child is diagnosed their environment can be better tailored to their needs which will help curb some of those issues.

Despite the above, it's important to note that long term studies have shown that gifted children are no more likely to suffer from emotional/behavior problems than their typically developing peers. Most of the problems that gifted children experience can be eradicated by changes in their environment. It's important for parents and teachers to understand the potential problems that can occur, and have a plan in place to help combat behavioral problems. Gifted children who feel supported and understood will have an easier time reaching their full potential.

Three Tips for teachers to deal with "Difficult Children"

1. Develop good communication techniques.
The key is to understand the differences in communication signals and develop good communication techniques. Matching their system creates harmoney.If someone uses kinesthetic language. Then, respond in kinesthetic language.

The student says: I just don't get it.
The teacher responds: Let me help you get a handle on it.

This creates rapport and harmony. That means the "difficulty" is gone.

2. Give students opportunities to process information in their dominant system.
Use a multi-sensory approach in your lessons:
1. Talk for shorter periods.

2. Let students talk.

3. Writing something on the board.

4. Letting them Copy.

5. They all read it aloud.

6. Talk to Them.

7. Let them interact with classmates.

8. Do scavenger hunts to find answers, to questions on their worksheets, posts on the walls.

9. They can read and answer questions silently.

Using multi-sensory activities appropriately,"difficult" discipline issues will virtually disappear.

3. Teach Kinesthetics how to process visually.
Kinesthetics process through their bodies. They have to move, touch, and feel in order to process information. Often, this behavior alone is seen as "difficult," because in school you're expected to sit still and be quiet.
In addition, since standardized testing is visual, this puts them at an extreme disadvantage. If you want them to learn well, they need to know how to read something and process it visually. This could be as simple as having them shift their eye position from down to up and helping them to become aware of the mental pictures. This is where the comprehension is: in the pictures.
When they comprehend, they learn better. When kids do better in school, they feel abetter about themselves. This means they act better. When they act better in school, that means the "difficulty" is gone.

Some information on "Difficult Children"

Why do some students seem to be "difficult" and get into trouble more than others?
The American educational system tends to be audio-visual. Typically, teachers talk (auditory) for long periods and they use some type of visual strategy like writing on the board. Schools using audio-visual presupposes that all students will process it in those two.

This is not the case. Some students process information differently. Unfortunately, this causes two problems:
1. These students have problems grasping and understanding what the teacher says about the subject.

2. This makes these students restless which creates discipline problems for the teacher.

How does this happen?

The student needs to understand what the teacher is saying but can't because the teacher is talking and doing things in a system the student doesn't normally process in. Therefore, the student gets confused and bored.

Confusion and boredom are feelings students don't like, therefore they distract themselves from it by moving and talking. Teachers misinterpret that behavior as being bad and punish students because they think they are bad. They say things like, "You are distracting the class." However, the students don't think they are doing that. They think they are distracting themselves from the bad feeling they get when they do not understand.