About Malia & her Blog
Malia is a winner of Top 25 Teacher Moms - 2012
How long have you been a teacher?
I have been a teacher for as long as I can remember. My family has a video of me as a six-year-old girl reading a story to a classroom of stuffed teddy bears and bunnies. I suppose you could say that teaching was always in my blood.
I started teaching in classrooms filled with real students during my freshman year of college and was thrilled to begin my formal career as a teacher when I graduated in 2003.
Although I am taking some time off to raise my two adorable boys, I love staying active in education by sharing my favorite teaching tips and reading activities on my blog, Playdough to Plato.
What are three of your favorite books for children? (Please share what age they are best for.)
For preschoolers and kindergarteners, I love the story "Not a Box" by Antoinette Portis. It's a simple book that inspires children to turn ordinary boxes into extraordinary rocket ships, boats and more.
The series "Mercy Watson" by Kate DiCamillo is a guaranteed favorite for kindergarteners and first graders. Mercy is a most lovable pig who finds herself in the most entertaining and humorous adventures. It's a fun read for young and old alike.
And finally, "Geronimo Stilton" is a great series for first through third graders. Geronimo is a playful mouse who enjoys solving mysteries, hunting for treasures and more.
What can parents do to help when their child doesn't like school?
If your child is struggling to enjoy school, you can help by:
1. Talking with his teacher. Does it seem like school is too challenging for your child? It is too easy? Does your child play with friends during recess? Gathering information from your child's teacher will help you figure out what is causing his hesitancy as you work together to find a solution.
2. Talking with your child. Ask about his favorite parts of the day to help him remember the happy moments he enjoyed. Talk about his least favorite parts of school. What can he do to make those times go more smoothly? Have your child act the solutions out so that he knows exactly what to do when he is feeling frustrated the next time.
3. Supplementing school at home. Build on your child's interests and create fun learning activities he can enjoy outside of school. If he loves airplanes, take a field trip to a flight museum or airport. Read books about airplanes and build model airplanes out of recycling materials like paper towel rolls and scrap paper. Make sure to label your projects as "school work" so your child begins to associate learning with fun.
Malia's Answers
How do you store your child's toys? Please include a link to a photo if you have one.
My type A personality can't get enough of my boys' labeled toy bins. http://www.playdoughtoplato.com/2012/02/03/labels-help-your-child-read/
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