Do you recognize this landform? It’s the continent of Antarctica. It’s the only continent without a single country, although 22 have a ‘consultative’ status. That’s because they agreed to a 1959 treaty. They promised to keep Antarctica as a scientific preserve, like a national park. It was to be preserved as a place of scientific study and environmental protection.
One of my critique partners, Sandra Martin Denis just got back from Antarctica. She was there during the summer, the warmest time of year. It’s funny – Antarctica’s summer is during our winter. Part 2: A trivia question about Antarctica’s annual temperature range.
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Do you recognize this landform? It’s the continent of Antarctica. It’s the only continent without a single country, although 22 have a ‘consultative’ status. That’s because they agreed to a 1959 treaty. They promised to keep Antarctica as a scientific preserve, like a national park. It was to be preserved as a place of scientific study and environmental protection. One of my critique partners, Sandra Martin Denis just got back from Antarctica. She was there during the summer, the warmest time of year. It’s funny – Antarctica’s summer is during our winter. Part 1: It came straight from Sandra’s trip – her photos and her words. Enjoy! Penguins live in Antarctica. Penguins live in colonies. They're great swimmers. They spend half their time in the water and half their time on land. They are expert divers. They eat krill, fish, and squid. Penguins mate for life. They build nests of stones. Most penguins lay two eggs in a clutch. The male and the female take turns incubating the eggs, except for the emperor penguin. They build "highways" on the snow. Their main enemy is the Leopard Seal. Sandra didn’t have a picture of one, but I found these two on Pixabay. Yikes! Look at those teeth. OUCH! Tomorrow - a trivia question - what is Antarctica's annual temperature range? You won't believe it. I'm just glad Sandra went during the summer! I wrote the original post back in November, and I shared the update on my vlog. At the end, I predicted where I would be at the end of February. Today is March 13, and here’s where I am on my journey to tell the story of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Part 5 – My New Middle Grade Goals: The next one – to finish Chapter 36 by May 3rd. That’s the first Friday in May. My critique group is taking Good Friday off. Then I'll return to my usual pace – a chapter a week – to research, write and revise. It’s the fastest I’ve ever written, and the most I’ve written in years. I have another goal that’s on the back burner. I’m moving as quickly as I can, but the other chapters come first. My second goal is to polish the first 3 chapters until they’re submission ready. It’s a work in progress. I wrote the original post back in November, and I shared the update on my vlog. At the end, I predicted where I would be at the end of February. Today is March 13, and here’s where I am on my journey to tell the story of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Part 4 – Three New Strategies: How did I find them? The old-fashioned way – trial and error – until I find what works. For today. When they stop working – I go back to my drawing board. 1. Finding my way through research – I’m much faster than I used to be. I look for three internet sources for each signer, then what was going on just before his death, and finally what Charley and his family were up to. Sometimes I find my way into the chapter from it, but a lot of times, I don’t. 2. I write less – but not on the chapter of the week. I still write all day, taking breaks when I need to get up, until about 8PM. Sometimes just getting up and moving around will get me unstuck. And, so far I’m staying on track, writing a chapter a week. The less, that’s on my blog. I realized over the summer, when I thought about quitting, something had to give, and it couldn’t be me. So, now I write a blog section in two days. The first day I put up pictures and outline what I want to write. The second day I write and revise that section. If life gets in the way, and occasionally it does, I give myself a day of grace. Less is also on my vlog. I’m doing more classic posts. LOL, it’s just another way of saying an old one. I also look for blogs, beyond the original one, but they need to add to the vlog’s topic. 3. This is the BIG ONE! I write questions to Charley (Charles Carroll), and I answer them. After spending the last year and a half with him, I know him pretty well. This week I’m working on Oliver Wolcott. I’d never heard of him either. He was the governor of Connecticut in 1797, and a Major General in the Continental Army. He was one of the heroes of Saratoga, one of the first big wins for Washington’s army, but – that didn’t help me figure out how to write Chapter 31. What did? Questions! I started with ‘Where is Charley?’ and ‘What is he doing?’ Sometimes that works. Sometimes I have to ask more questions. I knew Oliver died on December 1, and Charley would have been in the Maryland Senate. So I asked what he might have been doing. That was a dead end, but it’s part of the process. Then I asked the question, and I hit pay dirt! I asked what Charley was doing at Christmas time. I got the answer the next morning. I realized I’d already written something about a priest visiting him. I don’t know if one really did, but it fits my research. Charley’s cousin was the first Catholic bishop in the US, and he started St. Mary's College and Seminary in Baltimore. The priest had to visit, because there were no Catholic Churches in Annapolis. Not yet. The first one was built next door to Charley’s house. BINGO! I started writing, and I finished the WHOLE rough draft in one day. I even started my first round of revision. I didn’t finish – I needed to write this part of the blog for you. If I hadn’t found my way into the chapter – I would have asked Charley more questions, until I found it. I know when I have a good answer, because I can keep writing. Even when I question the last paragraph I wrote. When that happens, I take a break, AND I can push past it. Part 4 grew too long - so TOMORROW - my goals for the future. I wrote the original post back in November, and I shared the update on my vlog. At the end, I predicted where I would be at the end of February. Today is March 13, and here’s where I am on my journey to tell the story of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Part 3 –My Conclusions and How They're Working: Back on July 17 of 2023, I wrote a post about failing. I even thought about quitting. Back then I was struggling with Stephen Hopkins from Chapter 12. Here are my conclusions after a week of struggle, plus the answer to the postscript – how my conclusions are working. 1. It’s OK to fail. Sometimes you need to stop and make a new plan. The last time I failed/got stuck was on Chapter 17 with Ben Franklin. 2. Change when you need to. When I get stuck, I should take a break. I need fun and family too. I still take breaks when I need to. But after Chapter 17, I found a new technique. I haven’t missed a deadline since then 😊 3. When I get stuck, I should step back. Later I’ll see how to edit and revise. I don’t need to step back with my new strategy. At least so far 😊 4. Each chapter feels like I’m climbing some steep hills. I need to write at this story’s speed. Sometimes that’s fast, and the story just flows. Other times it’s slow or no-speed at all. That’s when my ideas need time to develop. I still feel like I’m climbing steep hills, especially at the beginning, but my new technique makes it easier to climb that first one. Then the story usually flows along. Sometimes I find a steep hill near the end, but the strategy works there too 😊 Post Link: http://www.rindabeach.com/blog/when-you-feel-like-quitting-inspiring-quotes-for-you-and-me Vlog: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=6554628911271624 Tomorrow – my new strategies and my next goal I wrote the original post back in November, and I shared the update on my vlog. At the end, I predicted where I would be at the end of February. Today is March 13, and here’s where I am on my journey to tell the story of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Part 2 – Where Am I Now? This week I finished Chapter 30. Only 27 chapters to go 😊 And the signer – Carter Braxton from Virginia. I’d never heard of him, but now I won’t forget him either. His mother died after she’d given birth to two baby boys. He was her second son. Carter married young like his father, and his wife died after she’d given birth to two baby girls. Heartbreaking. But he married again. She gave birth to ten boys and six more girls. Eighteen – that’s a lot of children! Milestones from my Journey :
Chapter 19 = a third of the way to the end. Chapters 28 = halfway done. I celebrated both milestones with a tiny bit of shopping. It makes a memory and keeps me moving. Chapter 38 = two thirds of the way to the end. That’s seven chapters or seven weeks from now, I hope. Story Stats – 29 founders, dead Two states with all its signers dead – North Carolina (3) and New Jersey (5) The state with only one death – Massachusetts. The signer, John Hancock Tomorrow – lessons learned and my next goal I wrote the original post back in November, and I shared the update on my vlog. At the end, I predicted where I would be at the end of February. Today is March 13, and here’s where I am on my journey to tell the story of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Part 1 – Where I Was: I believe you need to know where you were, to take stock of where you are. It also allows you to see progress, and that’s a good thing. The original post went live on November 20. I was on Chapter 17, and I was writing about Ben Franklin. Oh My Goodness! I remember that chapter – not in a good way! It took me 3 weeks to find my way in. If you’d like to read the original post, here’s my link: http://www.rindabeach.com/blog/me-and-my-middle-grade-novel-where-am-i-now My vlog went live on January 28. I finished Chapter 21 with Francis Hopkinson that week. If you’d like to listen, here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2796790403792630 Part 2 – Where Am I Now? This week I finished Chapter 30. Only 27 chapters to go 😊 And the signer – Carter Braxton from Virginia. I’d never heard of him, but now I won’t forget him either. His mother died after she’d given birth to two baby boys. He was her second son. Carter married young like his father, and his wife died after she’d given birth to two baby girls. Heartbreaking. But he married again. She gave birth to ten boys and six more girls. Eighteen – that’s a lot of children! Milestones from my Journey : Chapter 19 = a third of the way to the end. Chapters 28 = halfway done. I celebrated both milestones with a tiny bit of shopping. It makes a memory and keeps me moving. Chapter 38 = two thirds of the way to the end. That’s seven chapters or seven weeks from now, I hope. Story Stats – 29 founders, dead Two states with all its signers dead – North Carolina (3) and New Jersey (5) The state with only one death – Massachusetts. The signer, John Hancock Part 3 –My Conclusions and How They're Working: Back on July 17 of 2023, I wrote a post about failing. I even thought about quitting. Back then I was struggling with Stephen Hopkins from Chapter 12. Here are my conclusions after a week of struggle, plus the answer to the postscript – how my conclusions are working. 1. It’s OK to fail. Sometimes you need to stop and make a new plan. The last time I failed/got stuck was on Chapter 17 with Ben Franklin. 2. Change when you need to. When I get stuck, I should take a break. I need fun and family too. I still take breaks when I need to. But after Chapter 17, I found a new technique. I haven’t missed a deadline since then 😊 3. When I get stuck, I should step back. Later I’ll see how to edit and revise. I don’t need to step back with my new strategy. At least so far 😊 4. Each chapter feels like I’m climbing some steep hills. I need to write at this story’s speed. Sometimes that’s fast, and the story just flows. Other times it’s slow or no-speed at all. That’s when my ideas need time to develop. I still feel like I’m climbing steep hills, especially at the beginning, but my new technique makes it easier to climb that first one. Then the story usually flows along. Sometimes I find a steep hill near the end, but the strategy works there too 😊 Post Link: http://www.rindabeach.com/blog/when-you-feel-like-quitting-inspiring-quotes-for-you-and-me Vlog: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=6554628911271624 Part 4 – Three New Strategies: How did I find them? The old-fashioned way – trial and error – until I find what works. For today. When they stop working – I go back to my drawing board. 1. Finding my way through research – I’m much faster than I used to be. I look for three internet sources for each signer, then what was going on just before his death, and finally what Charley and his family were up to. Sometimes I find my way into the chapter from it, but a lot of times, I don’t. 2. I write less – but not on the chapter of the week. I still write all day, taking breaks when I need to get up, until about 8PM. Sometimes just getting up and moving around will get me unstuck. And, so far I’m staying on track, writing a chapter a week. The less, that’s on my blog. I realized over the summer, when I thought about quitting, something had to give, and it couldn’t be me. So, now I write a blog section in two days. The first day I put up pictures and outline what I want to write. The second day I write and revise that section. If life gets in the way, and occasionally it does, I give myself a day of grace. Less is also on my vlog. I’m doing more classic posts. LOL, it’s just another way of saying an old one. I also look for blogs, beyond the original one, but they need to add to the vlog’s topic. 3. This is the BIG ONE! I write questions to Charley (Charles Carroll), and I answer them. After spending the last year and a half with him, I know him pretty well. This week I’m working on Oliver Wolcott. I’d never heard of him either. He was the governor of Connecticut in 1797, and a Major General in the Continental Army. He was one of the heroes of Saratoga, one of the first big wins for Washington’s army, but – that didn’t help me figure out how to write Chapter 31. What did? Questions! I started with ‘Where is Charley?’ and ‘What is he doing?’ Sometimes that works. Sometimes I have to ask more questions. I knew Oliver died on December 1, and Charley would have been in the Maryland Senate. So I asked what he might have been doing. That was a dead end, but it’s part of the process. Then I asked the question, and I hit pay dirt! I asked what Charley was doing at Christmas time. I got the answer the next morning. I realized I’d already written something about a priest visiting him. I don’t know if one really did, but it fits my research. Charley’s cousin was the first Catholic bishop in the US, and he started St. Mary's College and Seminary in Baltimore. The priest had to visit, because there were no Catholic Churches in Annapolis. Not yet. The first one was built next door to Charley’s house. BINGO! I started writing, and I finished the WHOLE rough draft in one day. I even started my first round of revision. I didn’t finish – I needed to write this part of the blog for you. If I hadn’t found my way into the chapter – I would have asked Charley more questions, until I found it. I know when I have a good answer, because I can keep writing. Even when I question the last paragraph I wrote. When that happens, I take a break, AND I can push past it. Part 5 – My New Middle Grade Goals: The next one – to finish Chapter 36 by May 3rd. That’s the first Friday in May. My critique group is taking Good Friday off. Then I'll return to my usual pace – a chapter a week – to research, write and revise. It’s the fastest I’ve ever written, and the most I’ve written in years. I have another goal that’s on the back burner. I’m moving as quickly as I can, but the other chapters come first. My second goal is to polish the first 3 chapters until they’re submission ready. It’s a work in progress. Finished 3/11/24 In Book 4, two characters finally take the lead. Timothy, Viscount Linwood was an unlikeable character in the first 3 books. Stiff, with no sense of humor. Now we learn why – he followed 313 rules. I’d be stiff too! Jasmine Fleury was likeable, but barely mentioned in the other 3 books. I knew she was a free spirit, an artist. That she believed souls could find each other across time and space. Sounds like fantasy to me, and this story was a good one! When Timothy comes forward to 2015, it’s Jasmine who discovers his back story. She helps him find himself. And it’s Timothy who helps Jasmine piece the past back together again. They’re a match made only in fantasies. My favorite line – trust the process. I do as a writer, and in my own life. And it’s what Jasmine and Timothy do as they find themselves, and each other. Another favorite – you can advise others, but never yourself. So true! I love back matter, where you find the ideas that shaped the story. Nichole Van researched King Arthur, Druids, foundlings, and English oak trees for this one. Did you know they could live for 1300 years? And that one small fact changed the course of this story! Amazon’s Description: Each life is tethered to others, tendrils wrapping through time itself . . . drawing people to each other . . . In 1815, Timothy, Viscount Linwood--handsome, arrogant, privileged--never veers from the refined rules of his world. Cheerfulness and other unsavory emotions are for lesser persons. Anything that smacks of trade is to be shunned. Honor and pride above all else. Consequently, when he discovers his estates are bankrupt, he decides to woo and marry an heiress post-haste. After all, love is for lesser-mortals. But Fate intervenes and draws him to a vibrant woman who makes him want things he can never have. Can a pompous lord change enough to find redemption? In 2015, Jasmine Fleury just wants her happily-ever-after. If only she could stop losing people instead--her grandmother, boyfriends . . . and now her entire family. Worse, she finds herself babysitting a haughty nineteenth century lord who can't even shave himself. What grown man can't shave himself? She has no interest in playing damsel-in-shining-armor to his knight-in-distress. But Fate has other plans . . . . This fourth installment in the Amazon bestselling House of Oak series can easily be read as a stand-alone book. Check out the other books in the series. Finished 1/23/24 Meet Book 3 from the House of Oak series. This time the main character is Mark, Emry’s brother. He’s barely mentioned in the other books. My guess – the author saved him for this one. You’ll also meet James’ brother, Arthur and his wife, Marianne. They only play supporting roles in the story, sort of like furniture, but Marianne’s brother, Timothy, Viscount Linwood is much more interesting. He’s more than a member of the aristocracy. Read for yourself to find out how. The best part of Nichole’s writing is her character development. She introduces two new ones in Book 3. Kit is the female lead, and both she and Mark time travel back to Duir Cottage. The portal has a reason for bringing them together. BTW, Kit is there to find her missing brother Daniel. He has the biggest reason for traveling back to 1814. I’m usually a big fan of back matter. Nichole had some interesting tidbits, but I really wanted to know more about the spies, the War of 1812, and what was going on with Napoleon in 1814. I did run across a bit in another book because I’m researching the founding fathers, the ones who signed the Declaration, but unfortunately, I’m writing a chapter about someone who died in 1793. Shucks! But would I recommend this book? Absolutely! I love a good historical romance, and this one adds in time travel too. I love two-fers! Amazon’s Description: Fate will draw two people together, moving them through centuries if necessary. But even predestined lovers have the choice to walk away . . . In 2014, Marc Wilde—martial artist and actor—finds his life a mess. His latest film, Croc-nami, is being trashed on social media, sending his acting career into a tailspin. His love life isn’t doing much better. And then there is the tiny matter of blackmail. Someone knows about the time portal in the cellar of Duir Cottage and is threatening to tell the world unless Marc pays up. So yeah . . . his life is not going so well. In 1814, Kit Ashton has problems of her own. Her brother has disappeared (again), leaving Kit penniless and forcing her to take up employment as a lady’s companion (sigh). Worse, there are French spies in the area, and Kit finds herself pulled into the conspiracy. Add in the sudden appearance of a handsome, silver-tongued rogue who makes Kit want to flirt, flirt, flirt . . . it’s the perfect recipe for disaster. Kit is determined to find her brother, return home, and (most importantly) keep her secrets, well, secret. This hilarious, quick-paced installment in the Amazon bestselling House of Oak series can easily be read as a stand-alone book. Finished 12/26/23 This is Book 2 from the House of Oak series. The best part of a series is meeting the characters you already loved. Emry and James were the lead characters in Book 1, and Georgiana had a supporting role. Her starring moment came when Emry had to take her back through the portal to save her life. In Book 2, Georgie takes the starring role. She’s cured, but she’s struggling to find her place in the 21st century. THEN the impossible happens . . . she receives a love letter from the past, and she wrote it! As a lover of mysteries, there’s only one thing she can do – time travel back to discover the love of her life, but there’s a twist . . . gooseberries! Watch whenever they’re mentioned – they’re the key to the plot. In 2013 Georgie’s boyfriend belongs to GLIB – Gooseberry Lovers International Brotherhood. Back in 1813 they figured into the plot too. Sebastian Carew enters the story when he becomes the Earl of Stratton. There’s only one small problem – if he isn’t married by his birthday, he will forfeit 60,000 pounds, and the money will go to 3 gooseberry societies. I’d never heard of gooseberries until I read this book and its back matter. If you’re curious what gooseberries look like, take a look under this paragraph. Gooseberry societies and competitions were a fad in the early 1800’s. If you were a gooseberry back then, you were a lax chaperone who wasn’t keeping an eye on your charge. Gooseberries are still popular in Britain, but now it means you’re the third wheel in a group. Amazon’s Description: Georgiana Knight--born in the nineteenth century, but now living in 2013--has certain standards when it comes to mysteries: they must involve blood curdling threats, late-night rendezvous and the terror of Imminent Danger. So far, her current mystery has been a terrible disappointment. No ghosts, no dastardly villains, not even an actual murder weapon. Just a suspicious symbol, a drawing of a bloody dagger, and an old love letter. Though the centuries-old love letter is written in her own handwriting, so that's something, right? And there is a time portal in her cellar. Should she risk giving up hot showers and return to the past to discover the mysterious stranger who inspired (will inspire?) her passionate letter? In 1813, Sebastian Carew has his own mystery to solve. As a teenager, he fell madly in love with his childhood friend, Georgiana. Ten years later, he returns from fighting abroad as an eligible man of fortune who must marry. And soon. He is determined to fend off fortune-hunting women, find Georgiana, and win her affections. However, she has utterly vanished. Can he divine the truth of her disappearance and convince her to marry him before time runs out? Finished 11/12/23 This was Nichole’s debut book from February of 2014. I found it in June, and I’ve been reading her work ever since. Intertwine is a time travel novel with Emry coming from 2012, and James from England, 200 years later. It’s a parallel story with the plot moving back and forth between the two characters. I love how she weaves them together. Nichole was an award-winning photographer before she started writing. I think it gave her an edge in picturing her characters and their story. She also uses Pinterest to store photos and notes to use later. I’d never heard of that before. I finished Nichole’s newest book before I started her first one again. I never noticed her growth as a writer until now. I loved her stories before, but her writing feels richer and deeper. I think it comes from the way she shows her characters’ emotions through their actions. She also uses historical details like furniture and clothing to help you picture the setting. Amazon’s Description: Outlander meets Bridgerton in a love story for the ages! Time is not a river. It is a vast cosmic sea. Where each life exists as rippling circles on its surface, past and future being eternally present. And occasionally, one expanding ring intertwines with that of another, weaving the lives of two people together. . . . In 2012, Emme Wilde can’t find the right guy. She wants to feel that swept-off-your-feet dizziness of true love. But so far, her dating life has come up short. Star Trek geek? Nice but too serious. Hippy artist? Cute but too vulnerable. Instead, Emme obsesses over the portrait of an unknown man in an old locket. Granted, a seriously dreamy guy with delicious, wind-swept hair she just itches to run her fingers through. But still. Dead men may be great listeners, but they are not exactly boyfriend material. Emme travels to England, determined to uncover his history and conquer the strong connection she feels. In 1812, James Knight has given up finding the right woman. All he wants is someone to share his love of adventure. Instead, his life has become a Shakespearean drama. His brother languishes in a tragic star-crossed romance. His beloved sister clings to life, slowly dying of consumption. But then he finds a beautiful mystery woman, dripping wet and half-dead, beneath a tree on his estate. Now if he can uncover her history, perhaps adventure—and romance—will find him at last. Spring is coming, and so is Kindergarten screening. It’s still a few months away. If you want to do a little prepping, here are five ideas for you and your child. They came from the UK. I modified them to fit American parents and kids. Link: The 5 Skills You Should Actually Teach Your Child Before They Start School (msn.com) #1. Talking: In the US, I’d expand this into the language arts. - Think speaking. Talk to your kids, ask them questions, sing and do nursery rhymes. - Think listening. Can your kids listen to a story or follow directions? Maybe with one step or two? Maybe more! (2 step example – jump twice, then stop.) - Think reading. Read a book with your kids. Picture or Board book, it doesn’t matter. Let your kids read to you. It doesn’t have to match the real text. That’s how littles start reading – by retelling a favorite story. You can do the same thing with television. Watch, then talk about it. You’re still using all of those great skills. - Think writing. It can be as simple as drawing a picture or writing their name. That’s how littles start. They’ll let you know if/when they’re ready for more. PS – Save a drawing from time to time, maybe once a month. They’ll show how your child’s fine motor skills are growing and developing. #2. Independence: This is the same set of skills whether you live in the UK or the US. The more independent your child is, the more successful they’ll be. - Think separating. Can you leave your child and know they’ll be fine? During screening another educator will take your child to assess their strengths and weaknesses. They can’t get an accurate picture if you’re there. The school will set up classrooms that fit your child and their classmates based on that screening. - Think bathroom skills. Kids are expected to go by themselves. They need to wipe, wash, and dry their hands. Knowing how to get a paper towel is helpful. I remember watching Kindergarten teachers and students that first week. There’s a lot of life skills being learned and practiced. - Think lunch. Can your child eat by themselves? Open packages of ketchup or use a spork to spread butter. An adult’s around to help, but the more your child can do, the better. That first week of school your child will learn to carry their tray to the table. Afterwards they’ll drop off trash or things to wash. Every day that first week I gave thanks for kindergarten teachers. By the third week, those kids looked like pros! - Think clothing. Can your child put on a coat? Zip or button it? Can they tie their shoes, or pack their bookbag to go home? Teaching them how to get dressed is a good thing! So is independence. #3. Numbers: It’s more than 2 + 2, even in kindergarten. It’s not algebra or geometry, but the foundations for math begin in kindergarten. - Think number sense. Can your child count to 10? To 20? If that’s simple, keep going. Maybe your kiddo can make it to 100! Do they know that 2 cookies are less than 4? Could they figure out if you have 4 cookies and give 2 away, how many are left? You could try this at your kitchen table or at the store. Any time you use math, let your child use it with you. - Think geometry with shapes. Can your child recognize triangles, circles, and other 2D shapes? Can they recognize 3D ones like spheres, cylinders, and cones? When you find those shapes in real life, talk to your child. - Think patterns, basic AB ones. You can build from there. You might start with circle, square, circle. Then ask what comes next. If your little doesn’t know, it’s an opportunity to learn something new. If you see patterns around the house, around the store, ask your child to look for them. - Think measurement. Start with more/less, heavier/lighter, and go from there. Talk about units at the grocery store – pounds, gallons, etc. Let them use a scale, like the one in the bathroom. The UK post said to bake with your child and let them do the measuring. If there’s a spill, they can learn to clean it up too 😊 #4. Concentration: It’s more than focusing and finishing a task. It’s also about changing gears. It’s about learning how to do things when your teacher tells you. - Think listening to directions, then following them. Play a game with your child, or ask them to help you. They’re using those same skills. - Think movement. You can’t just get up and move around. You listen to your teacher. Try a game like Simon Says with your kiddo. - Think bathroom. You listen to your teacher too. Think of car rides. Your child has used this skill. - Think stopping and starting when your teacher tells you to. Sometimes you don’t get to finish what you’re doing. Watch how your child handles this at home and help them shift those gears. - Think about the other kids in the class who are doing activities too. If your child is in preschool or any other kind of class, take a look at how they’re handling those interactions. - The original post suggested things like sticker books, puzzles, activity books, and coloring. Don’t forget group activities like story hour for your child. #5. Play: This is the heart of childhood. Kids learn by playing – from finding their fingers and toes to stacking blocks. - Think open-ended play where your child directs the action, with real things or with their imagination. - Think materials – like paper towel tubes, clay, and boxes. Or toys like blocks, costumes, and balls. The opportunities are endless, and so is the fun. Do you have parents or grandparents who need to look for a new home? I’m happy to share this guest blog from Kent Elliot AtHomeAging.info. Keep reading – he has seven great tips to help seniors find the house that fits them now. The journey into retirement marks a pivotal phase in life, demanding a living space that transcends the ordinary, blending comfort, safety, and convenience. This stage requires careful consideration of certain key features in a home, ensuring it not only meets your present needs but also gracefully adapts to your evolving lifestyle in the years ahead. This comprehensive guide, courtesy of Rinda Beach, aims to illuminate those vital characteristics that make a home ideal for your retirement years. Part 1: Embracing Open and Accessible Spaces In your search for the perfect retirement residence, prioritize homes that boast open, barrier-free floor plans. These designs are more than just modern and visually appealing; they are practical, enhancing mobility and reducing the risk of accidents. An open floor plan facilitates easier navigation, particularly important as mobility concerns increase with age. Additionally, these spaces foster a warm, inviting atmosphere, ideal for hosting family gatherings and maintaining an active social life, which is essential for mental and emotional well-being during retirement. Part 2: Accessibility with Wheelchair-Adapted Entrances For retirees who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids, the presence of wheelchair-friendly ramps and wide doorways is a critical feature. These adaptations are not merely conveniences; they are essential for maintaining independence and ensuring safe access around your home. Homes equipped with these features underscore a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, vital for a comfortable and dignified retirement life. Part 3: Assurance Through Home Warranty Protection When downsizing, it’s important to consider your insurance options. While homeowner’s insurance covers damage to the structure, injuries, and theft, it doesn’t cover appliances or major systems. That’s why you should work with a home warranty company to find a policy that works for you. These warranties are crucial for safeguarding against unexpected repairs and maintenance issues, particularly for essential home systems like heating, cooling, and plumbing. With such protections in place, you can spend your retirement years enjoying your home without the concern of potential unforeseen expenses and the hassles of home repairs. Part 4: Enhanced Living with Intelligent Home Systems In the modern age, homes equipped with smart technology offer significant advantages, especially for retirees. Look for properties that feature intelligent home systems, such as automated thermostats, lighting controls, and advanced security systems. These technologies not only provide unparalleled convenience but also enhance safety and independence. The ability to control various aspects of your home environment with simplicity and ease can significantly improve your quality of life, allowing you to focus on enjoying your retirement rather than being bogged down by mundane tasks. Part 5: Seamless and Safe Access The entrance to your home should be more than just aesthetically pleasing; it should be designed with safety and accessibility in mind. Homes with step-free entryways are crucial for preventing trips and falls, common concerns as one ages. Such design considerations ensure that your home remains accessible, safe, and welcoming, regardless of any mobility challenges you or your visitors might face. Part 6: Safe and Comfortable Bathing Solutions Bathroom safety is paramount, making accessible walk-in showers a must-have in your retirement home. These showers–along with grab bars and corner protectors–are designed to help provide safer and more comfortable bathing experiences. They minimize the risk of slips and falls, a significant concern for seniors, and provide the convenience necessary for maintaining personal hygiene independently and with dignity. Part 7: Ease of Access with Ergonomic Handles The usability of a home extends to the smallest details, like door and faucet handles. In your retirement home, look for ergonomic lever-style handles, which are far more user-friendly than traditional knobs, especially for those with arthritis or limited hand strength. Such thoughtful details in a home's design can make a substantial difference in your day-to-day life, ensuring that every aspect of your home is accessible and easy to navigate. Final Thoughts Selecting the right home for your retirement is a decision that encompasses much more than just the property's location or aesthetic appeal. It's about finding a space that ensures your comfort, safety, and independence in the years to come. By focusing on these essential features, you ensure that your chosen home is not just a dwelling, but a sanctuary that supports and enriches your life throughout your retirement. For more information, check out Kent Elliot of AtHomeAging.info
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AuthorWhen I write, I can only have one voice in my head, mine. A little noise is fine. But too much, or worse yet, WORDS, and I must change rooms or pull out headphones. Then I can write on! Categories
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