Loungeroom Overhaul

So, I finished overhauling the library (a few posts back) now it's the loungerooms turn.

I actually did both the kids bedroom & the loungeroom one after the other over a couple of days, as I switched furniture out.

The kids room was always a mess. They had a bookshelf in there that books would constantly fall off of, their play kitchen which clothes and other items would disappear beneath and two toy storage boxes. Their clothes, books, toys etc, would just make this overflow of mess that was hard to contain. And there was no room to add a conventional laundry basket to contain dirty clothes. Now its been cleared. The cats frequently spend their night on the toy kitchen :p

The loungeroom is a weird L shape, with another L added onto it via hallways. This means it would be practically impossible to have a couch in there (ridiculous I know, but I saw the last persons set up before we purchased the place, and having a couch in there means you need to shuffle round and can hardly move. So this was set up as DH's den. It has his armchair and big TV and his PS3 (men and their toys.) since it was his domain, but also held all the various electronics (phone, DVD player, modems, routers etc) that entire area was a BIG, ENORMOUSE jumble of tangled cords/wires (seriously, if you know me IRL, you know this is my nightmare....I hate tangled cords....I have been known to just completely disconnect everything throw the jumbled mess into a storage tub, close the lid and toss it in the garage). At the top of the lounge/L is our giant cat tree. The cats only use the cat tree when the dogs are in the house, elsewise they are inside the curtains basking in the sun.

The room are now clean, tidy and organized.

Kids Room: Everything but the bed was removed (the kids share a king size bed for the moment, they prefer to snuggle with each other over being alone *awww*) The Cat Tree (with a LOT of humphing and hawing) was moved my moi into the bedroom. I told DH he now HAS to do the raingutter bookshelves if he wants anywhere to put the books :p I hopefully have lit enough of a fire under him that it should be done sometime in the next few weeks. A Laundry basket will be put behind the kids door now that there's room. The cats were gloriously happy to have the cat tree in that room and spent a majority of the evening glaring down at everyone from the top of it.

Lounge: Kept DH's "den", but completely removed all the wires, cleaned under everything, and slightly moved the corner shelf, now all wires are labelled, OCD'ed :p, wound up and taped (or wound and used twisty wires to hold), and are all nice and neat (now this was a LOT of effort.....where's that medal? :p), with the cat tree gone, I had that weird top of L hallway bit, so I have put the kids bookshelf, the big wooden toybox, our mini chalkboard table & chairs, and our cane chair, as well as all of our wooden baskets there, and this will become the kids nature/seasons nook. They can play, and bring in items from outdoors etc...more on this later :p

Next up I have to start catching up a bit on the washing and moving some storage items from my room to the storage room. The next "real" challenge will be re-organizing the bathroom (boring to you guys :p ) and then the kitchen/dining (which is basically more cleaning...boring) and the teachers closet (*gulp* ummm....its a mess in there.....I may need chocolate before I attempt that)

xxx
Miss E.

Health, Safety & Etiquette DIY Curriculum

WOW! Three posts in one day....yeah, I tend to do that, lol.

Anyhow, today I give you a major link-dump. I am currently making my own Curriculum as others out there aren't suitable for us. This has Australian sites and information, so if you not in Australia, just look up your local Fire, Emergency Service, Police etc websites. I looked at all websites around Australia, as for emergency numbers they are the same, and its harder to get Aussie Kids stuff.

This is just draft links, not my curriculum, but from where I go from here, its a bit hard to post (copyright and all that from anything I add/purchase etc), so with these links,this will hopefully help you make your own Health, Safety & Etiquette Curriculum.

Be warned, this link list is REALLY long!

Health, Safety & Etiquette

Diabetes:

Professor Bumblebees Guide to Type 1 DVD

https://secure3.ilisys.com.au/diabexw/DiabetesDirectDetail.asp?offset=20&stock_Code=CH006

Grandma Sandy

http://www.grandmasandy.com/

Diabetes Food Pyramid Bingo

http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/d_06_c40.htm

Bee Healthy Diabetic Logbook

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0595271170/childrenwithdiabA/

Diabetes Colouring Pages

http://www.diabeteskidsandteens.com.au/funstuff.html

Dealing with Diabetes with Arthur

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/parents-and-kids/diabetes-care-at-school/classroom-lessons/

It's time to learn about diabetes

http://www.diabeteskidsandteens.com.au/kidslibrary.html

Healthy Food, Nutrition & the Pyramid

Crunch & Sip Poster in Resources

http://www.crunchandsip.com.au/interface/controls/Classroom/landing_Classroom.asp

Importance of drinking water

http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?p=335&np=284&id=1494

Has hydration and nutrition lesson plans

http://www.pbs.org/teachers/lunchlab/lessonplans/

Health and Nutrition Activities

http://www.first-school.ws/theme/nutrition.htm

Sesame Street Health

http://www.sesameworkshop.org/what-we-do/our-work/index.html

Nourish Lessons

http://www.nourishinteractive.com/nutrition-education-printables

Dora's food guide pyramid printable

http://www.nickjr.com/printables/doras-food-pyramid-and-stickers.jhtml?path=/printables/all-shows/charts-checklists_posters/4-5-years/index.jhtml

My 5 senses

I can be a scientist – my 5 senses unit

http://teachersnotebook.com/product/littlemisskindergarten/i-can-be-a-scientist-my-five-senses-unit

My 5 senses mini unit

http://www.mrswillskindergarten.com/2011/04/my-five-senses-mini-unit-free.html

Smelling Bottles

http://shareandremember.blogspot.com.au/2011/10/smelling-sensory-bottles.html

5 Senses Unit Ideas:

http://www.littlehandsbigwork.com/2012/03/five-senses.html

My 5 senses Unit

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/My-Five-Senses

Doctors & Germs

Germ Blow Painting

http://raisingsparks.com/craft-activities/blow-painting/

Official Handwashing Lesson:

http://www.restorationplace.typepad.com/restoration_place/2009/03/official-hand-washing-lesson.html

Handwashing Printables

http://kelly2johnson.blogspot.com.au/2011/09/hand-washing-resources-printable.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+blogspot/cUITI+%28reflections+of+an+early+childhood+teacher%29

Cover your cough

http://saylorslog.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/germs.html

Doctor and Hospital Pretend Play Printables

http://www.growingplay.com/gpdoctor.html

Doctor is In felt play set

http://www.sewcando.com/2010/03/doctor-is-in-felt-play-set.html

Fake Cast for Doctor Kit

http://cfabbridesigns.com/holidays/halloween/fake-casts-for-young-actors/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:FamilyChicFamilyChic&utm_content=GoogleReader

Storytime Bandaids

http://storytimekatie.com/2012/02/10/flannel-friday-band-aids/

Props Printables

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Pretend-Play-Props-Doctor

Pretend Hospital

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Playing-Pretend-Hospital-and-Doctor

Cover your sneeze free circle guide

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cover-Your-Sneeze-Please

First Aid

http://thehomeschoolden.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/first-aid-and-fire-safety.html

Venomous Snakes and tick bites

http://thehomeschoolden.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/first-aid-snakes-spiders-and-ticks-day.html

Kids guide to First Aid

http://www.amazon.com/Kids-Guide-First-Aid-Williamson/dp/1885593589/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264797882&sr=8-1

I want to be a doctor ebook

http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_275&products_id=11190

Kids guide to First Aid – PDF Version

http://www.currclick.com/product/444/The-Kids%27-Guide-to-First-Aid?it=1

Activities/fun for Doctor/Nurse Theme

http://www.makinglearningfun.com/themepages/DoctorCircleTimeandFun.htm

Colac Kids Ambulance Page

http://www.colacambulance.com/colac_kids.htm

Ambulance – Emergency Helpers Programme

http://www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au/Community-Info/Community-Education-Programs/Emergency-Helpers.html

Be an Ambulance Hero Dial Zero Zero Zero

http://www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au/Community-Info/Community-Education-Programs/Be-An-Ambulance-Hero-Dial-Zero-Zero-Zero.html

Doctors Dramatic Play Set

http://www.makinglearningfun.com/themepages/DoctorDramaticPlaySet.htm

Poisons Safety

http://www.first-school.ws/activities/firststeps/poisonsafety.htm

Hospital Roleplay

http://www.sparklebox.co.uk/topic/roleplay/emergency/medical.html#.T2lm0NVdPcs

Doctors Surgery roleplay

http://www.sparklebox.co.uk/topic/roleplay/medical/doctor.html#.T2lnS9VdPcs

Fire Fighters/ Fire Safety

Funtastic Folders Fire Safety

http://www.currclick.com/product/42969/FUNtastic-Folders!-F-is-for-Fire-Safety?it=1

CFA Victoria – Programs, Resources etc

http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/

Fire & Rescue NSW – Resources, Downloads & Activities etc

http://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/

Fire Links (Mainly Sparky Resource Link)

http://totallytots.blogspot.com.au/2010/08/once-upon-book-fire-engine-man.html

Firetruck Dramatic Play

http://shareandremember.blogspot.com.au/2010/10/firetruck-dramatic-play.html

Ideas and Games for Fire Theme

http://www.makinglearningfun.com/themepages/FireCircleTimeIdeasandGames.htm

Fire station Roleplay

http://www.sparklebox.co.uk/topic/roleplay/emergency/fire.html#.T2lmztVdPcs

SES, Flooding & Water Safety

Lessons Plans (SES)

http://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/community-safety/schools/kindergartentoyear2

Water Safety Lesson Plan

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Water-Safety-Lesson-Plan-group-work-very-active-lesson

Safe Passage Teachers Guide (Might be useful)

http://watersafety.usace.army.mil/SafePassage/

Being Sunsmart/Skin Cancer/Sunscreen/Slip Slop Slap

Cancer Council Sunsmart Resources

http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/24938/reduce-risks/sun-protection/sunsmart-program-for-primary-schools/sunsmart-resources/primary-school-curriculum-resources/?pp=37066

Sunsmart – Resources, links downloads

http://www.sunsmart.com.au/default.asp

Printable Resources for Sun Safety

http://www.embracinghome.com/summer-sun-safety-tips/

Sun Safety Activities

http://www.sunsafetyalliance.org/

Recycling/Trash/Earth Day

Read and Understand article about what to recycle

http://www.currclick.com/product/51402/Recycling

Recycling Resources

http://www.recycling-guide.org.uk/resources.html

Wee (little) Recyclers download Kit

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/eek/teacher/weerecyclers.htm

Earth Day Recycling Activity Packet

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Elementary-Earth-Day-Recycling-Activity-Packet

Recycling! Thematic Unit

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Recycling-Thematic-Unit

Police/000/Stranger Danger

Police Roleplay Resources

http://www.sparklebox.co.uk/topic/roleplay/emergency/police.html#.T2kna9VdPct

Roleplay – Missing Person Form

http://education.scholastic.co.uk/resources/5031

000 Resources – Police

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/services/triple_zero_000

Police Officer Resources

http://www.first-school.ws/theme/community-helpers-careers/policeofficer-policeman.htm

Police Unit Study

http://www.lawteedah.com/2011/01/unit-study-police.html

All About Me Book

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-About-Me-Book-featuring-student-Address-Telephone-Number-etc

Little Houses – to Learn Address, Safety etc

http://gironlife.blogspot.com.au/2010/04/houses-colors-numbers-and-home-address.html

Stranger Danger Roleplay

http://newlifeonahomestead.com/new-homeschooling/stranger-danger/

Stranger Danger Worksheet

http://www.free-for-kids.com/stranger-danger-worksheets-1.shtml

Alternative to Stranger Danger

http://safelyeverafter.com/

Police Roleplay

http://www.sparklebox.co.uk/topic/roleplay/emergency/police.html#.T2lmy9VdPcs

Road, Car & Street Safety

Projects & Resources

http://www.kidsandtraffic.mq.edu.au/educators/educators.htm

Kids on the Move Downloads:

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/studentlearning/programs/traffic/resources.htm

Car Safety for Kids

http://cms.globalvision.com.au/sdera/images/pdfs/smart_steps/activities.pdf

Kids on the Move more activity downloads

http://www.arrivealive.vic.gov.au/initiatives/safer_road_users/kids_on_the_move/kids_on_the_move.html

Car Safety Acitivities

http://www.twigglemagazine.com/September-activities/Street-safety-kindergarten-lesson.html

Car Safety Songs

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/children/songsrhymes.html

Dentist/Dental

Ideas for Dental Theme

http://www.makinglearningfun.com/themepages/DentalCircleTimeandGames.htm

Dental Activities

http://www.abcand123learning.com/2012/02/terrific-teeth-dental-health-month.html

FUNtastic Folders – T is for teeth

http://www.currclick.com/product/37911/FUNtastic-Folders!-T-is-for-Teeth?it=1

Dental Theme Printables

http://www.2teachingmommies.com/2012/02/dental-theme.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+2TeachingMommies+%282+Teaching+Mommies%29

Toothbrush Painting

http://busymommymedia.com/2009/10/toothbrush-painting/

Lets play dentist

http://kristin-senseofwonder.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/lets-play-dentist.html

Shared Reader Activities

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/A-Visit-to-the-Dentist-Shared-Reader-activities-printables

Dental Health Curriculum Unit

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Dental-Health-curriculum-unit

Dentist roleplay

http://www.sparklebox.co.uk/topic/roleplay/medical/dentist.html#.T2lnUNVdPcs

Manners & Etiquette

Remember your manners

http://www.currclick.com/product/71027/Remember-Your-Manners

Manners from Toddler Bites

http://www.currclick.com/product/36891/Manners?it=1

Tea Party Etiquette and Manners

http://www.currclick.com/product/36557/Tea-Party-Etiquette-and-Manners-Besides?it=1

Mrs E's Extraordinary Manners

http://www.currclick.com/product/34447/Mrs.-E%27s-Extraordinary-Manners%2C-Courtesy%2C-and-Social-Skills-Activities?it=1

Manners Please

http://www.currclick.com/product/25335/Manners%2C-Please!%3A--Poems-and-Activities-That-Teach-Responsible-Behavior?it=1

365 Manners every kids should know kindle ebook

http://www.amazon.com/Manners-Kids-Should-Know-ebook/dp/B000XUDGO4/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=A24IB90LPZJ0BS&qid=1185198955&sr=8-1

Emotions, Feelings and Bullying

My Feelings Lesson Plan

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/My-Feelings-Lesson-Plans

Emotions (Check Preview)

http://www.currclick.com/product/31508/Emotions?it=1

Understanding Emotions Unit Study

http://www.currclick.com/product/21163/Understanding-Emotions-Unit-Study?it=1

Bullying Lesson

http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com.au/2011/09/classroom-community.html

Bullying Lesson Plans

http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/lesson191.shtml

Exercise/Activeness & PE

Nourish Active & Exercise

http://www.nourishinteractive.com/nutrition-education-printables/category/14-fitness-kids-exercise-active-children-physical-education

Fitness for Children

http://www.abchomepreschool.com/Fitness/ChildrensFitness.htm

Family Time Fitnes

http://www.familytimefitness.com/Default.html

Chores & Cleaning

NONE. We are planning to make up a chores chart for the kids, and have a cleaning role play area for that week.

Well...um....have fun with all those links!

xxx
Miss E.

We're on a Winter Holiday

Well not really....We're taking a break from schooling right now as the house is in an abysmal state. All those well-meaners turn round and say: "Oh, forget the housework, it'll still be there later" Well they were right...it is.

And its shocking. If it were somebody else's house and I walked in, I would think there had been an earthquake...or some sort of Underground explosion. Its all right for people to say "Oh forget the housework, concentrate on the kids" umm....okay? But sooner or later, you do ACTUALLY have to clean. No Magic Fairies are going to come and do it for you (unless you call those dial-an-angel people, and even then, if you have waited long enough, they are just liable to scream and run away).

About 3 months ago now, we moved to a new house, before we did that however. I purged, big-time. I don't think people understand HOW MUCH we got rid of, we easily filled up three 3x3 skip bins, countless trips to the tip as well, and about 20 Van loads given to Charity on top of that.

So you wouldn't think theres anything that could actually be made into a mess right? Wrong. My children will make anything into a mess, not to mention the 4th child (DH). So yeah, I am telling you from 6 years of experience, no matter what the nurses at the hospital tell you, you must clean.

Rambling on a bit, but I remember one nurse saying those exact quotes to me back yonder, and then .... she came for a home visit. I swear, the house was tidy, there was just about 3 items of clothing on the far corner of the room, and the bed was unmade....and this nurse shrivelled up her nose in distaste.

So the lil Demon inside me came out to play, as it does occasionally, and I threw a hissy fit last night. And it achieved nothing to the ears of the other house occupants. But I meant what I said. I shall be purging ANYTHING that is not absolutely necessary to the wellbeing of our family.

Today I started in the kitchen, decluttering, purging, cleaning and scrubbing as I went. I only managed to get half the big kitchen done, but already I filled up 3 garbage bags and half a huge moving box!

Today the kitchen, tomorrow the world! mwahaha.

xxx
Miss E.