We are back:)

Wow! It has been over 3 years since I last posted anything on the blog and so much has changed and happened ever since. On that basis, I decided to create short 30 second videos briefly showing the different things that took place through out these years.

Here is the link to the first video.
Enjoy!

Copy of Video 1

Three additional resources

1) Nurture Shock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman. http://www.nurtureshock.com/

2) Einstein Never Used Flash Cards: How Our Children Really Learn-- And Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less by Kathy Hirsh-Pasek Ph.D., Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, Diane Eyer

Click here for more information about the book

3) Article on Tools of the Mind Program. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/magazine/27tools-t.html

Motivational quotes about education

"Education is not a problem. Education is an opportunity." President Lyndon B. Johnson.

"By holding children back, you'll never know what they could have done if you let them go on." Susan Bredekamp, Ph.D.

"It is in early childhood education that I was able to really see what a unique opportunity we have in working with children. We as professionals in the early childhood field have an opportunity to shape a child's life for the better." Sandy Escobido, Deputy Field Director, Los Angeles Preschool Advocacy Initiative.

My childhood web

My father is a strong, independent, compassionate and intelligent man. He believed that a good education is the most important thing that he could provide for his children. He always supported me by encouraging me to pursue my interests. In middle and high school I was very interested in Art, especially painting. And he encouraged me to pursue this interest by encouraging me to take art courses during my summers in Paris and London. This has influenced my present life because as a mother I have realized that I too, want to provide a good education for my children.

My mother is strong, thoughtful, caring and independent. While growing up she would, especially during the hard times, tell me "what does not kill you makes you stronger." I believe she supported me by always showing me my strength and that if I put my mind to it I could overcome most of my problems. This has influenced me today because I realize how important it is to be a strong role model to my children.

My sister May is older than me by 15 years. I consider her my 'second' mother. She always made me feel safe and secure. The security and unconditional support that she provided is the reason for my confidence. I realize that it is very important to be a confident and strong willed mother because having these characteristics sets a good example for my children.

My sister Mayssa is older than me by 12 years. She is a strong, creative and extremely social person. She always encouraged me to pursue my creative interests. We would do so many creative activities together. And I used to enjoy and look forward to painting, playing dress up and music with her all the time. My passion for art and music is because of my sister's influence. I realize today it is so important for creative activities. I encourage such activities with my children all the time.

My twin brother Micho is a smart, generous and loyal person. He is also one great super athlete. While growing up we were together all the time. He used to love to play sports and he influenced my love for sports especially soccer. This has influenced me today, because I always give myself some time to do some kind of sport. Recently I have been playing so much soccer with my older son.

My passion for the early childhood field

When Omar was three months, I was determined to find ways, activities and games that were simple and that would be beneficial to him. I was not interested in surrounding him with toys that promoted education and that in reality did not as I was very skeptical of the edutainment industry.

Anyways on my quest, I discovered a book titled 'Bright from the Start' by Jill Stamm. This book fueled my passion for the early childhood field. I was able to understand and learn so many new things about a child's development after reading this book. What is also amazing about this book is that it divides the important stages of a child's developmental process by age and lists the kind of activities that one can do with their child along with discussing the brain and school link of each activity.

Click here for more information about the book and the author

My favorite quote about Children

"Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, and though they are with you yet they belong not to you." Khalil Gibran Khalil

This is my favorite quote about children. It is found in an excerpt titled 'On Children' from Khalil Gibran's book, "The Prophet".

Click here to read the full excerpt.

Click here to read Khalil Gibran Khalil's bio

My favorite Children's Book

This is a children’s book written by Barack Obama titled, Of Thee I Sing: A letter to My Daughters.

Barack Obama, in a letter form addressed to his daughters, discussess 13 influential American icons and how they made an impact and had strong personal virtues. Obama points out these different traits and talks about how that has shaped America. For example, Jackie Robinson- courage; Albert Einstein- intelligence; Jane Adams- kindness etc. He believes, that not only his children, but all America's children possess these traits.

Even though the book is targeted to children grades 2-5; my son Omar- 35 months and I love and enjoy reading this book. We both enjoy discussing the pictures in detail, the different icons and their contributions and accomplishments. Omar asks me about these icons and their contributions. He asks me questions about courage, kindness and strength. We enjoy talking about the book in many different ways.