Children form a circle and each child holds something like a pencil or piece of paper or candy.  Each time left is said the item is passed to the left.  Each time right is said the item is passed to the right.  When the story ends, the item held is theirs. Example: if all have a piece of candy but one item is chocolate, than that item is theirs at the end of the story.  This story can be used for holidays like Christmas and hold presents or for birthdays, Easter, etc.  Enjoy the Left Family story!

   A Special Time for the Left Family

Mr. and Mrs. Left were celebrating their special day today.    It was Left’s fifth anniversary.   They chose the right restaurant to go to celebrate.   It was their favorite Italian restaurant not far from Left’s house.   Their children, Mary Left, John Left, and Peter Left planned the whole event.   Also, the 6PM time was the right time to go before it became crowded.  

Some of the other family and friend members asked for directions.   The children wanted the family and friends to have the right direction and not get lost:  go 3 miles to Center Street, make a left, go another 3 blocks, stay in the left lane and make another left turn on 4^th Street, take 4^th Street to Heart Avenue and make a right, go 2 blocks and you will see the Italian restaurant on your left, make a left turn into the parking lot.   Make sure you stay in the right side of the parking lot because there is more than one restaurant there and park in the right side of the parking lot.   The tables are located in back of the restaurant but ask for Mr. Right, the manager, when you go in.   You will see all the names on the tables for your seating.   It was not long when Mom Left and Dad Left entered.   They were surprised to see many family members and friends attending and seated around the table. Of course, the children were seated next to mom and dad left: Mary Left, John Left, and Peter Left.   They sat on the right side of the table.   Grandpa Left sat on the left side of ...

What Kind of Goals is Achieved Through Music?

It sets up goals according to the group and/or individual situation such as:

1.       Develops a sense of rhythm.

2.        Improves speech and language.

3.        Provides an acceptable means for emotional release.

4.        Improves self-confidence.

5.        Trains following directions.

6.        Develops self-control, increasing retention and attention spans.

7.        Encourages growth in creativity and imagination.

8.        Correlatesmusic with other subjects.

9.        Improves coordination and motor control.

10.      Strengthens self-expression.

11.       Develops interpersonal communication.

I learned recently about the difference between a nightmare and a night terror, as I put together a workshop on "Anxieties and Fears in Children".  One out of every four children between the ages of 3 and 8 experience either night terrors or night‑mares. Both of these situations can be unnerving, but are generally short‑lived.

Night terrors generally occur within an hour of falling asleep.  The child awakens suddenly from a state of deep sleep in a state of panic.  He or she may scream, sit up in bed, breathe quickly, and stare "glassy eyed."  The child also may seem confused, disoriented, and incoherent.  Each episode can last from 5 to 30 minutes.  A child who experiences night terrors is not aware of any scary thoughts or dreams and is usually able to go back to sleep quickly.  In the morning, he or she usually doesn't remember waking at all.  Night terrors may occur for several years.  Generally they go away with time and are not an indication of any underlying emotional problems.

Nightmares generally occur in the early morning hours.  Children who experience nightmares can often recall the vivid details of their scary dream and may have difficulty going back to sleep.  Nightmares will often center on a specific problem or life event that is troubling the child.  Parents can help by remaining calm and hold the child close and talk in a soft soothing voice to comfort and reassure the child.  If possible, the parent or teacher should stay close by until he or she falls asleep.  Calm, consistent handling of nightmares or terrors will help the child feel safe and secure.