Thursday, October 6, 2011

31 for 21: Day 6, sick day.

Today was a sick day for Maya.  She caught a cold that I had earlier in the week. So we stayed home from school this morning. No school, no therapy, no play dates.  We played it low key today.  What is low key for Maya might mean something different than for you and me. Either way it was a day without an agenda.

Even when Maya has a cold, she doesn't let that get in the way of having a party in the house.  First thing she did this morning after getting up was sweep the living room. She swept the walls, chairs, sofa and floor. It was really cute considering she's not quite sure how to hold her little play broom.

When it was time for breakfast, as soon as she sat in the chair she signed "games please". That is something we do when we sit at the table while she eats.   In the hour it took her to finish 2 bowls of cheerios and fruit with yogurt, we played four "games".

Those games or activities included, singing the itsy bitsy spider and five speckled frogs songs, using a felt board. I sang and Maya would move the little picture pieces on the board.  She was trying to put voice to the songs today which was really encouraging.

Then we moved onto one of her favorites, drawing on her musical sketch board.  This is made by crayola, it is a board that you draw on while music plays. It's called crayola beginnings color me a song. The faster you draw the faster the music plays.  Maya loves it.

After that we did letters A-E on her letters sound matching board.  This is a cool activity using upper and lower case letters with pictures of items that begin with that letter.

Finally we did some stamping with a foam animal set I recently bought. It was our first time using it and even though I wasn't impressed with the quality of the stamps, Maya had a great time.  She kept clapping every time she made a stamp.

Maya is always busy. No matter what she is doing she is doing it fast and furiously. The great thing about "playing with games" at the table is she is very focused on each activity.  Because she is in a high chair she is locked in so to speak.  Yet she doesn't has a problem telling me when she is all done with a game.  Most of time what follows are the signs, "more games please".  =)

Making some music and art.

Stamping animals!

Our morning activities.

After breakfast,  Maya actually posed for me.  Sweet!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

31 for 21: Day 4, New blog.

I wanted to share a blog that a friend of mine has just created.  Janet is a mom and advocate for her daughter Lily.  She's an educator and has also been president for the Down Syndrome Network, here in Arizona.

At present Janet is working on her doctorate in Teacher Leadership.  Her study is focused on understanding the challenges teachers with students with Down syndrome encounter so that more effective training can be developed.  Because of her background in education she has started this blog with that in mind. 

In many ways this blog is personal but it also touches on various teaching techniques concerning our children with Down syndrome.  She plans to post a couple of times a week.

Please check the site out at: http://downsyndrome101.com/

Monday, October 3, 2011

31 for 21: Day 3, Bubbles and Chalk.


Bubbles and chalk, these are the things I love.
I can draw circle and lines.
I take out all the chalk from the box and try every color.
One at a time.
I don't eat chalk anymore, well, only once in a while.
Then Mama says, clean up and I pick up the chalk and sign,
"All done."

Sunday, October 2, 2011

31 for 21: Day 2, Hold my hand.


Hold my hand, Let's walk together.
This is what I've been waiting for...
To hold your hand and see you walk beside me.
On the sidewalk we are hand in hand.
Just like other moms and daughters.
Even if just for a moment.
  

Saturday, October 1, 2011

31 for 21: Day 1, Sign up and bring awareness!

Hi everyone, Just signed up for the 5th Annual 31 for 21 Challenge.  

If you get a chance, check it out and sign up. Lot's of great stories will be shared throughout October to bring awareness for Down Syndrome. Here's where to sign up, Unringing the Bell! And don't sweat it, you don't have to write about Down Syndrome just be a part of the movement. You can post photos or articles, or do anything you want, short or long.  Just do it! =)


Here's my first simple post.  I'm hoping to start doing this in general, post a photo and write a little poem or story with it.  Hope you enjoy!


Shoes, Mama, Shoes!
Let's go outside and swing. 
Push me higher Dada.
Make it go faster.
One, two, eeeeeeee, Go!
I feel so happy and free.