One of the great things about living in Fort Thomas is the
adherence to time-honored tradition.
From Friday night football games, to the holiday festivities, we are a
town that honors tradition and celebrates together. That said, there reaches a time when a tradition can be
tarnished by lack of reason and, in my opinion, the decision by the city and
surrounding cities to not postpone Halloween Trick-or-Treating will ruin this
year’s celebration. For anyone who
attended the Fourth of July parade (and I’m sure it wasn’t many of you), you
should remember what happens when terrible weather meets outdoor
festivities. Attendance was
paltry. However, it is one thing
to stand outside in a continuous rain with 85 degree weather; it is entirely
different to stand outside in below 50 degree weather, in the evening, with a
driving rain and 20 mph wind gusts!
Amidst flu season, no less. I'm sure the weather will hold off. Right?
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Highlands prepares for top-ranked Bulldogs
By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter
The
Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team has put together some good soccer during
this impressive tournament run.
The
Bluebirds (17-7-1) may need to play their greatest game of the year to advance
to the state semifinals for just the second time in school history. Highlands faces
the top-ranked Lexington Paul Dunbar Bulldogs (23-1-2) at Noon on Saturday at
Lexington Henry Clay in the state quarterfinals.
The Band of Helping Hands Aims to Keep Memory of Fort Thomas Girl Alive
This article was published in the October magazine of The Fort Thomas Living
The Jennifer Harber Memorial Scholarship is
one of 12 Northern Kentucky non-profits participating in an upcoming
fundraising event.
The Band of Helping Hands will perform live at The Newport Syndicate on November 1, 2013. The show begins at 7:30 pm, and tickets cost $25 each.
The event will feature G.Miles and the Hitmen, Jamison Road, 3 Sheets, Southern Highway, and Brad Hatfield Band.
To donate, you must visit http://bandofhelpinghands.org/?cat=4 and (important) select “The Jennifer Harber Memorial Scholarship” from the drop-down menu to ensure the money gets directed to the scholarship.
The Band of Helping Hands will perform live at The Newport Syndicate on November 1, 2013. The show begins at 7:30 pm, and tickets cost $25 each.
The event will feature G.Miles and the Hitmen, Jamison Road, 3 Sheets, Southern Highway, and Brad Hatfield Band.
To donate, you must visit http://bandofhelpinghands.org/?cat=4 and (important) select “The Jennifer Harber Memorial Scholarship” from the drop-down menu to ensure the money gets directed to the scholarship.
Jennifer Harber was born May
4, 1981, the second child Ed and Beverly Harber. She was the younger sister to
Emily Harber Rucker. At the time of her passing, she was a student at Highlands
High School in Fort Thomas, Kentucky.
Jen was carefree from the moment she could walk. One favorite memory is the time she and her family went camping in Brookville with a church group. According to Emily, the girls were being changed out of their wet bathing suits in a tent by their mother. Once Bev turned her back, Jen (then age four), took off out of the tent, streaking around the campground as naked as the day she was born ... and loving it.
Not surprisingly, her favorite dish as a kid was naked spaghetti - plain noodles in a bowl.
Jen grew up to be a spunky, energetic teenager who loved music, soccer and reading. She also adored anything with a rubber duck on it. Fiercely loyal and loving to her family, she was also a true friend to those around her, never judging others by their "cover" and always willing to stop everything and help someone in need. That compassion inspired her dream to one day become an emergency medical technician, following the footsteps of her father and sister.
Jen was carefree from the moment she could walk. One favorite memory is the time she and her family went camping in Brookville with a church group. According to Emily, the girls were being changed out of their wet bathing suits in a tent by their mother. Once Bev turned her back, Jen (then age four), took off out of the tent, streaking around the campground as naked as the day she was born ... and loving it.
Not surprisingly, her favorite dish as a kid was naked spaghetti - plain noodles in a bowl.
Jen grew up to be a spunky, energetic teenager who loved music, soccer and reading. She also adored anything with a rubber duck on it. Fiercely loyal and loving to her family, she was also a true friend to those around her, never judging others by their "cover" and always willing to stop everything and help someone in need. That compassion inspired her dream to one day become an emergency medical technician, following the footsteps of her father and sister.
Unfortunately, Jen's life
ended all too soon in October 1998. Despite their grief, the Harbers wanted to
continue Jennifer's legacy by offering a scholarship to Highlands High School
alumni. As Emily says, it gives Bev and Ed a chance to do for others what they
didn't get to do for Jennifer.
KY Governor, Attorney General Warn of Potential Health Coverage Scammers
FRANKFORT -- Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and Attorney General Jack Conway are warning consumers to protect themselves from fraud and to be vigilant of scams claiming to be associated with Kentucky's rollout of the Affordable Care Act.
Police Round-Up: Door-to-door solicitors, New 911 Service Fee, Archery Ordinance, Town Hall Meeting
Door-to-door soliciting, a new 911 service fee, and an upcoming town hall meeting have all been on the FTPD’s docket the past two weeks. Here’s your Police Round-up:
Fort Thomas Jewelers Grand Opening Gala
On Saturday November 2 from 1-5 pm, Ft. Thomas Jewelers will
be celebrating its Grand Reopening at the new Highland Heights location (2780
Alexandria Way). The new store,
part of Highland Pointe Plaza development near Northern Kentucky University,
opened back in August but to celebrate the support they’ve received from the
Highland Heights community and the long-time dedication of their Fort Thomas
customers, the owners are holding this Grand Reopening celebration and sale.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Fort Thomas Restaurant Answers Pleas to Re-Open / Weekend Tribute to Veterans
In the coming weeks
there are some great events taking place in Fort Thomas. One event will satisfy
your local dining needs while the other will set the bar for honoring our vets.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Moving On! Highlands opens state tournament with another 1-0 win
By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter
NICHOLASVILLE – It did not take overtime to earn this one.
It took a great pass to the center to their leading goal-scorer for the game’s lone goal and lift the Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team to another 1-0 victory in the first round of the state tournament over the host West Jessamine Colts on Monday. Highlands finds itself back in the state quarterfinals since a 3-1 loss to Scott three years ago.
Highlands senior forward Chris Garbig scored his team-high 16th goal with about 22:40 left in the first half following a nice centering pass from Jimmy Penrod. That marked the second assist of the year for Penrod.
Street Class: Memory Lane's Breast Cancer Warrior
October will soon be coming to a close, which also means that Breast Cancer Awareness Month will be wrapping up. However, just because October is almost over does not mean that it's time to stop supporting Breast Cancer awareness.
Statistics show that one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. As of 2013, there are 2.8 million women in the United States with a history of breast cancer. This number includes those currently undergoing treatment. Ft. Thomas resident Tammy Schroder is one of those 2.8 million women in America. Schroder moved to Memory Lane with her husband and three children in 1996, and was nice enough to share her story with Fort Thomas Matters while recovering from surgery.
Who is the Group Soliciting Door to Door in Fort Thomas?
Photo source: www.cintirestoration.org |
"I was so bad off that I had a baby in a hotel room by myself. I didn't care about anything other than how I was going to get my next high," said Oliver, who is now an administrator at The Cincinnati Restoration Church on Harrison Avenue in Colerain.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
9th Boys Soccer Title Game: Highlands edges NCC in barnburner
By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter
UNION – The winner of the rubber match of this great boys soccer rivalry moved on to state, pure and simple.
That’s why it was an even more intense, physical game you’d expect between two teams fighting to keep their seasons alive. In the end, the Highlands Bluebirds pulled out the 1-0 overtime win over the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds to claim the 9th Region Championship on Saturday at Ryle.
Highlands senior and tournament most valuable player Mitch Gesenhues scored the game’s lone goal about a minute into overtime. Fellow senior Cole Davis-Roberts booted a free kick into the attacking zone. The ball rolled to the left of the goal where Gesenhues booted it past Newport Central Catholic goalkeeper Paul Grosser setting off a huge Highlands celebration and leaving the NewCath players stunned.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
9th Girls Soccer Title Game: Bluebirds fall to Pandas
By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter
CRESTVIEW HILLS – The Highlands Bluebirds girls soccer team knew it had to match the intensity and determination of its arch-rivals to move on.
The Bluebirds played hard, but could not figure out the Notre Dame Panada defense or recover from an early momentum swing in a 3-0 9th Region championship loss Saturday. Highlands has lost to Notre Dame in its last two region title game appearances.
Gangster's Dueling Piano Bar Halloween Bash Tonight
Gangsters Dueling Piano Bar's Halloween Bash is tonight! 18 East Fifth Street, next to The Syndicate.
They are all dressed up and hoping to see a full house! Don't forget, to register for the costume contest be here before 10pm.
Winner will be announced between 11:30 and Midnight. You must be present to win! They are giving away 2 free tickets to our NEW YEARS EVE BASH, A $200.00 VALUE!
Elder ends another Highlands winning streak
By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter
CINCINNATI –
The Highlands Bluebirds football team has lost some tough ones to the
Cincinnati Elder Panthers through the years.
But Friday’s
30-27 defeat at The Pit may be the toughest one to swallow. The vaunted
Highlands spread offense received the ball twice down by that score but could
not find the end zone like it normally does.
Bluebird Notebook: Highlands holds own in tough environment
By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter
It may have
been a tough loss for Class 4As top-ranked squad.
But the
Highlands Bluebirds proved they can compete with schools in Cincinnati’s
vaunted Greater Catholic League South.
Highlands
has lost the last two games to the Elder Panthers. But the Bluebirds did win
34-29 at The Pit two years ago. They also beat the St. Xavier Blue Bombers,
12-7 on national television in Fort Thomas in 2009.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Door-to-Door Solicitors Get "Ok" From Fort Thomas
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A flyer that the Cincinnati Restoration Church hands out. |
The group, The Cincinnati Restoration Church (website here) located on Harrison Ave. in Colerain, is according to its website "Missionaries to the Drug Addicts." Also from their website:
"CRC provides a live-in restoration men's home free of charge to anyone who is suffering from a drug and/or alcohol addiction and is ready to turn their life over to Jesus Christ."
It is a 9-month program. There is also a women's program which mirrors the men's, although it is not an overnight program.
According to the city, the Cincinnati Restoration Church did follow the protocol in order to obtain a permit. From the City of Fort Thomas, City Administrator, Don Martin:
Obviously the drug epidemic in our region is far reaching and as far as we know, organizations like the CRC are helping to combat this. But a few questions have arisen from concerned emails. The following is a typical one that we've received:When a non-profit group desires to solicit the City requires that theyfirst complete an application and register with the police department.We require a driver's license or current I.D. to ensure they have aclean criminal background. The permit specifies who will be soliciting,and the timeframe they are permitted to solicit.
"We had someone soliciting today. He mentioned he has been off of prescription pain meds for 9 months. As I'm holding my 4-month old in my arms, he asks if I'd like to donate money to the Men's & Women's home (located on the West side of Cincinnati.) I was extremely uneasy and mentioned that I had no cash.
I immediately called the Ft. Thomas Police administration desk. (They) informed me that I was not the only person that called, but (the group) roaming around had a permit to do so. Why in the world would some group from out of town be here and why are they given permission to do so?"
Here is an excerpt of the permit granted by the Fort Thomas Police to the Cincinnati Restoration Church:
"A representative of the Cincinnati Restoration Church has been granted permission to conduct a door to door canvass in the community October 24, 2013 thru December 31, 2013 between the hours of 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. This is no means an endorsement of the Cincinnati Restoration Church."
It is not clear if the CRC had obtained a permit prior to yesterday, October 24. We have inquiries into the FTPD and the city to clear up any concerns.
UPDATE:
This was the third permit issued for them. The first two were for shorter periods. Rather than issue a permit each day they wanted to be in town, the PD issued one covering the rest of the year.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Highlands aims for another big win at The Pit
By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter
The annual football
district matchup with the Covington Catholic Colonels may be the most circled
game on the calendars of the Highlands Bluebirds players and coaches for a long
time.
But this
year, this Friday’s game at The Pit against the Cincinnati Elder Panthers (6-2)
may have been circled almost, if not as many times for a big reason. The
Panthers are one of just three teams to beat the undefeated 8-0 Bluebirds
during a 95-3 run since the start of 2007. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Alisha Waters, Fort Thomas Shooting Victim, Releases Thank You Video to Supporters
On Tuesday, Alisha Waters delivered from her hospital bed an emotional message of gratitude to the family and friends who have rallied behind her since being shot and critically wounded by her estranged husband on August 6.
In the clip, Waters says:
"To the family that's been beside me since day one, to the friends who've never let me down, and to the ones I've met along the way: thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all that you've done for me. Words cannot express what it means to me to have the people that I have in my life. I hope you know how much you are valued and loved.
"I'm getting a little stronger each day, doing what I've got to do to get out of here, to come home to my family and friends. From the bottom of my heart, I love you all. Thank you very much, and I'll see you soon. I love you."
Waters has now spent nearly 80 days hospitalized.
Ludlow Vets Hall hosted a benefit Sunday to help Waters manage medical expenses involved in her recovery.
Ludlow Vets Hall hosted a benefit Sunday to help Waters manage medical expenses involved in her recovery.
Here's a recent update on her condition.
Source: YouTube
Opportunity to Honor Fort Thomas Veterans
It is an
incredible trait to put your country before your self. It is a rare
characteristic that is to be celebrated and acknowledged at every opportunity,
but for a lot of people those opportunities to thank a service member are few
and far between. Come November first Fort Thomas residents will have the
perfect opportunity to say thank you to all of our local veterans.
Fort Thomas Residents Discovering Large Holes Dug in Their Yard
So, you're walking outside in your slippers and robe to grab the paper (wait, people still subscribe to the paper?). Stay with me, I'm setting up my post.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Town Hall Meetings to Discuss Heroin's Effects on NKY Communities
Photo: Hendrike, Wikimedia Commons |
by PAT LaFLEUR
City Reporter, Fort Thomas Matters
Northern Kentucky leaders are coming together to discuss the growing heroin problem facing communities throughout the region, with a series of town hall meetings intended to boost discussion and awareness and to educate the public on this issue.
Specifically, the town hall meetings will discuss why Northern Kentucky has seen this influx in heroin trafficking, how communities can address the issue, and how to identify a possible addict and seek treatment.
City Council Round-Up: Mayor Brown Casts Tie-Breaking Vote to Expand Fort Thomas Bow Hunting
by PAT LaFLEUR
City Reporter, Fort Thomas Matters
City Reporter, Fort Thomas Matters
This week's City Council meeting saw a number of issues brought before council, including the contentious proposed expansion to the city's bow hunting ordinance. Here's the round-up:
Bow Hunting Ordinance
Council heard the second reading of an expansion of the city's ordinance allowing for bow hunting within city limits. The new ordinance adds 93 days to the current hunting season and allows residents to combine adjacent properties into 3-acre hunting zones. The previous ordinance stated that only 3-acre plots were eligible for hunting.
Council was split on the decision, leading Mayor Mary Brown to cast the tie-breaking vote to approve the new ordinance.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Opening Date for Chipotle at Newport Pavilion; Predictions on BW3, Dick's
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Picture source: BlogDailyHerald.com |
That speaks to the meticulous nature of Chipotle's corporate office.
Highlands Stages "You Can't Take It with You"
You Can't Take It with You has been making audiences laugh since it first opened in 1936. Now, the Highlands Theatre Department will be bringing this classic comedy to the stage in November.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Sen. Stine, Rep. Fischer to visit Highlands, teach students about civics
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Stine and Fischer teaching last year at Campbell County Middle School. Source: CampbellCountySchools.Org |
FRANKFORT — As part of the nationwide America’s Legislators Back to School Program, Senate President Pro-Tempore Katie Stine and Rep. Joe Fischer will be teaching a class period on civics and public service at various schools in their legislative districts.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Fort Thomas Shooting Victim Benefit TONIGHT; Update on Her Status
Bluebird Notebook: Highlands records 50th win against Holmes, 850th overall
G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands sophomore defensive lineman Bo Hebel (55) sacks Covington Holmes quarterback Desean Brumfield (18) while Nathan Merkle (39) closes in. Highlands won the game 71-14 to move to 95-3 since the start of 2007.
By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter
The
Highlands Bluebirds football team has played the Covington Holmes Bulldogs more
than anyone in school history.
The
Bluebirds improved to 50-20-2 all-time against the Bulldogs. The only teams
they’ve beaten more in school history are Dixie Heights (62-8) and Campbell
County (51-9).
Highlands puts exclamation point on another district crown
By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter
The
exclamation point to another undisputed football district championship came
with the usual mighty Highlands Bluebird roar Friday.
Class 4A’s
top-ranked and undefeated 8-0 Bluebirds continued their domination of Class 4A,
District 7 opponents with another convincing 71-14 victory over the Covington
Holmes Bulldogs. Highlands outscored its three district opponents, 190-20 and
hit the 70-point mark for the second straight game after posting 77 on Harrison
County two weeks ago.
Friday, October 18, 2013
I-471 Construction to Continue into November, Last Major Delays This Weekend
by PAT LaFLEUR
City Reporter, Fort Thomas Matters
Northern Kentucky drivers can expect another few weeks of construction crews along I-471 SB, but this weekend should present the last of the major traffic restrictions and closures.
City Reporter, Fort Thomas Matters
Northern Kentucky drivers can expect another few weeks of construction crews along I-471 SB, but this weekend should present the last of the major traffic restrictions and closures.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 6 Office (KTCD6) outlined on Wednesday a number of significant traffic restrictions that will extend down I-471 SB from Grand Ave. to US 27. These closures come as construction crews prepare to complete the highway's final resurfacing this weekend, which has been ongoing for the past two weekends.
Here's a run-down of what to expect as we go into this weekend:
Thursday, October 17, 2013
HHS Football web site takes on unique story
By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter
Joseph Williams had a vision while in medical school at the University of Kentucky.
That vision hit cyberspace in 2005 when he put together http://www.highlands-bluebirds.com. The web site provides detailed information of the winningest football team in Kentucky such as year-by-year records.
The “Eyenstein” Mobile Eyecare Clinic Rolls With Help of Fort Thomas Doctors
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Police Round-Up: DUI Enforcement Grant, FTPD/Hoxworth Blood Drive, New Recruits Wanted, Drug Disposal Program
by PAT LaFLEUR
Police Reporter, Fort Thomas Matters
Police Reporter, Fort Thomas Matters
Here's your round-up of news coming out of Fort Thomas Police headquarters over the last two weeks:
DUI Enforcement Grant
The Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet has recently allocated a grant of over $15,000 to the Fort Thomas Police Department. The funds are part of an initiative to increase patrols for intoxicated drivers in Northern Campbell County.
FTPD Receives DUI Enforcement Grant
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Sobriety checkpoints are a common form of DUI enforcement. Photo via Flickr. |
by PAT LaFLEUR
Police Reporter, Fort Thomas Matters
Police Reporter, Fort Thomas Matters
The Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet has recently allocated a grant of over $15,000 to the Fort Thomas Police Department. The funds are part of an initiative to increase patrols for intoxicated drivers in Northern Campbell County.
Allegiant Air to CVG, Fort Thomas Residents Breathe Sigh of Relief
A few weeks back, the Enquirer ran a story that detailed the mutual interest between low cost Airliner, Allegiant Air and the Cincinnati area. Obviously with the news today that Allegiant will be offering air service starting in February, that interest was verified.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Fort Thomas October Yard of the Month Winner
The Fort Thomas Yard of the Month feature is a monthly honor given to a Fort Thomas home. The nominees are given to Ft. Thomas Florist and are selected by the staff there. If you'd like to have your yard considered or would like to nominate someone else's yard you enjoy, let the staff at Ft. Thomas Florist know.
You can stop in to their facility on Grand Ave, call them at 441-8049 or visit them on their Facebook page here.
Tell them FTM sent you!
Yard of the Month
Winner/Street:
Fort Thomas News and Notes: Floodgate Tests, Hall of Famer Guidugli, Obamacare and Kentucky
Floodgate testing this weekend
The city of
Newport along with the Army Corps of Engineers will be testing the floodgate
between Newport and Bellevue at the joining of Route 8 and Dave Cowen’s Drive.
For those of you who are not familiar with street names near the river this is
the floodgate in between The Party Source and The Comfort Inn and Suites. The
test is planned for Saturday, October 19th and could close the
street through the weekend. You should plan any trip accordingly; delays are to
be expected due to the detour along the river. The test is necessary to ensure
that the gate is functioning properly in the case that the river raises up to
that level.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Fort Thomas Independent Schools Community Seminar: Parent Homework Seminar
What: The Fort Thomas Independent Schools Community Seminar Series continues with a session titled “Parent Homework Seminar” presented by Patrick Richardson, Ph.D., school psychologist, and Keith Faust, Woodfill Elementary principal. The seminar will be held in the media center at Highlands High School.
Richardson and Faust will cover expectations for homework completion, as well as give parents strategies to use at home. Additionally, they will discuss ways parents can determine the appropriate amount of help to give while also developing student responsibility and good study habits.
Dr. Richardson is a licensed psychologist. He has been working in schools with children and parents for 15 years and has been employed by the Fort Thomas Independent Schools for 12 years.
Mr. Faust is currently the principal at Woodfill Elementary and has previously held positions of middle school assistant principal and elementary classroom teacher. He has been employed by the Fort Thomas Independent Schools for 13 years.
Who: All Fort Thomas Parents, Public and Parochial
Where: Highlands High School
Media Center
2400 Memorial Parkway
Fort Thomas, KY 41075
When: Tuesday, October 29
6:30 – 8pm
Info: All sessions in the Fort Thomas Independent Schools’ Community Seminar Series are open to the public and provided free of charge.
Registration is strongly encouraged. To register, please visit www.fortthomas.kyschools.us and look for the “2013-14 Seminar Series” article.
Mark Your Calendars: Fort Thomas Fall Activities
Just because the temperature is cooling off does not mean that your social calendars should also cool off anytime soon. This fall, there are some great activities happening throughout the city. Make sure you mark your calendars for the following events because we know you won't want to miss them.
Jack-O-Lantern Wak: October 24
Billed as "a wooded trail lit with 1,000 luminaries and over 200 jack-o-lanterns" but the Ft. Thomas Recreation Department, this event is always a hit with the community. Admission is free, and there are also fall family photos you can take to remember the event. Find out more information of the Recreation Department's website, including how to enter the pumpkin carving contests.
Kiddie College joins FTM
As was originally reported in Fort Thomas Matters back in
early summer (see article here),
the newest child care facility in town, Kiddie College (third facility in
Northern Kentucky, owned by Derrick and Susie Plunkett and located on Memorial
Parkway in the prior Kingdom Hall building), is now fully up and running and,
in this week’s FTM Sponsor Spotlight highlighting one of our many
advertising partners, we thought it appropriate to check in on how they’re
doing from the perspective of a mom using this service provider: Kate, Craig
and Sullivan Stephens
Sunday, October 13, 2013
A Teacher's Point of View: Purpose Driven Tasks for Kids
At the end of the
school year last year, I was organizing and cleaning our supply closet trying
to sift through things and get ready for the following school year. I came upon
a large bucket of markers, and immedietly thought of a fun end of the year
activity for my students. The next day I gave them all a sheet of white paper,
and set out bowls of the markers on the table. I told the kids that I needed their
help to get our supplies ready for our students next year.
I cannot even
explain to you how excited my students were to help out!
They took this job
very seriously! Double checking markers, and making sure to put the markers
back perfectly. This reminded me of something I have learned through teaching.
Children love purpose! Children adore when they have a job to complete and know
that they are being helpful. Whether it’s organizing or cleaning or helping to
prepare a meal, children have an innate need to be needed.
We have a helper of
the day in our classroom, and that helper does a variety of jobs. They help
with calendar, check the weather, {which we call the meteorologist….there is
nothing cuter than a four year old saying “meteorologist”} water our plants,
{the horticulturist, of course} hold open doors, etc. But their absolute
favorite job is helping with snack {my sous chef!}
They set the “table”, pass
out snack, help pour water, etc. The incredible sense of accomplishment they
get after completing this task is enough to melt my heart. Children love
purpose. Give them a job, and they will thrive. Encourage and appreciate their
hard work, and you will have an extremely happy child on your hands.
Here
are some easy and fun ways to help give your child some purpose:
-Take your
child to the dollar store and let them pick out a tiny dust collector and hand
broom. Give them the task of dusting the floor, and let them go!
-Have your
child set the table. This teaches them great manners, and is a huge help!
-Get
some kid safe scissors and let them help you cut things up for meals.
-Give your
child the job of stirring in your house.
Anything that needs to be stirred is their job. I promise they will stop
anything they are doing to be helpful!
-Have your child collect kid cups that
accumulate around the house and bring them to the sink. I could go on and on, and
I’m sure you can think of a million things for them to do!
So
here’s to helping your child feel driven and loved by having a purpose!
Encourage them in their skills, and show them how grateful you are for their
hard work! They will thrive, and you will get some help around the house!
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