Let Them Play!

Playing IS Learning.
Playing IS a child's work.
They are never too old to play.
Imagination and creativity are key!

Lots of times kids grow up too fast. They give up what people may call childish things way too soon. Time can fly. Time passes. Children need all the time they have to be children. They deserve to have the time to just be kids. It is their right. It serves them well into their adulthood.

Kids should not be forced to give up their toys and games once they reach a certain age. Toys can fuel their imagination. Games can foster their creativity.

Children should always have access to school and arts/crafts supplies. Different types of papers, markers, paints, glues, pens, pencils - and more! These are seemingly basic tools that give a child endless possibilities to express themselves. After all, art is life.

Another thing children should always have access to is a library. They need to be surrounded by books. Books of all types and genres. Books that will inspire them and ignite their inner desires. An unlimited supply where they get to choose what they want to read and when. Public libraries are amazing. All kids should have a public library card.

Of course children need responsibilities but they should never be expected to give up their childhood to rush into things that we have and need to be doing as adults. They have the rest of their lives to do these things. Lets teach our children not to rush time. Not to wish the days aways. Not to have the desire to grow up and be an adult. Childhood is short. It does not last long. We should value all the time we have with our children being little.

Children are not little adults. They are simply children. They still need to be respected and valued. Their voice needs to beard. They are not less but they are also not just little adults. We have to let that sink in. We should never underestimate children but allow them to soar beyond what we can ever imagine possible for them. We must supply the tools. They look up to us. Children need them but you know what? We need them too and many times more than they may need us. That is the truth.

Children value the time we spend with them. Let them know that we love them and not only by our words but more so by our actions.

So, get silly and have fun. Make new memories. Take lots of pics and enjoy life. Kids are our treasures, for sure.

xxoo,
Dany

Before

***Before needing to know what your children already know before I begin teaching the curriculum, I want to know if they have eaten, if they are comfortable, if they have clean clothes, if they have supplies, if they had a good night’s sleep, if they have someone who reads to them, if they feel wanted and loved… (The list goes on) Then, and only then, knowing these answers and fully understanding, will I be prepared to have your children ready to learn what a school system requires. If a child does not feel well, he or she will not learn well. If a child hasn’t eaten, is scared, fearful, worried, neglected; he or she will not learn well. When the heart is educated, the mind will follow. Not the other way around. Teach the whole child.
Danielle Loor M.Ed, MS, CAS

Sensory Sand

It is that time of year again. It is almost Fall. We love Autumn (Fall) around here. It is great. There is just something so magical about the season. It is our favorite. We await the greatness of Autumn and all of the wonderful things it has in store for us. Here, we are sharing a post from a while back. We have a sensory bin of kinetic sand filled with plastic insects and snakes that we got from the dollar store. It is fun and entertaining for the children. In the center of this photo grid is a sensory bin filled with dry macaroni and plastic animals. The possibilities are endless.

Be on the look out for new posts and great stuff coming soon. We are starting to post on this blog again which we have not done so in a long while. We were over at www.loorducation.com. Take a look around, stay a while and enjoy.


What would you like to see?

To Teach is to Learn

Education is crucial. It is vital for our children to not only learn to love but LOVE to LEARN. I love teaching children and little do they know they teach me more than can be imagined. I not only teach what I love but I LOVE what I TEACH.

Yes that is true…teaching is learning. I am seeing that more and more everyday. When we love, we learn and when we love what we learn, we teach…
CLICK HERE TO VIEW

loorduArt

Coloring the World

April 4, 2015 by danyloor

We are coloring the world. Education is everywhere.




We create. We learn. We teach. We create. We create learners. We teach. We create. We create teachers by coloring the world.
Stop by.www.Facebook.com/loorducation to see what we have been up to..and there’s more to come!!!

Featuring Guest Blogger from Words and Dexterity

http://www.wordsanddexterity.com/

Bio - My name is T L Holliday. I have a huge mind that can sometimes get me in trouble, but I mostly use it to educate ignorance.

I totally recommend this awesome page. It speaks volumes. The words, the art, the photos. It is all there. This is the kind of stuff that needs to be spread around the internet like wildfire. It is food for the soul. Have a good time reading this guest blog post and when you have the chance, I recommend that you go on over to her website and experience the amazingness that is unleashed from a super creative soul. One who I love very much and am very proud of. Even if she was not my niece, I would say all of this because I totally mean it.

xo Namaste, Dany

Photo taken by Holliday (it is my son's hand and a puzzle piece he was playing with outside a few summers ago)

 

#CONTINUETOEDUCATE2015

Something that never fails to astound me is the lack of humanity in the world. Everyone is worried about who's doing what, who's doing who, who's getting what and how much of it. What does any of what other people do have to do with your life? Why do you care about how someone else identifies? They're not doing it to personally hurt you or to make you feel uncomfortable. SURPRISE! The reason they do anything has absolutely nothing to do with you. Stop judging people based on their race, sexual orientation, gender, religious beliefs, just stop judging people period.

There is no race except the human race. We are a species. We only have different skin tones to better suit the geographical areas we live in. Take animals for example; there are many different species and breeds of animals depending on where you are in the world. Some can survive easier in parts of the world that others cannot because they are born with the traits necessary for life in those regions. But they don't kill each other because of it, they use it to survive. So when someone is racist and violent towards another person that is literally telling you that they have more basic human rights than that person because their skin color differs.

I also don't understand the need to label everything. Why do you need to put me in a category? And then get upset if I tell you that I don't fit in that category? Everyone needs to understand that sexuality and gender is fluid. Being born with certain sexual organs does not determine what your gender is. Each individual person decides for themselves what gender they feel they are, not the gender roles forced upon them by society. Same thing with sexuality. As a human you are attracted or not attracted to someone based on the person they are, not about what's between their legs. Society teaches you to assume everyone is a cisgender heterosexual until told otherwise. We need to teach our kids to not assuming anyone is anything and to accept people for who they are.

Religion is another touchy subject, but I'll shed a little light on it. I have no problem with religion, the problem I have is, again, with the people who "practice" it. I say "practice" because religion is supposed to be personal, not displayed for the world to see and shoved down everyone's throat. And just like gender and sexuality, it is something you yourself decide what best fits how you feel. Religion is your personal relationship with whatever god(s) you believe in, not a love triangle between you, your god, and the rest of the world. There are many different religions and spiritual practices in the world, so it makes absolutely no sense when people try to enforce their religion onto other people as if their religion is the only religion. It also has no business being in law enforcement, but I'll save that for another day.

Being a human is like being an animal; we all look different, have different sets of skills, and were put on this earth unwillingly without a hand book. But for some reason animals have a better understanding of how to live, and they're so simple yet complex to us. How can the very things we call wild and unpredictable be more human and understanding of how life works than actual humans? How can they co-exist with so many other species and manage not to destroy each other or the earth? They stay in their lane, that's how! They take care of each other and their habitats, they don't shit where they sleep.

Just take a second and sit down. Zoom out of your own life right now and picture the world as a whole. All the different countries on different continents spread out in a big ball of ocean. Now zoom out of that image and picture all the planets in our solar system. Now zoom out of that. What do you see? Some people know what that actually looks like and others never even thought to imagine that such a thing exists. It does, and even beyond that exists. There are billions of other solar systems in billions of other galaxies. Just imagine what could be out there. How small does that make your life seem? Small enough to realize all the bullshit in your life? And that most of the things you do, say, and think are pointless because now you see that you were only doing those things because you're a product of society? If it did then you're one of the lucky ones who has the ability to broaden and take their minds to the next level. And if it didn't then hopefully one day it will.

So to end this post I'll just say,

Love yourself, love your neighbor, love your earth and you'll be happier for it I promise.

- T L Holliday

An Inspiring Award....

http://loorducation.wordpress.com/2015/01/02/i-am-the-proud-recipient-of-the-inspiring-blogger-award/

Happy New Year Readers!  I appreciate you all, everyone of you who take the time and read my words, From the bottom of my heart, thank you foLOORs!!!
The lovely J from http://jsackblog.wordpress.com/ has given me the honor of Inspiring Blog Award. I love reading J’s blog because she has a profound way of expressing her  written words. I can relate to her. Her words are touching and very meaningful. We have many things in common. We have become great friends through the power of written expression. I am happy that our paths have crossed. I always follow along on her journey and read her blog. It is great stuff and I am really touched that she has given me a blogger award for inspiration. It means so very much.
There was a list of questions I was to answer upon receiving this nomination. You can read them below as I am glad to share them with you all.



Very Inspiring Blog Questions

1.Why did you start your blog?

Well, I first started my blog because it was a mandatory element for one of my last classes in my Master of Education program. I started a blog because I had to post topics from class and about all things related to education. I never would have thought to start a blog if it was not for that class. I am so glad that I did. My blog has turned into something special and really got me into writing especially when I decided to write my first non class post. It was about my son. That was in September of 2013. From that very first post of sharing part of my son’s autism journey, I was hooked. From there I started writing frequently, sharing a little more of his journey each day, along with the stuff that was need to be done for class. Ever since, I became a blogger.

2. What is the book that you have read that has touched you the most?

The book that I have read that has touched me the most is The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz. But then there is The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. Those are 2 great, inspiring books of wisdom. They have really touched me and made an impression on my life to stay strong and be positive. As well, we are so much more than we believe ourselves to be.

3. If you could eat dinner with a famous person who is still living, whom would you choose?

Oprah Winfrey. I admire her. She is very strong and empowering to women all over. She is an inspiration to go out and chase your dreams. She is very successful and always pays it forward. She is a role model in my eyes.

4. Where is the one place you have visited that gives you complete calmness?

One place that I have visited that gives my complete calmness is Quito, Ecuador. That place is peaceful and beautiful. You can smell hopes and dreams in the air. The landscapes are wonderful. The weather is amazing. The total atmosphere is beyond aww inspiring. And..that is to say the least. I love going to Quito and I feel very blessed to have been there many times with my husband and several times with our son, too.

5. Are you a bucket list person. If so name one thing on it?

I would not say I am a bucket list person but one thing that I really would love to do is to travel to Africa and stay there for a month to teach the children. I would bring them gift boxes of school supplies and clothes. I would help them read and play games with them. I believe that they would teach me so much more than I would teach them. This is definitely something that is dear to my heart. I would document my time there. In that way, I can show the children here how fortunate they are and how really good we have it. That, in turn, can inspire others to pay it forward. This can be done through donations among other positive things.

6. What is the goal for your blog?

I want people to read and feel inspired. A goal is to keep the readers engaged and coming back for more with posts that truly come from the heart with passion. With that will come featured publications with highly reputable sites that will share with with the world.

7. What is a day well spent to you?

A day well spent is a day that is with my husband and son. One filled with laughter and cuddles. A day where we smile, have fun and enjoy one another’s company among great food, books and TV or spending quality time together going out.

8. How do you start your day?

I start my day by getting myself ready along with our son. I make an organic green smoothie before breakfast each morning. Then I will usually make coffee and breakfast.  On school days, I get my son up and ready for the day. I pack his lunch bag and give him his vitamins. He eats a little something then we wait for the bus to pick him up. After, I get my husband all set. The kitchen gets cleaned up and the day of creativity begins.

9. What is your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is Christmas. It is my favorite because it is such a special day. A day of love to celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Not too many words can explain it, but the day is magical and peaceful. It is so special to see children believe. We can learn so much from them. The smell, the wonder..everything.

10. Are you where you want to be professionally and if not, what will you do about it?

I am working on many things. I love to multitask, it is how I can stay focused. If I become overwhelmed with one thing, I can go continue working on another project. I always like to have something to do. I am working on promoting myself throughout all social media platforms. I am documenting all of my work. I am making a name for myself. I share my passion for education, art and autism and encourage and help others along the way. I put passion in everything I do and have faith and believe that my dreams are coming true. It is important to keep a positive attitude. I have my Bachelor of Science degree in Child Studies with a concentration in early childhood education as well I hold a Master Degree in Education with a concentration in teaching and learning. I am an educator, artist, autism advocate, photographer….the key thing is to keep me believing in me and know that God put this desire in my heart to share it with others. For that, I am thankful and blessed. I will keep on going, enjoying the journey that I must create to open doors.

11. What is your favorite quote?

“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”
-John Lennon

If I would nominate a blogger for this award it would be right back at J, http://jsackblog.wordpress.com/ She is a very inspiring blogger <3
I will have some nominations. They will be coming up. Stay tuned.

Thank you!!!!
It is such an honor.
Dany

Are You Ignoring Me?

Why Can't You Hear Me?

Are you deaf? Are you DEAF? I said that at the top of my lungs as loud as I can, right in front of him and still NO response. He stared ahead at the TV, without a twitch. Let's go back, a couple minutes beforehand I was calling out his name and he was not paying attention or so I thought. I finally became so frustrated that I shouted, "Are you deaf?", and still nothing. I could not help it. I did not know what was happening. I did not know what was going on. Why isn't my son responding? Oh my goodness, can he hear me?  Is this why he is not talking? Is this why  he does not babble or ask for things. You see, he was three years old. He has not yet spoken in a complete sentence. He could not tell you his name. He was non verbal. I believe he had said a few words, but that stopped. Then, nothing. It was literally a few words from what I can recall, then absolutely, nothing. He did not wave bye bye, was still in diapers, did not say his name and could not answer what was asked of him. What is going on? My son can not hear me. Fast forward, he has fluids in his ear and has decreased hearing because of it. Only about 20% capacity. We move along. He gets diagnosed with autism, we move along. Fast forward, he gets tubes in his ears and we move along. His speech begins to come and we move along. He hears better and that is why he is beginning to speak because he can now hear what is going on in the world around him. We move along.Blessings in disguise....

All in One Place

Danielle Loor M Ed

 FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/loorducation

 BLOG- http://www.loorducation.blogspot.com/

TWITTER- www.twitter.com/loorducation

INSTAGRAM- www.instagram.com/loorducation

PINTEREST- www.pinterest.com/loorducation

WEBSITE- www.loorducation.com

GOOGLE+ https://plus.google.com/.../113148653358818348343/about

TUMBLR - https://www.tumblr.com/blog/loorducation

STUMBLEUPON -http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/Loorducation

TSU - https://www.tsu.co/loorducation

LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=266178370&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile_pic

ABOUT ME -http://about.me/loorducation

Here We Go..Again

http://loorducation.wordpress.com/2014/12/12/its-like-groundhog-day/

Wake up, grab the toys…the same toys that he fell asleep with. He will take no substitutes. Do not change that stuff around. Do, go, repeat.. Or shall I say, Do, Stim, repeat…

I remember when JJ would watch Toy Story 3 over and over again. Not just in one day, but day after day and week after week. That was his obsession for a while. I remember when he likes to wear the same pajamas night after night and watch the same cartoons. We have Hulu Plus and each day he will pick the same kind of shows with the exact episodes that he has recently viewed. He remembers the names of the episodes and asks to play each one. He likes the tags ripped off all of his stuffed animals and clothes. He likes to use the green crayon most often. If he falls asleep with a  certain T shirt on, he will want to wear it in the morning. He became obsessed with Ninja Turtles after giving up Buzz Lightyear which I never thought he would. He used to be extremely scared of flushing toilets and the sound of the hand dryer in public restrooms. The bright lights and strong sun are not his favorite things. Even though it is cold, he insists on waiting for the school bus outside. He switches between right and left hand when he does his homework and art work. He is becoming a karate master and insists that we “box”. He talks. Yes, we waited years to hear his voice but he talks and he read..He loves to read. He loves books and he reads a lot. He has been reading for a very long time now. I am so proud of him. When he was three years old, he was said to be in the middle of the Autism Spectrum but from then and until forever he is in my heart.

He is high functioning. I thank God everyday for the blessings. Just because he was once in the middle does not mean that is where he was bound to stay. It is a spectrum for a reason. He has improved and continues to improve each day. It is important to keep going forward. Never giving up. Where there is Faith, there are great things. Dedication is a key factor. I am not trying to change my son at all. I do not wish Autism away. It is his super ability. I just work with him all the time to ensure that he will lead the best life possible with all the capabilities necessary. Going from non verbal to non stop talking in a couple years is a great window of opportunity of hope, that with Love and first and foremost God..All things are possible.

Making. Learning. Fun.

I am dedicated and passionate about making learning fun. I wish for all children to develop a healthy, strong love for learning. My philosophy is – learning is best hands on and using all senses so children get the optimal experience.

Making. Learning. Fun.

I am dedicated and passionate about making learning fun. I wish for all children to develop a healthy, strong love for learning. My philosophy is - learning is best hands on and using all senses so children get the optimal experience.

Hello!!!!

Just a Little Bit…

from www.loorducation.com

Posted on October 2, 2014 by danyloor

I really enjoy making educational arts and crafts as well as sensory activities. I also enjoy documenting the activities / lessons /arts & crafts I create in edited photos for Loorducation. The art of teaching and the fine art of education fascinate me. I believe in making learning fun. Learning is a hands on approach, using all senses for the ultimate learning experience. I love to design unique educational related items.
This is the first ever logo type image that I created on photoshop. I am about to design a new logo for Loorducation. I have to brainstorm and sketch some ideas as well.
These photos and more can be found at http://www.constructivekinder.weebly.com. It is a website that I created as a part of a project for my MEd program. All photos are owned and edited by me.
I am an autism mommy and I love to share my son’s story as well as to educate and inspire others who have family on the spectrum. Many posts about JJ, I copy over to http://www.loorducation.blogspot.com so it can span a wider audience.
I share my vitual photo album at http://www.instagram.com/loorducation. That is where you can find the following photos and more.

I also share on http://www.pinterest.com/loorducation where I have a variety of boards to check out.

I started a http://www.facebook.com/loorducation last year. It just so happened to be a few months after I created this blog and opened http://www.twitter.com/loorducation – both were requirements for my MEd program. I had to start a blog and post things for my classes and it took a whole turn when I started sharing my son’s journey with autism. Just a few days ago, https://www.tumblr.com/blog/loorducation was created with hopes of broadening the scope of my brand, Loorducation.
Loorducation has also recently joined the Google+ Community, so we are getting all that together.
Come on over and say hi!! We are making our way around the interwebs. We hope you enjoy what we have to offer and share. There is so much more goodness to come. Thank you for being a part of this awesome journey.
As always, QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? SUGGESTIONS? Always welcome. Welcome to share. Come network.
Dany Loor – M.Ed. , BSCS
founder – loorducation
making. learning. fun.