tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post8058962111910664775..comments2024-03-19T03:27:24.068-04:00Comments on I SAW YOUR NANNY: Constructing a CurriculumLeigh Raymerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210572527823459842noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-34315747857734779322012-07-19T12:27:08.988-04:002012-07-19T12:27:08.988-04:00Not your job,
while some of us are making fun of ...Not your job, <br />while some of us are making fun of the request for a formal "curriculum," providing age appropriate stimulation is most definitely a nanny's job, as is supervising homework for school age charges which can sometimes amount to tutoring.<br /><br />Farrah,<br /> finger paint is a thick gel like paint used on waterproof paper The child uses his fingers to scribble and make lines of the white paper show through. The benefits are more sensory than esthetic!<br /><br />OP,<br />Please come back and let us know how it goes. GLManhattan Nannynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-86574053285371692692012-07-19T10:02:10.943-04:002012-07-19T10:02:10.943-04:00I've decided to do basically what Manhattan ou...I've decided to do basically what Manhattan outlines.<br /><br />O will have a "theme", but it'll just be me reading different books. <br />Like next week when I read stories it will be books about colors. I don't expect him to grasp the concept in the way a preschooler would.<br /><br />I looked on some daycare websites and that's petty much what they do for infants.<br /><br />The more I think about it, I think she wants to make hers so is expsed to different things and that I'm doing my job. I think I will tell her about the app you mentioned bostonnanny.<br /><br />Thanks all.OPnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-78541608270280206382012-07-19T09:04:30.654-04:002012-07-19T09:04:30.654-04:00Obviously, it's not finger painting in the sen...Obviously, it's not finger painting in the sense that the child is aware of what she /he is doing, it's more of a sensory activity with the use of paper and colors(baby food). If elephants can make works of art then a baby can too. My idea of curriculum is having a set theme/concept you are trying to teach through every avenue of learning ie cognitive, physical, emotional etc. infants don't have curriculums because they can't grasp the concepts behind the activities. <br />Gearing every activity towards the developmental requirements is totally necessary but you don't need a theme. Just like Manhattan nanny outlined. From what I gathered your MB wants a preschool type curriculum for an infant which is way to much simulation for such a young child. Reading, singing , teaching sign, infant massage or baby yoga covers most of what a child needs for age appropriate development. There are plenty of books on activities to do with infants and you can use some of those techniques or visit a local daycare and check out their infant room. If the mother is so concerned about what her child is doing then I suggest you get the babyconnect app for your phone. It logs everything you do with the baby including pictures and syncs with the mother phone. So she can basically check in at any moment and know what you did with the baby.bostonnannyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17793816749618364879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-34180230641954945952012-07-19T08:55:35.543-04:002012-07-19T08:55:35.543-04:00Farrah, my charge was holding crayon to paper and ...Farrah, my charge was holding crayon to paper and making lines at 6 months. If that is what you consider coloring then yes, it is possible. I didn't say he was coloring in the lines of coloring books or drawing elaborate pictures.NannyPantshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03036590131998509055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-19599153521925790172012-07-19T02:59:12.019-04:002012-07-19T02:59:12.019-04:00When I read "fingerpainting" I just assu...When I read "fingerpainting" I just assumed it meant using actual children's watercolor paint and construction paper. <br /><br />Also, it is not possible for an infant to color.<br /><br />What's next? That Doogie Howser M.D. was a true story.Farrahnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-82651777756672698702012-07-19T00:05:39.256-04:002012-07-19T00:05:39.256-04:00@Bethany I wasn't trying to be rude if I sound...@Bethany I wasn't trying to be rude if I sounded like it..I know it isn't common but some of the posters made it sound like it was impossible. I kept every "picture" and dated them. :) He never stops amazing me every single day!!NannyPantshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03036590131998509055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-71563609869616851652012-07-18T23:41:31.858-04:002012-07-18T23:41:31.858-04:00Baby signs are fun! Just the basics like diaper, ...Baby signs are fun! Just the basics like diaper, milk, sleep, done, more, eat, drink, , and up are what I go with. I had a website I used to go to look up words. If I can find it on my computer. I'll post it for people that are interested in learning a few signs and don't want to pay for a clas or materials.Bethanynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-38905091889139145892012-07-18T23:39:03.526-04:002012-07-18T23:39:03.526-04:00I find it amazing that a 6month old was able to ...I find it amazing that a 6month old was able to color, and be truly aware they were doing it.<br /><br />BTW I do believe you. I'm just amazed.<br /><br />I haven't met a child younger than 16 months that actually colored.Bethanynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-708790541846458362012-07-18T23:24:35.004-04:002012-07-18T23:24:35.004-04:00Just because you haven't personally seen a chi...Just because you haven't personally seen a child under 10 months color, doesn't mean there aren't some who can (and have).NannyPantshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03036590131998509055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-47970187052943287392012-07-18T23:14:59.123-04:002012-07-18T23:14:59.123-04:00I've taught an infant some baby sign language....I've taught an infant some baby sign language. Can't say it was as beneficial as all the books say it is, but MB and DB were extremely pleased. Just the usual.. "done" "hungry" "milk" etc. Would that please your MB?Nanny34noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-43051860559782782022012-07-18T22:56:57.019-04:002012-07-18T22:56:57.019-04:00Why don't you think planning a curriculum is p...Why don't you think planning a curriculum is part of a nanny's job?<br /><br />I agree it's a bit much for an infant, but I think OP's MB just wants more details about her baby's days to feel more involved, and just had a funny way of going about it.Bethanynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-24506651056869085292012-07-18T21:36:12.796-04:002012-07-18T21:36:12.796-04:00I agree with other posters that 7 mos is too young...I agree with other posters that 7 mos is too young for a "curriculum," but my question is, for any age child, since when is it a nanny's job to make a curriculum?? Yes, as nannies we teach them some things, but we are not schoolteachers. If this MB wants a curriculum for her baby, she should figure it out herself and then tell you what she wants.Not your jobnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-81611354077974621632012-07-18T21:15:11.842-04:002012-07-18T21:15:11.842-04:00I also let my charge mess around with her baby foo...I also let my charge mess around with her baby food for a sensory activity and she loves it. But I don't call it finger painting because she is not using paint or paper. So it isn't an art activity. Nor have I ever seen a child color with crayons before 10 months and even then it was only banging the crayon on the paper (or table).MissMannahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15111173519948500730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-45763568679576848572012-07-18T18:54:22.648-04:002012-07-18T18:54:22.648-04:00I did fingerpainting with both my own and with the...I did fingerpainting with both my own and with the 'borrowed' children when they were small. I would empty the remnants of the pureed food onto the highchair tray at the end of the meal and let the fun commence. In terms of 'curriculum' you get gross and fine motor skills, environment exploration, textural comprehension and spatial awareness. Also known as making a jolly big mess and rubbing into everything from the tray to your hair. Mucky, damp and loads of fun.trashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15522550420718532131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-55620442552219830742012-07-18T17:22:47.066-04:002012-07-18T17:22:47.066-04:00I've heard of "finger painting" for ...I've heard of "finger painting" for infants it's not that unusual.<br /><br />Of course they are not planning a picture the way an older child would, but it's still a fun sensory activity for them.<br /><br />Texting pictures is a great idea! Keep mom in the loop as best you can, and she'll relaz abit about the curriculum. I'm sure.Bethanynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-33881661994532559702012-07-18T13:44:57.770-04:002012-07-18T13:44:57.770-04:00Hmmm....a finger painting 6 month old.
Now I thin...Hmmm....a finger painting 6 month old.<br /><br />Now I think I have heard it all.Ambernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-36187329278798259342012-07-18T13:16:00.835-04:002012-07-18T13:16:00.835-04:00The pictures are a good idea. I often take a pictu...The pictures are a good idea. I often take a picture or two of my 11 month old charge while he is doing something and text them to his mom. She knows he is at active tot class, or at the beach, or shaking a shaker to music etc. She loves it!canadanannynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-2230193439991046352012-07-18T10:20:49.411-04:002012-07-18T10:20:49.411-04:00OMG, I am a mom and not a nanny and all the mom is...OMG, I am a mom and not a nanny and all the mom is trying to do is ensure that the nanny is doing more than changing diapers, etc. She wants to make sure that developmentally appropriate activities are happening too--just like it would if she could be home. I like Manhattan Mom's "curriculum" too...and OP I would take pictures and either email them, or text them, to mom so she feels that good stuff is happening with her little one while she is at the office.KSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-81115322518568254992012-07-18T09:21:22.964-04:002012-07-18T09:21:22.964-04:00Really, Maci? My charge was imitating faces and so...Really, Maci? My charge was imitating faces and sounds I made at 6 months. He could also finger paint and hold a crayon to paper. It's not unheard of.NannyPantshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03036590131998509055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-36506764398289485332012-07-18T05:18:52.786-04:002012-07-18T05:18:52.786-04:00I have never seen a seven month old finger paint. ...I have never seen a seven month old finger paint. Nor have I seen one imitate anyone either.Macinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-74501459412170865342012-07-17T23:17:35.315-04:002012-07-17T23:17:35.315-04:00Sorry to bother u, bostonnanny. But if u go to SF ...Sorry to bother u, bostonnanny. But if u go to SF craigslist, there's a nanny job under gigs/domestic. They're willing to hire anyone anywhere. It will be in CA. You're a live in & you get $1,000-$1,200/week net. Its a six month gig. But I bet a good nanny could keep it longer. I just wanted u to kno in case u were still wanting to move to CA. Its not a right away thing btw. Hthgypsynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-75794115046627867712012-07-17T22:54:04.685-04:002012-07-17T22:54:04.685-04:00I'm not going to outright refuse to do a curri...I'm not going to outright refuse to do a curriculum and argue with her, especially when I think there are ways to comply with her request and not cause harm to the baby.<br /><br />Thanks to everyone that gave helpful tips.<br /><br />Manhattan Nanny,<br />That is perfect! I think I will use that exact format with her!<br /><br /><br />I have been keeping a logbook, but it's more of a general one with boxes for checking BMs/ wet diapers and times & amounts ate.<br /><br />Can any of you suggest a more detailed format as I think it may help her see how much her son is actually doing in a day.OPnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-2802046826584519252012-07-17T22:22:43.031-04:002012-07-17T22:22:43.031-04:00IMO the curriculum at this point should consist of...IMO the curriculum at this point should consist of various activities/materials that will promote skills in each of the major developmental domains (such as language, cognitive, gross and fine motor, social/emotional). A lot of this we might do without thinking about it, but the "curriculum" just makes it more intentional (So you can tell MB, for example, I selected this particular material to promote xyz). You could probably print a "lesson plan" template from online and fill it in with some activities/materials for the week (of course you may have to adapt if baby's having an off day). I would definitely get a book of appropriate infant/toddler activities to assist. I would also make sure to have handy a list of developmental milestones for baby's age range, in case MB wonders why you're not working on colors, shapes, or algebra yet.another nannynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-81420175076936451562012-07-17T20:57:37.825-04:002012-07-17T20:57:37.825-04:00Here is my "curriculum" for a 7 mo.
MUS...Here is my "curriculum" for a 7 mo.<br /><br />MUSIC, vocal and instrumental (Sing the wheels on the Bus etc. with shakies, bells and pans to bang with spoons)<br /><br />SCIENCE, Anatomy, Botany, Zoology (sing head and shoulders knees and toes, to teach parts of the body, go for walks to study the flora and fauna)<br /><br />LANGUAGE SKILLS, (talk to baby, repeat his sounds back to him)<br /><br />LITERATURE, (read books)<br /><br />ART, ( finger paint. If he/she is prone to eating the medium, use yogurt or pudding on wax paper)<br /><br />PHYS. ED, (crawl, scoot and roll around, use available equipment such as a bounce swing)<br /><br />DRAMATIC ARTS, (make silly faces and noises, clap when he imitates them)Manhattan Nannynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-70395635776216593462012-07-17T20:07:55.520-04:002012-07-17T20:07:55.520-04:00I worked for these wackos for 10 weeks..I wrote pa...I worked for these wackos for 10 weeks..I wrote pages and pages daily in a log..I had to create "fun activities" so their 4 monh old could learn..I was suppose to teach her colors and shapes etc..it was insane..I would do little crafts with her handprints and read and sang every day..I made sure she had tummy time and a walk and lots of snuggling..honestly at the end of the day I couldn't stand it and I moved on..I had no problem finding a temp gig and then a few weeks later starting with my current family-3 years later <br /><br />My advice is just make up some basic activities..sang a lady bug song..read the lazy ladybug...maybe if you feel like it decorate some ladybug cookies yourself for mom and dad to eat..etc. that way they will feel linked in. Maybe make a scrapbook for them too. And while you are doing all of this have your era open for a normal job.Sewickley nannynoreply@blogger.com