theinfamousmissbeth

  "The basket" "Loose parts" Read on for more information! It's been awhile but I'm back! First let me start with sending out my heartfelt thanks to teachers working their way through this pandemic. Also, parents that are trying to cope with all of this and let's don't forget the children. They also have a challenge with all of this. Before I give some advice on helping preschool age children learn at home, I want to address the "concern" of some people that without children going to a brick and mortar building to learn, they are  "falling behind."    I need to ask those people, exactly what/who are they "falling behind?" Themselves? each other? children in other countries? Well, folks, it's my humble opinion that they are not "falling behind" anything or anybody. They are just where they are , academically, emotionally, and socially. Do not panic!  They will continue to learn and grow through experiences p

Greetings family and friends! Hope everyone is staying healthy during this crazy, dazey time. I often include titles of children's books in my blog posts with the intent of inspiring you to read to young children, but today I'm writing about a book for adults to inspire you to read to yourself. I recently read, Twenty-one Truths About Love, by Matthew Dicks. It is a novel written entirely in lists. Now I ask, who among us doesn't make a list, use a list, or despise a list of things "to do"? In the book, the protagonist frets over money troubles, grieves over leaving his teaching job, is overwhelmed with the thought of his first child on the way, and even plans an armed robbery. That sounds a little dark, but the book is really quite humorous and (spoiler alert) has a happy ending. So, the book tells this story in the form of lists. Lists of things to do, shopping lists, wish lists, likes and dislikes lists, and so on. I have been a list maker for

Snow on the lower east side We recently returned from a family visit in the beautiful "garden state".  That's New Jersey for those of you who don't know. We had a great time baking cookies, preparing and sharing an awesome Thanksgiving meal with family and friends, decorating the Christmas tree, and watching Hallmark Christmas movies. I discovered if you've seen one you've seen them all. And even though they all strongly resemble each other, you can't stop watching.They're like a train wreck, you can't look away. But I digress. We also did a little shopping, attended the town Christmas tree lighting and dined in a cozy pub. Aside from the biggest perk of NJ (family), there is another and that is the opportunity to "go into the city." New York City that is. The Big Apple. Although we missed our train into Manhattan, had to reschedule our tour time of the Tenement Museum, got pelted in the face with sleet, and perhaps, worst of

Lately, I have had a lot on my plate, as they say, and one of those things is dealing with the death of my dad. He died at the age of 99 years, 10 months, and 6 days. Family members were deep into the planning of his 100th birthday party  with invitations already printed, talk of a big cake versus 100 cupcakes, ordering decorations, and every member of the immediate family, both near and far, making plans to attend. As many of you know and have experienced, there is a lot of "stuff " to attend to after a loved one's passing. Going through personal belongings, paying bills, closing accounts, and notifying family members and friends just to mention a few. Among the "stuff" I found were some cartoons he  had saved.  Two of them were of a philosophical nature and the other a political  view. Or perhaps he just found that particular one funny in these unsettling times. I'm still thinking on that one:) The doctor is in and Lucy is using sports analogie

Okay, here goes. Every year I wait with great anticipation for the Little Debbie Pumpkin Delights to hit the shelves. And by wait, I mean if I see them in the middle of September I get really pumped up. But, as you can see, I bought my first box a week ago in the middle of August ! I feel like I have sold my soul to the devil! I don't even "decorate" for the "seasons". Well, that's not entirely true. I do put up a small seasonal door decoration and maybe a seasonal flag. I put up a Christmas tree, but never before Thanksgiving and I am still shocked to see Halloween decorations in stores in August, Christmas decorations in September, and Valentine's Day items in December. But apparently, I am behind the times because in the last week I have spotted two disturbing "articles" on Facebook. (Why I keep looking at FB I have no idea). Anyhoo, one of these articles seems to be encouraging people to put up "Halloween trees." Ap

Today I am posting a letter that I would have received from a new preschool teacher, if any new preschool teacher had written in for my advice. Which no one did, but I'm giving this advice anyway. Dear Miss Beth, I am a "brand new" preschool teacher and I feel like I have no idea what to do! Other teachers are telling me how to decorate my room, how to arrange my schedule, and even how to watch out for so and so's sibling because apparently the whole family is "weird." While I appreciate the advice, I'm not sure I should follow it, especially the part about the "weird" family. Help! Sincerely, Misty Fied. Dear Miss Misty, I am honored that you chose to ask me for my advice. The first thing I must say is....Don't Panic. I can say this because I come from a long ancestral line of "panickers" so I know your pain. This might come as a surprise to you, if you're not a regular reader of my blog, but most of my advi

It seems that every time one turns around, there is an article or blog post about the best names (apparently in the whole wide world) for your new baby. Some have been popular for years and are still being used, some are "old-fashioned" names that are making a comeback, some are of foreign origin, and some are, in my opinion, "out there." As in Landscape is not a name for a baby, just saying. With that being said, a new baby was recently welcomed into our family. She is, of course, adorable and everyone is smitten with little Madison.  According to the Urban Dictionary the top definition of her name is " A Madison is overall sweet, beautiful, smart, and caring." That's pretty impressive! And I'm sure our little Madison will live up to her name! Now in our family, there is a tradition, of sorts, to use Elizabeth as a middle name for our new little girls. Originally, there was talk that Madison would be added to this list that includes her