The Dutch Method

So... we are using the Dutch Method. Apparently, there are several methods for teaching soccer to children, our soccer coordinator says, and the Dutch method is what he prefers. You see, in the Dutch method, everything is a game. There are no drills, there are only games.

So I have invented a few games.

Five-Finger Jobs: Morning Routine

1. go potty and brush your teeth.
2. clean your room
3. give mommy a kiss and a hug
4. get dressed
5. eat breakfast.

Five-Finger Jobs: Evening Routine:

1. Jammies
2. Potty and brush teeth
3. give mommy a kiss and a hug
4. Bible story
   
5. Pray and sing songs

My current favorite: Five-Finger Job: Getting out the door

1. Do a good job cleaning up after yourself (thumb)
2. You, put on your shoes! (pointer finger)
3. get your stuff
4. go potty
5. Electricity check

Having games for these things seems to help. Too often, and especially when I am in a rush, I can be a bit demanding. These games remind me to be a bit more light-hearted in training my children... and sometimes myself.

The other game we have been using reveals our current pastime (addiction??)...Super Mario Galaxy. I thought of this one day... and Anna and Dillon really went for it!! =) Enjoy!!

In case you are not familiar with Mario's world, he is required to accomplish certain tasks to earn a star. Anna and Dillon now get stars for cleaning their rooms. My creative children decided to put a twist on this... and pretend that there are comets. The Purple comet, where Mario has to collect all the purple coins, requires one to look carefully and search every hidden spot for "things" to be collected. This is what my careful and observant son likes. He hates the timer... which Anna likes. She likes trying to beat the timer. So, she decided to do a "speedy comet". In the speedy comet, Mario has to complete his mission in a certain amount of time. This requires focus... Mario cannot be distracted by star bits, coins, or extra lives. He must stay focused and only do what is necessary to get the job done in order to beat the timer. Anna needs to work on this and... sometimes... the timer helps her stay focused... especially the kind that you can hear ticking. So I found some star sticky notes, and have a new way to inspire my children to clean their rooms!!! Happy cleaning!!

What are games you play??