Hi! Thanks for visiting One Time Through. I’m thrilled you’re here and interested in learning more about me, my blog, and my double passions of teaching kids and parenting.
My name is Sue. I’m a mom and a full-time elementary school teacher-librarian. When teaching, I share my love of reading and books daily with kids from Kindergarten to grade 8. I also teach kids about media and have embraced the Maker culture in my school library. I started writing this blog when I was a stay-at-home mom for the first 4 years of my son’s life (he’s now 8). I affectionately refer to him on this blog as “Onetime.”
I have always had a drive to learn new things and once I became a parent, that meant staying on top of the latest positive parenting and educational trends. My blog name, One Time Through, reflects my desire to make the most of every moment that I have with my only son as he is growing up.
When I started my blog, I wanted mostly to share my ideas with others. I have learned so many things in this journey of motherhood and have always enjoyed sharing experiences with other Moms and fellow teachers.
It’s my hope that I can bring a unique perspective to this blogging world as well. Prior to entering the teaching profession I worked as a Behavioural Therapist with autistic preschoolers and then with brain-injured teens. I also worked extensively with kids with learning difficulties and disabilities.
When I decided to teach, I completed a Master of Arts in Child Study and Education at the University of Toronto and learned even more about how children with different abilities learn best. I also completed special credentials in Special Education, Primary Learning (Kindergarten to grade 3), Drama (a personal favourite to teach!), and Librarianship.
The educational activities that I share on One Time Through are primarily fun – because I believe that kids learn best when they’re laughing! But they also have a basis in the latest educational theory and best-practice research. I also tend to recommend lots of great books for kids to read, as well as for parents, to go along with the post topics.
The parenting advice that I research and share – focuses on positive techniques that help parents and teachers maintain a caring and respectful connection with kids. I have been training for several years now in Non-Violent Communication and try to bring this unique perspective to all my parenting posts.
My hope is that this blog and its activities will inspire you and your children (or students) to read, explore and learn together! Thank you so much for joining me on this adventure of learning to nurture our kids and make everyday moments count.
To find even more fun and educational activities as well as positive parenting tips, follow me on Facebook, and Pinterest.
What would you consider as your “Parenting Style”? Thanks!
Thanks for dropping by Olivia! I definitely aim to be authoritative (vs. authoritarian or permissive). But it’s also really important to my husband and I to treat our son the way we would expect to be treated ourselves. This seems to be our one guiding parenting principle. I have been highly influenced by Alfie Kohn, Judy Arnall and Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. If you’re interested in reading more about these speakers and authors – be sure to check out my recent post on encouraging positive child behaviour.
Hi Sue, I nominated you for the Liebster Award which you can see here http://dabblingmomma.blogspot.com/2014/07/nominated-for-liebster-award.html
Love your ideas and your way of thinking…pretty much follows my thinking as well. I’m a great grandmother of 8 sweet babies ranging in age of 11 to an unborn due any day…I been a very much involved grandmother as my husband was until he passed away a year ago…we loved our own children and have been blessed by loving daughter in loves to allow us the privilege of being very much involved with our grands and now great grands…Want to read your post and pass them on to my family.. thank you in advance for posting, sharing…
Thanks so much for dropping by Gail. It’s been really gratifying to hear from others who share similar approaches as I’ve worked my way through this series. It’s been a huge learning adventure for me and I’m so glad to have others along on the journey! Best, Sue
Is your son’s name really Onetime? I could also understand if it’s a pseudonym for the sake of privacy.
Just curious!
Sue
I couldn’t figure out how to reply to Hurricane in a Jar but I am having trouble with this experiment ! My jar gets too soapy ! Do you have any tips or suggestions? Thank you for your time !
Daily I try to be positive with my daughter. This article has helped me tremendously. The hardest thing I have found is teaching myself to be a positive parent when I haven’t had the role models in my life. I am reading and trying to soak up everything and I am learning. Each day I learn more. I appreciate your blog. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for your message Kerry. It sounds like we’re on a similar journey and it’s really nice to know I’ve got other parents along with me on the “ride!” I can’t believe how much I’ve learned in just a few years, and, like you – each day I learn something more. I really appreciate you taking the time to write to me – thank YOU!
Hello Sue,
I have a DIY resource site for moms at http://www.simplycreativemoms.com and I wanted to let you know that I am featuring your telescope craft in my Birthday Parties roundup if you don’t mind. They turned out great, by the way.
You are welcome to share your projects at my site if you would like.
Alyssa
Simply Creative Moms
Thanks so much Alyssa! It’s perfect for a pirate party!
Dear Sue,
I just discovered One Time Through and I really enjoyed it!
I recently started working on a new website myself. I am trying to build a community focused on helping babies and toddlers get a head start in life by providing parents with inspiration for fun and educational activities that match the individual development of the child.
I am collecting all the best baby and toddler activity resources from around the web. I think some of the activities you have created fit perfectly with ADAM & Mila and I would love to get your permission to feature them on my website!
The website is still under development, but you can see an example of how your activity would be featured here https://www.adam-mila.com/baby-toddler-learning-activities/
The content from your website I would like to link to is:https://onetimethrough.com/e-empathetic-10-ways-teach-empathy/ I read a lot of articles about teaching little activities to develop their skills, but that’s the first time I get information about paying attention to teach kids empathy, i.e. emotional skills. As you said it’s never late to teach them. But thank you to let me know that people can start as early as they can.
I would like to use one of the pictures from your page, and I will create a small summary description from the content on your page. There will then be a link to your page with the activity as well as a link to https://onetimethrough.com/
I very much liked reading one time through and I really hope you will support this project! Of course, I also hope that ADAM & Mila can eventually send some new visitors to your website.
Cheer,
Lisa
I love your website, Sue! I have a PhD in Nursing and have taken a step back from work to raise my 4 children. Additionally, I have an 8-year-old who is recovering from encephalits and Guillain Barre Syndrome. I started a blog as well: healthykidsplay.com that covers some of my research experience with children as well as the resources I’ve utilized through my son’s recovery phase. I love the behavioral therapy recommendations you have as well as the book resources. My son had some sensory processing problems as well, and you have a few good articles on feelings, touch, etc. I will continue to check in on your website.
Hi Sue,
I have a question re:the paper roll pirate people. Do you paint the styrofoam ball once you glue it on the paper roll to create a smooth surface for your facial features?
Thanks,
Thank you so much for sharing your learnings. The books you’ve noted are so in tune with what I inherently believe. I’ve ordered three on your recommendations. Hugely thankful you took the time to craft this positive space for parents to reference as they practice mindfulness with their children.
Thanks so much for your lovely comment Holly. I’m really gratified to hear that you’ve found my recommendations helpful. All the best in your journey! Sue