| How to Show Affection over the Phone Posted: 21 Sep 2021 05:00 PM PDT Most of us don't think of our phone as a tool to strengthen relationships, but we should. With thought and intention, you can connect with a person anywhere in the world, especially someone you care a lot about. Phones also make it easier to express love. You can send texts, emojis, and pictures or have a romantic conversation. If you need some creative suggestions for showing that you care, check out our tips below. [Edit]Stay connected with regular communication. - Texting is important but make time for real chats, too. We all get that people are busy—sometimes even just picking a time to talk can be a challenge. Plan a time to talk on the phone and stick to the schedule. Try to avoid canceling at the last minute unless you absolutely have no other choice.[1]
- Regular phone chats are important if you're in a long-distance relationship. Hearing each other's voices can help you feel a lot closer.
[Edit]Call or text them when they wake up or before bed. - Being their first or last message of the day shows you're thinking of them. If you know the person's going to have a challenging day ahead, texting or leaving them a voicemail first thing can make them feel supported. On the flip side, if they had a long or exciting day, call them in the evening so they know you're eager to hear about it.[2]
- For instance, you could say, "Good morning! How are you feeling about your big day? It's got to be nerve-wracking but I know you'll do great."
[Edit]Give them plenty of sincere compliments. - Describe what you like about their personality so they feel valued. Don't just save your compliments for when you're together in person. Make it a point to regularly note specific things that you love about them. For instance, you might say, "That was really thoughtful of you to help your sister prep for her exam. You're a really caring person."[3]
- Notice the quirky stuff, too! For example, maybe they have a totally unique fashion sense that you admire or a love of terrible jokes that you find adorable.
[Edit]Show interest in their daily activities. - Inquire about their day, listen thoughtfully, and ask followup questions. Ever noticed that when someone likes you, they pay attention to what you're saying? Give this person the same treatment. Ask them about the little things like their workday, errands, or upcoming plans.[4]
- To show you're listening, ask followup questions like, "Since you're finished with that, what do you think you'll do tomorrow?" or, "It sounds like you have some decisions to make. What do you think you'll do?"
[Edit]Send a text when you're thinking about them. - You don't have to make it long or dramatic. A simple, "Just thinking about you," lets them know that they're on your mind. Feeling more creative? Text them about things that remind you of them. For example, "I saw a beautiful sunrise this morning and it made me think of you." Here are a few more thoughtful ideas to text:[5]
- How did I get so lucky to have you in my life?
- I was just thinking about you. It made me smile.
- Stop making me think about you! I'm busy.
- Why does it hurt so much when I miss you?
[Edit]Check in with them throughout the day. - Send them thoughtful reminders and helpful hints to show you're connected. This shows that you're thinking of them throughout the day and that you care. Are they notoriously bad at remembering to eat lunch, for instance? Text them, "Hey, time to eat!" If you know they've got a doctor's appointment, you might call and ask them how the exam went. You get the idea—be there for the person even when you can't physically be together.[6]
- Celebrate them throughout the day, too! Did they pass a tricky exam or get a new job? Call to congratulate them or send them a fun celebratory GIF.
[Edit]Call or text them to say thanks. - Remember to express gratitude to show your appreciation. Everyone likes feeling valued so drop them a text to say that you're grateful for them. If you've got more time, give them a call or leave them a voicemail. Sometimes, a simple message like, "Thank you for being you," is all it takes to show your affection.[7]
- You could also text something like, "Thanks for working so hard to take care of me," or, "Thank you for making me feel so special when I'm with you."
[Edit]Use a video chat app to visually connect. - Seeing each other's faces can help you feel closer. Although it's no substitute for physically getting together, being able to express yourself on a video screen help you keep your connection strong. You don't have to save video chats for important stuff—talk about your day, how much you miss the person, or go on a virtual date.[8]
- For example, if you're in a long-distance relationship, make plans to video chat while you watch a movie together or set your camera in the kitchen so you can prepare dinner together.
- FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Duo, and Facebook Messenger are popular options.
[Edit]Send a virtual hug. - A random hug emoji can make them feel special. Sure, a virtual hug isn't quite the same as wrapping your arms around someone, but it's the next best thing. You can choose either the happy emoji face with two hands open in a hug or an emoji of two people hugging. Either way, this simple image can brighten someone's day.[9]
- On Twitter or Facebook? You can easily message them a hug emoji or GIF using those apps.
[Edit]Share fun, sweet, or memorable photos and videos. - Send them photos or short videos that you think they'd like. A picture's worth a thousand words, right? Snap a shot of something they'd love and send it to them. This shows that they're on you're mind and you care about them even when you're not together. You might send them a short video of the two of you if you're missing the person and want to remind them of how much you care.[10]
- For instance, do a throwback photo of when you first started dating, send them a pic from somewhere you went on your anniversary, or share a sweet video you took of them. You could also film a short video of yourself doing something silly or romantic to share with them.
[Edit]Send flirty texts to have fun with them. - Show your playful side and build anticipation for when you see each other. If you're direct, you might send something like, "You. Me. Takeout. Tonight," or "What would you say if I asked you to come over right now?" Don't be afraid to be bold! You'll get them excited to see you again.[11]
- Feeling stuck with what to text? Try sending a few lines of their favorite poem or some lyrics from a song that means something special to you both.
[Edit]References |
| How to Play Four Square Posted: 21 Sep 2021 09:00 AM PDT Four Square is a fun playground game that almost anyone can play. All you need is chalk or tape to make the squares, a ball that will bounce, and at least 4 players. Try playing with the standard rules, or mix it up for some fun! [Edit]Playing Basic Four Square - Mark 4 squares on the ground. You can make the squares any size you want, but make sure you have enough room to play. Make the squares about per side for most players, although adults might enjoy the challenge from squares.[1]
- Number the squares from 1 to 4. The squares should be numbered clockwise starting with 1. This means the 1 and 3 squares will be diagonal from each other, as will the 2 and 4 squares.[2]
- Some people use the letters A, B, C, and D instead of numbers, while others use titles of royalty, such as Jack, Queen, King, and Ace.[3]
- Use a standard rubber playground ball if you have one. This is often called a kickball and is a rubber ball about in diameter. If you don't have a playground ball, use any ball that's and bounces at least 50% of the height from which it was thrown.[4]
- Australian players use felted tennis balls to play Four Square.
- Make sure everyone agrees on the rules before you start playing. As a "playground game" this game has spawned an incredible amount of local variations over the decades.
- If you're playing by the standard rules, make sure everyone knows what exactly they are before starting. While often one school might have "standard rules" the new kid might think the "standard rules" are something else entirely.
- If you're playing by variations, or if the server is allowed to make up rules during the game, make sure everyone is aware of this and agrees to it.
- Having everyone on the same page before the game starts will help prevent disputes during the game that could ruin the fun.
- Have a player stand in each square. The players don't have to stay in their square the entire time, but they should stay close in order to defend their area.[5]
- Serve the ball from the highest-ranked square to the lowest. The server should bounce the ball once in their own square, then hit the ball so that it goes diagonally to the lowest-ranked square. The receiver can then hit the ball in any direction they choose.[6]
- Many people play Four Square so that the 4 square is the highest-ranked square, and therefore the server's square. If this is the case, the server should stand in the 4 square and hit the ball towards the 1 square.
- Some people play the game so 1 is the highest-ranked square and 4 is the lowest. In this case, the serve would go from the 1 square towards the 4 square.
- The serve always goes in the same direction.
- Allow one fault for the receiver per round. After the serve, the receiver should allow the ball to bounce one time in their square, then should hit it in whatever direction they choose. If they don't hit the ball correctly or it goes out of bounds, that is a "fault," and one fault is allowed per round. If the receiver misses the serve twice in a round, they are eliminated.[7]
- The round lasts until a player is eliminated.
- Take turns hitting the ball after it bounces in your square. Once the ball is in play, whoever's square the ball lands in should be the next to hit it. The ball is considered "in play" after someone touches it but before it lands in another square, meaning players can hit the ball in the air. You must hit the ball before it bounces a second time.[8]
- If a player hits the line with the ball or hits the ball so it does not land in another player's square, that player is out.[9]
- If a player hits a ball after it has landed in another player's square, the person who hit the ball is out. This is called "poaching."[10]
- Hit the ball with any part of your hand but do not catch it. Players are not allowed to carry, catch, or hold the ball during play. However, they may repeatedly bounce the ball off of their hands in order to avoid breaking this rule.[11]
- Advance to a higher numbered square when a player is out. The goal of the game is to move up to the servers' square. If you have more than 4 players, a new player will move into the lowest-numbered square when a player is eliminated.[12]
- If you only have 4 players, the person who is out moves to the lowest-numbered square and the other players move up, if applicable.
[Edit]Playing Variations on the Game - Allow young players to catch the ball for an easier version of Four Square. Younger or less-skilled players might have more fun if they can catch the ball before throwing it again.[13]
- Assign 2 players per square if you have 8 or more players. Play a relay-style variation of Four Square by having 2 players for each square. Whenever one player hits the ball to another square, they'll jump out of their court and their partner will jump in.[14]
- When playing with 2 players per square, if one player is out then the team is out. If everyone agrees, however, you can adjust the rules to allow the other team member to continue playing until they are out.
- Hit the ball into your own square first for an Australian variation. Australian players must bounce the ball in their own square, regardless of whether the ball has already bounced in their own square. Also, in Australian Four Square the ball is allowed to touch the line.[15]
- Play Black Jack to get players out faster. In Black Jack, if a player can catch the ball before it lands in their square, then the person who hit the ball is out. This usually makes the game move faster.[16]
- Allow the server to make up special rules to keep the game changing. The server can call a rule that all of the players must follow, but it only lasts for that round. When the round is over, the server must call the rules again or else it's assumed there are no special rules.[17]
- A special rule might be something like 7-Up, in which each player who hits the ball has to call out a number one higher than the previous player. The player who hits on the number 7, or any number that ends in 7, must skip that number or they'll be out.[18]
- Another rule the server might call could be Underhand, in which all of the hits must be made with the back of the hand. Players should keep their hands open and their palms facing up.[19]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Start an Afterschool Program Posted: 21 Sep 2021 01:00 AM PDT Afterschool programs can help meet your community's needs.[1] Some are academically-focused on building skills like reading, math, and language. Others may highlight outdoor play, art, sports, or music. To set up an afterschool program, consider where you will run it, what staff you'll need, and where you'll find funding for supplies and food. Any program that cares for young children may also have to comply with national and local government guidelines. [Edit]Researching and Planning - Define who your program will serve. Determine what age group you will work with and what kind of programming you want to offer. Will you serve K-5th graders that attend the same school? Or, will your program enroll 7-8th graders who all share a similar interest?[2]
- If you're a teacher, consider whether your students could benefit from an extended-day program.
- If you're a parent or community leader, think about a childcare solution close to home where the kids in your neighborhood can safely spend a few hours.
- If you're a student yourself, consider proposing a program that provides a unique opportunity for yourself and your peers.
- Ask parent, teachers, and kids what they want. Talk to the people in your community about what they are looking for in an afterschool program. Hold a community conversation at a school, church, or community center to discuss your ideas and to get feedback. Send out a request for input online using email, social media, or a free online survey platform.[3]
- Involve the people who will use the program from the beginning so you can build it to meet their needs.
- Set goals for your program. Determine what the ultimate purpose of your program will be. Are you mainly interested in providing a safe place for kids to hang out after school? Do you want to help kids do their homework? Are you interested in providing art or music enrichment? You can do a combination things, but it's important to make sure that you can state your goals clearly.
- For example, some afterschool programs simply provide an environment that is safe and comfortable, where kids can play and hang out with adult supervision while their parents work.
- Other programs set educational goals to improve reading skills or math scores for students who are struggling academically.
- Plan the organizational set-up and staff requirements. At minimum you'll need a director who will oversee the program as well as someone who will actually run the programming on a day to day basis. These roles could be filled by the same person for a small program.[4]
- If you're setting up a program at a school that already has other afterschool programs in place, model your organization around these.
- Ask for volunteers from the community to help you meet your staffing needs.
- Locate a designated space for your program. Check with local schools, churches, and community centers to see if there is space you can use that is free or low-cost. Make sure the space you choose includes access to necessities like bathrooms, food, and water.[5]
- It is possible to run a program outdoors, but you will also need to make sure students have access to restrooms, shade, and adequate protection from weather extremes (like heat, cold, rain, etc.)
- Try to choose a space that is accessible and inclusive for students regardless of their ability.
- Research and obtain proper licensing for your program. Depending on where you live, afterschool programs may be regulated by national, state, or local agencies. Learn more about the specific requirements for afterschool in your area by visiting the websites of a national group, like Afterschool Alliance in the U.S. (http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/policyState.cfm).
- In other countries with more centralized educational programming, check your government's website for a section on childcare and education. For example, in the UK, visit https://www.gov.uk/after-school-holiday-club.
- Reach out to the contacts listed for your state or local agencies by email and phone to discuss the specific requirements for your program.
[Edit]Funding Your Program - Charge tuition fees to cover your expenses. The cost of a high-quality, out-of-school-time program can range from $1,500 per child to more than double that, depending on where it is and what it includes.[6] To cover costs, many afterschool programs charge fees for enrollment.[7]
- When setting your tuition cost, consider the needs of the community your program serves. If the fees are too high, you may not be able to reach to the population you want to help.[8]
- Apply for government funding to supplement your income. Seeking funding from government sources is a great way to subsidize your program's funding base. Check agency websites in your country, like: https://www.youth.gov/funding-search in the U.S. or, in Canada check out the page for the Ministry of Education in your province.[9] When searching for funding programs, look for those that are targeted to specific activities or subject areas.
- For example, if you need funds to purchase arts and crafts supplies, you can look into the Arts Learning Program of the National Endowment for the Arts (https://www.arts.gov/grants-organizations/art-works/arts-education).[10]
- There are also numerous Federal and state funding programs in the U.S. that specifically fund programming in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.[11]
- Ask local community foundations and businesses for help. If you need craft supplies, reach out to the local arts and craft supply store to see if they can make a donation of materials. If you need snacks, contact local grocery stores near you and ask for help. Local community funding agencies are also a great resource. Search for them online and contact their grant officers for more help.[12]
- Material donations like crafts and food from local businesses can help reduce your financial burden.
- Community funding agencies are often helpful in providing much-needed money for overhead costs like rent and maintenance.
- Maintain a diverse funding stream. Keep your afterschool program going by obtaining funds and supplies from several different sources. This way, if one source of funding dwindles or disappears, your program will remain afloat.[13]
[Edit]Implementing the Program - Provide structure but be flexible in your programming. Afterschool programs should supplement and enrich, not simply extend the school day. After attending school all day, students deserve a change of pace. You may require certain activities, like completing homework or rehearsing a piece of music, but students also need time to relax and have some fun.[14]
- Set-up stations for students like an arts and crafts station, a building station, a games station, and a reading station. This allows students to choose between a variety of different options within an organized structure.[15]
- Offer nutritious snacks. An aftercare program extends a student's day to as many as 10-12 hours, or more. It's important to provide healthy nourishment so that your students have the energy and focus they need to make the most of your programming.[16]
- Ask parents and students about any food allergies your students may have before offering snacks.
- Fruits, like apples, whole grains crackers, and protein, like cheese, nuts, or hummus, are great options.
- Avoid foods that are high in sugar as these cause an initial spike in energy levels, followed by a steep decline.
- Include students in decision-making. To help your students get the most out of their afterschool experience, allow them to have some control over the programming. This can be as simple as letting them vote on a theme to explore as a group or letting them participate in decisions about what snack to eat.[17]
- By allowing them to participate in this way, you'll help create a stronger sense of community and belonging in your students
- Use themes to connect different activities. Students are more likely to participate in activities if they understand why they are doing them. Moving through different not only keeps things interesting with variety, it also provides students with a sense of purpose for each individual activity.[18]
- For example, one theme you could explore might be "spring." Your arts and crafts activities could revolve around making flower and gardening-themed projects. You might offer building activities that include making birdhouses or terrariums. You can learn songs, games, and dances related to the seasonal change, as well.
[Edit]References |
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