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Let's Read Together!

1/15/2016

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We are always telling children that reading books is good for them but have we really identified all the things that are good about reading?  What do the very little kids get from being read to? What do the "first readers" experience reading their first books?  What does a child get from books that will last throughout life?

The warmth of a parent or caregiver holding a very young child and reading with him or her gives the child the sense of self importance (that he or she has all of the attention) and inclusion (that someone is sitting and spending time with him or her) that can't be obtained with an electronic device and an e-book.  Although there are many benefits to the computer skills gained by navigating e-books, an electronic tablet is still an inanimate object and not a person who can respond warmly.  Computers are a fact of life and very valuable but they will come soon enough in a child's life.  The experience of reading a physical book cannot be replaced.  Children like to turn the pages, go back and forth, look at things over again, etc. and, although it can be done somewhat with an e-book, it's easier to do with a physical book.  And they can accumulate a library on their shelves of their favorite books to go back to over and over again.

When you take time to read to children you show them that reading is important and they will want to copy you.  Children are great imitators and they will pick up on what you do; the more you love to read, the more they will value reading as well.  They will want to master reading themselves and, as they mature into "first readers" and read out loud, they will develop proper grammar, spelling, pronunciation and speaking skills and, most important, self confidence in communication.  

Books teach!  Reading can open up new worlds and introduce children to people and places outside of their immediate world.  The world of our grandparents was, for the most part, their immediate surroundings.  Now with worldwide media and the internet, our children's world is the whole globe.  Children can learn about other people, animals and environments around the world as in my book "A Birthday Party for Mother Earth", inspired by my granddaughter Zoe (shown above).  When she was five years old she wanted to have a birthday party for Mother Earth because, as Zoe said, "Mother Earth is watching us take care of her world; we need to thank her." The book is about the diversity of Mother Earth.  Through books, children can learn to share in the "global village".  

As children grow up, a love of reading will help them throughout life.  Not only does reading prepare children for communicating in life, but carefully chosen books can also help them to be good global citizens; to learn to be empathetic to others, and to be kind to animals and to the natural world we live in and should appreciate.  

​But, reading is not only informative;  it is also fun and enjoyable as it introduces children to new thoughts and experiences and, through reading, releases their imaginations and creativity to soar.  Let's go read a good book!


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Amy's New Year's Resolutions Box

1/9/2016

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My little friend Amy wanted me to help her make a special New Year's Resolutions Box to keep her important goals for the year in....one that she could save and look at when she wanted to throughout the year.  Amy is 6 years old.  

We looked for a special box to decorate and found just the perfect one in the office supply section of the drugstore.  It's real use was to be for index cards.  It was pink plastic with a button closure and it had plenty of space to put her intentions in.  It even had room to add intentions as the year went by and she thought of new things that she might want to add.  The box was pink (Amy's favorite color) and it had a pocket on the inside to slip a name card in.

Amy then picked out one of my old greeting cards to cut up to decorate the box...one that reminded her of spring with pretty spring tulips.  We glued the card down on the lid of the box and taped it at the edges so it would not come up...and we made a matching name card to personalize her box for the pocket inside.  

She told me what she wanted me to write down as her intentions...like "make good grades"...and "make new friends"...and "learn how to ride a bicycle".
I typed these on a piece of paper and cut it into "intention strips". I left a few blank for later.  Amy decorated everything with stars and heart stickers and buttoned her special New Years Resolutions Box back together. A simple little project but  one that Amy would enjoy having throughout the year.

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Happy New Year!

1/2/2016

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As we move into 2016, Lae Lae sends best wishes!

There are some thoughts that come to mind as we enter the new year (although I am no philosopher - just a student in the school of life):

1.  Hold family and friends dear; share and love each other.  The world can be a very hectic and scary place, family and friends add warmth and support.

2.  Remember that your dreams can come true.  They start in the heart and work their way out into reality.

3.  Know that things are not always going to be the way you want them to be; have patience; hold on; things change and you will learn and grow.

4.  Meet life and people positively.  Smiles and laughter make you and others you meet feel good.

5.  Be kind to others; you never know what someone else is going through; everyone needs a kind word or thought.

6.  Remember that you are only responsible for what you do; not for others and what they do.

7.  Remember that we are all the same inside, no matter how different we look on the outside.

8.  Be kind to the animals who give us so much.

9.  Take care of the earth where we all live.

10.  Know that to make something happen, you have to work at it.  

11.  Be true to yourself - you do not need to try to be like anyone else - you are YOU and you are SPECIAL!

12.  Spread happiness around; your beautiful smile will make the world a better place.  Happy New Year!



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