Go Green Kids & Parents by GGK MEDIA

GO GREEN

kids & parents

MAGAZINE

November 2019

Contents PG 5 Kids Who Are Young for Their Grade Much Likelier to Be Diagnosed With ADHD and Depression, Study Finds

PG 10 How can you help get your kid excited about S.T.E.M/STEAM

PG 15 3 ways to prepare children for jobs of the future

PG 18-21 FLOWER YOU SHOULD KNOW

2 FRUIT THIS MONTH

ANIMAL

GREEN THINGS

PG 23 Think outside: 5 ways to disconnect and enjoy the outdoors

PG 25 Must-see destinations that support sustainable travel 1

PG 31

Go Green Kids & Parents Magazine Publisher Ggk Media www.gogreenkp.com www.ggkchange.org https://issuu.com/gogreenkp charlene3w2@gmail.com gogreenkidsandparents@gmail.com

Editor

Charlene Alvarez

Graphic Design

Aaron Steven

Regional Manager Louis Catalina

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Be thankful for what you have; youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have, you will never, ever have enough. ~Oprah Winfrey

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Kids Who Are Young for Their Grade Much Likelier to Be Diagnosed With ADHD and Depression, Study Finds Youthful exuberance should be valued and encouraged, not pathologized.

Photo by Les Anderson on Unsplash

Parents want the best for their children, particularly when it comes to education. While many parents may feel the cultural push toward earlier schooling, some are questioning these evolving norms and delaying school enrollment or forgoing conventional schooling altogether.

Intellectual Disabilities and Depression Previous findings by Harvard researchers showed increased ADHD diagnosis rates for children who were the youngest in their kindergarten class compared to the oldest ones. But new research just published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that in addition to higher ADHD diagnoses of children who are among the younger ones in their grade, relative youth may also lead to increased diagnosis of intellectual disabilities and depression. The new study looked at more than one million children in the UK and found that those who were among the youngest quarter in their grade were 30 percent more likely than the oldest quarter of the children to be diagnosed with an intellectual disability. These youngsters were 40 percent more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, and 30 percent more likely to be diagnosed with depression. The researchers conclude: In this study, relative youth status in the school year is associated with an increased risk of diagnosis of ADHD, intellectual disability, and depression in childhood. These findings should send shivers up the spines of parents and teachers. Holding other childhood variables constant, the researchers were able to pinpoint relative youth as the key factor leading children to be diagnosed with significant academic and mental health issues. These children may have been more inattentive and energetic because they were younger, not because they had ADHD. Similarly, they may have been slower to learn because they were nearly a year younger upon school entry than their older peers in the same grade. These children didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have an intellectual disability; they were just little. It also shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come as a surprise to any of us that if relatively immature children are being expected to sit still and pay attention in class, and do the same academic work as children who are nearly one year older, it could lead to higher rates of depression. Who wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel depressed in this situation?

https://fee.org/

Last fall, Harvard researchers published findings in the New England Journal of Medicine Youthful showing that US children who were among the youngest in exuberance should be their grade were far more likely to be valued and diagnosed with ADHD than the oldest children in their grade. Specifically, the encouraged, not researchers found that in states with a pathologized. September 1 kindergarten enrollment cut-off date, children born in August were 30 percent more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than children born in September. In other words, the newly-minted five-year-olds were less attentive and more fidgety than the children who were about to turn six. This was particularly true of boys. Anyone who spends time with young children knows that there can be a big difference between a five-year-old and a six-year-old. Youthful exuberance should be valued and encouraged, not pathologized.

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ADHD Diagnosis Dragnet The lead Harvard researcher, Timothy Layton, concluded: Our findings suggest the possibility that large numbers of kids are being overdiagnosed and over-treated for ADHD because they happen to be relatively immature compared to their older classmates in the early years of elementary school. The researchers in the new UK study find similar results related to ADHD over diagnosis, along with diagnosis of intellectual disabilities and depression. They suggest more research should be done on the link between early school enrollment and these potentially adverse outcomes.

In some countries, parents of relatively young children can defer entry for a year. Deferment of children who are both relatively young and developmentally immature could reduce differences in abilities, but deferment of entry for all relatively young children would only change who is relatively young. Perhaps the best solution is to give children the freedom to grow and develop in their own way, without forcing them to conform to arbitrary standards. Rather than giving kids a label, just give them time.

Kerry McDonald Kerry McDonald is a Senior Education Fellow at FEE and author of Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom (Chicago Review Press, 2019). She is also an adjunct scholar at The Cato Institute and a regular Forbes contributor. Kerry has a B.A. in economics from Bowdoin College and an M.Ed. in education policy from Harvard University. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts with her husband and four children. You can sign up for her weekly newsletter on parenting and education here.

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How can you help get your kid excited about S.T.E.M/STEAM

Most children entering kindergarten will do jobs that don't currently exist, and studies also show that most of these jobs will require STEAM skills. This evolving landscape means that STEAM learning is important and plays a critical role in preparing children with the 21st century skills they need for the future workforce.

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With National STEAM Day right around the corner, LEGO Education put together a few ideas to help you plan your celebration. Whether you're in the classroom or at home, here are some ways you can help get your kids excited about STEAM:

* Get hands-on: A recent survey shows that parents and teachers agree hands-on learning is the No. 1 way to build confidence in STEAM subjects. Trade in the worksheets for hands-on activities. Check out the many free resources for STEAM activities you can do at home and hundreds of free lesson plans for teachers. There are plenty of ideas to choose from, or create your own.

* Try, fail and try again: When kids face a roadblock, it's natural to want to jump in and find a solution. Instead, make it a point to let your student try it for themselves first, which helps them develop real-world skills like problem solving and resilience. This will help ready your child or students for a future career in STEAM.

* Find what sparks their interest: Ask questions and see what your student gets excited to talk about. Switch roles for the day and empower them to be your teacher. Not only will it help reinforce the subject matter, but also boost their confidence by being an expert in something that interests them.

* Make it into a project: Ask the age-old question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Use National STEAM Day as an opportunity to explore STEAM careers - it might not be what they (or you) expect! Have your child or students pick a STEAM career to research and then share a job description or find examples of companies in that field. Here are a few STEAM careers to explore: app developer, forensic psychologist, graphic designer, architect, astrophysicist, medical illustrator, civil engineer, archaeologist, product designer, sports announcer and many more.

* Host a STEAM career day: Reach out to people in your community who are in STEAM careers (that might even be you) to participate in a STEAM career day at your school. Or connect with larger companies in your area who can help organize a shadow day or video chat with your child or students. Meeting people in these careers helps kids see the connection between what they're learning in school and the real world.

Share your own ideas and plans for National STEAM Day using #NationalSTEAMDay #LEGOconfidence.

National S.T.E.M./S.T.E.A.M. DAY 11

November 8

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LEGO Education oﬀers hands-on, playful STEAM learning experiences based on the LEGO system of bricks, hardware, software and content for students and their teachers in early learning, primary and secondary education as well as through after-school programs and competitions. These solutions create an environment for active, collaborative learning where students build skills for their future, a lifelong love for learning and confidence in their ability to learn and solve problems, setting them up for lifelong success.

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When all the world appears to be in a tumult, and nature itself is feeling the assault of climate change, the seasons rain their essential rhythm. Yes, fall gives us a premonition of winter, but then, winter, will be forced to relent, one again, to the new beginning of soft green long light, and the sweet air of spring.

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3 ways to prepare children for jobs of the future Today's technology evolves so rapidly, it's impossible to predict what new inventions are coming. How can parents and educators today prepare children for technology and jobs that may not even exist yet? A recent education study by Harris Poll reveals that hands-on, collaborative learning experiences increase children's confidence and ability to learn new things. The study showed that children worldwide who are confident learning STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) feel more confident about their ability to learn overall. And that confidence translates into a willingness to try new things - an essential trait in education and business, where changes occur at a rapid pace.

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LEGO Education Master Educator Aaron Maurer provides tips for teachers and parents on fostering confidence in STEAM subjects, drawing on his many years of experience using LEGO Education solutions and as a FIRST LEGO League robotics coach.

1. Let children try - and fail Children build confidence when they're given the opportunity to try new things, even if they feel unsure of themselves. Experiencing trial and error, and learning from setbacks, means children can also fully own their successes. If kids are free from the pressure of needing to achieve constant success, they are more willing to learn from their failures.

2. Encourage hands-on experiences While the study found that the vast majority of educators worldwide (95%) highly value hands-on learning, teachers said their schools did not provide enough hands-on learning experiences, due to time limitations and curriculum constraints.

What do children gain by engaging in concrete learning experiences, as opposed to passive activities like listening to a teacher or reading a book?

Maurer explains, "Hands-on learning - learning through building, through trial and error, through collaboration - has the power to engage kids in a way that lectures and worksheets simply don't. Getting hands-on with a challenge or a task allows them to explore and realize there isn't just one answer. It allows them to experience failure in a healthy way and realize that failing at a task is a natural part of the learning process and does not mean a subject is out of their reach." Parents wanting their children to experience more hands-on learning may want to seek after-school classes and clubs, or games and activities to do at home that foster more hands-on experiences in a variety of subjects.

For example, parents can find after-school clubs such as a FIRST LEGO League, which lets kids of all ages work out solutions to real-world problems in a fun team environment.

3. Encourage development of soft skills While we can't anticipate every technological advance that may occur in our children's lifetimes, one thing doesn't change: Communicating and collaborating with others is a vital part of any job, in any field.

How can you help children develop these skills? Provide opportunities where kids work together to solve problems, create - or just play together. Try a sports team, music group or social club. Any opportunity to interact with others positively, working toward common goals, can boost their confidence and ability to be part of a team.

Future jobs may be hard to predict, but helping kids develop confidence and their ability in STEAM skills - and soft skills - will provide a strong foundation to tackle future challenges. For more ways to boost your children's confidence in learning, visit LEGOeducation.com. Celebrate National Computer Literacy Month this October by helping children learn skills for the future.

FLOWER

Chrysanthemum

You Need To Know

This Month

Did you Know…

CHRYSANTHEMUM SYMBOLISM A native to Asia with a history that dates back to 15th century B.C., chrysanthemum symbolism often originates from its original birthplace. In Japan, there’s even a “Festival of Happiness” to celebrate this flower each year. The Chrysanthemum is often simply referred to as mums, you can find this bloom in a wide range of sizes and colors, including the most common pink, white, yellow and red varieties. Chrysanthemums most commonly symbolize loyalty and honesty, though meanings can vary depending on the flower’s color. 18

FRUIT

Arbutus Unedo

You Need To Know

This Month

Did you Knowâ&#x20AC;Ś Arbutus Unedo's (Strawberry Tree) is an edible fresh fruit. They are used mostly for jam, marmalades, yogurt and alcoholic beverages, such as the Portuguese medronho, a type of strong brandy. Many regions of Albania prepare the traditional drink rakia from the fruits of the plant. The flowers are pollinated by bees, and the resulting honey is bitter tasting but still considered a delicacy. Arbutus Unedo's leaves have been used in traditional and folk medicine in the form of a decoction having the following properties: astringent, diuretic, urinary anti-septic, antiseptic, intoxicant, rheumatism, tonic, and more recently, in the therapy of hypertension and diabetes. The leaves are reported to have a high concentration of flavonol antioxidants, especially quercitin, best extracted with a decoction, and together with the fruits are a source of antioxidants. The leaves also have anti-inflammatory properties. 19

ANIMAL

You Need To Know

This Month

DANGER OF EXTINCTION

Red Tuna

Magellanic Penguin

Mexican Wolf

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Javan Rhinoceros

Green things

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NOVEMBER

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World Vegan Month

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Think outside: 5 ways to disconnect and enjoy the outdoors

- Life is hectic, full of demands at work and home. Add digital distractions like computers, cell phones, tablets and more, and it's no wonder many people are experiencing record-high levels of stress.

(BPT)

One simple solution is to shift your perspective by spending more time outdoors. When you do an enjoyable activity outside, stress begins to melt away as you bask in the fresh air, sunshine and beauty of nature.

This doesn't mean you have to be a savvy outdoor adventurer. There is a growing movement of people of all ages and walks of life embracing nature by finding new ways to discover the world around them. If you feel the draw of the outdoors, consider these five ideas for disconnecting and enjoying activities outside:

with others. Make a day of it by packing lunch or other snacks for mid-hike picnics where you can take in the grandeur of Mother Nature.

3) Explore the open road

There's something freeing about the open road and exploring the nation's highways, byways and hidden winding roadways. The fresh air and breeze in your face is second only to the sights and sounds of the new surroundings you experience as you explore cities, towns and country sides. As you look for your next adventure, try an alternative to a car or motorcycle that provides an exhilarating experience, such as a three-wheeled motor vehicle. These vehicles are as fun to drive as they look, plus most can comfortably seat two people for joint outdoor exploration.

4) Head oﬀ road

Find endless possibilities beyond the pavement. Few things can compare to traveling oﬀ road and discovering hidden spots and new places. With Polaris oﬀroad vehicles, the options are only limited by your desire to explore. Pack up your gear and head out knowing you're in a machine made to journey through the forests, deserts, mountains and beyond. Go at your own speed and see where it takes you.

5) Wander the water

Whether it's a pond, lake, river or ocean, the water is equal parts soothing and exhilarating. It provides countless opportunities to spend time outside, depending on your personal preferences. Fish from the shoreline. Rent a canoe or kayak to discover bays and sandbars. Kick back and explore on a Bennington Pontoon. Try your hand at paddle boarding. When in doubt, just plan a beach day with a group of friends or the whole family.

As life continues to pull people in every direction, it's more important than ever to take a moment and spend time outside. With these ideas, it's easier than ever

Must-see destinations that support sustainable travel

Living an eco-friendly lifestyle is a growing trend among people of all ages. This extends beyond the home and work, with many people wanting to embrace sustainable travel while they satisfy their wanderlust.

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Green-minded folks are exploring destinations while minimizing their environmental impact. One strong indicator of a city that supports green travel, dining and shopping is the availability of charging stations for electric cars. What might surprise you is that the number of these communities is growing rapidly.

This is good news because, despite a growing interest in driving electric, concerns about the availability of charging locations are holding people back from making the switch to clean, high-performing electric cars. Even though 48% of Northeasterners report seeing more charging stations in their area over the past year, 83% say there are not currently enough charging locations, according to a recent study conducted by Drive Change. Drive Electric. The problem is most people don't know how to recognize the many stations already in downtown areas.

This has inspired Destination Electric, a new program supported by seven Northeast states that is teaming up with local business owners who want to demonstrate their support for electric cars. All Destination Electric businesses are located a close walk from charging, and a recognizable storefront decal, much like the visible rating guides found at many restaurants and retailers, alerts their customers that they could be charging while they visit. By highlighting the many cafes, ice cream shops, bookstores and other businesses that are electric car-friendly, the new program helps people to realize that charging stations are available to support driving electric right now!

The must-see destinations that support sustainable travel and participate in the Destination Electric movement are:

1. Madison & New Haven, CT

2. Provincetown & Northampton, MA

3. Portsmith & Dover, NH

4. Princetown & Jersey City, NJ

5. Hudson Valley, NY

6. Newport & Providence, RI

7. Stowe & White River Junction, VT

To learn more about the businesses that are participating in the campaign, visit driveelectricus.com/destination-electric. To be inspired by incredible images for your next green travel trip, visit www.instagram.com/driveelectricus.

While planning your trip to these destinations, consider some of these additional tips for simple sustainable travel:

Eco-friendly accommodations Look for hotels that boast green eﬀorts, such as the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis, MA. From using green cleaning supplies to utilizing energy-eﬃcient lighting, more hotels are taking eco-friendly steps and will typically advertise these to guests on the website. If not, simply call to inquire. Not finding any options? One easy way to live greener at any hotel is to skip the daily maid service. By not having your towels and sheets changed out daily, you help save water and energy.

Shop locally Make time to check out local markets and small businesses, like Commodities Natural Market in Stowe, VT, R.J. Julia Booksellers in Madison, CT, and Anchor Bend Glassworks in Newport, RI. Not only will you get a true taste of the local culture, you'll meet some residents and feel at home. Plus, because these markets and shops often oﬀer locally made products and specialty foods, you'll be helping to cut down on emissions from having to move goods from across the country or even from overseas.

Eat at independent restaurants Similarly, check out the independent restaurant scene when bellies grumble. Look for restaurants that source food locally, like Buttermilk Falls Inn nestled in New York's Hudson Valley oﬀering a farm-to-table restaurant, an organic kitchen garden and orchard. You'll get a true taste of farm-grown fruits and vegetables that have often been picked that very same day! Need some snacks for your hotel? Check out a downtown farmers market to pick up some goodies.

Stock your car right You'll want some tasty treats for the road, but that doesn't mean you need to resort to prepackaged junk food. Instead, pack supplies in reusable containers and cloth bags for easy access, and wash and use them again later in your trip. What's more, bring a reusable water bottle for each person in your crew so you can fill up and stay hydrated without the plastic waste.

Relax when you arrive After a long trip, unwind upon arrival by visiting spas and fitness studios that promote healthy living, balance and relaxation. Check out Tranquility Den Spa in Princeton, NJ, Barre & Soul in Portsmouth, NH, or The Bodhi Spa in Newport, RI.

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You should feel beautiful and you should feel safe. What you surround yourself with should bring you peace of mind peace of spirit. ~Stacy London

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The app is currently on iOS phones and Android devices. SAFE SMS is a yearly subscription starts at $2.99 for Individual Plan and $7.99 for a Family Pack Plan with 5 additional members. Connect to unlimited people! To learn more visit http:// safesmsapp.com Dania Beach, Florida, 33004 O: (877) 670-2820 C: (954) 779-8595 info@safesmsapp.com

The Teacher Behind SAFE SMS, An App That Sends Emergency Text and Real-Time GPS Alerts To Multiple Contacts At Once. We are living in a time where we are facing more and more emergency situations, some of which are the result of our “gun society”. We have seen that mass shootings can happen anywhere; schools, churches, festivals and even shopping centers. As of the date of this writing there have been 20 mass shootings in the United States this year alone. In addition, natural disasters continue to devastate our communities nationwide. Also domestic violence, dating, sex traﬃcking, kidnapping, or any emergency situation that is deemed life threatening.

Charmaine’s inspiration for Safe SMS came from a dreadful event that shook the nation on February 14, 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (MSD), in Parkland, Florida. As an educator working for BCPS school district she saw how this event heavily impacted the lives of students, parents, administrators, personnel, partners in education, community liaisons and businesses. She saw a dire need to provide a better way to communicate with family and loved ones during a threatening situation thus providing peace of mind to students, parents, loved ones and stakeholders.

The MSD tragedy, coupled with the constant mandatory drills and the all too real feeling of the threat alerts she felt in her everyday reality as a teacher, moved Charmaine to action. It was during an intense experience of being locked in a classroom closet, “safe space” during an actual code red for more than two hours with the students experiencing anxiety, restlessness, claustrophobia and being distressed for extended periods of time that the idea for Safe SMS was born. “What about the students’ lives?... What about her life?," she thought. Every sound made it feel like the danger was very near and the long silence only deepened her fears. Nothing was more stressful than not being able to clearly communicate with the outside world.

Charmaine knew then that a tool like Safe SMS would not only be convenient but actually fill a social need. That's why Charmaine decided to take things into his own hand, and created the SAFE SMS app that will provide a sense of security and peace of mind. SAFE SMS provides what we in this era of unprecedented violence need the most. SAFE SMS ultimately provides us with peace of mind for ourselves, loved ones, friends and coworkers by easily connecting in times of peril. SAFE SMS gives us the ability to disclose our current status in an emergency situation via a simple application with just one touch. We have seen the long hours of worry, anxiety and grief that loved ones suffer when trying to locate and confirm the status of a child, partner, friend or fellow co-worker. Charmaine explains on the app's website why she decided to create the app as a result of her own experience of feeling unsafe in a critical situation. SAFE SMS was created as a result of all these situations to help ease the chaos surrounding the lack of communication in the aftermath of these events. SAFE SMS is a tool that can be used by individuals, families, religious organizations, schools, small businesses, companies and more to provide a streamlined means of communication so that the location and safety status of each individual affiliated with the application is accounted for. This application could potentially save lives. “There are messaging apps that send single notifications or location but the point of this notification app is that it sends 2 in 1 notification alerts without the stress of worrying about what to say,” Charmaine explained. “So SAFE SMS is my solution to the growing epidemic of violence nationwide.” The app allows a user to send noise cancelling pre-generated messages that simultaneously specify alert level and pin the user’s location. “The app also has the ability to send messages, to not listed in the SAFE Contacts using standard text messaging. SAFE SMS is to be used for emergency situations because no place is truly safe anymore.

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