Indiana Kids
Winter 2012, Vol. 1, Issue 2
Indiana Kids is a quarterly online magazine for kids, about kids and by kids (with a little help from their parents and grandparents.)
This online magazine is a family project, founded to teach our own family’s Indiana kids how to work together, how to interview people (which involves a lot of listening), how to interpret and write about what they’ve learned, and to introduce them to many other wonderful and interesting Indiana Kids. We are also promoting the literary arts in Indiana by soliciting creative writing and artwork from kids around the state. Cover photo: Luke and Will Preston, photo by Sara Preston Editor Reilly Kate Anderson, age 14 Staff Writers Sydney Anderson, age 9 Kennedy Miller, age 9 Ty Miller, age 7 Jax Miller, age 3 Artists in this issue Sydney Anderson, age 9 Keylee Fernung, age 9 Rob Anderson, Dad Contributing Poets in this issue Jianna Harrison, age 7 Keylee Fernung, age 9 Chief Toy and Game Tester Ty Miller, age 7 Chief Photographer Ashley Miller, Mom Publisher Susan Hoskins Miller, Grandma
Meet an Indiana Kid
Olivia Talevski, age 10, Interviewed by Kennedy Miller, Photo by Kennedy Miller
If you could do anything in the world you wanted with nothing to limit you from doing it, what would you do? I would have the super power of flying. What is your favorite thing that you do with your family? Play the game Sorry If you could decorate your room any way you want, what would it look like? It would be purple with blue peace signs. What is your favorite color? Blue Favorite book? Dork Diaries Favorite TV show? Monster High Favorite Movie? Superman Favorite Food? Popcorn What is your favorite subject in school? Reading What is your favorite place and why? I like Golden Coral because it has the best food. What is your favorite holiday and why? I like my birthday because I like to celebrate my birth
Interview with Gabby Johnson - Pet Lovers Organic By: Kennedy Miller
How old are you? 14 How old were you when you started selling dog treats? 7 Do you have any pets? How many and what are they? 2 turtles, 2 cats, 1 dog, and 1 sugar glider Why did you start selling dog treats? I wanted to raise money to be able to contribute to the Humane Society. Does anyone help you make the dog treats? My parents
Which dog treat is easiest to make? Peanut Butter Barky Bars Which dog treat is currently the best seller? Peanut Butter Barky Bars Which dog treat is the newest? The carob treat How did you come up with the recipes? Initially we looked online and then just made them organic. Also when at the farmers market and people would ask for a certain flavor, we would change the formula based on what the customers are asking for.
What is the first recipe/treat you made? Peanut Butter Barky Bars How does someone purchase dog treats from you? Our website (http://www.petloversorganic.com), farmers market and we are in some retail stores.
What do you do with the money you earn from selling dog treats? A percentage of the money is donated to Hamilton County Humane Society and the other money goes towards marketing, equipment, and supplies. Whose idea was it to create Pet Lovers Organic Bakery? It was my idea. Initially it was to raise money for the Humane Society but then my parents thought it would be a good idea to learn some business practices. What have you learned from your business? How to sell stuff and how to market stuff.
Movie Review “A Christmas Story� Review written by Reilly Anderson
A Christmas Story is a cute movie because Ralphie wants a BB gun but everyone keeps saying the same thing: You'll shoot your eye out kid! Poor Ralphie feels ganged up on because his parents and his friends try to prepare for the holidays when he only asked for one simple present. It is such a cute movie because everything that could go wrong before Christmas does and it has funny humor throughout the whole movie. I feel this movie is for all ages but it does have some language within it. I'm sure if you haven't seen this movie you have heard of a leg lamp. Yes, that is from this movie. Overall this movie is cute, funny, and creative because it is seen through the eyes of Ralphie. If you have never seen this movie I highly recommend it because it is so sweet and perfect to watch around Christmas time.
Tribute to “A Christmas Story� Nov. 17, 2012 downtown Hammond, Indiana -View the movie "A Christmas Story" at the Towle Theater (1:15 pm & 3:30pm) First come, First served for tickets/availability. -Visit with Santa & his elves (even the "mean" elf!) on Ice Mountain -Pictures with Santa sponsored by Centier Bank -Horse Drawn Carriage Rides -Arts & Crafts, Direct Sales, and Garage Sale Vendors -Yummy Food Vendors -Reading Class with "Mrs. Shields"/Children receive one freebook -Letters to Santa with "Mrs. Shields" -Turkey Bowling sponsored by Strack & Van Til & Star Dust Bowl -Cabela's Shoot your Eye Out Contest -Create your very own "Leg Lamp" Lamp Shade art project -South Shore Arts "A Christmas Story" art project -Kids Games -Holiday Music/Carrollers -Adopt a "Bumpus Hound"/Hearts & Hounds Rescue -Holiday Cookie Baking Contest -Pink Bunny (not White Elephant) Gift Exchange -Tire Changing Contest sponsored by T&C Auto -A Christmas Story Look-a-Like Contest (Dress up as your favorite character from the movie!) and many more holiday surprises! -A Christmas Story Photo Booth For more information on the event, including vendor information, contact the council at (219) 512-4298 or visit downtownhammond.org.
More events throughout the season Free screenings of “A Christmas Story” Get your parents to take you to Hammond, Indiana this Christmas season, home to the late Jean Shepherd, narrator of “A Christmas Story,” and author of the book the movie was based on. Watch free screenings of “A Christmas Story” on Dec. 1 and Dec. 8 at noon and 2 p.m., and on Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the 100-seat In-Vision Theater. Shows are free and open to the public. The 100 seats are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Doors will open 20 minutes before the show.
Oh Fuudge Relay Race The relay race depicts the tire changing scene in “A Christmas Story,” where Ralphie spills lug nuts onto the street and says the “F dash-dash-dash” word. The parent/child teams “change a tire” and run through an obstacle course while holding a hubcap filled with lug nuts steady. There will be two age groups based on the child's age: 4-7 and 8-12. The Oh Fuuudge! Relay is a fun relay competition for mother/daughter teams as well as father/son. Saturday, December 8th - Registration begins at 10am.
*All past winners are ineligible to win contests.
New this year - please bring in canned food/non perishable items as an entry fee. Items go to the Northwest Indiana Food Bank.
Write a Theme Contest Essays should be more than 20 words, but not exceed 250. Entries will be judged in three separate age groups: age 9 and younger, 10-18 and 19 and older. Themes will not be judged against other entries, but stand alone entries. Entries can be dropped off at or mailed to: Indiana Welcome Center, 7770 Corinne Drive, Hammond, IN 46323. All entries must be clearly labeled with your name, address, daytime phone number and age category. Entries will be accepted until December 12th. *All past winners are ineligible to win contests. "What I Want for Christmas" Write a theme about what you would like to receive for Christmas, just like Ralphie Parker wrote about the BB Gun he wanted.
Mommy's Little Piggy Eating Contest Join the fun and see if you can eat the most mashed potatoes the fastest or just come by to watch the mess unfold! This contest will have four age categories (4-7, 8-12, 13-17 and 18 and over) where contestants can compete against their peers to win prizes valued at from $50 - $100. Registration starts at 10am.
Mashed Potato Eating Contest The infamous scene in “A Christmas Story” where Randy Parker eats his mashed potatoes like a “little piggy” will be recreated on Saturday, December 15th.
Please bring in canned food/non perishable items as an entry fee. Items go to the Northwest Indiana Food Bank.
A Winter Scene
Winter drawing by Keylee Fernung of Elwood, Indiana, age 9
Tips to get good grades on your school exams Publishers note: These tips are written by Reilly Anderson, 14, who earned an award when she graduated from middle school for being an honor roll student throughout all three years. We asked her to give you some pointers so you can be an honor student, too.
By Reilly Anderson
Since the beginning I have always wanted to do well in school and achieve great things. Over the years I have learned some great tips that I would like to share with you. 1. Don't cram the night before tests! This can lead to stressing and even possibly a bad grade. In my opinion I would ask what kind of questions are going to be on the test and ask the teacher if the test is over a specific topic. As for studying, I would start a few days ahead and maybe make a fake quiz or outline all my assignments. 2. Pay attention! You failed a homework assignment because you were talking to your friend about what happened over the weekend. If you don't pay attention in class you may miss an important note that the teacher said because you were talking. You can still be social but when the teacher is trying to help the class understand something new, pay attention. 3. Take notes whenever possible! If the teacher will allow you to use your notes on a test then you better take advantage of it. Taking notes will save you from taking all the time it would to outline all your assignments. If you take really thorough notes then you should be in good shape. 4. Eat breakfast! Breakfast is an essential part of your morning and if you skip it, it could mean that you might fall asleep in one of your classes. Just eat your breakfast and you should be fine. These are the secrets to success and if you can follow these steps, you should have no problem paying attention and getting good grades!
Batman drawing by Sydney Anderson, age 9
Batman drawing by Rob Anderson, Sydney’s dad Both drawings are just in time for the DVD release of the newest Batman movie, “The Dark Knight Rises,” which at press time is scheduled to hit shelves on Dec. 4, 2012.
Get some exercise indoors If it’s not convenient for you to get outside to get some exercise, there are always things you can do indoors to get your body moving. One of the best ways we know is to dance. Here, some of our family members are dancing to Just Dance 4 on the wii. But you don’t have to have a wii in order to dance. Just put on some snappy music and start dancing!
Get some exercise outside An inexpensive piùata can provide lots of outdoor fun and give everyone plenty of exercise and fresh air. You can also take a walk or a hike, or, if it’s snowing, go sledding or cross-country skiing.
Kids on Some Indiana kids have digital bulletin boards on Pinterest. It’s especially popular with teens. Reilly has a Pinterest page, which is mostly about fashion, craft projects and manicure ideas. Here are a few of the photos she has pinned:
Kennedy has a couple of bulletin boards on her Mom’s Pinterest page. Here are a few photos she has pinned:
Game Review Headbanz Review written by Sydney Anderson
The Hedbanz game manufactured by SpinMaster Inc. for 2-6 players is a great group game for friends and family. Each player wears a plastic headband that holds a card showing a picture of either an animal, food, or man-made object. Individuals have no idea what card is on their forehead and have to ask a series of questions to figure it out before the timer runs out. When I played with my cousins, we had a lot of fun trying to guess what cards we each had. My littlest cousin kept wanting to tell everyone what card they had, so younger kids might need some grown-up help. I recommend this fun and exciting game for all families and kids.
Game Review Zingo! Review written by: Ty Miller Zingo is a board game similar to Bingo. Two to eight people can play. Each player picks a board. The board has two sides with 9 pictures on them. The green side is for beginners and the red side is for advanced players. There is a Zingo Zinger loaded with tiles. The tiles have a picture on them. When the Zingo Zinger is pushed forward then back, two picture tiles appear. If your board has any of the two picture tiles, you say the name of the tile. If you are the first to say the name, you get the tile to cover the picture on your board. The first person to fill their board wins! This game is recommended for ages 4-8 but my whole family plays, even my 3-year-old brother.
Zingo Zinger
Book Review Title: Kickoff! Author: Tiki & Ronde Barber with Paul Mantell
Review by Ty Miller
This is a book about football. It’s a chapter book. Tiki and Ronde are twin brothers. In the book, they are going into 7th grade and try out for the football team. Read the book to find out if they will make the team or not.
Book Review Title: One Crazy Summer Author: Rita Williams-Garcia Type of Book: Realistic Fiction/Historical Fiction
Review by: Kennedy Miller Delphine, Voneneta and Fern are all sisters and it tells about them trying to find their mom who abandoned them. I like this book because it has great voice and you feel like you are in the story.
Book Review Title: Out of My Mind Author: Sharon M Draper Type of Book: Realistic Fiction
Review by: Kennedy Miller Melody is almost 11 years old and the book tells all about her life. She has a few problems but she makes the best of it. I like this book because it has great voice. It can make you feel sad, happy, and relieved. If you like books about realistic fiction you’ll love this book!
Book Review Title: You Shouldn’t Have to Say Goodbye Author: Patricia Hermes Type of Book: Realistic Fiction
Review by: Kennedy Miller This book is about 13 year old Sarah. Her mom has cancer and Sarah is going through very hard times. She relies on her father and friend Robin to help her get through her fears. I think people that like emotional stories would love this book.
Kids in the Kitchen
Snow Day Chocolate Chip Pancakes 3 cups flour 1 and ½ Tablespoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups milk 2 eggs 2 Tablespoons oil 1 cup chocolate chips (or something more healthy like blueberries)
Mix dry ingredients together, then add eggs, milk and oil. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour batter onto heated griddle in individual size pancakes. Cook until done, then flip and cook other side.
A Poem By Jianna Harrison, Age 7
Oh the peace Up in the sky the air so crisp oh the country the sun the hills oh how merry what sweet sorrow
Snow A Haiku By Keylee Fernung, Age 9 Snowflakes are falling Putting on warm mittens and scarves Children run outside
Book Spine Poetry Travis Jonker of the blog 100scopenotes.com gave us permission to use his instructions and examples on how to write poetry from the spines of books
1. Get to a place with plenty of books. A library works nicely, or a large home collection. 2. Start looking at titles, and see what strikes you. Arrange and rearrange in your head. The best part of this type of poetry is the fact that you don’t know where you’ll end up. 3. Have a pencil and paper with you to write down titles that stand out – you can refer back to them later. 4. Don’t be afraid to use the library catalog to look up titles with specific words or phrases that fit. http://100scopenotes.com/2011/04/01/2011-book-spine-poemgallery/
Written by Sydney Anderson when she was 7 (She is now 9)
Favorite Read-Aloud Books for Boys The blog www.4tunate.net, written by the mother of quadruplet sons, solicited readers for their favorite books for boys. Visit the blog for the whole list. Here are the top 20 of the 65 books they chose: 1. Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder 2. The Bears of Blue River by Charles Major 3. The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary 4. Encyclopedia Brown Series by Donald J. Sobol 5. Sugar Creek Gang Series by Paul Hutchens 6. Jigsaw Jones Mystery Series by James Preller 7. Hank the Cowdog by John R. Erickson 8. Nate the Greatby Marjorie Weinman Sharmat 9. A to Z Mysteries Series by Ron Roy 10. Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by Betty MacDonald 11. Ralph S. Mouse by Beverly Cleary 12. Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne 13. Stuart Little by E. B. White 14. Mr. Putter & Tabby Series by Cynthia Rylant 15. The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks 16. The Chronicles of Narnia Series by C. S. Lewis 17. The Trumpet of the Swan by E. B. White 18. The Adventures of Tintin by Alexander Irvine 19. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain 20. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Winter Craft Fingerprint Candy Cane Craft Editor Beth Anderson Source: Pinterest
Dip fingers in white paint and red paint to make fingerprint impressions on green card. Glue on a bow to finish.
Holiday Fest 2012 Fort Wayne, Indiana http://holidayfestdowntown.com/ Pinata Paradise Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. Nov. 17-Dec. 2
Dozens of handcrafted, candy-filled holiday pinatas donated by children and families who want to share the holiday spirit will decorate the Desert Garden for two weeks then be given to social service agencies. Call (260) 427-6440 or visit www.botanicalconservatory.org $5/adult, $3/child, age 2 and under free
Headwaters Park Ice Rink Headwaters Park
Nov. 18 – March 3 Outdoor ice skating rink, Call the rink office at 422-7625 $3 ages 13 & Under; $5 ages 14 & over; $2 skate rental
Santa’s Workshop Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Community Center Community Center, 233 W. Main Street Nov. 21, 4 – 7:30 pm Bring your kids out for free make & take crafts, refreshments, a movie, and a North Pole Stop-nShop where kids can buy gifts for $2 or less. www.fortwayneparks.org Free event
Holiday Kick-Off Party Botanical Conservatory 1100 S. Calhoun Street Nov. 21, 5 – 9 pm Bring the family to get a free photo with Santa, meet some real reindeer, and enjoy a free cookie and hot cocoa while you explore the Conservatory’s holiday gardens and light exhibits at their best. Call (260) 427-6440 or visit www.botanicalconservatory.org $5/adult, $3/child, age 2 and under free
Festival of Gingerbread The History Center 302 East Berry, Fort Wayne Nov. 23-Dec. 9 View over 100 handcrafted gingerbread houses PLUS our new exhibition gallery–Allen County Innovation! 260-426-2882 www.fwhistorycenter.com
Embassy Festival of Trees Embassy Theatre 125 W. Jefferson Blvd. Nov. 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 Beginning with the Night of Lights, the Embassy Festival of Trees is a featured stop in the city’s annual downtown lighting ceremony, offering the opening of the Harrison Street animated holiday windows and viewing of the trees. See for hours and details: www.fwembassytheatre.org $7 for adults, $3 for children 12 and under
Festival of Trains Science Central, Inc. 1950 N. Clinton Street Nov. 23-24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m; Nov. 24, Noon-4 p.m. Climb aboard for holiday fun at Science Central’s 12th Annual Festival of Trains, featuring an extravaganza of model trains presented by area train enthusiasts.www.sciencecentral.org $8 Admission, FREE for kids 2 & under; there will be no discounted admissions during Festival of Trains.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Conservatory Botanical Conservatory 1100 S. Calhoun St. Nov. 21-Jan. 6; Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-4 pm, Thurs 10 am-8 pm, with extra hours during the holidays From the Dr. Seuss tale comes a new twist on the holidays, where our visitors can join in the Whoville celebrations and find Christmas in their hearts, no matter what the Grinch might do. Call (260) 427-6440 or visit www.botanicalconservatory.org $5/adult, $3/child, age 2 and under free
Words of Wisdom “You must teach your children that the ground beneath their feet is the ashes of our grandfathers. So that they will respect the land, tell your children that the earth is rich with the lives of our kin. Teach your children what we have taught our children, that the earth is our mother. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. If men spit upon the ground they spit upon themselves. This we know. The earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth. This we know. All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. All things are connected.� -- Chief Seattle
Send us your fiction stories, essays, poems, artwork and photographs to indianakidsmag@gmail.com. Stories, essays and poems can be in a Microsoft Word document or just written in the body of the email. Photographs should be in a jpg file. Artwork can be jpg or a pdf file. Email us at indianakidsmag@gmail.com and tell us what kinds of stories and articles you would like to see in future issues of Indiana Kids.