Hey there, KidForce Crew! We had a lot of fun putting together this Spring issue of KidForce Magazine and it is loaded with awesomeness! Even though this is a bit of a strange and uncertain time we are going through in our country and even all over the world, it is also a beautiful time of brotherhood and sisterhood, hope and healing. Art, music, writing — these things are now more important than ever. Our world needs the light, beauty, strength and joy that shines through your creativity! It gives people hope for the future and reminds us of all the gifts already surrounding us. Thank you
ALL
for sharing
your light
with us.
We hope you enjoy this issue of KidForce Magazine and please keep sending your art, writing and photography our way!
Just in case you’ve been wondering:
Marie Sheva Creator & Managing Editor Next to her big fluffy dogs and her family, there is nothing Marie loves more than getting new art, writing or photography submissions from her KidForce crew! She never thought she would become a publisher, but she really wanted to find a way to celebrate the achievements and creativity of kids. When she is not working on the magazine, she enjoys eating Cheetos Puffs and singing karaoke in her living room. (Though the rest of the family may not enjoy this quite as much as she does! LOL!)
We are KidForce!
Dr. Ellen Curran Emotional Wellness Editor & Outreach Director When she is not a mermaid swimming at the beach, Dr. Ellen loves to work with kids to help them talk about their feelings and let go of the worries, sadness and anger that can sometimes bring us down. She loves anything chocolate and at one time took surfing lessons near Narragansett Pier. Dr. Ellen currently works with kids and their families providing counseling through private practice in Rhode Island.
On your mark, get set… FIND THE
BUNNIES! There are so many adorable little bunnies in this issue of KidForce Magazine! Can you find them all, big and small? Fluffy, floppy, goofy and sweet— they are everywhere, maybe even under your feet! Be sure to count twice so you don’t miss a single one, submit your answer as soon as you’re done! (You could win a great prize!)
www.KidForceRI.com/submit
Art Winners! “Lucky Find”
By Jack R., Age 11 North Kingstown, RI
By Bella P., Age 9 West Greenwich, RI
By Isaac C., Age 10 North Kingstown, RI
By Tamsin K., Age 9 East Greenwich, RI
“Green Cat” By Leo C, Age 6 North Kingstown, RI
www.KidZoneRI.com/shop
Happy Spring:
Art Contest Winners!
Nora S., Age 4 Lincoln, RI
By Sydney O., Age 6 East Greenwich, RI
By Lucas O., Age 4 East Greenwich, RI
By Savannah T., Age 7 East Greenwich, RI
By Mason T., Age 9 East Greenwich, RI
By Ameya A., Age 4 Lincoln, RI
*The meanings of the words in big, bold lettering are going to be at the end.*
Bunnies, Bunnies Everywhere! Bunnies are everywhere, in your backyard, front yard and sometimes in your homes as pets. Did you know, most of the habitats of bunnies are in wet, grassy places, in the woods and even sometimes in deserts? A female bunny is called a doe, a male is called a buck and a baby is called a kit. Fun fact, bunnies have ears that are normally four inches long! Cottontail bunnies live above the ground in nests like birds. Another fact about bunnies is they are mammals. Did you know all bunnies other than the cottontail live under the ground in burrows? Submitted by Jenna C., Age 9, East Greenwich, RI
A
habitat
is a place where something lives.
A mammal is any warm-blooded animal (and people) that gives milk to their babies.
Have you ever asked for something and then after getting a big “no” response, you recognize that you asked for it at a really bad time? This happens a lot. In fact, WHEN you ask for something and HOW you ask for it may change the answer you get. This article is about something bigger, though, not just about getting what you want. This article is about the care and keeping of your caregiver. A “caregiver” is a person who delivers attention, love, concern and help to another person. Think a minute about the person or people in your life who do this for you. Maybe you call that person “grandma,” “mom” or “dad” or “uncle.” Maybe that person is your foster mom or your social worker. Whoever it is, they take you to all those doctor appointments, check in with that math teacher and remind you to grab an extra snack for practice. There’s a lot to think about when you are someone’s caregiver. There is also a lot that goes into this special relationship. Like any relationship, it changes over time because both you and your caregiver are changing as people and going through different things. Sometimes the relationship is hard to figure out. There can be tough times where you may not feel like you understand each other. That’s okay. Think of the relationship between you and your caregiver as a pet rabbit. Rabbits are totally fun and loveable, but they do need a lot of care. For example, a rabbit needs water, food and a place to live—the basics. Your caregiver needs all those things, too, to feel good. The rabbit also needs exercise, to be shown care and attention. Your caregiver is no different. Without these needs met, your caregiver may feel overwhelmed, stressed and, like a rabbit, want to hide in its hutch. This is not fun for you or your caregiver. So what do you do? Here are a few points to keep in mind as YOU care for YOUR caregiver.
Together Time and Apart Time As you get older you may want to spend less time with your caregivers and more time with your friends. They understand this. They need this, too. Caregivers need time to work on their hobbies, time with their friends and time to exercise. Just like you. The time you spend apart makes the time you are together that much sweeter. The time you spend together is just as important. No matter how busy you both are with work, school and activities, you need time together to feel connected. Even if it’s a few minutes a day to watch YouTube together, just make it part of the daily routine. Everyone needs to feel that sense of connection with each other. It is as important as air to breathe and food to eat.
Talk it Up To feel connected with each other, we need to know what is going on in each other’s lives. You may not tell your caregiver everything you tell your BFF, but do give out some details on what happened in your day, what you are looking forward to and what you could do without. Ask your caregiver about these same things in their lives. You may find out some interesting info. Now about asking for things, do use caution. As said earlier, how and when you ask for something could change your caregiver’s answer. Make sure you are asking them at a time that is good for them. For example, do not ask for something when your mom is on a work call (unless of course, it is an emergency). A great way to find out if it is a good time is by asking, “Do you have a minute?” This shows you are thinking of your caregiver’s needs.
Lend a Hand This is super important. Do something. Do something that your parents know you can do without having them ask you to do it. If the trash is full in the house, bring it outside to the bin. Put away your laundry. Vac the floor. Clean your room. Every little bit helps and this means your caregiver has more time to either hang out with you or kick back and relax doing something for themselves. Either way, they will be a happier caregiver. A happier caregiver is a more fun caregiver.
Trust How do you know you can trust your friends? It’s all those little moments where you know they were doing the best thing for you. You can rely on them. They won’t wreck your stuff or get you into trouble. Trust is built over time. If you show that you can be trusted now, your caregivers will be more likely to give you more independence in the future. For example, a bunch of good choices made now can lead to more time with friends very soon. You can do this in three words: Follow their directions. If you make not so good decisions or don’t follow their directions, caregivers don’t want to deal with the hassle of it over and over and will say “no” to whatever you are asking. Build trust now and you will be able to do more of what you want. Being able to count on each other to make good decisions will make your relationship with your caregiver stronger. This means that you will both feel good and safe in the relationship.
Say Thanks Just do it. It’s a big deal and it means a lot to people. When someone does something for you, say “thanks” or “I appreciate it.” Do a little experiment and try it out. It may take a few times before you start to see people really soften and feel good, but it’s totally worth it. It means even more to caregivers who are working really hard and doing so much. After all, don’t you like it when people say “thanks” to you when you’ve helped someone out? It’s nice to be recognized no matter who you are. As you go through your day, keep in mind that your caregiver is a real life person with feelings, needs and wants. They are juggling a lot of things that you may not even know about. It’s not your job to get them help or to find solutions. Getting help is their decision to make. But you CAN let them know that you care about them and that you are grateful to have them as your caregiver.
Ask yourself:
What did I do today that shows care for my caregiver?
Did You Know
April
is
National Poetry Month? Submit your poetry on our website to get published and win great prizes! www.KidForceRI.com/submit
The 9-year old published writer from North Providence, RI!
Noah was just seven years old when he became a published writer! His collec-
tion of poetry, Thoughts of a Child, is a reflection of Noah’s thoughts, experiences and emotions. One of the things he would like other children to take away from his story is that anyone can become a published writer if it is something they dream of. “If you want to write a book,” Noah says, “Go for it!” Not surprisingly, Noah LOVES to read. When asked his favorite poem, Noah chose “Sister For Sale” by Shel Silverstein, one of the greatest and most wellknown children’s writers of our time. Noah also highly recommends the books The Babysitters Club, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and any of James Patterson’s kids books. Noah shared one of his special poems with us called “Don’t Care.” According to Noah, the poem is about learning to ignore bullies. His own experience of being teased inspired him to write this poem. Not only is Noah a published writer, he also has his own podcast on Spotify where he reviews and talks about all kinds of kids books! Check out BOOKS ON THE BLOCK! If you would like to purchase Noah’s book on Amazon, click on the cover shown above!
You are an inspiration, Noah!
Thank you for sharing your talent and creativity with us!
“Sailboat”
“Moon House”
By Izzie A., Age 6 East Greenwich, RI
www.laidbackfitness.com
Don’t forget to count up all the bunnies you find in this issue of KidForce Magazine! Submit your answers at www.KidForceRI.com/submit to win great prizes!
Do you know which of these sea animals are mammals? The first to submit the answer to www.KidForceRI.com/submit will win a fun prize!
It was a pleasure to view the awesome exhibits of the North Kingstown School Art show this spring. The artwork —all of it— is truly inspirational. There was so much talent on display, it was impossible to capture it all in our first visit. We had planned to make a second trip back to the North Kingstown Library where the show was being held, but the coronavirus put this event on pause, causing all libraries to shut their doors until the virus goes away. We want you all to know that your art is exceptional and, if possible, we will feature the young artists not included here in a future issue of KidForce Magazine. In the meantime, we want to honor all of North Kingstown’s young artists for their creativity and hard work, and we want to say thank you for bringing such joy, passion and beauty to our community and our world!
Christina W.—Grade 8
Xavier T.—Grade 4
Rachel H.—Grade 3
Riley J.—Grade 3
Marie H.—Grade 2
Annika S.— Kindergarten
Haider R..—Grade 5
Faith S.—Grade 1
Annie L.—Grade 6
Lorenzo M.—Grade 2
Kyle H.—Grade 8
Richard P.—Grade 4
Emma C.—Grade 2
Molly D.—Kindergarten
Kennedy K.—Grade 7
Lazuli C.—Grade 9
Eric H.—Grade 5
Max M.—Grade 4
Isabella L.—Grade 7 Samantha V.—Grade 5
NOT A BUNNY BUNNY
Lucas J.—Grade 4
Sophie M.—Grade 7
Sierra F.—Grade 12
Alex L.—Grade 7
Isabel A.—Grade 6
Hana T.—Grade 7
Lauren C.—Grade 12
Vita A.—Grade 3
Olivia W.—Grade 9
Jack R.—Grade 6
Fallon B..—Grade 7
Nick D.—Grade 10
Henry R.—Grade 5
Taylor B.—Grade 6
Clare D.—Grade 8
Hannah W.—Grade 9
Sierra F.—Grade 12
Izzy P.—Grade 8
Mason B.—Grade 2
Ben B.—Grade 11
Karilyn S.—Grade 10
Alaina M.—Grade 11
Trinity W.—Grade 9
“Diamonds”
Cecilia C., Age 9 East Greenwich, RI
“Friendship” By Jennah T.—Age 10 Coventry, RI
“Buddy” By Tamsin K.—Age 10 East Greenwich, RI
The Perfect Gift! Hammer & Stain Take Home Kits for adults and kids! Curbside pick-up. Two-day order prep time. Special requests can be accommodated!
www.hammerandstainwickford.com
Thank You to our awesome sponsors!
Prologue My dear, have you ever heard of the Tree People? Well, they are wonderful things, these stick-like beings! And now I will tell you the story of the Tree People. Story One: Creation The great creator Universe was lonely. So, he created trees. In the Golden Age of Universia, all things could talk and live. That meant rivers could sing and clouds could dance. Everyone was happy… until SHE came. That “SHE” is the evil sorceress Midlandia. Midlandia hated happiness because she would never be able to feel it. She always wanted more, more, more! Since Universe was happy with his talking tree friends, the Tree People, Midlandia turned the trees into trees with roots that kept them far away from Universe. Universe was very unhappy without the trees for company. Soon his unhappiness spread to other beings. That’s why no cloud will ever wave to you and no bird will show you the way when you are lost. Only one of the Tree People survived. That was Twig. Story Two: Twig and Willa Twig disguised herself as one of the rooted trees. She thought she would have to free the Tree People herself. Then she met Willa. Willa was a human who believed in magic. In fact, Willow was half fairy. Willa did not know this until her singing woke two Oak trees. Twig had befriended Willa, and as soon as Twig found out that Willa had awakened two Tree People they went out and about searching for others. Willa was singing and Twig was looking for her parents. When all the Tree People were awakened, they formed an army to defeat Midlandia. They found her in a hidden glade. It was there that Twig found her parents. The happiness that sprouted from Twig and her parents was unbearable for Midlandia and she disappeared forever. In her place, stood three unopened flower buds. Suddenly, the buds opened and out came a race of cruel heartless people. Midlandia had given them her powers. With one flick of the wrist, the Tree People were rooted trees again. Even Twig. These bad people still live among us today. They are the ones who cut down forests and destroy nature. As for the Tree People, they can still be awakened by a loving person’s song.
And the Tree People live on!
Have you heard the buzz about
Little Maven Lemonade
The Official Lemonade of KidForce Magazine! This amazing lemonade is made with all-natural recipes from around the world and is created right here in Warren, Rhode Island! Your kids will not only love the awesome taste and fun flavors, they may even discover a whole new world! Look for the feature story on Little Maven Lemonade in the next issue of KidForce Magazine!
www.littlemavenlemonade.com
www.KidForceRI.com/subscribe