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NOVEMBER 2009
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NOVEMBER 2009
Dear Kids, November has got to be one of the greatest months! Fall is in full swing, the leaves are piling up and Thanksgiving is around the corner! Thanksgiving is one of my absolute favorite holidays. Although no presents are involved, I get to spend the whole day with my family, play games like football and FrisbeeÂŽ with my cousins and eat lots of great food! I also like to do a little craft project with my family. I use construction paper to make a tree shape and cut out leaves in different colors. When my family shows up for Thanksgiving dinner, they all pick a leaf and write something that they are thankful for, along with their name. Then we have a reminder of what the day is all about! In addition to Thanksgiving, we also have Election Day and Veterans Day in November. Both of these holidays are very important to our country. The freedoms that our country enjoys, such as Election Day, are due to the many sacriďŹ ces made by the veterans of our country. Have a wonderful month!
Your friend,
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WHERE IN THE WORLD IS... SAMOA? It’s time to get out your globe! You need to know about the imaginary lines on globes and maps. These lines are called lines of latitude and longitude, and they tell a pilot or ship’s captain exactly where in the world a certain place is located. Basically, latitude lines (also called parallels) are the horizontal lines on your map. Lines of longitude (also called meridians) are the vertical lines that run from the North Pole to the South Pole. This mapping system is written in degrees and uses the symbol °. Get ready to travel the world! Get out your globe, and find longitude 172° 20’ W, latitude 13° 35' S, to locate Samoa, part of a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean about halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii know as Oceania. Western Samoa was a German protectorate occupied by New Zealand at the beginning of World War I in 1914. In January 1962, Samoa was the first Polynesian nation to reestablish its independence in the 20th century, but its Independence Day is celebrated in June. “Western” was dropped from the island’s name in 1997. About 220,000 people live in Samoa, and Samoans speak Samoan or Polynesian and English. A bit smaller than the U.S. state of Rhode Island, Samoa is composed of two main islands, Upolu and Savaii, and seven small islands and uninhabited islets. Its geographic features include a narrow coastal plain, rainforests and rugged volcanic mountains that reach a high point of 1857 meters on Mauga Silisili. Coral reefs and lagoons with turquoise-blue water surround the islands. The tropical climate brings a rainy season from November to April and a dry season that lasts from May to October. The economy is based primarily on agriculture and fishing, and tourists drawn to the white-sand beaches, coconut palms and nonstop sunshine provide about a quarter of the country’s income. Samoa exports coconut oil, cream, and copra. While it is a beautiful paradise, because it is a volcanic island in the sea, Samoa is very susceptible to damage from serious storms called cyclones and hurricanes and from volcanic activity and earthquakes. In fact, you may have read or heard about Samoa in the news just recently. On September 29, an underwater earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter Scale created a devastating five-foot tsunami –– a giant wave –– that destroyed 20 towns and villages and flattened palm trees along the coast. Earthquake activity continues off the coast nearby. Source: “Samoa,” The CIA World Factbook, www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ws.html; “Samoa tsunami and Indonesian earthquake,” www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1217020/.
Veterans Day Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring those who died serving their country. Veterans Day is a day to thank and honor all those who served in the military. It is observed on November 11 each year. Who is a veteran? Veterans are people who served in the military — the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Coast Guard. You should be very proud of our veterans. They have served our country in war and peace and have made many sacrifices to keep our country safe and free. You might not have known that these famous people are also veterans: Roald Dahl, who wrote Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, was a fighter pilot in World War II. Elvis Presley was drafted into the Army in 1958 and served two years in Europe. Dr. Seuss joined the Army during WWII and created documentaries, receiving a Legion of Merit medal for
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his work. Comedian Drew Carey is a former U.S. Marine, actor Clint Eastwood was an instructor in the U.S. Army and actor Chuck Norris was in the Air Force. Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day, which celebrated the end of World War I fighting in 1918. An unknown American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery in 1921 in remembrance of Armistice Day. In 1954, the U.S. Congress passed the bill changing the name to Veterans Day. Today, the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery is a memorial to all Americans who gave their lives in all wars. Information from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and www.military.com.
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WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE... A SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER? Have you ever noticed police at your school or at middle and high schools in your area and wondered what they are doing there? In some school systems there are special police officers called school resource officers. They help make sure that the school is a safe place for students and teachers. I had the opportunity to meet School Resource Officer Chris Palme. He has been a school resource officer for almost a year with the Lee County Schools Special Police in Sanford, N.C. Keep reading to learn more about what he does! TRUMAN: What does it take to become a school resource officer? PALME: In order to become a school resource officer you must pass basic law enforcement academy (Police Academy). You must learn about the law and also about schools and students. I went to college in Greensboro, NC and studied Criminal Justice and English in order to prepare myself for a career in law enforcement. Education is only one step becoming a successful and effective law enforcement officer. You must be responsible, honest, dedicated, and flexible with both your schedule and your ability to handle all sorts of different issues that may arise. It is important to always be fair; no matter what situation you find yourself in.
will alter their life’s path. This is frustrating and sad; however, remembering all the students that have changed for the better makes my job so worthwhile. TRUMAN: What’s the best part of your job? PALME: Waking up every morning and knowing that my actions, words, and activities will make a difference in someone’s life. TRUMAN: What advice would you give to kids who are interested in this profession?
PALME: Law enforcement is the most rewarding and wonderful profession you could ever have. You get to experience new things each and every day. You get to help new people, as well as PALME: Since I was a sophomore in familiar ones and your actions alone high school I knew I wanted to be a could make the difference between a police officer. I debated whether I successful person and a person who wanted to be a patrol officer, a detecdoes not succeed in life. If you want tive, or a Crime Scene Investigator. School Resource Officer Chris Palme talks to 6th graders about gangs to be a law enforcement officer, GO After going to college and attending at East Lee Middle School. FOR IT! It takes dedication, hard police academy, I realized that my talwork, and passion; but, when you put ents and personality would be best suited in the schools. I wanted to on your badge and uniform and set out to make difference in world, make a big difference in the future of America and realized that the it is the greatest feeling you will ever have. only way to do that would be to change the lives of young people. TRUMAN: When, and why, did you first become interested in this profession?
Therefore, I decided to become a School Resource Officer. TRUMAN: So, what exactly do you do? What’s a typical day on the job?
TRUMAN: Thanks for talking to Kidsville News! You have an important job and we appreciate what you do to keep our schools safe!
PALME: I make sure the school remains safe from the start of the school day until the last bell rings and the last student leaves to go home. I patrol and monitor the hallways during the school day. I teach classes on gang, drug, and violence awareness. I also mentor students during times of emotional distress. I coach the soccer team at my school and assist in the development of lesson and activity plans for the AVID program. I am in charge of safety and law enforcement procedures throughout the school year and assist the administration staff with discipline issues. TRUMAN: What’s the hardest part of your job? PALME: The hardest part of my job is not being able to help every student. Although I am able to reach many students through mediation, sports, and law enforcement activities, some students are so focused on being deviant that no amount of positive reinforcement
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Truman’s Thanksgiving Maze
Election Word Find
Help Truman and his friend get out of the kitchen!
Voting Scramble Unscramble the words to complete the sentences. 1. In Canada, an election R T W I must be issued to schedule an election. 2. Student O C I L C N U elections are held at school. 3. You must G R R T S E I E to vote. 4. The N R I W N E will be declared after the votes are counted, or tallied.
Answers: 1. writ 2. council 3. register 4. winner
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your sponsor
Your child’s teeth The key to getting your child to brush is to make it fun. Start your program today and look for fun ways to engage your children in the activity. Make it seem as if if brushing is a fun thing to do rather than a chore which must be done. One method that is fun and effective is allowing your children to brush your teeth. You should laugh a lot and make it a fun activity. Then allow them to "brush" their own teeth. Finish by brushing your child's teeth.You may want to include older siblings in the activity. Alternatively, have your child brush their favorite doll's teeth before you brush theirs. Remember always allow them to "brush" their own teeth and then follow up by brushing their teeth correctly. Use only a pea-size amount of toothpaste on their toothbrush as larger amounts tend to create excessive foam making it more difficult for your child to brush. Make sure that your child gets in the habit of spitting out the toothpaste. Swallowing toothpaste on a consistent basis can lead to a condition known as fluorosis, in which spots may appear on your child's teeth. Be careful of the toothpaste you use. Almost all toothpastes contain harsh flavorings that adults barely notice, but that can sting young mouths. This is one of the reasons children do not like to brush. A safe toothpaste alternative for kids is Enamel Saver Toothpaste for Kids. If your child still refuses to engage in these toothbrushing games, make toothbrushing appear as a fun activity they are missing out on. Have mom and dad go up to the bathroom eager to brush. Laugh a lot and make a lot of noise. Soon your child will realize that they are missing out on something fun and will want to join in. Your enthusiasm is contagious! If you are enthusiastic about the activity, your children will be enthusiastic. Children are great emulators. They tend to want to do the things that their parents do. If your children see you brushing your teeth and displaying good dental habits, they will follow.
Find the toothbrushes..
931-454-0001 1958 North Jackson Street • Tullahoma
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Story Time with Truman Petey’s Secret Power Chapter Two — Bubba Bear’s Big Time Band A Quality Serials Story By Mary Maden Illustrated by Tana Brinnand Last Time: Petey Squirrel’s sleep is disturbed by loud noises. The little squirrel goes looking for the source of the noise. Petey braves the dangerous mudholes and briar bushes in the deep forest. Finally, Petey discovers the cause of the noise. “Gotcha!” Bubba Bear said as he caught the hysterical little squirrel just before he hit the mud. “Calm down, little buddy. The mud won’t kill you. You might never get the stink off you, but you won’t die.” The big bear held Petey in his strong grip and scowled at him. “Just what do you think you’re doing spying on us?” Bubba Bear demanded. “Sizing up the competition, huh?” Two smaller bears named Benny and Jimmy came up and stood behind Bubba Bear. The three bears looked suspiciously at the little squirrel. “I bet the Treetop Trio sent him!” Jimmy Bear cried. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t know who or what the Treetop Trio is,” Petey argued. “And I wasn’t spying. Not really. I was just trying to find out what was making all that noise!” “Do you expect me to believe that you weren’t spying for the Treetop Trio? They know that Bubba Bear’s Big Time Band is the one to beat!” Bubba Bear growled. “And we were making music, not noise, thank you very much!” “What’s Bubba’s Big Bear Band?” Petey asked. “Bubba Bear’s Big Time Band,” Bubba Bear corrected. “That’s us. We’re the best percussion band in the Big Forest. Let’s show him, boys!” Gently, Bubba Bear sat Petey down on a stump. “Okay, take it from the top,” Bubba Bear ordered in his booming voice. The two younger bears began to beat on some hollow tree stumps in front of them. Boom! Bang! “No! No!” Bubba Bear cried in frustration. “You have to feel the beat! Now pay attention.” Bubba Bear grabbed the homemade drumsticks from one of the bears and began beating on a hollow stump. Bang! Bang! Bangity bang bang! Bubba Bear beat the drum in a pleasing rhythm. “Now, let’s try it again,” Bubba Bear instructed. The two bears beat their drums again. Bang! Bangity bang, bang. Boom! “Much better. With a little more practice, we are sure to win!” said Bubba Bear. “Take five, boys.” The two younger bears took a break from their practice. “What are you sure to win?” Petey asked. “Why, the blue ribbon,” Bubba Bear cried. “I can just see that beautiful blue ribbon hanging around my neck. It sure will look good! Right, boys?” “Right,” agreed Benny and Jimmy. “You’ll be the most handsome bear in the whole forest!” “What’s the blue ribbon for?” Petey asked.
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“For first place, of course!” Bubba Bear replied. “Everyone knows you get a blue ribbon for first place.” “First place for what?” Petey asked in a frustrated tone. “You know!” Benny Bear said. “You’re just trying to change the subject. You’re trying to make us forget about catching you spying!” “That’s just plain sneaky,” Benny Bear commented. Petey Squirrel almost yelled, “I told you, I wasn’t spying! Now, will you please tell me what you are all talking about?” “Why, it’s the most exciting thing to happen in the Big Forest ever!” Jimmy Bear exclaimed. “All the animals are talking about it!” “Talking about what?” Petey cried in exasperation. The bears just stared at Petey with a genuine look of puzzlement on their faces. “You really don’t know?” Bubba Bear cried in disbelief. “No, I don’t!” Petey replied. “Now, are you going to tell me or not?” “We’re talking about the Big Forest Creative Arts Festival and Extravaganza!” Bubba Bear roared. “What’s that?” Petey asked. “It’s a spectacular festival and contest,” Bubba Bear explained. “Prizes will be given for the most creative entries,” Jimmy Bear added. “All animals are eligible to enter,” Bubba Bear continued. “They just have to demonstrate their creativity in some way.” “It’s the biggest event ever to hit the Big Forest,” Jimmy Bear gushed. “It’s so exciting! Everyone I know is planning to enter.” “You are going to enter,” Benny Bear asked. “Aren’t you?” “But, you have to be creative,” Jimmy Bear reminded Petey. “Of course, I’m going to enter!” Petey said, trying to sound confident. “I’m very creative, you know.” Actually, Petey wasn’t exactly sure what being creative really meant — and he didn’t know if he had any creativity at all! “Well, I have to go now,” Petey told the bears. “I guess I’ll see you all at the big contest.” “Just remember,” Bubba Bear growled, “we plan to win first prize!” “Yes, well, great to meet you, boys,” Petey stammered, avoiding the subject. “Thanks for saving my life!” Petey made a hasty retreat. Being very careful to avoid the mudholes and briar bushes, he headed back through the Big Forest. Petey was walking through a tall grove of trees when he heard something. Petey stopped to listen. The sounds were coming from a big maple tree above him. “La. La. La, la…la,” came a lilting voice. “Me. Me…me…me.” “Now what?” Petey cried. Next Time: It’s Not As Easy As It Seems! A Teacher’s Guide to accompany this eight-chapter story is available on the Kidsville News! Web site at www.KidsvilleNews.com. Copyright 2009 by Mary Maden. All rights reserved. Mary Maden is an award-winning author. Visit her on the Web at \www.marymaden.com.
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Hola, Truman!
a, th Dulemb e b a z li E r Dea very r says it’s , My teache my hands h s a w o t t u importan that it’s fl w o n y ll ia espec ty can t being dir u B . n o s a se h fun! be so muc d, Your frien Truman
Elizabeth O. Dulemba is also an illustrator! Here are some of the beautiful books she has illustrated:
You sound like Hugo, the star of my new picture book SOAP, SOAP. Hugo’s ma, SOAP, sends him to the store má soap, but he takes the to buy way there, which gets long all kinds of trouble an him into U]L ?PMV PM ÅVITTa Zd lots of home with the soap, HuM\]ZV[ mess and his mamá ma go is a kes him take a big, bubbly bath! Teachers are using SO kids about the importaAP to talk to their nce of proper hygiene. You can get mu elbows and knees, but d on your you can get soapy bubbles there, too , while you scrub yourself clean. Yo u see, being clean and washing yo ur ha nds can keep you from getting good because it’s no fu sick... which is the bath OR the mud! n being sick, in Your friend,
'NK\CDGVJ &WNGODC
Compiled by Kim Norman, author of Crocodaddy. Illustrations © 2009 by David Walker www.dulemba.com Used with permission from Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. May 2009. Author visit info: www.kimnorman.com
PACO AND THE GIANT CHILE PLANT written by Keith Polette Raven Tree Press, 2008 GLITTER GIRL AND THE CRAZY CHEESE written by Frank Hollon MacAdam/Cage Publishers, 2006 THE PRINCE’S DIARY written by Renee Ting Shen’s Books, 2005
SOAP, SOAP, SOAP Raven Tree Press, Fall 2009
How do you say “soap” in Spanish? Answer: “Jabón” (pronounced HA-BON) You’ll learn that and many other Spanish words by reading this book!
Operation Christmas Child: Helping Children around the World 500 Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts. Can you imagine a child who Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has hand-delivered has never owned a hair brush, a toy shoebox gifts to more than 69 ball or even a million children in more than 130 pencil? Believe it or countries. Staff and volunteers use ships, trucks, buses, trains, not, that is real airplanes, helicopters, boats, life for millions of camels, and even dog sleds to children worldwide. reach suffering children with This year, U.S. kids are working to change the gifts. that — and they need your help. Samaritan’s Purse uses trackThrough Operation Christmas Child, you and your family can play an important role ing technology that allows you to “follow your box” to the country in helping children around the world who are where it will be hand-delivered to suffering for many reasons. National a child in need. To register shoe Collection Week is Nov. 16-23, 2009. box gifts and find out what Operation Christmas Child delivers shoecountry they are delivered to, use boxes packed with school supplies, toys, the EZ Give donation form found necessity items and often a hand-written note of encouragement. OCC is a kidsU.S. kids braved a blizzard to send more than 80,000 at www.samaritanspurse.org. To learn how to pack and send helping-kids project! shoebox gifts of hope, aboard one of the world’s largest airplanes to children in war-torn Sudan. “I think it is special to these kids that I an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift, call (828) 262-1980 don’t know them and yet I’m giving them a or visit www.samaritanspurse.org. gift. They probably think, ‘Wow, she cares Although National Collection Week is Nov. 16-23, shoebox gifts and doesn’t know me,’” said 12-year-old Kassie Miller, who are collected all year. packed 401 shoebox gifts in 2008. This year her goal is to pack
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NOVEMBER 2009
Election Word Find
Truman’s Thanksgiving Maze Help Truman and his friend get out of the kitchen!
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Music As Art Georgia O’Keeffe Georgia O’Keeffe is perhaps the most famous charcoal sketches and drawings and had her first exhibit in New York American woman artist in history. Best known for in 1916. By 1918, she had moved to New York City and was devoted to her landscape paintings of the desert Southwest, painting full-time. her style challenged the boundaries of modern Through her exhibits in the 1920s, Georgia became known for her American art. One of her huge paintings of lush flowers. Her work centered on paintings is even on a U.S. natural forms like flowers and animal bones seen at postage stamp! close range, almost as if you were looking through a Georgia Totto O’Keeffe magnifying glass. Her work was so popular that in 1928, was born near Sun Prairie, she sold a group of six paintings for $25,000 — Wisconsin, on November 15, the most money ever paid for a collection of paintings 1887, the second in a family of created by a living American artist! Georgia was now seven children. Georgia knew famous. But, she still felt the need to travel and be she wanted to be an artist from inspired. In 1929, she took her first trip to New Mexico, the time she was about nine where she fell in love with the desert. She spent a part years old! After graduating of every year there until 1949, when she moved to New from high school in 1905, she Mexico permanently. She continued painting the desert began college at the School of landscape until the early 1970s when her eyesight began Ram’s Head, White Hollyhock and the Art Institute in Chicago. A to fail. Little Hills, 1935 collection:Brooklyn year later, she went to the Art Georgia died on March 6, 1986. Twelve years later, Museum, Georgia O’Keeffe Students League in New York City. Although her the U.S. government made the Georgia O’Keeffe Home student work was praised, Georgia did not feel and Studio a national historic landmark. Written by Tamar Burris, a former elementary school teacher who now works as a inspired by the stiff styles she was taught at school. So, she left and freelance writer and curriculum developer for PBS, the Discovery Channel and other eduworked as a commercial artist in Chicago for a short time before moving to Texas to be an elementary school teacher. During her summer vacations, cation-related companies. Sources: Georgia O’Keeffe on Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Georgia_O’Keeffe; National Museum of Women in the Arts: Georgia O’Keeffe she took art classes at the University of Virginia and the Teachers College Artist Profile, http://www.nmwa.org/collection/profile.asp?LinkID=942; PBS’ American of Columbia University in South Carolina, where she found inspiration in Masters: Georgia O’Keeffe – About the Painter, http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasthe innovative ideas of Arthur Dow. Georgia started experimenting with ters/episodes/georgia-okeeffe/about-the-painter/55/.
COME OUT AND PLAY! Disc Golf... or Golf in the Air Looking for a fun way to help work off some of that delicious Thanksgiving dinner? Well, if you aren’t a football fan – or even if you are – you might want to try a game of golf – in the air. No one really knows who played the first game of disc golf, commonly known as “Frisbee® golf,” but as early as 1926, in Vancouver, British Columbia, some school-age children played with tin lids on a disc golf course they created on their school yard and called it –– Tin Lid Golf. Other accounts of the game occurred from the 1930s to the 1960s, before and after the Frisbee was born, and one company, Copar Plastics, tried to market a game called Sky Golf, but it didn’t fly. But since the 1970s, disc golf has soared in popularity, and according to the Professional Disc Golf Association, the 3000th registered course is now open –– in Austria! Over half a million players enjoy disc golf, which is easy to learn and fun for everyone, no matter what age or ability. The game offers upper and lower body conditioning and aerobic exercise without a great risk of physical injury, and concentrating on shots helps improve one’s mental abilities. It is a very accessible game for the specially abled and disabled, allowing players to match their level of play according to their abilities and fitness levels. One can play a round of disc golf in one or two hours, year round, alone or with a group. And the only equipment needed is an inexpensive disc –– no need to rent a cart, schedule a tee time, or pay a
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greens fee! If a permanent golf course is unavailable, one can simply make up a course, as those Tin Lid Golf players did over 80 years ago. Like traditional golf, the object of the game is to complete each hole of a disc golf course in the fewest number of throws. Courses generally have 18 or 24 holes, but nine-hole courses are also available, and hole length, or the distance between each hole, usually ranges from 150 to 500 feet. Players throw from a tee area to a target, most commonly a Pole Hole®, which is a pole with a basket on top that is covered with chains. Players progress down the fairway, making each shot from the landing spot of the previous throw until the disc is putted into the basket, completing the hole. And like traditional golf, disc golf has hazards to challenge players ¬¬–– long shots, trees, bushes, changes in elevation, wind and water. More advanced players and professional players may even use more than one disc, like driver, midrange and putter discs. But whatever the level of play, disc golf allows players to take in fresh air and exercise in the beautiful outdoors with friends, perfect for an after-Thanksgiving dinner activity. To find a disc golf course, visit www.pdga.com/course-directory. Sources: “A Guide to Disc Golf from the PDGA, www.pdga.com/introduction; “What is Disc Golf?”, www.disclife.com/whatis.shtml. Photo credit: Nyenyec, wikipedia.com, “disc golf.”
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Star Storm Sentry A blazing ball of fire hangs in the sky above us. It could swallow up more than a million Earths and still be hungry. Scary? Maybe, but we owe it our lives, for it is our star, the Sun. Thanks to the Sun, we have light and heat. Thanks to the Sun, we have energy to make our planet a living paradise. But, in spite of all the good it does for us, sometimes it goes on a rampage. That can be, maybe not scary, but not so good for us either. Most of the light from the Sun is visible light—the kind we can see. But the Sun also shines in x-rays, a very strong kind of light we cannot see. X-rays are so strong doctors use them to see inside our bodies. Sometimes the Sun goes really nuts and gets even hotter and stormier than usual. It shoots out huge flares This is the Sun in x-rays as seen by the and coronal mass ejecSolar X-ray Imager on the new GOES-14. tions, or CMEs. These The surface shines in mostly visible light, giant storms blast out so looks dark in this image. It is the much huge amounts of x-rays hotter atmosphere, or corona, that shines and electrically charged brightly in x-rays. particles at high speed. Once in a while, one of those blasts of high-energy particles heads right toward us. Earth’s magnetic field protects us well. However, space storms can disable satellites, electrical grids and radio communication. They are no good for astronauts in orbit or airplane crews either. Some satellites can “see” x-rays. The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) watch Earth’s weather below, but they also keep an x-ray “eye” on the Sun. Their data is helping scientists better understand how the Sun’s temper tantrums affect us on Earth. Knowing bad space weather is on the way, satellite operators can sometimes turn the satellite away from the blast or put it into standby mode. Airplane crews can stay out of the sky for a while, and astronauts can suit up for extra protection. Learn more about space weather at http://spaceplace.nasa. gov/en/kids/goes/spaceweather. This article was written by Diane K. Fisher. It was provided through the courtesy of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and support from the U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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KIDSVILLE KITCHEN Together Time — Ask an adult for help with projects!
Celebrate Peanut Butter Lovers Month! Yes, there’s a month for everything! And November is Peanut Butter Lovers Month! And, there’s more ways to love peanut butter than in just a PB&J sandwich. Peanut butter can add great flavor and keep you energized for the busy day ahead. With seven grams per serving, peanuts have more protein than any other nut. Protein provides long-lasting energy. Peanuts and peanut butter also contribute more than 30 nutrients and phytonutrients and can be part of a balanced diet that promotes good health. Here are two easy recipes to try.
DAZZLING CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER DIP WHAT YOU NEED: Makes 4 servings (each serving = 3 tablespoons dip and 1 cup fruit/veggies) • 1/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt • 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter • 1 teaspoon chocolate or colored sprinkles • 4 cups fresh fruit and vegetables cut in “dip-able” shapes (carrots sticks, sliced cucumbers, celery sticks, sliced apples and pears) HOW TO MAKE IT: • In a standing mixing bowl, mix yogurt and chocolate syrup on medium speed until well blended. • In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the peanut butter at 70% power for about 1 minute or until melted; stir half way through. Pour peanut butter into chocolate yogurt mixture and mix until smooth. • For each serving, spoon 3 tablespoons dip into a small serving cup and sprinkle with sprinkles. Serve with one cup of fresh fruit and/or vegetables.
PEANUT BERRY SMOOTHIE WHAT YOU NEED: Yield: 2 8-ounce servings • 2 cups low-fat vanilla ice cream • 1 cup frozen blueberries • 2 tablespoons 2% milk • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter • 2 tablespoons whipped cream (optional) Combine all ingredients in blender; puree until very smooth. Transfer to two glasses and serve. Courtesy of Family Features and the National Peanut Board. For more delicious ways to get energized, visit nationalpeanutboard.org.
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TM
A SECTION ESPECIALLY FOR PARENTS
BOOKSHELF Minnor and Rose: An Oregon Trail Story
Crow Call
Author/Illustrator: Judy Young, Bill Farnsworth (Illustrator)
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press Age Range: 6 to 10 Between 1843 and 1869, more than half a million people traveled west on the Oregon Trail. The journey was incredibly difficult with one in ten dying along the way. Against this backdrop two children meet in Minnow and Rose. As two cultures come face to face, a friendship blossoms.
Who Stole Grandma’s Million-Dollar Pumpkin Pie? Author/Illustrator: Martha Freeman Publisher: Holiday House, Inc.
Author: Lois Lowry, Bagram Ibatoulline (Illustrator) Publisher: Scholastic, Inc. Age Range: 4 to 10 In her first picture book, two-time Newberry Medalist Lois Lowry teams up with artist Bagram Ibatoulline to create a timeless story about a the connection between a father and child. Liz’s dad returns from World War II and tries to reconnect with her on a cool autumn morning. As they head out on her first hunting trip, Liz is nervous about hunting and about how to talk to this stranger who is her father. A special present — a crow call — makes the morning turn out perfectly, as the two share a special moment that helps to reconnect father and daughter. —JK
In November
Age Range: 8 to 12 From the Publisher: Martha Freeman has cooked up a hilarious, action-packed addition to her popular Chickadee Court mystery series. Eleven-year-old sleuth Alex Parakeet and his best friend, Yasmeen, are on a new case — a yummy one. The only copy of a valuable recipe has disappeared from the Parakeet kitchen days before Alex’s father is scheduled to appear on a TV cooking show. Since word has gotten out that a celebrity chef will be filming a “tailgate” special from the college’s parking lot before the big Thanksgiving weekend game, plenty of locals are plotting to get on TV. Could a neighbor or even a friend have gone so far as to steal the recipe, hoping to get Mr. Parakeet’s spot?
Author/Illustrator: Cynthia Rylant, Jill Kastner (Illustrator) Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Age Range: 3 to 7 From the Publisher: Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant pays homage to this special time of year. In November, the air grows cold and the earth and all of its creatures prepare for winter. Animals seek food and shelter. And people gather together to celebrate their blessings with family and friends. Cynthia Rylant’s lyrical language and Jill Kastner’s rich, cozy paintings capture the cherished moments of this autumn month--the moments we spend together and the ones we witness in the world around us.
P ARENTOWN
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NOVEMBER 2009
P ARENTOWN’S K ID S MART The History of Money I travel around the country talking to audiences about money — defining what money is, how to attain it, how to protect it, how to spend it, how to invest it, and how to help someone else less fortunate with it. Although I talk about money all the time, I don’t want to give the impression that I believe money is equivalent to being happy. Money is a tool we use to live our everyday lives. Over the years, I worked with many individuals who were multi-millionaires, and happiness was in no way connected to the amount of money they had. You will hear me say time and time again, having money does not bring happiness to you, it does bring choices, options and freedom. I had a client say to me one day, “Keva, I want to have so much money that if I woke up one day and decided I wanted to fly to Paris to have lunch, I could.” Wow, what a statement! Now that’s what I call financial freedom! Okay, now back to the history of money. How did money come to be? According to the Website About.com, it all started with bartering before coins and paper money were introduced. Bartering* In the beginning, people bartered. Barter is the exchange of a good or service for another good or service, a bag of rice for a bag of beans. However, what if you couldn’t agree what something was worth in exchange or you didn’t want what the other person had? To solve that problem, humans developed what is called commodity money. A commodity is a basic item used by almost everyone. In the past, salt, tea, tobacco, cattle and seeds were commodities and therefore were once used as money. However, using commodities as money had other problems. Carrying bags of salt and other commodities was hard, and commodities were difficult to store or were perishable.* Coins and Paper Money* Metal objects were introduced as money around 5000 B.C. By 700 BC, the Lydians became the first in the Western world to make coins. Countries were soon minting their own series of coins with specific values. Metal was used because it was readily available, easy to work with and could be recycled. Since coins were given a certain value, it became easier to compare the cost of items people wanted. Some of the earliest known paper money dates back to China, where the issue of paper money became common from about AD 960 onwards.* Teach your child how you earn money. Mom and Dad work everyday, and as a result, they receive a paycheck. Associating work with monetary reward is a wonderful place to begin in teaching your children about money and how to earn it for the things they want. (See the article, Keep the Lights On! – June, 2009). Tip: Teaching your child that money is only a tool is a very valuable lesson. Activity: Take a tour of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing. There are two locations, Washington, D.C. and Fort Worth, Texas. This is where money is printed everyday. You can take a tour (free of charge) of these facilities. You can also go to their websites and explore how money is designed and printed. www.bep.treas.gov Benefit/Key Takeaway: This will give your child a better appreciation of where money comes from and how it is designed and printed. Oh, and let’s not forget the “cool” factor of their sharing the story with their friends of having toured the facility of where money is actually printed. *from the Website About.Com Keva Sturdevant is the founder of Born To Save, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. with the mission of teaching kids of all ages the importance of saving and investing. Our goal is to begin conversations about money between parents and their kids in households across America. In an effort to foster those conversations, we grant actual shares of stock to kids across the country. Born To Save grants shares of stock to kids who register on our Website at www.BornToSave.org.
NOVEMBER 2009
La Historia del Dinero Hago muchos viajes alrededor del país diciéndole a la gente acerca del dinero. Dando definiciones de lo que es el dinero, como obtenerlo, como protegerlo, como gastarlo, como invertirlo, y como ayudar a las menos afortunados con ello. Aunque hablo del dinero todo el tiempo no quiero dar la impresión de que creo que el dinero es el equivalente a la felicidad. El dinero es una herramienta que usamos para vivir diariamente. Al paso de los años he trabajado con muchos individuos que son multimillonarios, y su felicidad no estaba conectada, de ninguna manera, con la cantidad de dinero que tienen. Me escucharas decir todo el tiempo, que el tener dinero no te trae felicidad, te trae, opciones y libertad. Un cliente me dijo un día, “Keva, quiero tener tantísimo dinero que si un día me despierto y decido que quiero viajar a Paris para almorzar, pueda hacerlo.” Valla que declaración, eso es a lo que yo le llamo libertad financiera! OK ahora de regreso a la historia del dinero. Como es que el dinero llego a ser dinero? Trueques* Al principio la gente hacia trueques. Un trueque es el intercambio de algún producto o servicio por otro producto o servicio, una bolsa de arroz por una de frijoles. Mas sin embargo, que tal si no podías llegar a algún acuerdo en el valor de algo o simplemente no querías lo que la otra persona ofrecía. Para solucionar el problema, los humanos crearon lo que llamaban dinero en materia Dinero en materia es un producto básico que la gente usaba. En el pasado, la sal, el te, el tabaco, el ganado y las semillas, por nombrar algunos, eran usados como dinero. Mas sin embargo, usar materias como dinero tenia otras consecuencias, tales como la transportación de estos, además tenían que enfrentar el problema de los productos perecederos, ósea aquellos que por causa de almacenamiento y falta de ventilación se descomponían con mayor facilidad. Monedas y Billetes* Los objetos de metal fueron introducidos como dinero alrededor del año 5000B.C. En el año 700B.C. los Lídianos fueron los primeros en el mundo occidental en hacer monedas. Pronto otros países comenzaron a crear sus propias series de monedas con valores específicos. Usaban metal porque estaba mayormente disponible, era fácil de manejar y además reciclable. Como las monedas tenían cierto valor, era más fácil comparar el precio de los objetos que la gente quería. Algunos de los primeros billetes fueron creados en China, donde la distribución de los billetes se hizo común cerca del año 960 AD. en adelante. *De la pagina about.com Enséñale a tu hijo(a) como ganar el dinero: Mama y Papa trabajan todos los días; como resultado reciben un cheque. Asociar el trabajo con premios monetarios es la manera perfecta para comenzar a enseñar a tu hijo(a) acerca del dinero y como ganarlo para comprar las cosas que quieren. (Consulta el articulo Mantén las luces Prendidas!- Junio 2009) Tip: Enseñar a tu hijo(a) que el dinero solo es una herramienta es una lección invaluable. Actividad: Tomen un Tour de Las Oficinas de Grabado e Impresión. Hay dos ubicaciones, Washington, D.C. y Fort Worth, Texas. Aquí es donde imprimen el dinero todos los días. Pueden tomar el Tour de estas instalaciones completamente gratis. También puedes visitar su página Web y explorar como se diseña e imprime el dinero. www.bep. treas.gov Ventaja/Clave Dominante: Esto le dará a tu hijo(a) un mejor entendimiento acerca de donde viene el dinero y como es diseñado e impreso. Y que no se nos olvide lo “chido” que va a ser cuando compartan la historia con sus amigos de haber recorrido las instalaciones de donde imprimen el dinero. Keva Sturdevant es la fundadora de Born To Save (Nacido Para Ahorrar), una organización sin fines de lucros con base en Washington, DC con la misión de enseñar a los niños de todas las edades la importancia de ahorrar e invertir. La meta es comenzar conversaciones acerca del dinero en los hogares a través de America, entre padres e hijos. En un esfuerzo para fomentar estas conversaciones, concedemos partes de acciones actuales a los niños. Para registrar a tu niño(a) para ganar una parte de acción en nuestra rifa mensual, por favor visite nuestra pagina Web www.BronToSave.org.
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P ARENTOWN’S K ID S HAPE
Caring Is the New Smart Ask parents what they want their kids to be, and you’re sure to hear “healthy and happy.” But what comes next on their priority list? The results of a new survey by educational psychologist Michele Borba show that most of us would rather raise the next Mother Teresa than the next Albert Einstein. What do you want for your child? If you had to predict the typical parent’s wish list, you might (safely) assume “healthy and happy” tops the list. But what would come next? Parenting expert Michele Borba, Ed.D., says the answers might not be what you’d expect. In the new “Joys of Motherhood Survey” Borba conducted in conjunction with Parents Magazine, 2,140 mothers rated the top 10 traits that they’d like their own children to possess. The participants were asked to rank traits that ranged from spiritual and secure to moral and confident. Results of the study were more than a little surprising. Here are the 10 traits, in order of the percentage of moms who rated them as very important: Healthy 98%, Happy 97%, Secure 95%, Caring 94%, Confident 94%, Moral 91%, Resilient 66%, Smart 65%, Social 61%, Spiritual 52% “It’s no surprise that healthy and happy topped the list,” says Borba, author of the new book The Big Book of Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries. “What is interesting is that more moms rated secure, caring, confident and moral as ‘very important’ than they did smart.” In light of our culture’s emphasis on succeeding in a competitive academic and business world, Borba says it’s both unexpected and refreshing to see that parents care more about their children having a strong, solid character than they do about them being a shoe-in for valedictorian or having a future in the Ivy Leagues. And the survey, which is included in the introduction to her new book, seems to suggest just that. “Of course parents want their children to do well in life,” she continues. “That’s a given. But it’s nice to see that they understand the importance of raising a child who is a good, well-rounded person — not just a brainiac who can make the grade. After all, there are plenty of successful people — CEOs and enterprising entrepreneurs — who didn’t have the highest IQ scores or degrees from top academic institutions.” Even more important, stresses Borba, is that today’s parents are realizing that happiness isn’t all about the prestigious diploma or the paycheck you earn. “Happy adults are the ones who are confident being themselves, who care about others and have others who care about them,” she concludes. “And this study shows us that moms and dads want to raise their kids to be good people, to be happy and to be contributors to the world around them. In a time when bad news is more common than good, it’s nice to see a shining glimmer of hope for our future generations — all thanks to the people who are raising them.”
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Kids Who Care: Six Research-Based Tips for Raising Confident, Caring Kids From Michele Borba, author of The Big Book of Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries Caring counts. Most parents instinctively want their children to develop a strong moral character and to care about others. “Caring is the trait that helps sensitize our children to different points of view, and it increases their awareness of others’ ideas and opinions,” notes Borba. “It also enhances empathy, which is the foundation of moral behavior. Kids who care will grow into adults who have the skills they need to live successfully in our diverse, multicultural, 21st-century world.” The good news is there’s plenty parents can do to bring out and encourage the natural empathy that exists in our kids. Ready to get started? Strike the right balance of love and limits. Research shows that the best formula for raising kids who are less selfish and more considerate has two equal parts: unconditional love and firm limits. So ask yourself, Is my parenting evenly balanced between the two parts? Be the change you want to see. What makes kind and considerate kids? Kind and considerate parents! The simplest and most powerful way kids learn behaviors like kindness and consideration is by seeing them in action. Make sure you are the model you want your child to copy. Introduce them to their feelings. Before your kids can become sensitive to the feelings of others, they have to be able to correctly identify emotional states in themselves. Developing emotional intelligence in your child can be as simple as regularly posing the question, How do you feel? Make caring mandatory. Your children are desperate for your approval, and they want to please you by meeting your expectations of them. Kids tend to work only as hard as they have to in order to meet the standards that are set for them, so it’s important to set the bar high from the get-go. Don’t miss the teachable moments. The best moments to teach your kids about caring are usually not planned — they just happen. When you see someone doing a good deed, acting selflessly, or showing compassion, point it out to your child. Explain to him what the person is doing and how that is an example of the behavior you expect from her. Manage their mainstream media exposure. Know what your kids are watching and listening to: protecting them from cruel and degrading images should be a top priority. The more they see and hear, the more desensitized they become to hurtful language and harmful behaviors that the media may portray as funny or cool. Protect their empathetic development by limiting television viewing, monitoring online browsing and policing their iPods.
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NOVEMBER 2009
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