Tuesday • February 14, 2012 — D1
The Sentinel at www.cumberlink.com Megan bollinger Copy Editor Phone 240-7111
Kids World
Fax 243-3121 Email mbollinger@cumberlink.com
When kids speak out, The Sentinel listens
Kids Speak Out
Tell Me A Story
I am going to give my Valentine... I am going to give my Valentine a kiss. My Valentine is my dad. He is a postman. Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays. I like it because of when we make cards and give them to people. I am going to make cards red with hearts. The hearts are going to be pink and red. I might give my dad a hug, too. Valentine’s Day is coming soon. Maybe I should start on my red Valentine’s Day card with pink and red hearts! I hope my dad likes his.
I am going to give my Valentine an anniversary present to my Dad and Mom. I will invite them to dinner. We will have a good time. Kiyasi Butts, 7 Shaull Elementary First grade I am going to give my Valentine a hug and go out for dinner. We will have such a good time together.
Jedda Lusk, 6 (WINNER) Red Mill Elementary School First grade
Madelyn Rego, 7 Shaull Elementary First grade
I am going to give my Valentine a little magic so that when the person gets it, they can have wishes. They will be so surprised when they get it. If it’s a girl I will have a girlfriend. If it’s a boy I will have a new friend. Trevor Henderson, 10 (WINNER) Fishing Creek Elementary Fourth grade I am going to give my Valentine a new dog bed and a busy bone, a new bag of treats and a coat! Logan, 6 (WINNER) Shaull Elementary First grade I am going to give my Valentine a nice present. My Valentine is a horse. Her name is Sky. I go on Friday to ride her and sometimes I ride Pumpkin. Nadia Safouan, 6 Elmwood Elementary First grade I am going to give my Valentine a box of chewy candy squares. I hope he will like them! If he does I will give him another box.
I am going to give my Valentine a big fat kiss right on the cheek. Just kidding. You’re so gullible. Madison Dicely, 9 Fishing Creek Elementary Fourth grade I am going to give my Valentine flowers. My Valentine is my mom because I like to give her hugs and I like to go downstairs and watch TV with her. I love my mom. Dylan Gutierrez, 8 Bellaire Elementary Second grade I am going to give my Valentine a nice bracelet with heart beads that are her favorite colors: pink, orange, red and purple. I’ll put a special charm on and it is a ballet slipper. She love ballet. My Valentine is my very nice friend. She does so many nice things for me. She loves me a lot. She helps me and plays with me. She makes me laugh and is happy all the time. Grace Spangler, 7 Red Mill Elementary First grade
Sydney, 6 Elmwood Elementary First grade I am going to give my Valentine a robot to smack him. Max will not like it. Max will probably send it back. Kert, 7 Elmwood Elementary First grade I am going to give my Valentine a very, very pretty heart because the spirit of Valentine’s Day is love. That is what Valentine’s Day is all about. I love Valentine’s Day. Aubrey M. Johns, 6 Elmwood Elementary First grade
Tell us what you think at www.4Kids.org/ speakout
To complete the Kid Quest Challenge: Visit the websites featured in this issue, find the answers to our questions, then go to www.4Kids.org/ kidquest
Go to our website: www.4Kids.org/askamy Or write: Ask Amy, 236 J.R. Pearson Hall, 1122 West Campus Rd., Lawrence, KS 66045
Amy answers your questions about the World Wide Web at www.4Kids.org/askamy
What Lies Beneath
Super Soil
Dig, digonsite.com, is an awesome place for those passionate about archaeology. Ask Dr. Dig to find out about cavemen, mummies, dinosaurs and more! Dig magazine also has amazing art, featuring subjects such as pharaohs and Egyptian funerals, illustrated by kids just like you. See what others have created and feel free to send in your own masterpiece. Before you surf on to other kidfriendly websites, visit Fantastic Factoids to learn about interesting mysteries and myths that will wow your friends and family.
The Bureau of Land Management's Soil Biological Communities for Kids, blm.gov/nstc/soil/Kids, invites you to look deep into dirt! Meet Wilbur, the Soil Wizard, and learn all about the frosting on the Earth's birthday cake. Follow Wilbur underground as he explores the wonders hidden beneath your feet. Click on the Food Web to see how all the elements come together to create a nurturing environment for plants and animals. Now, Adopt a Soil Critter such as Anthony the Ant or Ben the Badger, and receive a certificate confirming your new adoption.
What was the Viking alphabet called?
What percentage of carbon dioxide comes from soil microorganisms?
It's All There The Natural History Museum presents The Dino Directory, nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/life/dinosaurs-other-extinct-creatures/ dino-directory. This online gem is full of facts, images and features that celebrate the dapper dino. Do you know which dinosaur you want to look up? Search by name and have a meetand-greet with some famous faces, such as Tanius, Achillobator and Isisaurus. You can also browse through the timeline to see which dinosaurs roamed the Earth during a specific era. Bookmark this site for future school projects.
Which two dinosaurs lived in Algeria?
Dear Amy: How can I make my school projects and presentations more interesting? — Anna, Minneapolis, Minn. Dear Anna: With a little creativity, it's easy to turn an average report or project into something special. Instead of writing a report on a famous historical figure or literary character, you could create a blog written from the viewpoint of the person you are studying. Blogger, blogger.com, and WordPress, wordpress.com, are two popular free choices. Make your book report shine by building a wiki to organize information about the book. Be sure to add some pictures, too! Create your own wiki for free at wikidot.com. For more creative project ideas, visit ereading worksheets.com/e-reading-worksheets/schoolproject-ideas. If you are working on a presentation, consider adding some multimedia, such as video clips, a slideshow or music. If used appropriately, they can help your audience learn even more. For example, if you are presenting a report on Pablo Picasso, you could create a slideshow to feature his most important paintings and show how his style changed over time.
How you can get involved with Kids Speak Out Want To See Your Name Here?
Hey, kids! How would you like to get your story published in Kids Speak Out? Just write a short story on one of our prompts and send it to The Sentinel. You can also draw a picture to go with your story. Each week, The Sentinel will publish some of the stories we receive in KidsWorld and on www.cumberlink.com. Only the top three essay writers, published on this page, will receive KidsWorld T-shirts. To claim T-shirts, visit The Sentinel during normal business hours. You must be 5 to 13 years old to enter. Stories must be 150 words or less. Be sure to include your full name, age, address, school and grade. Mail your entry to “Kids Speak Out,” The Sentinel, 457 E. North St., Carlisle, PA 17013, drop it off at either Sentinel office or mail it to frontdoor@cumberlink.com with the subject “KidsWorld.”
Upcoming Topics Due Feb. 17 My favorite thing to do on the weekend is... Due Feb. 24 If I had a million dollars I would... Due March 2 When I’m riding the school bus I like to... Due March 9 I was eating lunch with my friends when... Due March 16 The snow was beginning to melt so I ....
Copyright © 2012, 4Learners Associates, Inc. Distributed by Universal Uclick 02/12/12
What is the best way to celebrate Valentine's Day?
The Willow Wife A Japanese folktale adapted by Amy Friedman illustrated by Jillian Gilliland
Once upon a time, a beautiful willow tree stood near the center of a village. Everyone who passed the tree marveled at its strength and beauty. In spring and summertime, when those branches waved in the wind, people admired the willow’s elegance and grace. In wintertime, when the willow’s branches were covered with snow, it protected people, like a huge umbrella. A young man named Hiroshi lived with his family, and from his bedroom window he could see the tree. Each morning when Hiroshi woke, he looked out his window and sighed with pleasure at the sight of the tree waving in the wind, proud and sturdy in the rain, exquisite in the sunshine. When Hiroshi walked to school, he passed the tree. He often stopped to admire it, taking in its beauty and its scent. One day the village elders decided it was time to build a bridge over the river. Soon the workmen began to chop down trees for timber for that bridge. When Hiroshi, now a young man, heard the sound of those axes, his heart skipped a beat; he feared his beloved willow might fall. He visited the elders to beg for mercy for the tree. “I love the willow,” he said. “I will give you money -- anything it takes to save this tree from the builders’ axes.” Impressed by Hiroshi’s devotion, the elders granted his wish, and the willow tree was saved. After this, Hiroshi was more grateful than ever for the willow tree. He began to visit it every morning and every night. Many days he stood beneath its branches and said prayers of thanks for all the gifts of this world -- for his family, for the birds and beasts, and most especially for this tree, which gave him such joy. Some days he whispered his troubles to the willow tree. When he had finished, he felt healed. He was so certain that the willow understood. His devotion grew deeper as he grew older. As Hiroshi approached the tree one evening, he saw a beautiful woman standing in the place where he usually said his prayers. He walked up to her and bowed. “Dear lady,” he said, “are you waiting for someone?”? “He will not come,” she said, smiling sweetly at him. “What kind of man is this who does not meet such a fair woman?” Hiroshi replied. “It is a terrible thing when love is not returned.” “He loves me,” the woman said. “But he does not come to you,” he said. “Why is that?” She smiled warmly. “His heart has always been here, under the willow tree,” and then she disappeared. But the next night she was there again, and once again they talked. They spoke of the loveliness of this spot, of the peaceful night, the watchful stars. The next night they met again. The young woman told Hiroshi that her name was Kaori, but when he began to ask her more questions, she waved her hand. “Ask me nothing more about my family,” she said. “You know all that you must know.” Hiroshi thought that she was shy, and he did not press her. The next night they met again. Soon they were deeply in love, so one night Hiroshi asked her to marry him. “I will,” Kaori said, “but promise you will never ask me about my past.” “I promise,” Hiroshi said, for he did not care about that. He knew this was a woman he loved as dearly as he loved the willow tree. Soon they married, and the next year they had a son they named Daiki. They were the happiest family in Japan. Everyone said so. They were always smiling and laughing, so pleased were they by the gift of their love for each other. The years passed, and the willow tree near their home became a place the couple often wandered to say their prayers of thanks. One day they were in the village when they heard the story of the emperor who wished to build a temple to Kwannon, the goddess of mercy. “He needs timber from every village,” the people said. “He asks for our most sacred trees.” Hiroshi’s heart contracted when he heard these words. “We must not cut down our willow,” he said, but no matter how long and hard he argued, the elders of the village disagreed. “We have no tree as large and beautiful as the willow,” they said. “It will be our most sacred gift for the most sacred of all temples.” A few days later, Hiroshi was in bed when he woke to the sound of axes, and he knew they were chopping down his beloved tree. Beside him, Kaori shuddered. “My love,” she whispered into her husband’s ear, “my hair is falling from my body.” “What do you mean?” Hiroshi asked, and he put his arms around her. He felt her trembling. “My limbs are shattering!” she cried. Tears began to run down her face.? “No, my dear, you are only dreaming,” he said, and he held her closer. Suddenly there was a loud crash outside. In that instant, his wife disappeared. He lay in bed holding only a long, slender branch of golden willow leaves. Kaori’s sweet scent and tender body were gone. “Where are you, Kaori?” he cried, but now, too late, he understood that the woman he had always loved was the spirit of the willow. Hiroshi and Daiki mourned deeply the loss of their gentle, loving wife and mother. But they never forgot to give thanks for the blessing of her love, which had given them both life and happiness.
D2 — The Sentinel at www.cumberlink.com Megan bollinger Copy Editor Phone 240-7111
Kids World
Tuesday • February 14, 2012 Fax 243-3121 Email mbollinger@cumberlink.com
When kids speak out, The Sentinel listens 6-1 (12)
release dates: February 11-17
Mini Spy . . .
Mini Spy is taking a casserole to a friend who has been SICK 3EE IF YOU CAN FIND s UMBRELLA s LETTER ! s KITE s CANDY CANE s SOCK s CHICKEN s SHEEP s CARROT s WORD -).) s LETTER % s LETTER , s DOG s LETTER $
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Valentine’s Day Is Feb. 14
Be Kind!
photo Š Littleny/Dreamstime.com
We think of Valentine’s Day as a romantic holiday. But what if we could show love to lots of different people, even strangers, on Valentine’s Day and beyond? Feb. 13 through 19 is Random Acts of Kindness Week. During this week, kids and adults are encouraged to keep kindness to others in mind every day of the year. The Mini Page spoke with the manager of the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation to find out more about this idea. During one summer in the 1990s, many violent acts took place in the area around San Francisco. They were labeled “random acts of violence.� (Random means done without a plan or method.) This gave a woman in Berkeley, Calif., the idea of doing “random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.� The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation grew from her idea.
Putting values into action
Remembering others
The RAK Foundation tries to focus attention on core values, or standards of behavior, and provide ideas for putting those values into action. Some of those values include: s leadership s responsibility s friendship s courage s sportsmanship s confidence s helping others s believing in yourself
During the Valentine’s Day holiday, it’s easy to think of people we love: parents, siblings, grandparents, friends. This year during Random Acts of Kindness Week, kids are urged to reach out to someone who might be An unexpected Valentine’s card can forgotten. For example, make a make someone feel Valentine card for special. a teacher or for a classmate whom you don’t usually talk or play with.
Meet Matt Damon photo by Neal Preston, TM and Š 2011 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved. Not for sale or duplication.
Matt Damon stars as the father, Benjamin Mee, in the movie “We Bought a Zoo.� The movie is based on a true story. Matt has acted in many movies. He was the voice of Bill the Krill in “Happy Feet Two.� He also has produced and appeared in a History Channel show, “The People Speak.� Matt, 41, was born in Boston. He majored in English at Harvard University. He and his friend Ben Affleck wrote the screenplay for the movie “Good Will Hunting� (an adult-level movie) as part of an English class assignment. Matt and Ben both acted in the movie as well. Matt has co-founded two charities. Water.org helps provide safe, CLEAN WATER TO PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD AND .OT /N /UR 7ATCH helps people in danger in troubled countries. from The Mini Page Š 2012 Universal Uclick
from The Mini Page Š 2012 Universal Uclick
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Supersport: Stephanie Wheeler Birthdate: 1-16-81
Hometown: Norlina, N.C. Suddenly, at age 6, Stephanie Wheeler’s world turned upside down. She couldn’t run. She couldn’t walk. A car accident had left her partially paralyzed. But that misfortune didn’t keep her from becoming a star and icon in wheelchair basketball. Wheeler played on four national collegiate wheelchair championship teams — three at Illinois and one at Alabama, where she was voted tournament MVP. She also has helped spark the United States to two Paralympic gold medals. Michael Frogley, her former coach, calls her the “role model we want our athletes to be.� 4ODAY 7HEELER COACHES THE 5 3 UNDER SQUAD AND THE WOMEN S wheelchair team at the University of Illinois, where she earned a degree in kinesiology. With tremendous determination and dedication, she also has become an inspiration to thousands.
Black Bean Salad You’ll need:
s OUNCE CAN BLACK BEANS
drained and rinsed s CUP CHERRY TOMATOES HALVED s CUP RED BELL PEPPER CHOPPED s TABLESPOONS PURPLE ONION MINCED s TABLESPOONS CILANTRO CHOPPED
s TABLESPOONS LEMON JUICE s TABLESPOONS OLIVE OIL s TABLESPOONS RICE VINEGAR s TEASPOON CUMIN s 1 4 teaspoon salt s 1 4 teaspoon pepper
What to do:
1. Combine beans, tomatoes, red bell pepper, purple onion and cilantro in a medium bowl. 2. Mix remaining ingredients in a small jar; shake vigorously. 3. Pour dressing over bean mixture and stir gently until evenly mixed. 4. Chill for one hour to blend flavors. You will need an adult’s help with this recipe. from The Mini Page Š 2012 Universal Uclick from The Mini Page Š 2012 Universal Uclick
Watch out for Cupid!
Express your love ‌
Do you ever see pictures on Valentine’s cards of a little boy angel with a bow and arrow? He is Cupid, the son of the Roman goddess of love, Venus. According to legend, when Cupid strikes gods or people with his arrows, they fall in love.
9OU MAY KNOW THE POEM h2OSES ARE red, violets are blue ‌� An English nursery rhyme from the late 1700s includes those words:
A busy post office
Can you write a poem to your friend or loved one starting with “Roses are red, violets are blue�?
Saint Valentine There were several saints named Valentine, but the holiday is probably named for two Italian saints. One of the Valentines was put in prison. The story goes that he befriended the jailer’s daughter, who visited him there. Before he died, he sent her a letter, signed “From your 6ALENTINE v 9OU CAN STILL SEE THAT phrase on greeting cards today. The day was linked to romantic love more than 700 years ago, during the Middle Ages.
Valentine’s Day keeps postal workers busy, with more than 1 billion cards sent throughout the world each year. The first cards sold in the United States became available in the 1840s; before that, people hand-made their cards. This is a Valentine card from 1909.
If you see someone having a hard time with a task or learning to do something, try offering to help instead of laughing or making fun of him or her. Being kind makes you feel good, too.
Toss around some kindness
How does it make you feel when someone admires your hair or notices your talent for sports? People love to get compliments from others. Make a list of your friends, CLASSMATES OR FAMILY MEMBERS .EXT to each person’s name, write down something you admire about that person. It could be how well he tells jokes, or what a great artist she is. Choose one or more of the people on your list to make a compliment card FOR 9OU CAN GIVE YOUR card for Valentine’s Day or any other day of the year. Write your compliment on the card, then find pictures from newspapers or magazines to illustrate your message. Include a poem or puzzle if you like.
This fun game leaves all the players feeling better about themselves. Sit in a circle with friends, family or classmates. Take turns throwing the ball to other players. Before you throw, say something kind about the player you are throwing to. It may seem sort of awkward at first, but as everyone joins in it will get easier. .EXT SWITCH THE GAME "EFORE you throw, say something kind about yourself or something you are thankful for. Was it easier to say something nice about another person or about yourself? How did you feel when the game ended? The Mini Page thanks Brooke Jones, manager of the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, for help with this issue. Next week, The Mini Page is all about Neanderthals.
The Mini Page Staff Betty Debnam - Founding Editor and Editor at Large Lisa Tarry - Managing Editor Lucy Lien - Associate Editor Wendy Daley - Artist
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The Mini Page’s popular series of issues about each state is collected here in a 156-page softcover book. Conveniently spiral-bound for ease of use, this invaluable resource contains A-to-Z facts about each state, along with the District of Columbia. Illustrated with colorful photographs and art, and complete with updated information, The Mini Page Book of States will be a favorite in classrooms and homes for years to come.
‌ and your friendship
)N -EXICO AND OTHER ,ATIN American countries, Feb. 14 is el dia del amor y la amistad (day of love and friendship). People do special things for friends to show them they are appreciated. Even a phone call or an email to a faraway friend or family member is appreciated on Feb. 14. from The Mini Page Š 2012 Universal Uclick
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Make a compliment card
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“The rose is red, the violet’s blue “The honey’s sweet, and so are you “Thou art my love, and I am thine “I drew thee to my Valentine: “The lot was cast, and then I drew “And fortune said it should be you.�
from The Mini Page Š 2012 Universal Uclick
photo Š Jan Kranendonk/Dreamstime.com
Fact or opinion?
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Rookie Cookie’s Recipe
Will your class celebrate Valentine’s Day with a party? This special day has been celebrated for more than 1,500 years! Although we usually just say Valentine’s Day, it is actually called Saint Valentine’s Day.
This year as part of Random Acts of Kindness Week, educators will focus on helping kids increase their self-confidence and improve their views of themselves. As you might guess, this would be difficult in a family or classroom where people are bullying or mean. The RAK Foundation shared some activities with The Mini Page that will help kids understand how to be kind to one another.
.OW ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS s 7HO STATES A FACT ????????????? s 7HO GIVES AN OPINION ????????? s )S THE OPINION KIND OR UNKIND 7HY ???????????????????????????? s 7HAT COULD *USTIN HAVE SAID INSTEAD ??????????????????????????
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An old holiday
Learning to be kind
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from The Mini Page Š 2012 Universal Uclick
A Heartfelt Holiday
Practice Kindness
When you’re talking with others, it helps to be able to tell whether people are stating facts, which are true, or opinions, which are their beliefs about something. In this example, can you tell who is stating a fact and who is giving his or her opinion?
Random acts of kindness can be really fun to do. For example, you and friends or family might clear snow from the sidewalks and driveways of neighbors. This especially helps people who are older or who are very busy with young children or jobs.
photo Š Galina Barskaya/ Dreamstime.com
A change in thinking
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All the following jokes have something in common. Can you guess the common theme or category? Patton: Why did the angry lady put a firecracker under the pancakes? Pierre: She wanted to blow her stack! Paula: Did you hear about the boy who ate 500 pancakes? Pete: How waffle! Parker: What sport does a pancake compete in? Pamela: Stack and field! Brown Bassetews n e h t ’s Hound
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from The Mini Page Š 2012 Universal Uclick
try ’n find
Kindness
Words that remind us of kindness are hidden in the block below. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: ACTS, APPRECIATION, CARD, COMPLIMENT, CUPID, FACT, FAMILY, FRIENDS, GIFTS, HEART, HELP, HOLIDAY, KIND, LOVE, OPINION, POEM, RANDOM, REMEMBER, SAINT, VALENTINE, VALUES.
Make a new friend today!
E N I T N E L A V
T R A E H B K H S
N K Q R A N D O M
E O I K E V O L N
M R I N C L T I O
I J E N D N F D I
L H V B I I H A T
P Z E A M P P Y A
M S S L L E O U I
O D F D P U M T C
C N V A R A E E E
M E O P C A D S R
G I F T S T C J P
J R A C T S W H P
B F A M I L Y Y A
from The Mini Page Š 2012 Universal Uclick
ready resources The Mini Page provides ideas for websites, books or other resources that will help you learn more about this week’s topics. On the Web: s RANDOMACTSOFKINDNESS ORG EDUCATORS LESSON PLANS elementary-school At the library: s h4HE +INDNESS 4REEv BY 3HARON "ECKER s h7HAT $O 9OU 3TAND &OR FOR +IDSv BY "ARBARA ! ,EWIS s h+IDS 2ANDOM !CTS OF +INDNESSv COLLECTED BY #ONARI Press
To order, send $15.99 ($19.99 Canada) plus $5 postage and handling for each copy. Make check or money order (U.S. funds only) payable to Universal Uclick. Send to The Mini Page Book of States, Universal Uclick, P.O. Box 6814, Leawood, KS 66206. Or call tollfree 800-591-2097 or go to www.smartwarehousing.com. Please send ______ copies of The Mini Page Book of States (Item #0-7407-8549-4) at $20.99 each, total cost. (Bulk discount information available upon request.) Name: ________________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________ City: _________________________________________ State: _________ Zip: ________________
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