Come Squawk with Robin Falls Kids
| Art by Wendy Whittingham |
| How do I build my child's library on by Lori Calabrese |
| Books for Infants by Lori Calabrese |
| How can I help my child learn to read? by Lori Calabrese |
One important job as a parent, as if you didn't have enough, is
building a library for your child. One of the biggest factors to raising a
reader is the quality and amount of books you make available for your
young reader. However, parents already have many expenses and
the average price for a hardcover children's book is $19.99. So how
do you build a library for your child that will encourage his love of
reading and provide him with a bunch of titles he'll remember forever?
In a time when everyone's taking a look at ways to be frugal, you can
also find some budget-friendly ways to provide books for your young
readers.
1. Library:
As a parent, your local library is your friend. A library is a great
resource that provides books at no cost to your family, provided you
have a library card and remember to return the books on time. For
preschoolers, libraries often offer free programs such as storytime
and are a great way to expose your child to a world of books.
Preschoolers will see it as a treat to make a trip to their local library
and select books not available to them in their own collection. This is
a wonderful way to try out books before purchasing them. You'll find
certain books your child is drawn to that will be worth investing in and
you'll see what your child's interests are. Libraries also teach children
the importance of taking care of books, since the books are not their
own. Most libraries offer a 'free to a good home' rack or bin. Often
people donate books to their local libraries and if it's an older book, or
a duplicate, the library will place it on their free rack. Look out for
book sales at your local library because it's also a great place to find
discounted books.
2. Hardcover vs. Paperback:
Hardcovers are usually appropriate for young children, since they'll
hold up better to the wear and tear, but the truth is, paperbacks cost
less. You can create a much less expensive library with paperbacks
and often find the same quality titles available in hardback.
3. Thrift stores:
Thrift stores are a great resource to search for books.
4. Dollar Stores and Dollar Bins:
If you peruse the dollar bins at stores such as Target, you'll often find
board books for babies and toddlers for only $1. Sometimes they
even mark items down in the dollar bins to 50% off, so you can get
books for $.50!
5. Gifts:
Tell loved ones that instead of overloading your children with toys for
Christmas or birthdays, that they're in need of books. Books make a
wonderful gift, especially if the book is personalized by the gift-giver.
6. Garage and Yard Sales:
Many parents whose children have outgrown their books will often try
to declutter their house by selling them at garage and yard sales.
Since most children like to mouth books and have wet hands while
turning pages, turn to a safe non-toxic cleaner and give the books a
good swipe.
7. Community Programs:
I recently highlighted Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Available in
select communities, this wonderful program provides free books for
children until they turn 5. See if any of these programs are available
in your area.
8. Book Stores:
Book Stores often have a discount rack where you can find children's
titles appropriate for your child's library. Most of these book stores
also offer reward programs (make sure it's at no cost to you) and sign
up for e-mail alerts because they'll also send coupons.
9. Used Book Stores:
Used Book Stores are a wonderful place to find used books at a
discount price.
10. Book Swaps:
Look in your community for book swap opportunities. You can simply
find another parent and trade books your child might not be
interested in for others. You can also check at your grocery store, as
some stores offer a book swap table where you can donate your used
books and take another.
Building your child's library is an investment that will pay off by
instilling a love of reading in your child, and these are just a few ways
you don't have to break the bank to do it. As your child grows older,
keep books on low shelves or in baskets where he can see them and
get them himself. Also teach a respect for books early on and show
children where their books belong, so they're not covering your living
room floor. For example, one great idea is to decorate a large
cardboard box with color copies of your child's favorite books' covers.
You can cover the copies with craft glue, so they won't rip. Then teach
your child to return their books to the box when finished and every few
days, play librarian and return the books to your shelves. While
building your child's library, remember that what your child will truly
remember is the time you curl up with them to read a good book.
"A home without books is like a room without windows ... A library is
not a luxury but one of the necessities of life." ~Henry Ward Beecher
Encouraging your child to explore books is
essential in developing her literacy skills and
should begin as early as birth (some say to even
read to your baby while he/ she is still in the
womb). But early literacy does not mean
teaching reading to infants and toddlers.
Reading, writing and language evolve from a
number of earlier, age-appropriate skills, such
as physically manipulating or handling books;
looking at and recognizing books;
comprehending pictures and a story; and
interacting with books verbally. So what books
are suitable for infants?
Cloth Books:
Cloth books, which are printed on cloth, are soft
and strong and can be thrown in the washing
machine.
Board Books:
Babies should also have sturdy books to look at,
touch and hold. Board books are appropriate for
babies because the pages are easy for very
young children to turn. During reading time,
having children turn the pages helps them feel
like they have some control and it promotes a
sense that they are reading along with you.
Babies love to explore and since board books
are made from heavy cardboard with a plastic
coating, they can stand hard wear and tear by
babies who throw them, crawl over them, and
chew them. Board books can also be wiped
clean.
Interactive Books:
Since babies love to explore, books that allow
them to do just that are a fantastic tool to
introduce babies to the world of reading. Look
for books with handles, holes, textures, or lift the
flaps. Touch-and-feel books invite children to
explore them with their fingers and learn about
different textures and shapes. Babies love lift
the flap books, but, unfortunately, they usually
don't hold up well under rough treatment.
Concept-Oriented Books:
Choose books with large pictures or bright and
bold illustrations set against a contrasting
background. Look for books that have simple
pictures, one per page. Rather than containing
a story, board books are almost entirely concept
oriented with topics such as the alphabet,
animals, colors, numbers, opposites, shapes,
and textures.
Interesting Language Books:
It's important for infants to hear language. That's
why it's important to read favorite books again
and again. You might get tired of reading the
same books, but children love hearing the same
stories again. And it helps them learn to read by
hearing familiar words and seeing what they look
like in print. Choose books with interesting
language, rhythm, and sounds such as books
with rhymes, songs, and poetry. Books with
predictable patterns and repeated language
such as those that retell traditional nursery
rhymes or songs are also recommended.
As your baby grows older, keep books on low
shelves or in baskets where she can see them
and get them herself. You'll find she may even
“pretend“ to read a book that she has heard
many times. As your child starts to explore
books, support her progress by watching,
listening and providing a number of age-
appropriate books.
Recommended reading:
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Guess How Much I Love You
The Going-To-Bed Book
Oh My Oh My Oh Dinosaurs! (Boynton on Board)
Moo Baa La La La
Good Night Gorilla Gift Box
Time for Bed
Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You : Dr. Seuss's
Book of Wonderful Noises (Bright and Early
Board Books)
Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb (Bright & Early
Board Books(TM))
Helping your child learn to read is a partnership that will pay off for a
lifetime. Although reading and writing abilities continue to develop
throughout life, the early childhood years - from birth through age
eight - are the most important period for literacy development. Many
people wonder when a child learns to read. Most would answer
kindergarten or first grade, but the truth is children start down the
road to reading as soon as they are born.
The development of early literacy skills through early experiences with
books and stories is critically linked to a child's success in learning to
read. That's why children's books need to provide both the stories
children enjoy and the structure they need to read fluently and
independently.
You can prepare your child to read by sharing your time, talking about
the world around you, telling and reading stories and asking and
answering questions.
Here are suggestions for helping your child before, during, and after
reading:
1. Make reading fun. Read to your child in a comfortable place. Have
her sit on your lap or next to you so that she can see and point to the
print and the pictures.
2. Show enthusiasm as you read with your child. Read the story with
expression, almost as though you're acting the story out on a
Broadway stage. You can make the story more interesting by talking
as the characters would talk, making sound effects, and making
expressions with your face and hands.
3. Read to your child often. Set aside special times for reading each
day, maybe after lunch and at bedtime. The more you can read to him
or her, the better—as long as he/she is willing to listen. Reading times
can be brief, about 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Look at the cover together and ask your child to predict what the
story is about.
5. Encourage your child to chime in with familiar words and phrases.
6. Echo read with your child by reading a line first and having your
child read it after you do.
7. Encourage your child to use phonics skills to sound out new words.
8. Provide the word for your child when more assistance is needed so
that he or she does not struggle and the experience of reading with
you is a positive one.
9. Encourage your child to read the books over and over again. Have
him or her read to brothers, sisters, grandparents, and even stuffed
animals. Repeated readings develop confidence in young readers.
10. Talk about the stories. Ask and answer questions. Share ideas
about the funniest and most interesting characters and events in the
stories.
Even six-week-old babies like the feeling of closeness when a parent,
grandparent, or other caretaker reads to them. By incorporating these
suggestions into your reading routine, children will find out that
reading can be a warm, happy experience, and they'll begin to build a
lifelong love of reading.
| A THEOLOGY OF THE ARTS By: Robert James Luedke |
| A THEOLOGY OF THE ARTS (contd) |
| A THEOLOGY OF THE ARTS (contd) |
“There are different kinds of gifts, but
the same Spirit. There are different
kinds of service, but the same Lord.
There are different kinds of working,
but the same God, works all of them in
all men.”
Paul: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NIV)
In a survey conducted by the Barna
Research group, (in November of
2003), it was suggested that the largest
percentage of people who leave the
church, do so between the ages of 18
to 24 years of age. Obviously there
are numerous factors that can be held
responsible for this drop-off, but one
that is worth exploring is whether the
church and the Christian marketplace is
doing an adequate job of making the
Bible and the word of God relevant and
approachable for our teens? In other
Barna Group research, it has been
suggested that while young people are
proven to respond the most positively
to diverse outreach methods, most
adults surveyed felt their children were
getting inadequate spiritual training.
In answer to this considerable drop-off
of young Christians, a groundswell of
creativity is occurring which many in the
Church are not yet aware of. Writers,
artists and publishers are being drawn
to a format of literature that offers a
wonderfully effective tool for sharing
God’s word and history with young
readers…specifically those in their teen
to young adult years. I am referring to
the graphic novel. And despite the lack
of knowledge about this 25 year-old
publishing format within Christian
circles, the wheels of production are
already in motion…inspired within most
creators, by a driving passion to share
God’s Good News, through their
spiritual gift of artistic and literary
creation.
Both young and seasoned veteran
authors alike, are creating stories with
either an overt Christian basis,
(illustrated presentations of Biblical
stories), autobiographical based
stories, or through modern day fictional
allegories with underlying Christian
themes. Some are crafting stories to
evangelize and more effectively share
the word of God to non-believers.
Others are creating works to either
better educate or entertain readers,
whether Christian or not. Many are
doing both! But all are answering God’
s calling to step out and witness
through an art form that the majority of
adults in the United States might have
discounted.
Since many of these works are targeted
to those who are in the teen to the
young adult reader category, (12 to
mid-20’s), they fill a void that most
Christian book retailers would agree, is
largely ignored by Christian publishers
utilizing other formats. So if the literary
form of the graphic novel has been
around for over 25 years, why isn’t
there more spiritual based product
available?
A Brief History
To find the answers, we must start by looking at the roots of
the format. By Definition, a graphic novel is more than an
illustrated adaptation of a work done in another literary
form. A graphic novel stands on its own and is an
integrated whole, which combines text with visual images,
both of which are critical to the telling of the story. They
differ from their comic book cousins in the fact that they
are: Usually novel length complete stories that are not
serialized; they are frequently written to appeal to an older,
more sophisticated audience than mainstream comic
books; and they are packaged and displayed similarly to
text only literature, (square bound or hard cover).
The term, graphic novel, was first used in 1978, in
connection to the release of Will Eisner’s, A Contract With
God. This collection of four short stories by the creator of
a widely popular newspaper comic strip, (The Spirit, circa.
1940 to 1952), were all, coincidentally, interconnected
spiritual based tales. But Eisner himself, (in his book,
Graphic Storytelling and Visual Narrative), traces the roots
of the format back to the work of Frans Masereel, a Belgian
political cartoonist, who began producing “novels without
words” as early as 1919, with his story Passionate Journey,
(which was a novel told in 169 woodcuts).
In the 1980’s the format gained a level of respectability, as
Art Speiglman was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his semi-
autobiographical story of the holocaust, Maus. For the
most part prior to the emergence of Christian Fiction in the
book trade, graphic novels with Christian themes, either
never found the support of a major publisher, or if
published the work did not garner enough consumer
attention to be considered note-worthy. In the late 1990’s,
Metron Press and Mario Ruiz, garnered critical praise with
their fully illustrated book, Sampson, based upon the
stories from the old testament.
Is It Relevant?
In today’s modern fast-food-world, many teachers, youth
pastors and missionaries are realizing that to effectively
reach out to our youth we have to provide a literature form
that falls more in line with their tastes and other
entertainment choices. According to Presbyterian Pastor
and Author, Michael Brewer, (Who Needs a Superhero:
Finding Virtue, Vice and What’s Holy in the Comics), “If the
Church is going to be in conversation with the world—and
that is certainly our calling—we must talk in ways the world
understands.” For many young people, comic books and
graphic novels are simply more accessible and user
friendly. Pastor Brewer feels, that comics and graphic
novels can serve as a stepping-stone toward more in-depth
reading of the Bible for young people, just like traditional
novels, (Re: The Left Behind series), has done for many
adults.
In surveying many of the creative people involved in this
literary movement, I’ve found that in general those creating
Christian based graphic novels, are doing so primarily out
of a drive to honor God and spread his word. Graphic
design firm owner and artist, Sherwin Schwartzock,
(Chosen Mortals, Hero TV, Luther and ArmorQuest), sums
up this theory when he states, “I currently work only one or
two days a week in my day job. If I dedicated my whole
week to my design business, (which my wife would prefer), I’
d be a rich man. However, I feel compelled to create
Christian comics.” This type of passion for their creations,
results in a product that is oftentimes overflowing with the
spirit of God, due to the fact that the people creating it are
driven by a higher calling than to merely do a job or collect
a paycheck.
According to industry sources, more people read graphic
novels, (and comics), than any other form of printed
literature on earth! In the Philippines, 40% of the
population reads a comic book, while only 2% read
newspapers. In Japan, 40% of all printed material is
graphic novels & comic books, with sales in excess of $7
billion annually. It is estimated that 20% of the entire
Japanese population, regardless of age, reads at least one
title daily. And, in Central American a comic book featuring
Superman, has been created to help teach children how to
spot and avoid landmines, because it is the most efficient
way to pass on information to this age group.
But what about in United States? According to “Simmons
Kids Study,” (Aug. 2000), 88% of U.S. children aged 6 to
11, read books outside of school. Out of that number,
comic books top the reading preference, (41%). Because
of the attraction of the format to youth, in 1990, 1993 and
again in 1995, Marvel Comics in cooperation with the
National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, created Spider-
Man based comics to educate children on The Tragedy of
Child Abuse and where/how they might find help if they feel
they are a victim of abuse. In the early ‘90’s, Antarctic
Press created a free give-away comic that educated young
people on the Aids epidemic and how to avoid contracting
the deadly disease.
So the natural question is, if you understand that we have
this large percentage of our young people drawn to a
specific format of literature and companies for years have
been using it to pass on important information…why not the
Word of God?
To find the answers, we must start by looking at the roots of
the format. By Definition, a graphic novel is more than an
illustrated adaptation of a work done in another literary
form. A graphic novel stands on its own and is an
integrated whole, which combines text with visual images,
both of which are critical to the telling of the story. They
differ from their comic book cousins in the fact that they
are: Usually novel length complete stories that are not
serialized; they are frequently written to appeal to an older,
more sophisticated audience than mainstream comic
books; and they are packaged and displayed similarly to
text only literature, (square bound or hard cover).
The term, graphic novel, was first used in 1978, in
connection to the release of Will Eisner’s, A Contract With
God. This collection of four short stories by the creator of
a widely popular newspaper comic strip, (The Spirit, circa.
1940 to 1952), were all, coincidentally, interconnected
spiritual based tales. But Eisner himself, (in his book,
Graphic Storytelling and Visual Narrative), traces the roots
of the format back to the work of Frans Masereel, a Belgian
political cartoonist, who began producing “novels without
words” as early as 1919, with his story Passionate Journey,
(which was a novel told in 169 woodcuts).
In the 1980’s the format gained a level of respectability, as
Art Speiglman was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his semi-
autobiographical story of the holocaust, Maus. For the
most part prior to the emergence of Christian Fiction in the
book trade, graphic novels with Christian themes, either
never found the support of a major publisher, or if
published the work did not garner enough consumer
attention to be considered note-worthy. In the late 1990’s,
Metron Press and Mario Ruiz, garnered critical praise with
their fully illustrated book, Sampson, based upon the
stories from the old testament.
Is It Relevant?
In today’s modern fast-food-world, many teachers, youth
pastors and missionaries are realizing that to effectively
reach out to our youth we have to provide a literature form
that falls more in line with their tastes and other
entertainment choices. According to Presbyterian Pastor
and Author, Michael Brewer, (Who Needs a Superhero:
Finding Virtue, Vice and What’s Holy in the Comics), “If the
Church is going to be in conversation with the world—and
that is certainly our calling—we must talk in ways the world
understands.” For many young people, comic books and
graphic novels are simply more accessible and user
friendly. Pastor Brewer feels, that comics and graphic
novels can serve as a stepping-stone toward more in-depth
reading of the Bible for young people, just like traditional
novels, (Re: The Left Behind series), has done for many
adults.
In surveying many of the creative people involved in this
literary movement, I’ve found that in general those creating
Christian based graphic novels, are doing so primarily out
of a drive to honor God and spread his word. Graphic
design firm owner and artist, Sherwin Schwartzock,
(Chosen Mortals, Hero TV, Luther and ArmorQuest), sums
up this theory when he states, “I currently work only one or
two days a week in my day job. If I dedicated my whole
week to my design business, (which my wife would prefer), I’
d be a rich man. However, I feel compelled to create
Christian comics.” This type of passion for their creations,
results in a product that is oftentimes overflowing with the
spirit of God, due to the fact that the people creating it are
driven by a higher calling than to merely do a job or collect
a paycheck.
According to industry sources, more people read graphic
novels, (and comics), than any other form of printed
literature on earth! In the Philippines, 40% of the
population reads a comic book, while only 2% read
newspapers. In Japan, 40% of all printed material is
graphic novels & comic books, with sales in excess of $7
billion annually. It is estimated that 20% of the entire
Japanese population, regardless of age, reads at least one
title daily. And, in Central American a comic book featuring
Superman, has been created to help teach children how to
spot and avoid landmines, because it is the most efficient
way to pass on information to this age group.
But what about in United States? According to “Simmons
Kids Study,” (Aug. 2000), 88% of U.S. children aged 6 to
11, read books outside of school. Out of that number,
comic books top the reading preference, (41%). Because
of the attraction of the format to youth, in 1990, 1993 and
again in 1995, Marvel Comics in cooperation with the
National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, created Spider-
Man based comics to educate children on The Tragedy of
Child Abuse and where/how they might find help if they feel
they are a victim of abuse. In the early ‘90’s, Antarctic
Press created a free give-away comic that educated young
people on the Aids epidemic and how to avoid contracting
the deadly disease.
So the natural question is, if you understand that we have
this large percentage of our young people drawn to a
specific format of literature and companies for years have
been using it to pass on important information…why not the
Word of God?
Theology of the Arts
“God chose the foolish things of the
world to shame the wise…He chose the
lowly things of the world and the
despised things that are not—to nullify
the things that are.”
Paul: 1 Corinthians 1:27-28 (NIV)
As noted previously, since many of the
works in this genre are done out of a
passion, most creators seem less
concerned with their acceptance within
any specific doctrine. Rather their
focus seems to be firmly placed on
honoring God through their artistic
witness and following the example set
by Jesus… of sharing their vision
through a way that is both relevant and
approachable to their intended
audience, despite the fact that it may
be looked at as a common man’s art-
form.
As more creative people from all walks
of the secular entertainment industry,
including artists, writers, filmmakers
and animators, are being drawn to
witness their faith through their
creative abilities, (example: Mel Gibson
through the Passion of Christ), we are
seeing the birth of what Pastor Mike
Brewer calls, an explosion in the
“Theology of the Arts.” Centuries ago,
when a large majority of the population
was illiterate, craftsmanship, illustration
and painting were the major vehicles
through which people and even entire
cultures, expressed their faith and
shared it with others. That has
changed, especially over the latter half
of the twentieth century, where the
written and spoken word, (transmitted
by radio, TV and the internet), has
become the primary method through
which information is shared and
worship is expressed. Expressing one’
s faith through the graphic arts, it
seems, had dwindled considerably as a
form of worship.
The development of Christian
contemporary music industry over the
last decade was, in part, a similar
response by the modern musician to
this same void that had occurred in
musical arts…and it has been used
effectively to outreach hundreds of
thousands of young people with
spiritual messages. But there are so
many other avenues of worship within
the arts that can be utilized! “Simple
put, God apparently loves diversity and
variety. The creation proves that,”
states Pastor Brewer.
…And the Winner is? Everyone!
Collected and bound comic book
series and graphic novels are now
making their presence know in the
book store market and in most
libraries, since they are a format that is
easily racked right along side text only
literature. Religious and spiritual
themed literature has been topping the
charts in all categories of book
publishing over the past few years.
Why then would it not make sense to
have spiritually themed graphic novels
or comics available for our young
people, as an alternative to the
majority of publications, which feature
themes and characters that many in
the Church would categorize as
ranging from secular-based to even
disturbing and morally corrupt?
In this era, where there is so many
entertainment choices for our teens to
make, (many of which are of a sinful
nature), it falls to the Christian
Booksellers, the ministry and parents
to expose our children to alternatives
with a spiritual or moral center, during
these years that are so crucial to their
development as future members of our
society. Is a lacking of these choices
for this age group contributing to the
70% who leave the Church in their
early 20’s? In the words of Pastor
Brewer, “If we are not searching out
relevant and attractive methods of
spreading the word, which connects to
the young people of today in a way
they can relate to, we are cheating our
Maker and we belittle our theology.”
“God chose the foolish things of the
world to shame the wise…He chose the
lowly things of the world and the
despised things that are not—to nullify
the things that are.”
Paul: 1 Corinthians 1:27-28 (NIV)
As noted previously, since many of the
works in this genre are done out of a
passion, most creators seem less
concerned with their acceptance within
any specific doctrine. Rather their
focus seems to be firmly placed on
honoring God through their artistic
witness and following the example set
by Jesus… of sharing their vision
through a way that is both relevant and
approachable to their intended
audience, despite the fact that it may
be looked at as a common man’s art-
form.
As more creative people from all walks
of the secular entertainment industry,
including artists, writers, filmmakers
and animators, are being drawn to
witness their faith through their
creative abilities, (example: Mel Gibson
through the Passion of Christ), we are
seeing the birth of what Pastor Mike
Brewer calls, an explosion in the
“Theology of the Arts.” Centuries ago,
when a large majority of the population
was illiterate, craftsmanship, illustration
and painting were the major vehicles
through which people and even entire
cultures, expressed their faith and
shared it with others. That has
changed, especially over the latter half
of the twentieth century, where the
written and spoken word, (transmitted
by radio, TV and the internet), has
become the primary method through
which information is shared and
worship is expressed. Expressing one’
s faith through the graphic arts, it
seems, had dwindled considerably as a
form of worship.
The development of Christian
contemporary music industry over the
last decade was, in part, a similar
response by the modern musician to
this same void that had occurred in
musical arts…and it has been used
effectively to outreach hundreds of
thousands of young people with
spiritual messages. But there are so
many other avenues of worship within
the arts that can be utilized! “Simple
put, God apparently loves diversity and
variety. The creation proves that,”
states Pastor Brewer.
…And the Winner is? Everyone!
Collected and bound comic book
series and graphic novels are now
making their presence know in the
book store market and in most
libraries, since they are a format that is
easily racked right along side text only
literature. Religious and spiritual
themed literature has been topping the
charts in all categories of book
publishing over the past few years.
Why then would it not make sense to
have spiritually themed graphic novels
or comics available for our young
people, as an alternative to the
majority of publications, which feature
themes and characters that many in
the Church would categorize as
ranging from secular-based to even
disturbing and morally corrupt?
In this era, where there is so many
entertainment choices for our teens to
make, (many of which are of a sinful
nature), it falls to the Christian
Booksellers, the ministry and parents
to expose our children to alternatives
with a spiritual or moral center, during
these years that are so crucial to their
development as future members of our
society. Is a lacking of these choices
for this age group contributing to the
70% who leave the Church in their
early 20’s? In the words of Pastor
Brewer, “If we are not searching out
relevant and attractive methods of
spreading the word, which connects to
the young people of today in a way
they can relate to, we are cheating our
Maker and we belittle our theology.”
Robert Luedke, is: The president of
Head Press Publishing; writer & artist
of the award winning graphic novel,
Eye Witness (for more info, visit: www.
headpress.info); and a freelance writer-
editor whose work has appeared in,
Today’s Fitness and DR Magazine.
©Robert Luedke, 2009.
Head Press Publishing; writer & artist
of the award winning graphic novel,
Eye Witness (for more info, visit: www.
headpress.info); and a freelance writer-
editor whose work has appeared in,
Today’s Fitness and DR Magazine.
©Robert Luedke, 2009.
| The Importance of Music in Development by Lyz Russo |
To learn an instrument such as the violin or clarinet takes years.
The job opportunities for musicians are scarce and competition is
fierce. Then why are more people than ever before paying a lot of
good cash to get their children the best music tuition they can
afford?
The secret lies in the impact of music on the whole person. Diverse
sources detail the influence that learning a musical instrument has
on children and even on adults. Occupational therapists are
currently recommending to parents of children who struggle with
schoolwork, to let them learn an instrument. This, along with horse
riding and swimming, has become a bit of a pet recommendation.
It has been found that learning a musical instrument actually
increases a person’s IQ over time. Different instruments and
different types of music have varying effect, with classical music and
the string family (violin, viola, cello) coming out on top, potentially
increasing your IQ by up to 12 points! In certain regions of Europe,
music in schools is now a mandatory subject once more.
When is a good time to start learning music? Experts have found
that even the fetus in the womb can benefit from listening to
classical music. Surround yourself and your family with good music
from the first. Toddlers love banging on stuff and playing
xylophone, or tooting on recorders and mouth organs. The Suzuki
Violin Method teaches children from the age of 3 years violin, with
two lessons per week, one single and one in a group setup. From
preschool, children can learn to read music and play from sheet
music. Progress in learning your instrument is directly proportional
to the amount of practicing.
Is there such a thing as an unmusical child? Shinichi Suzuki
proposes that music is the native home language of all human
beings and therefore nobody can be “unmusical”. Of course there
are exceptional talents, compared to which others may seem to be
slower learners.
(Ref:"Discovery of the Law of Ability and the Principle of Ability
Development")
Is there any benefit for adults in starting an instrument? Apart from
the purely relaxing aspect, yes. Learning an instrument can earn
even adults additional IQ points, and as an added benefit it
improves your health by reducing your stress levels. Your social life
may benefit too, if you are prepared to come out of your box and
join occasions such as Ceilidhs (musical get-togethers) or arrange
house concerts. It has been established that people who play
instruments tend to be more emotionally balanced and more patient
with themselves, others and life in general.
So go ahead, sign up for that amateur orchestra, dust off your old
trombone or take your first real six-string from the summer of ’69
down from the attic; get out there and play!
*
Add-in (September 2009):
It is a year since I wrote the above article. In the interim I have
found, read and remembered even more reasons why music is a
good idea. I also spotted various ways in which this article was too
brief and not informative enough.
1. Parents and school children should be aware that music is
an accepted school subject – for example, if you play Grade 6 via a
reputable exam centre, here in South Africa this counts for an
additional matriculation subject. In Britain a similar system is in
place (except that I think the grade you need to pass is Grade 8.
Verify this though). Check in your own home country whether and
in which way this applies to you. Having an additional subject on
your senior certificate is an advantage for getting into certain
university courses (not only music).
2. In some places the school syllabus does not include
memorizing poems and similar contents verbatim anymore. While
learning things off by heart isn’t everything, it certainly is an
important skill. Music gives the student the chance to learn
memorizing.
3. I also realized that I never specified why music is so good for
children that occupational therapists prescribe it. The amount of
focus involved in learning an instrument is enormous. In other
words, the ability to concentrate for longer and harder, improves.
Besides this, playing an instrument involves a lot of fine muscle
coordination, as well as hand-eye and hand-ear coordination.
Musical development is also closely correlated in the brain with
speech development; I have taught more than one student violin
whose main aim was to improve their speech.
4. Performing and playing with / for others: This is a separate
area within music that deserves mention. We hold studio concerts
twice a year to give our students the added advantage that comes
from performing; we also hold “Ceilidhs” (Irish musical parties during
which everyone eats, drinks and plays their instrument). The two
kinds of functions focus on different aspects of performing. The
one is formal; performing for a formal audience teaches the player
to deal with stage fright. If you have performed an instrument
before people, you’re not half as afraid to step up and deliver a
speech anymore. The other kind of function (the Ceilidh)
encourages the musician to play up in an informal setting; this
translates into being able to speak up and say your say in, for
example, a discussion or a company networking event. These are
social and career skills.
As you see, there are more than enough reasons to pick up the old
“ramkiekie” and play. So “give it stick!”
| The value of sports and children's books by Lori Calabrese |
Children often play just for the fun of it, but did you know they're also
learning at the same time? Decades of research clearly demonstrate
that play is more than just fun and games. We all know sports promote
good health and they help keep us fit, but they also aid in healthy
brain development. Play boosts our intellectual, social, emotional, and
physical skills. It lays the foundation for later academic success in
reading and writing. It provides hands-on experiences with real-life
materials that help children develop abstract scientific and
mathematical concepts. Sports teach us about failure, how to play as
a team, how to strive for excellence, and how to get up when we lose.
There's no denying the ultimate value one gets from playing sports
and there's no denying the ultimate value of reading. Reading helps
our children master language development, build listening skills, and
develop their ability to concentrate at length. It develops their ability to
express themselves more confidently, easily, and clearly in spoken
AND written terms. It develops and fosters their natural curiosity and
imagination. That's why the more enjoyable the things children read
are, the more they'll stick with it and develop the reading skills they'll
need in their adult lives.
If you think about it, sports and books just go together. The more
children practice, the better they become at sports. The more children
read, the better they become at reading. Both sports and books
should be inexpensive and accessible to everybody. They teach us
about the world around us, and overall, they're just plain fun! So why
not combine the two? Avid sports fans can read a Sports Illustrated
Kids cover to cover, recite the stats from the morning sports page,
and read a program at a game. Avid readers can learn about a sport,
a specific athlete, or sports in other countries.
There are so many ways to incorporate sports and reading. Make the
most of all the resources that are available and waiting for you:
printed books, online books, magazines, etc.... Encourage follow-up
activities that involve creative writing skills, so your children can
expand on what they've absorbed and, at the same time, develop their
own creativity. As you help your kids appreciate the magic of reading
and the value of sports, you'll find there's a whole wide world of fun
and fundamentals!
learning at the same time? Decades of research clearly demonstrate
that play is more than just fun and games. We all know sports promote
good health and they help keep us fit, but they also aid in healthy
brain development. Play boosts our intellectual, social, emotional, and
physical skills. It lays the foundation for later academic success in
reading and writing. It provides hands-on experiences with real-life
materials that help children develop abstract scientific and
mathematical concepts. Sports teach us about failure, how to play as
a team, how to strive for excellence, and how to get up when we lose.
There's no denying the ultimate value one gets from playing sports
and there's no denying the ultimate value of reading. Reading helps
our children master language development, build listening skills, and
develop their ability to concentrate at length. It develops their ability to
express themselves more confidently, easily, and clearly in spoken
AND written terms. It develops and fosters their natural curiosity and
imagination. That's why the more enjoyable the things children read
are, the more they'll stick with it and develop the reading skills they'll
need in their adult lives.
If you think about it, sports and books just go together. The more
children practice, the better they become at sports. The more children
read, the better they become at reading. Both sports and books
should be inexpensive and accessible to everybody. They teach us
about the world around us, and overall, they're just plain fun! So why
not combine the two? Avid sports fans can read a Sports Illustrated
Kids cover to cover, recite the stats from the morning sports page,
and read a program at a game. Avid readers can learn about a sport,
a specific athlete, or sports in other countries.
There are so many ways to incorporate sports and reading. Make the
most of all the resources that are available and waiting for you:
printed books, online books, magazines, etc.... Encourage follow-up
activities that involve creative writing skills, so your children can
expand on what they've absorbed and, at the same time, develop their
own creativity. As you help your kids appreciate the magic of reading
and the value of sports, you'll find there's a whole wide world of fun
and fundamentals!
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| Lori Says Writing Critique Groups-Strategies for a Successful Critique by Lori Calabrese |
Every writer will tell you the importance of joining a critique group. When we receive critiques
on our work, we’re looking for suggestions to make our work better so it will inevitably be
published. There are many things that a fresh eye can see in your work that you can’t. In order
for us to receive critiques, it’s important that we give critiques, right? Fair is fair and critiquing
others’ work will help your writing. It will teach you what to look for when self-editing your own
work, and give you a sense of what you like and don’t like to incorporate in your own writing.
So you need to do a critique? Where do you start?
First, know that we all are human beings and we have feelings. We’re not critiquing the person,
we’re critiquing the work. It doesn’t hurt to begin by pointing something out that you like about
the manuscript. A little encouragement goes a long way!
However, critiques need to be brutally honest. A writer would rather hear these notes from
his/her critique group instead of an editor giving a flat out rejection with no reason why!
1. Did you like the story? Why or why not? Does it flow? How is the pacing (too fast, too slow,
just right)? Is there a beginning, a middle, and an end and are they logical?
2. Does the beginning set up a problem or conflict? Did it catch your attention? Did you want to
keep reading?
3. Are the characters’ behavior consistent? Are the character’s believable? Do the characters
have good names?
4. Consider the audience- is it age appropriate?
5. Can you restate the story in a single sentence?
6. Does the author show instead of tell?
7. Technically, point out bad punctuation, incorrect grammar, misspelled words, formatting
8. Is the dialogue realistic? Does the dialogue help move the story along? Is there a perfect
blend of dialogue with narration?
9. Is the title a good one?
10. Does the ending make sense and is it rewarding? Was the conflict or problem resolved?
Does the main character undergo some sort of change?
11. Does the point of view work or would the story be better if it was told by another character?
12. Is there variation in sentence length? Too many short, too many long, or just right?
13. Excessive use of Passive voice? ex: Emily was running to the store is passive voice. Should
be…Emily ran to the store.
14. Is the story original and creative?
15. Does the setting work? Do you get a sense of when and where you’re supposed to be?
16. Did the writer make use of all the senses?
Some examples of critique notes that you might give/ receive:
-Paragraph or chapter needs tightening – give examples of where the writer can cut out
necessary words and sentences.
-Verbs are weak—verbs to watch out for are. . . is, as, was, were
-Plot lacks focus—give a suggestion for the writer to consider.
-Dialogue is not age appropriate—show an example that is right for the age..
-If the overall concept and writing is weak—suggest classes, how-to books, and online articles
that can help.
General Tips:
-Tell the writer if the work is not your genre or favorite type of story
-Don’t be afraid to critique if it’s not your favorite type of story.
-Don’t read other critiques of the work yet. Give your own critique, then read others. You don’t
want others to sway you! Everyone has an opinion, so give your own- don’t steal!
Everyone points out the advantages to a critique group, but not many address the
disadvantages. When you have your work critiqued, your exposing your work to others.
Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world and there are dishonest people out there. When
you put your work out there, yes- there is a chance that it can be ripped off- stolen! Ugh- can
you imagine all that work and somebody else reaps the benefits? It’s just not right! There’s no
need to copyright your work because once it’s written, it is copyrighted. However, you can’t put
a copyright on ideas and that person that just critiqued your work can go out and write another
story with your idea! You need to weigh the advantages of a critique group with the
disadvantages and you have to be selective with who you show your work to!
Writers need to encourage each other and realize that writing is a craft. It takes a long time to
master a craft and it doesn’t just come to us. It takes work and revision after revision to get a
good story! A good rule of thumb when it comes to critiquing is. . .
Critique as you would want to be critiqued!
Lori would love to hear how you found your critique group--Did you find them online, through a
writing friend, or through a writer's group? And what does your Critique Group mean to you?
Lori Says, please click on the link below and give me your thoughts on this subject:
http://loricalabrese.com/2008/02/a-writers-critique-group/
Lori Calabrese is an award-winning children's author. Her picture book, The Bug That
Plagued the Entire Third Grade, won Dragonfly Publishing Inc.'s 2009 Best Children's
Book award. Lori also writes for various children's magazines, is a member of The
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and is the National Children's
Books Examiner at Examiner.com.
| From My Mama’s Kitchen – “Home for the Holidays” A Celebration of the Heart with a Gift from the Soul! by Johnny Tan |
Some of us already realized this and others will for the first time experience it as well; that is, the kitchen will be the most important room in the house in
the coming weeks.
Regardless of whether it is a modern day designer’s kitchen or just one of the so called timeless efficiency kitchen, it is its time to claim center stage, as
it will serve as the hub for the transformational loving energy that will bind families and friends alike during this holiday season.
Known as the heart and soul of any home, the kitchen is the place that will serve as a wonderful backdrop where you will always find abundance of joy
and laughter of family and friends reminiscing and sharing meaningful communication from knowledge gained to lessons learned.
As you already know, you do not have to know how to cook to be drawn into the kitchen as your five senses will eventually stir you straight towards it
once the mouth watering aromas starts to fill the air.
My late Southern Belle mom Eleanora, once eloquently described to me that being in the kitchen is like being a mother: it is about creating something
special. It requires patience, a happy attitude, and a touch of love. It is the perfect blending of all these ingredients that ultimately produces a signature
dish.
Since we now live in a global village and with the lifestyle to match, where families can only get together during special occasions, the holiday seasons
have become more meaningful than ever. Although there are many of us who are fortunate to have a family to spend the holidays with, there are those
of us who are less fortunate due to various reasons. We are the ones that over the years are able to find home from within our own hearts. Then, there
are among us who are fortunate to have the opportunity to experience the family holiday spirit thanks to the generosities of our friends.
Whatever the situation may be for you, if we can all take a moment to be mindful perhaps we can truly experience the true holiday spirit as it is meant to
be experienced.
For Mothers – they cannot wait to have the family back home together to break bread with.
For Children – believe it or not, you mom will always be more excited to see you than you are of seeing her.
For Singletons – for those who are fortunate to have the generosity of a friend’s invitation to be with their family, be very thankful for the love you are
receiving.
For those who will be by yourself, always remember that you are never alone. Home is where the heart is, and be very thankful that you have made it
this far and happiness and glee is always generated and experienced from within.
For the Families who will be celebrating this holiday season together with their loved ones – I would like to share with you what my Cajun mom Ginger,
told me a long time ago – The natural life can always be funny and humorous. The most ordinary events usually end up being the sweetest memories.
Being present during the small moments will always make us appreciate the happiness when it happens.
For the Families and Individuals who have graciously opened your hearts and homes and to those who are contemplating on doing so – I would like to
share with you what my German mom Dianne, told me a few years back – Every once in a while a situation may occur that requires us to radiate our
energy of positive goodwill, compassion, and love for others. Until we try to put ourselves beyond our comfort zone, we will not realize we have what it
takes to make a difference in that person’s life and in ours.
For those of us who will be spending this holiday season by ourselves – I would like to share with you what my Malaysian mom Nyah, told me just before
I left home to come to the United States – Since childhood you have been and will continue to be exposed to all kind of experiences. Some experiences,
good or bad, will stay with you for the rest of your life. However, it is how you manage them that will ultimately determine your idea of success and
happiness, or failure and sadness in your life. Always remember you are never alone, and although food may fill your tummy and the camaraderie of
friends gives you a sense of belonging, it is the loving energy you generate from within you that will nourish your mind, body, and soul. This spiritual
grounding is what will ultimately touch the heart and move the soul of others.
Finally, here is my wish to everyone during this holiday season:
Health – makes all things possible.
Wealth – makes all things work.
Love – makes all things beautiful.
May You Have All Three.
Johnny Tan
Author of From My Mama’s Kitchen™
“food for the soul, recipes for living”
www.frommymamaskitchen.com
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To Robin Falls