Hello 2013…Turning The Next Page

Posted on December 31, 2012 by viviankirkfield

Happy New Year, Everyone! We say goodbye to 2012…and hello to 2013.

A new year gives us all the opportunity to:

Start afresh
Create a plan
Say sorry
Keep a promise
Make a vow
Get in shape
Change direction
Share love
Connect with nature
Eat healthy
Take a breath
Reach out
Stand up
Step in
Work smart
Practice time-management
Smile more
Move forward

I’m excited to be taking part in several writing challenges for 2013:

Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 (to write 12 picture book drafts in 2013)

Alayne Kay Christian’s Sub Six (to submit 6 picture books in 2013)

Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday (to review a picture book every Friday)

Nancy Hatch 1st ever SLTW Writing Contest

Highlights Fiction Short Story Contest (thank you, Hannah, for the heads-up about this)

I’ll also be doing Emma Walton Hamilton’s Just Write for Kids online picture book writing course that I won as part of Julie’s 12×12 Prize Extravaganza.

And I’ve just found another challenge that will add some balance to this picture book writing/submitting frenzy…No/Low Spend and De-cluttering January Challenge sponsored by Carla at My 1/2 Daily Dozen

I’ve been wanting some encouragement and support for these tasks…not sure which will be more difficult…budgeting or throwing away stuff we don’t need! I actually think it will be the de-cluttering. But I know that a less cluttered workspace can mean less stress and more efficient use of time…no more hunting for hours for that slip of paper with the important story ideas. If these are areas where you need help, check out Carla’s link above.

So, this is my plan:

Stick to our budget by trimming spending to only necessary items.
Reevaluate at the end of the month to see if more cutting is necessary.
I already cook/bake almost everything myself…I treat myself to take-out Indian once a month.
Go through the house…one drawer, cabinet, closet at a time…perhaps there is money to be made (which will help the budget) by selling stuff we no longer need/want/use.

I’ve connected with the most amazing people…writers, photographers, artists, teachers, librarians, moms, dads and kids…I thank all of you for visiting my blog and commenting on my posts.

We donated 20 copies of Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking to libraries in 8 states and 3 provinces in Canada.

We also donated 12 copies of Show Me How to schools in the US and Canada.

A portion of the proceeds from my book sales went to several children’s organizations:

JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)
Bess the Book Bus (a mobile literacy outreach)
STAR (Sit and Read Together…a literacy program funded by CPCD in Colorado Springs)
Books of Wonder (for renovation of this NYC indie children’s bookstore)
Kids Are Heroes (recognize children all over the world who reach out to help their community)
Reach Out and Read (nationwide program that connects books and kids via pediatricians)

As most of you know, there are big changes in my life…I am retired as of January 1^st.

What does that mean?

As my son so aptly wrote, “We wish you all the best as you turn the page to the next chapter in your book of life.”

I could not have said it better!

So on this first day of the New Year 2013, I wish all of you the best as you turn the page to the next chapter in your book of life!

Don’t Be Afraid…Go Ahead…Write Picture Books! (viviankirkfield.wordpress.com)
Happy New Year 2013! Join me for gifts galore! (mybookofstories.wordpress.com)
Sunday Post: Surroundings…Hurricane Sandy…You Have to Gab Before You Can Roar (viviankirkfield.wordpress.com)
http://eof737.wordpress.com/2012/12/31/resolutions-good-bye-2012-and-happy-new-year/

Sunday Post: New Year 2013…12 Critical Parenting Goals

Posted on December 30, 2012 by viviankirkfield

As parents, what should our goals be for New Year 2013?

Jake at Time after Time has a Sunday Post Challenge and every week he provides a theme…this week’s theme is NEW YEAR 2013.

Here are 12 critical parenting goals for the New Year.

www.positiveparentalparticipation.com

1. Make sure your children get to go outside to play…fresh air and physical activity are so very important to a child’s good health.

DSCN5029 2. Encourage family time and activities for your child…participating with your child in a simple craft project takes just a few minutes…,but it builds self-esteem, develops stronger literacy skills and creates a life-long parent-child bond.

Here’s a wonderful book that gives 100’s of quick and easy activities for young kids: Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking

3. Help your child gain social skills by encouraging interaction with other kids.

filling muffin cups 4. Promote good eating habits…invite your child to help in the kitchen, provide nutritious foods and set definite times for meals.

Jeremy cleaning house with vacuum 5. Help your child develop a sense of responsibility by assigning chores and expecting your child to carry out age-appropriate tasks.

DSCN3517 jeremy at the zoo 3 6. Encourage your child to interact with the world and its inhabitants…visit zoos, museums, concerts and other places of interest.

free play, outdoor activities for kids 7. Help your child develop independence…but always keep your child safe.

DSCN0999 8. Encourage your child’s love and appreciation of nature and help him develop an awareness of the need to preserve and protect the environment.

viv reading with jake 9. Find time every day to read with your child…studies show that children who are read to on a daily basis are more successful in school…and in life.

Here’s a great resource for the perfect picture book: Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Page

10. Establish traditions that are right for your family…for example, hunting for just the right pumpkin for Halloween…the memory of these traditions will make a positive impact on your child throughout his life.

jeremy in bath 11. Help your child to feel good about his body and to learn good hygiene…for example, washing hands often and proper dental care.

Fishing Jeremy looking up at Grammy 12. Show and tell your child every day that you love him and care about him.

What goals do you have for New Year 2013…for yourself…for your children?

Want more information about Jake’s Sunday Post?

http://jakesprinters.wordpress.com/

Sunday Post: Architecture…Books Create a Strong Foundation (viviankirkfield.wordpress.com)
Sunday Post: Natural Resources…The Children of the World (viviankirkfield.wordpress.com)
Sunday Post: Peaceful…How to Create a Peaceful Home (viviankirkfield.wordpress.com)
Sunday Post: Concept…Are We Teaching Our Children to Gossip? (viviankirkfield.wordpress.com)

New Year’s Resolution 1: Acknowledge and Face Your Fears

Posted on December 27, 2012 by viviankirkfield

Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday where I link up with Susanna Leonard Hill’s fantastic group of picture book writers, illustrators, librarians and others who contribute a picture book review.

I hope your holidays were a beautiful time with family and friends. Now it’s almost the New Year…a time looking back to see what we have accomplished and looking ahead to make changes if necessary and set new goals. Our fears often hold us back…when you acknowledge and face your fears, you can move ahead. Children enjoy what is familiar and often fear changes in their lives.

My Perfect Picture Book Friday pick examines this theme.

Gila Monsters Meet You at the Airport

Written Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

Illustrated by Byron Barton

Publisher: MacMillan Publishing Company (1980)

Ages: 5 and up

Themes:

Overcoming fears, moving, new places, travel, trying new things

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

“I live at 165 East 95th Street, and I’m going to stay here forever.” says the young hero firmly. After all, out West nobody plays baseball because they’re too busy chasing buffaloes, and you have to ride a horse to school even if you don’t know how, and you can’t sit down because of the cactus. But his parents are moving West, and they say he has to go, too.

Once there, however, the boy doesn’t meet the Gila monsters he expected. And on the ride to his new home (by taxi, not horse) he discovers the West is neither as different nor as bad as he’d imagined.”

Why do I like this book:

Many people want to stay just where they are! And most children don’t look forward to moving to a new place that will be very different from what they were used to. This book will help any child who is facing this type of upheaval. I love the preconceived notions (mostly due to his best friend’s dire predictions) that slowly but surely are blown away as the main character travels to his new home out west with his family…and discovers that things (and people) are not all that different.

Related Activities:

In the story, the little boy worries that he will have to eat chili and beans for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Why not have your child help you make this delicious vegetarian chili…just perfect for a cold winter’s supper! Children who help with meal preparation are more likely to try new foods.

VEGETARIAN CHILI

You will need: 2 Tbs olive oil, 1 cup chopped onion, 2 Tb minced garlic, 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh), 1 cup canned red kidney beans and 1 cup pinto beans (rinse and drain the beans), ½ cup diced carrot, 2 tsp chili powder (optional), 1 Tb honey, ½ cup grated cheddar cheese, ½ cup yogurt and a large pan with a lid.

Heat oil in pan over medium heat.
Add onions…cook a few minutes while stirring.
Add garlic.
Add tomatoes, beans, carrots, chili powder and honey.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Garnish each serving with grated cheese and a dollop of yogurt.
Serves 6-8.
Important tip: You may want to do some of the prep beforehand…such as chopping the onions and mincing the garlic…we want our young cooks to be smiling, not crying. In addition, your child can help measure and mix into a bowl…and then you can add the ingredients to the pan…we don’t want young ones near hot pans or stoves.

More resources here: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/gila-monsters-meet-you-airport-lesson-plan

GIVE YOUR CHILD A HEAD START THIS NEW YEAR

Did your children get lots of new toys this Christmas? Or did you go for a more simple approach?

Young children don’t need fancy electronic gadgets…they only need a good picture book, a few simple inexpensive art supplies (like paper, crayons or markers, safety scissors and glue stick) and your positive participation.

If you are looking for a great resource that will give you 100 picture book summaries and easy matching craft and simple cooking activities like the vegetarian chili recipe above, you can purchase a copy on Amazon of Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking.

show me how build your child's self-esteem, positive parental participation

At $24.95, this book makes a PERFECT gift for any parent or teacher of children ages 2-8…as well as for daycare providers and grandparents. No batteries required…powered by a child’s imagination! Buy your copy today!

My website is still offering free shipping AND a beautiful hand-crafted fabric bookmark…limited time only! Offer ends December 30^th!

About two years ago, a New York Times article questioned the importance of picture books and predicted that parents would be opting for chapter books for their children instead. Now a recent New York Times article seems to be debating that premise: http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/12/26/what-books-are-just-right-for-the-young-reader/the-early-push-toward-chapter-books-is-a-mistake

What are your thoughts?