Parents: Have You Told Your Kids?

Posted on January 23, 2012 by viviankirkfield

Image via Wikipedia

In only a few weeks it will be Valentine’s Day.

I’ve been asked to write a special letter to my children about how I met their father. It will appear in Bob Brody’s Letters to My Kids. I’ll post it here after Bob publishes it.

Bob has appeared on the CBS Early Morning Show and his mission to encourage parents to write letters to their children to pass along the family history has been written up in the New York Times and other respected newspapers and magazines.

He has put together a fun survey that includes questions like: have you told your kids how you met your spouse? Bob has asked me to spread the word to parents. The survey takes just a couple of minutes. He is looking to get at least 100 responses…why not give it a try. I did!

You can click on the links above or follow this link below.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W6QRZ52

I know Bob will appreciate your response to the survey.

10 awesome Valentine’s day ideas (amomwithalessonplan.com)
4 Sweet Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Your Kids (celebritybabies.people.com)
Simple Expressions Of Love (thismansjourney.net)
Printable Valentine Cards From Hello!Lucky (craftzine.com)
Julianne Moore Debuts Valentine’s Day Cards for Charity (celebritybabies.people.com)

Have You Seen This Movie?

Posted on January 22, 2012 by viviankirkfield

In 2003, 13-year old surfer, Bethany Hamilton, lost her arm to a shark attack.

Soul Surfer tells the story of her miraculous recovery and re-entry into the world of competitive surfing.

The movie was released in 2011 and stars AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt and features singer Carrie Underwood in her first film role.

This is not a movie for young children, but it is definitely a must-see for parents. Bethany’s parents support and embrace her in every direction she takes. The love and the positive affirmation she receives from her family are major contributing factors in Bethany’s acceptance of herself. When Bethany joins a Christian mission in tsunami and earthquake-ravaged Thailand, she discovers that while she may have lost her arm, others have lost everything. This experience helps Bethany put her situation in the proper perspective and she is able to encourage and motivate others to have the courage to live.

For more information about the movie, you can visit Soul Surfer on Wikipedia.

Home movie night is just one way for families to cut down on expenses. I got the DVD of Soul Surfer from our local library for free.

Do you and your children have a library card? Do you make good use of this amazing community resource? If you haven’t already done so, please check out your library…many libraries have amazing programs for children and adults of all ages. The librarian can assist you in finding wonderful picture books that you can share with us in the 2012 PPP Challenge to read every day with your children.

No Rules…Just Read!

Project 365: Perfect Picture Book Friday – Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready For Bed?

Posted on January 20, 2012 by viviankirkfield

Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready For Bed

Written and illustrated by Barney Saltzman

Publishers: Candlewick Press

Ages 2 – 7

Themes:

Mastering tasks and skills, bedtime routines and father-son relationships.

Opening:

“Cornelius P. Mud, do you know what time it is?”

Synopsis:

It’s bedtime at the Mud household. Cornelius’ father asks if he is ready for bed. Cornelius answers “yes” to each of his father’s questions. Did you put your pajamas on? Did you feed your fish? Did you brush your teeth? The hilarious illustrations reveal that Cornelius and his father have different ideas about what constitutes getting ready for bed. Should he really be feeding his fish chocolate chip cookies? And wait till you see what he puts on his toothbrush. (Hint: it’s NOT toothpaste) But the most important thing Cornelius needs to remember is that his father truly loves him.

Why do I like this book:

This is a story that every parent and child can relate to. Many parents have trouble establishing bedtime routines. And most young children LOVE to procrastinate and put off going to bed. During my Show Me How Story-time programs, the kindergarten children can’t wait to talk about what is wrong with Cornelius’ pajama choice. They love counting the pile of books that Cornelius has chosen for his father to read…nineteen! And they gasp with horror as they watch Cornelius put chocolate chip cookies in the fish bowl. The book is funny and a joy to read and listen to…but it also encourages children to think about what activities they need to perform as they get ready for their own bedtimes while sending a beautiful message about a father’s love for his son.

Related Activities:

No Tick-Tock Clock (From Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking)

Telling time is an important skill that young children need to learn…even in these days of digital clocks. Here is a simple clock with movable hands that a young child can make and set to a special time…lunchtime, playdate time or bedtime.

You will need: 1 dark piece of construction paper, 1 circle cut from light construction paper (about 6 inches in diameter), 1 metal paper fastener, 2 “hands” cut from dark construction paper, marker or crayon, glue stick.

1. Poke a hole in the center of the construction paper circle.

2. Write the numbers in the correct order around the inside edge of the circle…draw the 12, 3, 6 and 9 first…then fill in the other numbers. If the children are doing the numbers themselves, this will help them leave enough space for the rest of the numbers.

3. Glue the circle onto the center of the larger piece of construction paper.

4. Poke through the center hole and also the two “hands” and attach the hands with the metal paper fastener. The hands should be able to turn.

This post is part of a series for parents and teachers called Perfect Picture Book Fridays hosted by Susannah Leonard Hill. Click on her link and find lots of other picture book suggestions with summaries and activities.