THIS WEEK'S GUEST IS AUTHOR JOYCE ANTHONY!

Joyce A. Anthony shares her PA home with her teenaged son, good friend, and a mini-zoo. Homeschooling mother, photographer, genealogist, animal advocate and psychologist are all roles that she fills in addition to freelance writer and editor. Joyce is the author of Storm, a spiritual fantasy and two books to be released in 2009: Spirit of the Stallion and Shattered Rainbow. She answers questions as an "expert" on bipolar disorder at AllExperts.com and is currently working on two additional blogs--one for bipolar disorder and one for Asperger's Syndrome.

Storm by Joyce Anthony

Who he is and why he's here is a mystery even to Storm-a mystery that can only be answered within the whirling rainbow. His search puts him in touch with many of society's forgotten people; he changes their lives and heals their souls. When he finds the answer to his identity, the world is changed forever. You'll aske yourself: Is it only a fantasy--or is it real?

EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK!!

The wind whipped against the lighthouse, shaking it so fiercely that Sam could picture it toppling into the stormy sea. Waves pounded the rocks and halfway up the sides of the lighthouse—waves that were twice Sam's height. His thin frame tightened as he braced for each violent shake from the waves that fed hungrily on the wind. Sending a silent prayer skyward, Sam checked to make sure the light was still working. Weather like this could easily send an unfortunate ship spinning into the rocks, shattering it to mere splinters in seconds. The light continuously spun, sending its warning outward.
There's something different in this storm, Sam thought as he made his way to the lower level of the lighthouse. Another wave rattled the windows in the area Sam called home. "Yes, indeed," he mumbled out loud. "Something is definitely different."

Amazon Link: http://www.storm.2freedom.com/
Website: http://joyceanthony.tripod.com
Blog: Books and Authors http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCU-D9W72E4

KATHY STEMKE'S WEB ADDRESSES:
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TELESEMINAR: PREVIEW CALL FOR NEW TEACHER COACHING PROGRAM

No matter how determined we are, sometimes we just aren’t ready to see the big picture in terms of how we would like to see ourselves engaging our students more successfully. Yet, when our presentations or lessons DON’T go according to our plan, that is often the time when we are one step closer to seeing the bigger picture.

So join Dorit Sasson and me this Thursday, January 29th at 7pm EASTERN for a FREE teleseminar on “Creating a Clearer Vision to Help You Engage Your Students More Effectively!” This teleseminar is actually a FREE preview call for New Teacher Coaching Program where you’ll find out why so many new teachers don’t manage to become successful at engaging their students On this call, you will also receive tips so you CAN become a successful and confident teacher in 2009! Go to Dorit’s website for more information. http://newteacherresourcecenter.com/
Hope to talk with you soon!

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Back to Basics – Tips for Elementary School Teachers

Now that the holiday season is over, it is a great time to take a look at things we as teachers can work on. In elementary schools, there are still some negative people out there influencing children and creating a disdain and reluctance in students that will last far beyond this school year. For teachers who feel they are losing patience, take a look at this list and try to use these things in your classroom every day. Your students will certainly be better off as a result.

Encourage Curiosity

There is a time and place for everything, and where better for students to ask questions than in school? Although it may sometimes become trying and seem like a waste of time, kids are naturally curious and if they are discouraged from asking questions at a young age, they will fall far short of their potential. Setting aside a bit of time each day for answering questions or even actively writing them down will help foster this wonderful trait.

Keep Making Learning Fun

There is always a way to make learning fun and interesting, so look for new ways to disseminate information. Some may argue that it will not always be fun, but I beg to differ; think about teacher in-services—the ones that are fun involve many different learning styles and allow you to interact with your peers. Students crave this kind of authentic learning experience and will retain more information as a result.

Be Firm, Don’t Belittle

There is a big difference between being an effective disciplinarian and just being mean. Children respond better when treated well, yet firm. Have you ever walked down the hallway and heard a colleague yelling at a child? Not only is the child in question affected, but so is the entire class, as well as the teacher. Why go through this voluntarily? Make a conscious choice and be civil and firm with your students, regardless of how you or they have behaved in the past.

Foster Their Love for Learning

Somewhere along the way, students start losing interest in what is being taught to them. Finding ways to keep their attention regardless of the material will show that everything has value and is worth learning. Foster their love for learning by not always making a point of only studying what’s “good for them.” Learning about a wide variety of topics and subjects is the best path toward having well-rounded students.

By-line:
This post was contributed by Holly McCarthy, who writes on the subject of college degree programs online. She invites your feedback at hollymccarthy12 at gmail dot com

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THANKS TO ALL WHO SIGNED UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER!!

I've had a wonderful response to my monthly newsletter, "MOVEMENT AND RHYTHM." Thank you for all the positive feedback. Please indicate whether it would be OK to use your reviews on my blog.

Due to popular demand, next month I'm going to add a children's book review section. Some of these books will also have activity suggestions for the classroom!

If there are other topics that you would like to see included, please just email me with your suggestions. I hope this newsletter will be useful to parents, teachers and authors of children's books.

NEWSLETTER EXCERPTS:

Balance game–
How long can you balance on your tip toes?
Balance on one foot
Balance- two hands-two feet with hips up in the air
Balance on two hands and two feet with tummy up in the air
Balance on one hand and two feet.......

I SEE game-
When I say, “I SEE……….”
You say, “WHAT DO YOU SEE?”
Whatever I say next is what you have to pretend to be.
galloping horses
Jumping frogs
3 legged dog......

NEWSLETTER REVIEWS:

Both parents and teachers of small children will want to subscribe to Movement and Rhythm, a valuable new resource from educator and children's author, Kathy Stemke. This free newsletter is chock full of original articles, activities, and other offers to make education and teaching more fun and effective both inside and outside the classroom.

Suzanne Lieurance
The Working Writer's Coach
http://www.workingwriterscoach.com

I love your newsletter! As a classroom teacher working for the school district I am required to document my on-going "professional development." Frankly, it can become very boring. Your content is set up in easy to read blocks and the way it is written translates immediately into something I can do right now with the kids.
Please continue with this awesome resource!

Versana Polidore
Thomas Gibbs Elementary School
Classroom teacher


Kathy Stemke's "Movement and Rhythm" Newsletter is a must read for all parents and teachers of little ones. I remember having my children clean their rooms to music, as we sang little songs. Learning through movement and rhythm is a good means for teaching many things, as well as helping children learn to appreciate music. After all, many of us still sing the Alphabet Song to ourselves when we need to check the alphabet.

Vivian Gilbert Zabel
Publisher 4RV, Author, Educator
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SIGN UP NOW for the "MOVEMENT AND RHYTHM" newsletter!

It's finally done! The first issue of the "MOVEMENT AND RHYTHM" newsletter is full of the latest information, activities, and games for the home or the classroom. This issue addresses topics like: "Why Use Movement to Teach?" "Musical Consonants in Action," and "Activities for Gross Motor Skills." You'll be updated on educationtipster's upcoming events like the Virtual Book Tour and the FREE teacher teleseminars in February. Just sign up on Kathy Stemke's blog:http://educationtipster.blogspot.com.

Here's some excerpts:

"Why Use Movement to Teach?"

.....Recent studies link cognitive skills to motor skill development. Scientists now say that because a child’s earliest learning is based on motor development, so too is much of the knowledge that follows. They have found that the cerebellum, the part of the brain previously thought to control only motor activities, is a “virtual switchboard of cognitive activity.” Scientists have demonstrated a connection between the cerebellum and such cognitive functions as memory, spatial orientation, attention, language, and decision making......

"Musical Consonants in Action"

If you’re happy and you know it, bounce around b b.
If you’re happy and you know it, bounce around b, b.
If your happy and you know it, then you’re face will surely show it.
If you’re happy and you know it, bounce around b, b.....

If your happy and you know it, creep along c, c...etc

NEWSLETTER REVIEWS:

Both parents and teachers of small children will want to subscribe to Movement and Rhythm, a valuable new resource from educator and children's author, Kathy Stemke. This free newsletter is chock full of original articles, activities, and other offers to make education and teaching more fun and effective both inside and outside the classroom.

Suzanne Lieurance
The Working Writer's Coach
http://www.workingwriterscoach.com

I love your newsletter! As a classroom teacher working for the school district I am required to document my on-going "professional development." Frankly, it can become very boring. Your content is set up in easy to read blocks and the way it is written translates immediately into something I can do right now with the kids.
Please continue with this awesome resource!

Versana Polidore
Thomas Gibbs Elementary School
Classroom teacher


Kathy Stemke's "Movement and Rhythm" Newsletter is a must read for all parents and teachers of little ones. I remember having my children clean their rooms to music, as we sang little songs. Learning through movement and rhythm is a good means for teaching many things, as well as helping children learn to appreciate music. After all, many of us still sing the Alphabet Song to ourselves when we need to check the alphabet.

Vivian Gilbert Zabel
Publisher 4RV, Author, Educator
http://viviangilbertzabel.com/

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VBT hosts Author Deborah Ramos

An Aarmory of Aardvarks, A Zeal of Zebras by Deborah Ramos

They’re compelling. They’re clever. They’re collective nouns! An Aarmory of Aardvarks, A Zeal of Zebras takes the reader on a lively tour of animal group names from A to Z, a fresh approach to collective nouns, presenting only the most unique and colorful groups. The group naming of beasts dates back to 15th century Medieval England when hunters needed to know the names of their quarry. Sidebars explain why wolves hunt in packs, how zebras protect themselves, and how far butterflies travel in the winter. The adventure begins with the letter A. An Aarmory of Aardvarks, shy and nocturnal, leads us to the letter B. A Brood of Jellyfish, fluid and transparent, floats across the page to the letter C. A Crash of Rhinos, with keen hearing and poor eyesight, charges their way to the letter D. A Drift of Swine, stout and thick skinned, wallows their way to the letter E. Letter by letter animals crash, flutter and quiver across the pages. Wait until you see what’s heating up with the letter X!

An Aarmory of Aardvarks, A Zeal of Zebras offers an imaginative combination of learning and visual pleasure. It is designed to appeal to a wide range of ages, from five to adult. The language is simple and fast paced keeping the readers attention all the way to the letter Z. Included is a brief history of the group naming of animals and several fact-filled sidebars. Educators and parents can utilize Aarmory of Aardvarks, A Zeal of Zebras as a teaching tool to stimulate topics such as why animals live in groups, or how they behave within their environment. Children and students can do further research to discover more collective nouns, and challenge their creativity to come up with their own. Increase a child’s vocabulary, imagination, and desire to learn by stocking your shelves with An Aarmory of Aardvarks, A Zeal of Zebras, a must have for any bookstore, library, or classroom.

Welcome, Deborah, here a a few questions from our bloggers.

1. Why did you write about collective nouns?
I was writing a story about Africa, and in my research, I found a website that listed animals in alphabetical order, along with their group name. It sparked an interest, and I dug deeper. I thought it would be more fun to create a list of group names in alphabetical order. And the search began. It was fun for me, and I learned a lot about collective nouns and animals. Group names can bring to mind such interesting images, such as a prickling of porcupines; you can almost FEEL those, pokey, prickly quills.

2. What is your favorite collective noun?
It’s hard to say, there’s so many. But I think the most interesting one is an Escargatoire of Snails. I imagine a little snail party crawling in circles on a plate, oozing in an out of butter pats and garlic cloves. I love a Pandemonium of Parrots; can’t you just hear them squawking in the trees? What an image that conjures up.

3. What would your collective noun be for readers enjoying your book?
Now that’s a challenge. How about a Richness of Readers, a Bunch of Booklovers, or a Brigade of Bookworms.

4. Do you have lots of animals?
I’ve always had pets growing up. And I have quite a collection now. I have two cats, two noisy parakeets, a variety of tropical fish, and a ball python named Mercury. Mercury sheds his skin and donates it to my art projects.

5. What’s next for you?
I have works in progress I need to finish and stories I need to polish up. I have new ideas that need to be put on paper before I forget. I’m also working on two poetry chapbooks.

If you wish to travel across the pages of An Aarmory of Aardvarks, A Zeal of Zebras, you can pre-order the book directly from the publisher, WindstormCreative at:
http://www.windstormcreative.com/academy/25805.htm .

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Letter from Cheryl Falvey general counsel to the CPSC

Small publishing houses might have reason to hope!! Cheryl Falvey, general counsel to the CPSC, responded to a letter from Allan Adler concerning books and the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. Falvey's response appeared to exempt "ordinary books" from the law, BUT, wait, she goes on to contradict herself in the course of her "clarification." Check out the letter yourself at: http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/advisory/323.pdf

Cheryl Falvey's e mail address and phone number:
cfalvey@cpsc.gov
(301) 504-7642


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SNOWFLAKE PEOPLE PUPPETS RECITE POEMS!

Jane Yolen's book, "Snow, Snow: Winter Poems for Children", is rich with short, easy to recite poems about the snow. Beautiful color photographs capture the different moods of snow presented in different locations. This entire book is a work of art, as the layouts vary to add variety to the mostly white images and black text and the poems so perfectly express the picture they are pared with.

Make snowflake people puppets to recite one of Ms.Yolen’s short winter poems. Or after reading the book of winter poems, go out and take snow pictures of your own. Create your own short poem and have your snow puppet recite it to the class.

Make your puppet by first making both large and small snow flakes. Cut out and color a simple boy template with legs wide apart and a girl template wearing a skirt. Use the large snowflakes for the legs and skirt, and use the small snowflakes as hands and hair. Put the puppet on a twig or stick and you’re ready for a puppet poem recital.


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Sight Words: Tips for Parents

Just click on the link below to read the rest of this great article! Sight Words: Tips for Parents
Parents are often asked to help their children learn the sight words which are esstential to becoming a fluent reader. Use the tips and activities in this article to help your child succeed.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1006776/sight_words_tips_for_parents.html

MINI MATH PUZZLES

This math worksheet is a great way to discover if the children have trouble with their weights and measurements. It's great for 3rd grade through adults! (maybe some really smart 2nd graders as well) The order of operation comes into play on a couple of the examples. I use the word PEMDAS to remind the kids that the order you do the math is parenthesis, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction.

1. Multiply the # of legs on an octopus times the number of sides on a triangle. Next, add the # of legs on an ant to the answer and subtract the # of wheels on 8 unicycles. Finally, subtract the # of quarts in a gallon. What’s the answer?

2. Multiply the # of sides of a pentagon times the # of days in the week and add the # of months in a year. Next, subtract the # of wheels on four bicycles and and subtract the # of hours in a day. What’s the answer?

3. Multiply the # of legs on a spider times the # of sides on a quadrilateral. Next, add the # of degrees in a circle and subtract the # of seconds in a minute. Finally, subtract the # of ounces in a pound. What’s the answer?

4. Multiply the # of inches in a foot times the # of years in a decade. Next, add the # of days in a non-leap year and subtract the # of days in December. Finally, subtract the # of eggs in 3-dozen eggs. What’s the answer?

5. Multiply the # of feet in a mile by the # of years in a century. Next, divide your answer by the # of pints in a quart and subtract the # of days in a leap year times a century. Then subtract the # of eyes on 10,000 people. What’s the answer?

6. Multiply the # of ounces in a cup times the # of months it takes to have a normal baby and subtract the # of wheels on 5 tricycles. Next, add the # of horns on 20 unicorns and subtract the # of days in November. What’s the number?


ANSWERS KEY

1. 8 X 3 + 6 – 8 – 4= 18
2. 5 X 7+12-8 –24 = 15
3. 8 X 4 + 360 – 60 – 16 = 316
4. 12 X 10 + 365 – 31 – 36 = 418
5. 5,280 X 100 divided by 2 – (2 x 10,000) = 207,400
6. 8 x 9 – 15 + 20 – 30 = 47

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Poet Harry Gilleland

Mr. Gilleland has a way of going back in time, and pulling his experiences forward, making them relevant for today. Let's look at some beautiful excerpts in Poetic Musings of an Old Fat Man

Excerpt from: THE PLEASURES OF OLD-FASHIONED LETTERS

Letters from loved ones were treasured...
lovingly handwritten, bestowed
with lipstick-kiss seal...true pleasures
worth keeping, bundled,ribbon-bowed.

Excerpt from: WHAT PEOPLE VALUE

I greatly value my reputation for telling the truth.
An old boss thought this made me quite a fool.
Dependability and honesty I learned as a youth.
Deceiving or lying was for him an everyday tool.




REVIEWS:

“Thoughtful, funny, & full of wisdom …I thoroughly enjoyed "Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man" from start to end. I was a little surprised at my reaction to this book, because while I enjoy poems, I am usually not as enthusiastic about books of poetry as I was about this compilation. The third collection by this author is definitely one not to miss reading. Harry Gilleland is a very talented writer, … The collection of poems includes stories about every aspect of life. Some of the poems left me with tears in my eyes, while others had me laughing about life's lighter side. … I applaud Gilleland on creating such a well written, thought provoking book. It is one that I will definitely read again. I highly recommend "Poetic Musing of an Old, Fat Man" to anyone who is looking for an enjoyable book to read this summer or for someone who is looking for a gift to buy for that person who has everything.” By Cherie Fisher for Reader Views

“One of the true purposes of poetry for a reader is not just to discover what the poet was intending to convey, but to find how you relate to the poem. Gilleland does a superb job of presenting an array of poems that are easy to understand and will certainly capture the attention, and the heart, of every reader. …. Verse after verse, this poet is to be commended for his true talent with words.” By Shannon L. Yarbrough

“Harry Gilleland often uses his storoems and poems to reveal life in its glory and its despair. This collection is not different. … ‘Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man’ offers something for every one in over 150 pages, which contain rhyming poems and storoems, two limericks, acrostic poems, and free verse poems.” By Vivian Zabel

“All in all, I highly recommend this book. Not only will the poems entertain you, but they will also stimulate your mind, as you begin to ponder some of the lessons they put forth. … Very insightful!” By Kristina N. Fountain

“This book illustrates my point that seniors should consider expressing their lives and their thoughts in poetic form. This book provides an interesting tour through the author's mind. … Gilleland's observations about life … ring true.” By Marlys M. Styne

“These are poems that often feel like having a light bulb switched on in your brain and after reading the poem you unconsciously cry out ‘eureka!’…
Probably one of the most outstanding qualities of Gilleland's poetry is his ability in proving that any topic or theme, if handled skillfully, can be transferred into persuasive poetry. This is effectuated with his balancing of his personal convictions and fervour with imaginative meticulousness that speaks to us at another level and touches us in a similar way as music. Moreover, Gilleland employs very little ornamentation in his poetry, which is one of the prime reasons why they contain meaningful content that leave a lasting impression. … Most of poems have a conversational rhythm containing a great deal of bluntness and a clear expression of emotions that brilliantly portray the work of a mature self-confident gentleman who knows what life is all about.” By
Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor Bookpleasures

“I must admit that poetry is not my favorite medium. Too often the author rambles on, not conveying his/her point. However, ‘Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat, Man’ is an awesome book. Harry E. Gilleland, Jr. has a talent for poetry. He conveys his message with a unique style that is easy to understand and that brings emotion to his readers. I was hooked from the first poem, … I will long cherish ‘Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat, Man’ and highly recommend it to others.” By Debra Gaynor for ReviewYourBook.com


Expresses emotions..., May 25, 2008 By Debra Gaynor "Debra Gaynor" (Hawesville, KY USA) -
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for ReviewYourBook.com 5/08: I must admit that poetry is not my favorite medium. Too often the author rambles on, not conveying his/her point. However, Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat, Man is an awesome book. Harry E. Gilleland, Jr. has a talent for poetry. He conveys his message with a unique style that is easy to understand and that brings emotion to his readers. I was hooked from the first poem, "Let Her be A Weed." He beautifully expresses the desire of my heart for my daughter and granddaughters. I hope they will always be weeds--beautiful, strong-willed, and firmly rooted, able the withstand the harsh winters. I will long cherish Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat, Man and highly recommend it to others.

Purchase Information for :

Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man

From Publisher: http://www.lulu.com/content/2057931

From Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Poetic-Musings-Old-Fat-Man/dp/1435712420/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1210286150&sr=1-4
From Barnes & Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?WRD=poetic+musings+of+an+old%2C+fat+man


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POEM NOMINATED-PLEASE VOTE!

My poem, "An Empty Stage" has been nominated by the Predators and Editors Poll. Please take a minute to read it, then follow the link if you want to vote for me.

Come back tomorrow for more on author Harry Gilleland and his book, "Poetic Musings of an Old Fat Man."

AN EMPTY STAGE


Coiled torso frozen on an empty stage,

a living sculpture trapped and placed

with no gown of tulle to hide her age

but with weeping knees below her waist.



Framed in light her insides groan

with pent up passion poised for release,

she now waits long and alone

for rhythm to carry her into peace.



But I remember her unencumbered

prance, so light for one who was held down

by unfulfilled dreams remembered,

floating above her tattered gown.



Kathy Stemke 2008



Thanks, God bless! Click here to vote: http://www.critters.org/predpoll/poem.shtml


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Virtual Book Tour:Harry Gilleland

I'm pleased to host poet Harry Gilleland Jr. this week. I've had the pleasure of reading his latest book of poems entitled, "Poetic Musings of an Old Fat Man." His book speaks of simple subjects like getting older, loving, and living in this complex world with a charm and grace developed through his years of experience.

Harry E. Gilleland, Jr. is a 64-year-old southerner. Born and raised in Macon, Georgia, he earned a B.S. and a M.S. in Microbiology from the University of Georgia in Athens. Following three years of service in the U.S. Army as a captain, including a tour of duty in Vietnam, he returned to earn a Ph.D. in Microbiology from UGA in 1973. In July of 1975 he joined the faculty of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. After twenty-nine years of teaching microbiology to medical and graduate students and performing vaccine research, Harry retired in July of 2004. Today Harry lives in Shreveport with his wonderful wife Linda and their Corgi, Rusty. Harry enjoys being able to engage in his passion for writing full-time.

Harry has previously published three books of his personal poetry: Poetry For The Common Man: Storoems and Poems (2003, ISBN 1411600649), Gilleland Poetry: Storoems and Poems (2005, ISBN 1411629272), and Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man (2008, ISBN 978-1-4357-1242-3). In addition, Harry has published two books of prose, a tale of fantasy entitled Bob the Dragon Slayer (2005, ISBN 1411633156) and a contemporary romance story entitled White Lightning Road (2006, ISBN 978-1-4116-8693-9).

Harry Gilleland’s poetry has been included in four multi-author print anthologies of poems and short stories, in several poetry e-zines, and on numerous Internet poetry forums, in addition to his own three published collections. His storoems (story-poems) and poems are readily accessible to all readers, including those who do not regularly read poetry. Harry views the world with a poet’s eye.

To see Harry's books: http://www.lulu.com/harry
To see Harry's book covers and samples of his poetry:
http://www.gillelands.com/poetry/

Here are some wonderful excerpts from his latest book.

THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA

America is many things,
a land filled with contradictions,
a wonderous place where dreams sprout wings....
blocked by poverty's affliction.

.....

Love for equality, freedom
fills each true American heart.
Our founding fathers' great wisdom
made us forever stand apart.

VIPER IN THEIR HOUSE
When speaking about adultery he writes:

There is a viper in their house.
It's managed to stay out of view
after being let loose by the spouse.

.....

Be it husband or wife who is to blame,
these mates never forget the viper's bite.
One must live with anger, the other shame.

Check back in two days for more of this interesting author and his poems.

Special news from Kathy Stemke:

I recently joined the staff of The National Writing for Children Center. I will be writing a monthly article which will feature some great children's books with activities and games that can be used at home or in the classroom. Please take a look. Happy New Year! http://writingforch ildrencenter. com/


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