Sizzling Hot Summer Special for Writers or "Wanna Be" Writers!

From the owner of DKV Writing 4 U, Karen Cioffi: As a super special way of welcoming Kathy Stemke on board as an editor and freelance writer, we are having a SUPER SPECIAL. With these affordable—yet limited time so act now—prices, you can’t afford to pass up this amazing opportunity.

NOW ON TO THE GOOD STUFF:

Guidelines:
• Special begins July 1, 2010
• Special ends July 15, 2010
• Queries begin immediately

EDITING AND CRITIQUE SPECIAL

Picture books and articles:
$15 up to 500 words (regularly $25)
$30 up to 1000 words (regularly $40)

Chapter books and middle grade
$2 per page, minimum of $50 for project (regularly $3 per page)
One page is equivalent to 250 words, 12 font

Note: 12 font Arial or Times New Roman is preferred
Feedback will be provided with each edit

EXTRA SPECIAL – FREEBIES

FREE fiction for nonfiction book proofing and critique
(1000 word limit – first 2 query/requests)

FREE blogger site creation (first query/request)

FREE 1 page press release (first query/request)
Up to 250 words

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E-BOOK SPECIAL:

5 page e-book, on a topic you choose, for $25.00
10 page e-book, on a topic you choose, for $50.00

The e-book may or may not include pictures – we reserve the right to make the final decision on this.

Rules:
1. One per customer
2. We reserve the right to refuse your query if necessary
3. You will be asked to provide topic information, and/or an outline, and author info
3. Turn around time will depend on the number of requests, but should be within one month (difficult topics may take longer)
4. Half the cost down upfront, and the balance when the e-book is complete
5. You will be able to claim the e-book as your own (we are the ghostwriter)

Your e-book will be emailed to you as a pdf file after payment is received in full. Payment is to be made through PayPal as a personal payment.

This is a GREAT offer, and for a LIMITED time only. Act now.
Use our contact page or email us at: dkvwriting4u@yahoo.com
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Depending on number of requests, turnaround time will be between 2-4 weeks. We reserve the right to extend turn around an additional 2 weeks or more if needed.

You can and should, query us now and get your book in the queue.

NOTE: We will make every effort to accept all requests, but if circumstances warrant and we need to dismiss a query, we will provide an explanation to the party involved.

Query us at karenrcfv at yahoo dot com or dkvwriting4u@yahoo.com with the following (please put DKV July Special in the subject box):

1. Your name and email address
2. Genre
3. Word and page count of completed manuscript
4. Short blurb of what the book is about
5. Any other pertinent information

Payment: Payment can be via Paypal or check through snail mail. You have the option of paying half before we begin and the rest once I tell you the manuscript is complete, or the full amount right away.

For more information, or to send your requests: email Karen at: karenrcfv at yahoo dot com or dkvwriting4u@yahoo.com Please put DKV July Special in the subject box.

AND, please do not send attachments before contacting us.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE SUPER SPECIAL PRICES AND FREEBIE OFFERS (you’ll need to act right now to get the freebies since they are limited).

For more information go to the DKV Writing 4 U website!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.htmlhttp://kathystemke.weebly.comFollow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemkeFollow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile

TEACHERS GUIDE TO GOOGLE WAVE!

HI FRIENDS. I FOUND THIS INTERESTING ARTICLE ON ONLINE DEGREE.

Google Applications have already proven themselves as extremely valuable tools for educators of all types, and the launch of Google Wave for general use in 2010 continued the internet juggernaut’s dominance in shaping the future of how people communicate. Unsurprisingly, their dynamic, interactive Wave communities provide a glut of opportunities for savvy teachers eager to embrace the latest technological developments.

At its core, Google Wave seeks to provide a means of organizing and streamlining projects involving a group of people. Anyone approved to participate in a particular community wields the power to edit and change information to keep others updated on any changes, challenges, and progress involving the goal at hand. This interface certainly improves upon the old system of group e-mails, phone calls, notes, and other scattered bits of information that could easily overwhelm all group members. Google Wave’s all-inclusive environment definitely allows newcomers to the specified projects a quicker means of soaking up all the data may have missed had they been forced to scan a plethora of e-mails, instant messages, and voice mails. Best of all, users have the option of making their collaborations either public or private, so anyone concerned about confidential research need not worry about sneaky leaks.

CONTINUE TO READ THIS ARTICLE: http://www.onlinedegree.net/the-educator%E2%80%99s-guide-to-google-wave/

KATHY STEMKE'S WEBSITES:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.htmlhttp://kathystemke.weebly.comFollow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemkeFollow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile

IMMEDIATE REWARD FOR APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR IN CHILDREN

HeliumThe importance of immediate reward for appropriate behavior in early childhood

Kathy's websites:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.htmlhttp://kathystemke.weebly.comFollow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemkeFollow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile

Preschool Music and Movement Activities!

HeliumFavorite music activities for the preschool classroom

Kathy's websites:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.htmlhttp://kathystemke.weebly.comFollow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemkeFollow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile

Kathy Stemke Joins the Team at DKV Writing 4 U

Author, Editor, and Freelance Writer Kathy Stemke
Joins the Team at DKV Writing 4 U http://dkvwriting4u.com

As a super special way of welcoming Kathy Stemke on board as an editor and freelance writer, we are having a SUPER SPECIAL July 1st through July 15th, 2010. Stop by our site for the details to this special and to learn more about Kathy Stemke.

DKV Writing 4 U is a writing service that includes ghostwriting, copywriting, editing, proofreading, critiquing, media releases, and much more.

With experienced and professional writers, we offer quality work at affordable prices. In addition, there is a FREE gift just for visiting. And, if you subscribe to our site, you will receive another FREE e-book about writing and/or marketing.

DKV Writing 4 U strives to help writers on their journey toward publication; businesses increase visibility and opportunities; and for those just starting out, we even help with blog and website creation.

Karen Cioffi is an author, ghostwriter, and freelance writer; co-moderator of a children’s critique group; a reviewer for multiple sites; and founder and manager of VBT Writers on the Move.

Learn more about DKV Writing 4 U and our special offers at: http://dkvwriting4u.com
Learn about the DKV Writing Team at: http://www.dkvwriting4u.com/dkv-writing-team/

Kathy Stemke's websites:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.htmlhttp://kathystemke.weebly.comFollow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemkeFollow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile

FATHER'S DAY POEM FOR A CARD

Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.htmlhttp://kathystemke.weebly.comFollow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemkeFollow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile

I Won the Awesomous Maximus Award!

Awesomous Maximus Award:
I'd like to thank Susanne Drazic for this adorable award.
Visit her blog:http://susannedrazic.blogspot.com/

Now I'd like to pass the Awesomous Maximus Award on to the following people (click on the names to go to their blogs):
Mayra Calavani
Nancy C. Lepri
Crystalee Calderwood
Katie Hines
Bill Kirk

Kathy's websites:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.htmlhttp://kathystemke.weebly.comFollow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemkeFollow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile

CIRCLE GAMES BY RAE PICA

The following activities are excerpts from Rae Pica's book, Great Games for Young Children.Over 100 Games to Develop Self-Confidence, Problem-Solving Skills, & Cooperation

Rae Pica has been a movement education consultant for 25 years. She is nationally known for her lively workshops and keynote speeches and has shared her expertise with such groups as the Sesame Street Research Department, the Head Start Bureau, Gymboree Play & Music Centers, The Centers for Disease Control, and Nickelodeon's Blue's Clues. She lives in New Hampshire.

Circles bring about a sense of community -- of belonging -- that no other formation offers. Whether the children are holding hands or simply sitting side by side, the circle is a symbol of togetherness. It allows them to see and hear everyone else. To remain part of the circle, children must accept the rules and role assigned. Recognition of others and both verbal and nonverbal communication are among the social skills fostered "in the round."

Name Ball. This simple game is a great way for children to get to know one another's names at the start of the school year. Later, it can be used to impart other pertinent information about each child.

Ask the children to stand in a large circle. One child starts by saying his name and then gently passes a small, easy-to-grip ball to the child to either his right or left, who must then say her name as she catches the ball. The process continues around the circle until all of the children have said their names. Then, to help the children more quickly remember each other's name, reverse the process.

Once the children know each other's names, have them call out the name of the person to whom they're tossing the ball.

Movement Mimic. This is similar to the old game of Gossip, where one player begins by whispering something into the ear of the next player, who in turn whispers it to the next player, and so on all the way around the circle. But, here, instead of trying to get the same words all the way around, the children try to replicate the same movement.

Standing, form a circle with the children and begin by choosing an action that each child must take turns imitating until it comes back to you. For instance, you might gently squeeze the hand of the child to your right, and she must do the same to the child on her right, and so on around the circle (i.e., sequential movement).

The Spokes of the Wheel Go 'Round & 'Round. Ask the children if they've seen the spokes on a bicycle wheel. Talk to them about the concept before starting this game.

Ask the children to stand in a close circle, each child facing someone else's back. The children then extend their arms toward the inside of the circle so everyone's hands are touching. They then go 'round and 'round, like a bicycle wheel, trying to keep all the spokes attached!

Do As I Say. This game requires concentration! Start off slowly -- speak slowly and give just a few commands at a time. Even if you notice children aren't getting it quite right, just smile and move right along to the next challenge.

The children stand in a circle, with you in the center. Explain that you're going to give them a short list of things to do but that they're not to do them until you've completed the list. Then present such challenges as:

· Jump forward, jump backward.
· Clap twice, blink your eyes.
· Turn yourself around, give yourself a hug.
· Touch your knees, touch your head.
· Clap twice, blink your eyes, turn around.

With older, more experienced children, you can extend the list of commands even further. They may not be able to "clap twice, blink eyes, turn around, give yourself a hug," but they'll have fun trying!

Book Review

"For those of us who believe that 'play is the right of every child,' this collection of non-competitive, non-embarrassing, non-eliminating, and yet fun and instructional games for young children, is highly welcomed in the early childhood community! I love the way Rae describes why each game is important in terms of cognitive, social/emotional, and physical benefits thus helping teachers articulate to parents and administrators that play is an 'essential part' of any curriculum for young children."

Marcy Guddemi,
Early Childhood Curriculum Specialist

These games, along with their variations, appear in Great Games for Young Children (Gryphon House, 2006) by Rae Pica.

The games in this book provide benefits for the whole child, meaning each game benefits all three domains of child development: cognitive, social/emotional, and physical. These new and classic games, each with a noncompetitive twist, are sure to get children up and moving. You’ll find everything you need to know to play over 100 great games, including outside games, musical games, circle games, concept games, and cooperative games. Perfect for rainy days, sunny days, and every day, each game in this book offers heart rate raising, team-building, friend-filled fun!

To find out more or purchasee from Amazon click on the box below.



Moving & Learning
Rae Pica, Director/Author
Email us at raepica@movingandlearning.com

Kathy Stemke's websites:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.htmlhttp://kathystemke.weebly.comFollow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemkeFollow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile

DANCE WITH KLUTZY KANTOR PICTURE BOOK

I'm honored to feature an incredible author, J. Aday Kennedy, on my blog today. This differently-abled author, is an award winning, multi-published author of inspirational/Christian articles and essays for adults and of children’s
literature. As a ventilator dependent quadriplegic, she is making her dreams come
true one story at a time. As a speaker, Aday entertains, instructs, motivates and
inspires audiences of all ages.



Check out my review of her book:

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc (April 14, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616330511
ISBN-13: 978-1616330514
Reviewed by Kathy Stemke

Children will relate to this adorable character, Klutzy Kantor, as he falls and trips on every page. The themes of friendship, training hard to achieve a goal, and a desire to improve are wonderful lessons for kids to learn as they follow his quest to become graceful.

Ms. Kennedy’s humor throughout this delightful book will tickle kid’s funny bones everywhere. They’ll have so much fun they won’t realize that they’re learning great life lessons. They’ll be rooting for Kantor to outwit the leprechaun, Cobbledom McSweeney, and get his wish granted.

The riddles found in this book are an added challenge to young and old minds alike. As a retired teacher I can imagine children in classrooms frantically raising their hands with their imaginative answers to these riddles.

Jack Foster, a talented illustrator, has used vibrant colors that are full of fun and movement to portray this story. Kids will laugh along with his cute, loveable characters.

I recommend J.Aday Kennedy’s book, Klutzy Kantor, for home and school libraries.

Kathy: Thank you for stopping by today to discuss your new book, Klutzy Kantor.

Aday: I’m thrilled to be here and get a teacher’s opinion.

Kathy: How did you find names for you characters?

Aday: I brainstorm, look at baby name books, and I keep a list of “different” sounding names I come across. Well, Kantor, because horses canter and I changed it to a K, because Klutz starts with a K. Agra is a name of one of my favorite characters from the children’s movie, The Dark Crystal. Cobbledom McSweeney sounded Irish and popped into my head. I search for names in my search engine. The less prevalent the name is the greater chance I’ll use it.

Kathy: Where did you find the riddles in your book?

Aday: I remembered the edam cake riddle from childhood, but switched it up a little. The “four ants riddle,” was shared with me by a friend from India. I changed it a bit, too.

Kathy: What part of the book do you think kids will relate to the most?

Aday: Wishing they were different and dealing with their short-comings will resonate with readers. Any time I can I surround the lesson to be learned with humor I do.

Kathy: Which do you think is the most important life lesson in your book?

Aday: Focus on your strengths, hone them through practice, because things don’t just happen. It’s up to us to find a way to make our dreams come true.

Kathy: Where can my readers find out more about you and your books?

Aday: You can visit Klutzy Kantor’s Blog at http://klutzykantor.blogspot.com. The characters from the next 2 books in the series are sure to drop in and be interviewed. There are many interesting features to read.

My author website at www.jadaykennedy.com discusses all of my books and has coloring pages, the dance steps to Klutzy Kantor’s theme song, the entire song, “Go Me!” and a teacher’s guide for each of my books.

Kathy: How did you come up with the idea of a song and dance?

Aday: You. SURPRISE! I loved your book, Moving Through all Seven Days. I bet you never thought that would be my answer. I worry about kids not exercising. Your book encourages movement and that appealed to me.

A great way that the “big dogs” market their books is through toys, clothing, music and movies. My budget wouldn’t allow for that, but when I heard The Character Studio DOT com’s songs for Stubby’s Destiny and Rooter & Snuffle, I jumped on the band wagon to give my characters a voice and get kids moving.

Kathy: Wow, I’m so glad I was able to influence you to bring movement ideas to the children. It’s so very important. Where can my readers buy Klutzy Kantor?

Aday: Klutzy Kantor is available at:



http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
Your local bookstore can order a copy.

Kathy: I understand you are offering prizes as part of your Klutzy Kantor book tour. Can you tell us how to participate?"

Aday: Yes, I have planned a giveaway at the end of the tour. The more stops visitors make and promote with blurbs on their social networks the more entries in the contest they receive. The more participants, the more prizes and winners their will be. I will let the winner(s) choose their prizes. Winner 1 gets first choice, winner 2 gets second choice and so on. Every 13 participants adds another prize. For pictures of the possible prizes and contest rules visit KlutzyKantor.blogspot.com.

Kathy: Thanks for stopping by today. Good luck with your book.

Aday: I’m really looking forward to watching the whole series come out. I hope I can visit again and have more new songs, and dances to share.

Kathy: I’d love that Aday. I can’t wait to see the other books in the series.

Kathy Stemke's websites:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.htmlhttp://kathystemke.weebly.comFollow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemkeFollow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile

NAEYC Offers New Website: Tips for Parents Searching for Quality Child Care

by Rae Pica
http://raepica.typepad.com/my_weblog/


Newly redesigned RightChoiceforKids.org gives parents a one-stop shop for information about high-quality early childhood education

(Washington, D.C.) – The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is very excited to announce the launch of a newly redesigned website specifically made for parents and families. The new rightchoiceforkids.org should be every parent’s first stop when beginning their search for quality child care for their young child from birth through 5 years old. The new rightchoiceforkids.org offers families tips on finding quality child care, allows for easy search for NAEYC-Accredited programs in your area, provides parent-focused articles and videos, and other great resources!

Accredited programs – the mark of quality in early childhood education. But looking for a high-quality program can be challenging with all the choices available to parents. Rightchoiceforkids.org helps communicate that the best way to guarantee a program’s quality is by looking for the NAEYC Torch – a symbol of NAEYC Accreditation. NAEYC-Accredited programs are required to meet 10 early childhood program standards and demonstrate compliance with more than 400 specific criteria, which were created using the latest research and developmentally appropriate practices in the field.

“High-quality early childhood education is a critical component to a child’s success in school and life,” said Mark R. Ginsberg, executive director of NAEYC. “For years parents have asked us what early childhood program would be best for their child and rightchoiceforkids.org helps answer that question."

In addition to looking for NAEYC-Accredited programs, parents can also use the following checklist of tips when visiting programs for the first time:

1. A good program will always provide parents an opportunity to visit, stay awhile, and get a good sense of the environment.

2. Parents should ask about and observe group sizes and the number of teaching staff in each classroom. NAEYC recommends no more than 8 babies or 12 toddlers with at least 2 teaching staff. For preschoolers, group size should not exceed 20 children with at least 2 teaching staff always present.

3. Play, including dramatic play and blocks and active play outdoors, should be integrated into classroom topics of study. Play not only supports children’s intellectual development; it is also very important for the physical development of children.

4. Programs should promote the health and nutrition of children.

5. Children in the program should be engaged with one another and their teachers.

6. Listen and watch for a happy buzz of activity—neither too quiet nor too loud.

7. Teachers should use positive speech and be loving and responsive to a child.

8. A good program should be able to adapt to the needs of each individual child without ignoring the whole group.

9. Teaching staff should be qualified academically.

10. Parents should ask about teacher turnover. A high-quality program will have well-compensated and well-trained staff to ensure retention.

11. Programs should have a strong connection with the families of each child and the community, as well.

12. Parents should also think about what they see based on what they know about their child. Are the teachers treating children in ways that will be comfortable to their child? Are the materials and activities likely to be of interest and to be challenging but achievable to their child? Is the program interested in what is important to the parent and willing to work with the family to give a child the high-quality experiences he or she deserves?

Overall parents should feel comfortable in an early education setting. Chances are if a parent does not feel comfortable, neither will the child. It is also important for parents to understand that NAEYC-Accredited programs will not only meet a child where he or she is, but will also present challenges to improve that child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.

Kathy Stemke's Websites:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.htmlhttp://kathystemke.weebly.comFollow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemkeFollow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile

READ MY TIGER BEETLE ARTICLE IN GUARDIAN ANGEL KIDS EZINE!

Tiger Beetles are Ferocious is the title of my article published in this month's GAK ezine. This ezine is FREE and full of great stories, articles, games, and teacher resources. Check it out:Guardian-Angel-Kids.com

GUARDIAN ANGEL PUBLISHING'S MISSION STATEMENT

Welcome to Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc., a fine children's book publisher, where our publishing goals are to lovingly create fun, affordable and educational print books and ebook computer experiences for your preschoolers and primary age children.

Guardian Angel Publishing believes we can change the world by investing in children one child at a time. Our hope is that the seeds of the influence from our books will live longer than we do. Our goal is to build a harvest of knowledge and vibrant faith in kids to help transform a time in the future that we may never see.

Guardian-Angel-Kids.com, our new kids ezine launching in Winter 2010, expands our mission and is designed for healthy and safe entertainment for 2-12 year old children, featuring games and activities from our Guardian Angel books and characters.

Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.htmlhttp://kathystemke.weebly.comFollow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemkeFollow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile

Dinosaur Book Recommendations with Great Activities!

For some fun summer activities that you can do with your children check out this article on The National Writing for Children's Center: http://writingforchildrencenter.com/2010/06/08/dinosaur-books-with-fun-activities/

Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.htmlhttp://kathystemke.weebly.comFollow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemkeFollow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile

NOT YOUR NORMAL FATHER'S DAY NECKTIE!

MATT HAS A REALLY COOL WESITE ABOUT TIES. CHECK IT OUT: http://www.tiepedia.com/ Here, Matt is featuring tiecakes and tiecrafts.

It may surprise some of you to hear what I am about to say, but it must be said. Not all guys want a tie on Father's Day. GASP! I know, I know, it sounds crazy... and I certainly am not one of those guys, but apparently it's true.

Listen to what Joseph Hurtado has to say, "there are only two types of men: those who hate ties, and those who grudgingly accept them as part of the job."

Blasphemy as far as I am concerned, but if you're Mrs. Hurtado you may want to think twice about getting Joseph a tie for Father's Day. How about baking him a delicious necktie cake instead? I don't think many men could resist that.

TIE CRAFTS







KATHY'S WEBSITES:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.htmlhttp://kathystemke.weebly.comFollow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemkeFollow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile

Online Museums, Dinosaur Exhibits, Activities, & Teacher Guides

Museums and Exhibits

a. American Museum of Natural History
URL: http://www.amnh.org
Visit Fossil Halls. See the largest freestanding Barosaurus skeleton. Timelines is a special online computer generated graphical tour which allows students to find out more about the time periods in which dinosaurs lived.

b. The Field Museum, Chicago, IL, Dinosaur Exhibit, "Life Over Time"
URL: http://www.fmnh.org/exhibits/web_exhibits.htm

Online Teacher Guides available

c. University of California Museum of Paleontology, Berkeley, CA
URL: http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/index.html

d. Dinosphere
http://www.childrensmuseum.org/themuseum/dinosphere/teachers/activities.html#nonreader

General Activities

1. Provide students with large paper bags. Have them create a paper bag puppet to represent their favorite dinosaur. Next, have students create skits with the puppet (e. g. a fight between a meat eater and a plant eater).
2. Tell students to use the names of dinosaurs to create new names for foods (e. g. fabrosaurus french fries, megalosaurus milkshakes, stegosaurus spaghetti). Then have them write a menu for lunch using these "new foods". Allow time for students to share menus. Plan a Dinosaur lunch for the entire class. Have students sign-up to bring some of the "new foods" from home.
3. Scientists have proposed several reasons for the dinosaurs' disappearance (the earth became too cold, there wasn't enough food, etc.). Have students research these reasons and then divide them into groups, each group supporting one of the reasons. Provide time for them to discuss and defend their positions.
4. Using a variety of sources, list some dinosaurs and their lengths on the chalkboard. To help students understand how long the different dinosaurs were, measure their exact lengths with a ball of yarn (in which you have previously tied knots every 5 feet). Count by fives as the yarn is unrolled. Use a meter stick to convert these lengths to meters.
5. Provide students with plastic dinosaur figures, clay, dinosaur model sets, and so on. As a class, create a display or diorama that depicts a prehistoric time when dinosaurs roamed the world. Use real greenery or plastic/silk. A mirror makes a great lake. Don't forget the volcano in the background!

Literature-Specific Activities
If the Dinosaurs Came Back by Bernard Most
1. Select one of the dinosaurs that are illustrated and named on the last page of the book and draw its shape on a sheet of construction paper. Cut out the dinosaur and, using it as a pattern, make pages and construction paper covers for student dinosaur books. Allow students to use these materials to write their own stories about "if dinosaurs came back." Provide time for the students to share their stories.
2. Tell students to use the last page of the book (where all the dinosaurs are pictured as a guide and go back through the story to see how many dinosaurs they can recognize and name.
3. Ask students to select one of the dinosaurs in the story and write a letter to it saying why they would like it to come back or whey they wouldn't.
4. Tell students to pretend it is possible to bring back the dinosaurs; first, however, they must convince their community that it is a good idea. Divide the students into pairs and ask them to create a full-page newspaper advertisement that will convince the community. Display these advertisements.

Related Literature
Andrews, Roy Chapman. All About Dinosaurs, illustrated by Thomas W. Voter. Random House, 1953.
Branley, Franklin M. Dinosaurs, Asteroids, and Superstars: Why the Dinosaurs Disappeared. Illustrated by Jean Sallinger. Thomas Y. Crowel, 1982.
Carrick, Carol. What happened to Patrick's Dinosaur. Clarion, 1986. Carroll, Susan. How Big Is a Brachiosaurus? Platt & Monk, 1986.
Parish, Peggy. Dinosaur Time. Illustrated by Arnold Lobel. Harper & Row, 1974.
Quinn, Kayne, and Jan Hutchings. Science Adventures: Dinosaurs. Price/Stern/Sloan, 1987.
Rowe, Erna. Giant Dinosaurs. Illustrated by Merle Smith. Scholastic, 1973.


Kathy Stemke's websites:
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Circus Theme Links and Books!

http://circusworld.wisconsinhistory.org/

http://webtech.kennesaw.edu/jcheek3/circus.htm

http://www.shrinecircus.com/#

www.perpetualpreschool.com

www.ringling.com

http://armellejewelry.blogspot.com/2009/04/circus-party.html

http://www.preschooleducation.com/fcircus.shtml

http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/Circus/

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/circusthemedprojects/Circus_Themed_Projects.htm

http://www.craftjr.com/circus-party-printables-and-circus-crafts/

For circus books click below:
Circus Books from Amazon

Kathy Stemke's websites:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.htmlhttp://kathystemke.weebly.comFollow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemkeFollow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile

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Wordpress blog about freelance writing: http://rjmedak.wordpress.com/

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A Must Have Book on Every Writer’s Desk

How Not to Make Money as a Freelance Writer

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How to Add a Second Pet to the Family

Save Money with a Do-it-Yourself Wooden Rocking Horse Kit

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