WIND AND LEAVES!

Tune: B-I-N-G-O!

W-I-N-D-Y,  (Clap and spell)

W-I-N-D-Y,  (Clap and spell

W-I-N-D-Y,  (Clap and spell)

Spin with the wind and let’s go!

Let’s spin, with the wind

Let’s spin, with the wind

Let’s spin, with the wind

Spin with the wind and whoa! (stop)

Change spin to float, whirl, leap, slide, glide, roll, skip, dance, waltz (walk down, up, up), rock, bounce, flap, limp, jive, kick, mop, pull, reach, or wave.

The Life of a Leaf    

(Movement Education)

You are a tiny leaf bud on a tree.  In the spring you grow into a small leaf.  When the rain falls down you grow into a big leaf.  You twist and turn all summer to find the sun.  With all your leaf friends you make an umbrella of shade (kids can clump together) to keep people cool.  Now slide away to your own space.
 
One day it gets cool and you tremble slowly.  You better hold on to your branch tightly.  Because it’s so cold, you turn into a bright orange leaf.  The wind lifts you up and down.  The wind rocks you side to side.  It gets colder every day so you shake.  You shake faster and faster.   You twist and spin and hold on to the branch with all your strength.  
 
Suddenly you can’t hold on, so you fly around the yard.  You love being free so you dance.  Now bounce up as high as you can.   Slide low under a bush.  Now hop as fast as you can.  Stop and reach to the sky.  A gust of wind pushes you into a whirl.  

You land in the stream, and float slowly down the hill.  You’re getting tired so you hug a giant rock.  The water is pushing against you.  Climb up to the top of the rock.  Balance on one part of you.  You wave to your friends on the tree.  You want to get back so you leap as far as you can.  You fall into the stream and dive deep.  You swim then pop up for some air.  At last you rest on the shore.  You pick up your head when you hear your friend Doug.  You laugh out loud to see all your friends come together again.

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Highlights Hidden Picture Fun!

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BEAUTIFUL GRANDDAUGHTER VICTORIA HUTCHINSON

Please join me in wishing Tori
A HAPPY SWEET SIXTEEN BIRTHDAY!
September 13, 2010

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Tori
Happy birthday to you!

We love you Tori.

Hope your sleep over was fun!

We'll see you tonight for our celebration.

My granddaughter, Victoria, is an A+ student, talented artist, wonderful singer, and an incredible writer.  She has always been an insatiable reader.  Her favorite genre is fantasy.  She's currently working on her first novel.  It's full of rich description and fascinating characters.  Here's one of her drawings:

Like so many writers, Tori started writing poetry very early on to express her inner thoughts.   Her poetry has been published in an anthology titled, A Celebration of Poets, and a in school anthology.

Another one of Tori's poems has been accepted for publication by Dallas Woodburn's Write On Publishing.   This book titled, Dancing with the Pen, is slated to come out this fall.

Dallas is a young writer who has paid it forward by setting up a non profit organization, Write On! For Literacy, that teaches and inspires kids to read and write.  She was recently featured in Glamour Magazine.Dallas has a long list of publication credits and awards received. Please take the time to check out her organization and her books.



Here is a sampling of Tori's poems:

Rises

Shinning brightly in the day,

Near sunset it fades away.

At nightfall its twin arises,

Shrouded in mystery and surprises.

Less light comes from this twin,

But at dawn they switch again.

What a glorious day to see the rises,

Shrouded in mystery and surprises!

Mourning

Ringing of the bells
Once announced celebrations
Now they ring for tragedy
Melody that once was sweet
Warped into morbid tunes
Dawn till dusk
Signaling lost souls
While disease sweeps through the town
Taking unfortunate lives
Dusk again rings its last tone
All fall silent
Chirpless crikets
Owls without their hoot
Winds stay still and cold
Brooks refuse to bubble
Even birds sit mute
All in mourning.

Please leave an encouraging word and a birthday wish for Tori.  I hope she continues to follow her dreams and walks in all that God has planned for her life. God bless you, honey! Mamaw

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Check out my latest article on The National Writing for Children Center

Teaching Prediction to Help Children Fully Comprehend Books:
http://writingforchildrencenter.com/category/tips-for-teachers/

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MOVING THROUGH ALL SEVEN DAYS

Moving Through all Seven Days
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Early Childhood Education – Acquiring Sign Language

One of the keys to surviving in a tilted economic system in which opportunities to achieve a decent standard of living will be limited is versatility – and the ability to communicate articulately in a variety of ways with the widest possible audience. This includes bilingual ability as well as the ability to communicate in non-verbal ways for the benefit of the disabled – primarily the deaf.

At the same time, a growing shortage of qualified interpreters fluent in American Sign Language has led to more career opportunities – and if current trends continue, it's likely that skilled ASL interpreters will have little problem securing lucrative employment in a society where such a commodity is destined to be in short supply.

Signing Before They Can Speak

A great deal of research has clearly demonstrated that the early years – ages 2 to five – are the best time to educate children in different modes of communication and language. This goes beyond the spoken word (though it is an optimal time for children to learn a second language); many young children have an aptitude for signing as well.

This is not as odd as you may think. As you know, many indigenous peoples around the world, including American Indian nations, have used sign language for centuries to facilitate communication with other tribes with whom they do not share a language. Some paleontologists and anthropologists theorize that Neanderthals – who apparently lacked the vocal mechanism to produce many spoken words – depended a great deal upon hand gestures to communicate.

In fact, recent research suggests that sign language is innate. An article published in the Boulder Daily Camera in 2003 presented strong evidence that babies as young as six months old communicate with their hands:

"...by 6 to 7 months, babies can remember a sign. At eight months, children
can begin to imitate gestures and sign single words. By 24 months, children
can sign compound words and full sentences. They say sign language reduces
frustration in young children by giving them a means to express themselves
before they know how to talk." (Glarion, 2003)

The author also cites study funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development demonstrating that young children who are taught sign language at an early age actually develop better verbal skills, as they get older. The ability to sign has also helped parents in communicating with autistic children; one parent reports that "using sign language allowed her to communicate with her [autistic] son and minimized his frustration...[he now] has an advanced vocabulary and excels in math, spelling and music" (Glarion, 2003).

The Best Time To Start

Not only does early childhood education in signing give pre-verbal youngsters a way to communicate, it can also strengthen the parent-child bond – in addition to giving children a solid foundation for learning a skill that will serve them well in the future. The evidence suggests that the best time to start learning ASL is before a child can even walk – and the implications for facilitating the parent-child relationship are amazing.



Co-written by Emily Patterson and Kathleen Thomas

Emily and Kathleen are Communications Coordinators for the network of Georgia educational day care facilities belonging to the AdvancED® accredited family of Primrose educational day care schools. Primrose Schools are located in 16 states throughout the U.S. and are dedicated to delivering progressive, early childhood, Balanced Learning® curriculum throughout their preschools.

Kathy Stemke's websites:
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BOOK REVIEW: THE SLIPPERY ART OF BOOK REVIEWING

Title: The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing
Authors: Mayra Calvani, Anne K. Edwards
Publisher: Twilight Times Books
Publishers website: http://twilighttimesbooks.com/
Copyright: 2008
ISBN: 13: 978-1-933353-22-7
10: 1-933353-22-8
Format: Trade Paperback, 190 pages
Genre: Non-fiction/Writing

Reviewed by Kathy Stemke

As you dive into the pages of The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing, you quickly realize there is far more to skillfully reviewing a book then you might have previously thought. As experienced authors and reviewers, Mayra Calvani and Anne K. Edwards guide you through the pitfalls and joys of reviewing. Soon you realize that every book review is full of nuances, and has a different intent and impact.

Part I, The Art of Reviewing, takes you through clarity of thought, grammar skills, objectivity, honesty, and tactful reviewing. The authors reveal the secrets of what separates amateurs from pros. The following is an example of the invaluable list of don’ts that should hang on every reviewer’s wall. “Don’t sugar-coat a review. Using phrases like ‘This is the best book I’ve ever read in my life’ will raise incredulity and suspicion in the intelligent reader. Facile praise is for ad copies, not reviews. Never be afraid to criticize when you feel you have to. Remember your main duty is to the reader.”

As an author, I appreciate the detail Calvani and Edwards put forth on critical reading. They suggest several practical methods of note taking to mark positive or negative points about plot, narrative, pacing, characterization, dialogue, description, symbolism, point of view, theme, tone, spelling, and grammar.

The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing also deconstructs actual reviews, explaining why certain points are needed and work well, or in the case of poorly written reviews, why some points must be eliminated altogether to ensure a professional, objective presentation.

Calvani and Edwards give a step by step guide to setting up your own review website with information on types of review sites, budget, choosing a domain name, selecting an internet provider, designing your site, becoming an affiliate, defining your submission guidelines, recruiting reviewers, making contacts, promoting, and keeping a detailed log. The authors list common problems you may have with authors, publishers or publicists, and practical suggestions on how to handle them. Calvani and Edwards even include sample letters, emails, and phone responses that will explain and soften reactions to negative reviews.

The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing sheds light on ethical questions like: “Who has the ownership and print rights to the review?” “Should a reviewer show a review to the author before its publication?”

Part II, The Influence of Book Reviews, delves into the uses and impact of a book review for librarians, booksellers, authors, publicists, book clubs and readers in general.

How and where to post reviews is the thrust of Part III. These 31 pages are packed with tips and contact information to help every participant in the book industry to zero in on the genre you like the best.

It’s easy to see why The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing is a finalist in Foreward Magazine’s Book of the Year Award, and the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. This book also has the esteemed honor of being listed as required reading at several universities.

Although a small amount of the material seems repetitive, I recommend The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing to amateur and professional book reviewers, book review editors, publishers, booksellers, librarians, authors, and readers alike. Take advantage of this engaging, well organized, thought provoking, and user-friendly reference tool. You will refer to it for years to come.

Kathy Stemke's websites:
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MARINE VIDEOS TO HONOR MY GRANDSON!

MY GRANDSON IS SHIPPING OUT TO AFGHANISTAN IN THE NEXT WEEK OR TWO. i MISS HIM ALREADY. PLEASE JOIN ME IN A PRAYER FOR ALL THE MEN AND WOMEN IN THE MILITARY. GET A TISSUE AND WATCH THESE VIDEOS.

GMarine Corps Tribute Second Chance



Soldiers Cry-Tribute to Fallen Marines



Angel Flight



KATHY STEMKE'S WEBSITES:
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Welcome Author/Publisher VS Grenier

VS Grenier is an Award-winning author & editor with over 30 short stories, articles, and crafts for children along with newsletter articles for writers. She also has multiple titles published in the Best of Stories for Children Magazine Volume 1 anthology. She learned how to hone her writing skills at the Institute of Children’s Literature. She’s also the Editor-in-Chief of Stories for Children Magazine.


ATTENTION!!! KATHY, I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER YOUR READERS TWO FREE BACK ISSUES OF STORIES FOR CHILDREN MAGAZINE ALONG WITH THE EDUCATOR'S PAGES THAT GO WITH THEM. IF THEY EMAIL ME AT vsgrenier@storiesforchildrenpublishing.com WITH "FREE-SFCMag/Ed" IN THE SUBJECT LINE, I'LL SEND THEM THE SEPTEMBER 2009 AND OCTOBER 2009 ISSUES.
Thank you, Virginia, I know my readers will love them. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

First Kathy, I want to thank you for having me on your blog. Well . . . I live in Southern Utah about 2 hours north of Las Vegas. So, if I ever get tired looking at all the red mountains or the laid-back life style, I can hop in my car and head to one of the cities that never sleep for some fun. Let’s see . . . I have been married for almost eight years. I also have three beautiful children ranging in age from fourteen to six months old. J The kids keep me very busy.

What tips can you give parents looking to share the love of reading and writing with their children?

· Visit the library often. Let your child pick out her own books.
· Ask your librarian to suggest favorites.
· Make book time a special time just for you and your little one.
· Let your child see you reading.
· Stop for a while if your child loses interest or gets upset. Reading should always be enjoyable.

Children who enjoy books will want to learn how to read and write!

Children learn new words by doing things with you, like talking with you. Talk about how things work, feelings, and ideas.

Reading informational books on subjects your children like helps increase their vocabulary. Children with bigger vocabularies become better readers and can more quickly understand the meaning of words in context.

The first words children learn to write often have emotional content. Ignore the niceties of spelling and penmanship . . . for now, at least. The mechanics of writing are taught in elementary school and if your little one isn’t learning this in school yet, don’t worry about it. If they are, then get a children’s dictionary and look up a few of the words together. Pointing out mistakes may make a preschooler or young elementary student self-conscious and reluctant to write.

What was the first thing you ever had published?

A short story about my father as a kid called Flying Upside Down. It was published in the Ezine Fandangle Magazine back in 2006.

Can you share with us a little about your most recent book?

My most recent book is Babysitting SugarPaw. This is also my first picture book. It’s a picture book about a little bear named SugarPaw who hopes to get rid of his babysitter, Bonnie Whiskers, by getting her into trouble after making changes to his rules chart. As this loving story unfolds, SugarPaw learns about honesty and friendship.

Babysitting SugarPaw, with its child-centered plot on getting to know others, is the perfect book for little ones scared of being left alone with a babysitter for the first time and is endorsed by MommyPR.com. You can read the review at http://www.mommypr.com/index.php/2009/08/babysitting-sugarpaw-book-review-giveaway/
Your readers can find out more about Babysitting SugarPaw at http://vsgrenier.com/BabysittingSugarPaw.aspx

Take a Look at the Trailer!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

What prompted you to start Stories for Children Magazine?

Stories for Children Magazine was going to be a hobby of mine as I worked on my own writing. I thought it would be fun to have a free site where parents, children, teachers, and librarians could come and read some stories, crafts, articles, and poems. Of course, like all my hobbies, Stories for Children Magazine took on a life of its own and has become the Ezine everyone knows today. It is also now one of many divisions to the parent company, Stories for Children Publishing, LLC.


To learn more about Stanley Bookman, the SFC mascot in the World of Ink visit us at http://storiesforchildrenmagazine.org. The magazine is on hiatus until April 2011, but we have book reviews, tips, fun links, and some other free stuff currently on the site.

Do you have any other works in progress?

I have two picture books and two YA novels I’m working on in whatever spare time I get throughout the week. One of the picture books is almost ready for submission. It’s about a little girl who can’t whistle. The story is based off my childhood. The others are still being fine-tuned so I don’t want to say anything about them in case I make some major changes.

What would we be surprised to learn about you?

I went to college to be a fashion buyer and did that for just over 10 years before giving it up to stay home with my children. I’ve worked for some really interesting places like Motherhood Maternity, Frederick’s of Hollywood, Hot Topic, Inc. (I opened the first 5 Torrid stores and helped design them.), L’Occitane, and Brighten Collectibles to name a few.

For those who love to write and want to learn, they can visit our newest site Stories for Children Publishing, LLC at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com. Your readers can also sign up for our FREE newsletter, SFC Newsletter for Writers which is sent out monthly and is full of articles on writing, markets, contest, workshops, conference, and much much more. It was voted one of the 101 Best Websites for Writers in 2009 by Writer’s Digest.

If your readers would like to learn more about my writing services, school visits, and books . . . they can visit me at http://vsgrenier.com.

And lastly, there is the SFC: Families Matter blog at http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com/

Thank you for visiting us today, Virginia. You are a very creative and productive author. We look forward to your future books and magazines.

Kathy, it was a pleasure sharing Babysitting SugarPaw, my writing, and Stories for Children Publishing with you and your readers.

TOMORROW'S TOUR STOP: Nancy Famolari is featuring Robert Medak

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

Sept Virtual Book Tour Schedule 2010

1st Karen Cioffi is featuring Donna McDine
2nd Kathy Stemke is featuring Virginia Grenier
3rd Nancy Famolari is featuring Robert Medak
4th Margaret Fieland is featuring Jane Sutton
5th Dianne Sagan is featuring Marietta Taylor
6th Elysabeth Eldering is featuring Janet Ann Collins
7th Helena Harper is featuring Debra Eckerling
8th Carolyn Howard-Johnson is featuring Helena Harper
9th Heather Paye is featuring Dianne Sagan
10th Marvin Wilson is featuring Kari Wolfe
11th Stephen Tremp is featuring Nancy Famolari
12th Darcia Helle is featuring Dallas Woodburn
13th Martha Swirzinski is featuring Stephen Tremp
14th Debra Eckerling is featuring Maggie Ball
15th Heidi Thomas is featuring Heather Paye
16th Dallas Woodburn is featuring Gary Murning
17th Maggie Ball is featuring Brigitte Thompson
18th Virginia Grenier is featuring Karen Cioffi
19th Janet Ann Collins is featuring Margaret Fieland
20th Katie Hines is featuring Martha Swirzinski
21st Brigitte Thompson is featuring Kevin McNamee
22nd Marietta Taylor is featuring Darcia Helle
23rd Kari Wolfe is featuring Marvin Wilson
24th Jane Sutton is featuring Jessica Kennedy
25th Gary Murning is featuring Katie Hines
26th Jessica Kennedy is featuring Elysabeth Eldering
27th Robert Medak is featuring Carolyn Howard-Johnson
28th Kevin McNamee is featuring Heidi Thomas
29th Kim Rapier is featuring Kathy Stemke
30th Donna McDine is featuring Kim Rapier

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

UTube Is Full of Educational Videos!

Here's one about weather that would be great for preschool.


Check out this feltboard video!


Great weather sites with activities galore! Click on the links below.
http://www.reach
everychild.com/feature/weather_sites.html
http://www.
reacheverychild.com/science/environment/weather.html

Kathy Stemke's websites:
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4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile

My Pastor's Son from New York Released a CD !

Kathy Stemke's websites:
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Find Your Niche! By Joe Twelves

Another summer has gone and school is once again in session. For high school students, the pressure and uncertainty of what they “want to be when they grow up” will be looming over them as they get nearer and nearer to graduation. There are few teenagers that can answer, with certainty, that cliché question.

When I was in high school and was asked what I wanted to do for a career, I had no clue. I went home and basically asked my dad what I should do. My dad never misses a teachable moment and at that time, he came up with a task to help me decide what I wanted to do.

I began to interview friends, neighbors, and relatives about their careers to gain insight and knowledge that could, in turn, help me make that decision. Out of this teachable moment grew a great idea that we knew would be priceless for countless individuals in the same predicament- whether in high school, like I was… or later in life because they are unhappy in their job.



The book, ”Conversations: Find Your Niche” is a compilation of 150+ interviews with real working professionals. These conversations give priceless insight and advice to those who read it. Through reading the various interviews, a person can get a better feel for what career would fit them best, because it varies in every person. Along with the 150+ interviews are roadmaps and activities that will help pin point interests, talents, values and priorities that help make the best decision possible.

We all know someone who is not happy in their career, who is approaching high school or college graduation, or who has no idea “what they want to be when they grow up.” “Conversations: Find Your Niche” and its accompanying blog Career Decisions Made Easy , will help even the most undecided person make the informed decision that is necessary to Find Your Niche… even me!


BIO:
Author, Van Twelves (pictured right), Joe Twelves (pictured left) and their family members all worked together for almost a decade to complete their one-of-a-kind career resource book. They also formed Keeper Press LLC. The family’s goal is to help as many people as possible, find the career that is best for them through their book “Conversations: Find Your Niche!” which can be purchased at Amazon.com. Along with their five star book, the family also gives help through their blog, Career Decisions Made Easy . Twitter - @KeeperPress Email – JoeTwelves@KeeperPress.com



Kathy's comments: As a retired teacher I know what students go through as they decide which college and career they want to persue. Joe Twelves book is long overdue. It will benefit students and adults alike.

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

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL POEM!

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

HELP YOUR CHILD WITH MATH AT HOME!

Begin each math homework session by asking your child to explain what he's supposed to do. By his response, you'll know if he can do the assignment alone or if you need to help him get started.

When helping your child, ask questions to guide him through the process, such as, "Where do you begin?" "What do you need to find out?" " Can you show me in a drawing how you got the answer?"

It's okay to say that you don't understand a problem. It gives you an opportunity to review the lesson together to see if you've missed some important piece of information.

Establish a clear understanding with your child's teacher(s) about the frequency and amount of homework he'll receive. Modification of homework may increase his motivation and how much work he does. With his teacher, decide if he needs to do fewer problems, or if he can say the answers out loud and you can write them for him, or if he can check his work with a calculator.

If you're not around when your child completes his homework, let him know that you'll look it over when you get home. Be sure to follow through. Tell him you're doing this to help him, not judge him.

When kids realize that math is all around them, they begin to relax and see its meaning in their lives. So use math in everyday life-count out forks to set the table, pour out a measured amount of milk, or practice telling time.

Show how math is more than learning addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Math also teaches us to analyze, reason, and plan. These are all useful skills that transfer over to reading and writing as well.

Model analytical and mathematical thinking. Be a problem solver, explore questions, and find solutions. Talk about likenesses and differences, and explain your reasoning.

Encourage your child to express his problem solving out loud so you can understand his reasoning.

When driving in the car, talk about how numbers help us determine how fast we drive, the distance traveled, mileage the car gets per gallon of gas, and how long it will takes to get home.

Expose your child to money in his early school years. Have him keep coins in a piggy bank and count them out regularly. If he receives an allowance, have him keep track of the amount or start a bank account.

Have your child use an analog and digital watch or clock to learn both methods of telling time.

Post a chart of math facts on the wall in his room. Some activities and games can help kids memorize math facts.

Computer learning games can also be used to reinforce skills. Most kids enjoy working on the computer. There are software programs to fit many skill levels. Older students may want to use calendars or spreadsheets in their daily or weekly schedule. Doing this will reinforce the many uses of math.

Incorporate games involving numbers and math into play. There are many types of games — from flash cards for learning basic math facts to games involving money, time, and logic.

HERE ARE SOME MATH ARTICLES I WROTE FOR HELIUM WITH SPECIFIC GAMES TO PLAY WITH YOUR CHILDREN. http://www.helium.com/items/1183735
-young-children-money-recognition-teaching-count-spend-save-activities-songs-needs-
wants
http://www.helium.com/items/1166822-math-
manipulatives-unifix-cubes-value-of-learning-educational-resources-geometric
http://www.helium.com/items/1160113-
number-fun-skip-count-writing-recognition-activities-digits-poem-add-subtract-
multiply
http://www.helium.com/items/1117913-how-to-help-your-young
-child-develop-math-skills-at-home
http://www.helium.com/items/960547-math-games-for-the-elementary-school
-classroom


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.html
http://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

8th Grade Final Exam: Salina , Kansas 1895

What it took to get an 8th grade education in 1895...

Remember when grandparents and great-grandparents stated that they only had an 8th grade education? Well, check this out. Could any of us have passed the 8th grade in 1895?

This is the eighth-grade final exam from 1895 in Salina , Kansas . It was taken from the original document on file at the Smokey Valley Genealogical Society and Library in Salina , and reprinted by the Salina Journal.


8th Grade Final Exam: Salina , Kansas 1895


Grammar (Time, one hour)

1. Give nine rules for the use of capital letters.
2. Name the parts of speech and define those that have no modifications.
3. Define verse, stanza and paragraph
4. What are the principal parts of a verb? Give principal parts of 'lie,''play,' and 'run.'
5. Define case; illustrate each case.
6. What is punctuation? Give rules for principal marks of punctuation.
7. Write a composition of about 150 words and show therein that you understand the practical use of the rules of grammar.


Arithmetic (Time, 1 hour 15 minutes)

1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic.
2. A wagon box is 2 feet deep, 10 feet long, and 3 feet wide. How many bushels of wheat will it hold?
3. If a load of wheat weighs 3,942 lbs., what is it worth at 50 cents/bushel, deducting 1,050 lbs. for tare?
4. District No. 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for incidentals?
5. Find the cost of 6,720 lbs. of coal at $6.00 per ton.
6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7 percent.
7. What is the cost of 40 boards which measure 12 inches wide and 16 ft. long at $20 per meter?
8. Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent.
9. What is the cost of a square farm at $15 per acre, the distance of which is 640 rods?
10. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a Receipt.

U.S. History (Time, 45 minutes)

1. Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided.
2. Give an account of the discovery of America by Columbus .
3. Relate the causes and results of the Revolutionary War.
4. Show the territorial growth of the United States .
5. Tell what you can of the history of Kansas .
6. Describe three of the most prominent battles of the Rebellion.
7. Who were the following: Morse, Whitney, Fulton , Bell , Lincoln , Penn, and Howe?
8. Name events connected with the following dates: 1607, 1620, 1800, 1849, 1865


Orthography (Time, one hour) [Do we even know what this is?]

1. What is meant by the following: alphabet, phonetic, orthography, etymology, syllabication
2. What are elementary sounds? How classified?
3. What are the following, and give examples of each: trigraph, subvocals, diphthong, cognate letters, linguals.
4. Give four substitutes for caret ?u?. (HUH?)
5. Give two rules for spelling words with final ?e?. Name two exceptions under each rule.
6. Give two uses of silent letters in spelling. Illustrate each.
7. Define the following prefixes and use in connection with a word: bi, dis-mis, pre, semi, post, non, inter, mono, sup.
8. Mark diacritically and divide into syllables the following, and name the sign that indicates the sound: card, ball, mercy, sir, odd, cell, rise, blood, fare, last.
9. Use the following correctly in sentences: cite, site, sight, fane, fain, feign, vane, vain, vein, raze, raise, rays.
10. Write 10 words frequently mispronounced and indicate pronunciation by use of diacritical marks and by syllabication..

Geography (Time, one hour)

1. What is climate? Upon what does climate depend?
2. How do you account for the extremes of climate in Kansas ?
3. Of what use are rivers? Of what use is the ocean?
4. Describe the mountains of North America
5. Name and describe the following: Monrovia , Odessa , Denver , Manitoba , Hecla , Yukon , St. Helena, Juan Fernandez, Aspinwall, and Orinoco
6. Name and locate the principal trade centers of the United States . Name all the republics of Europe and give the capital of each.
7. Why is the Atlantic Coast colder than the Pacific in the same latitude?
8. Describe the process by which the water of the ocean returns to the sources of rivers.
9. Describe the movements of the earth. Give the inclination of the earth.

Notice that this exam took FIVE HOURS to complete.

Gives the saying "He only had an 8th grade education" a whole new meaning, doesn't it? This also is a perfect demonstration pointing out how poor our education system has become. And, NO - I don't have the answers.

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

ABC'S OF MULTICULTURAL

A is for AWARENESS of those around us
B is for BEAUTY for all people
C is for CARING about each other
D is for DIGNITY that we all possess
E is for ETHNICITY of which we would be proud
F is for FEELING, important to us all
G is for GIVING of ourselves
H is for HOPE for a better tomorrow
I is for INTEGRITY, our standards tell so about us
J is for JOINTLY working together
K is for KNOWLEDGE which erases ignorance
L is for LOVE to be shared
M is for MANKIND, the entire human race
N is for NOBODY is unimportant
O is for OPTIMISM which enhances everyone's life
P is for PROGRESS made toward understanding
Q is for being QUIET when asked
R is for RESPECT for oneself and others
S is for SELF-WORTH which we should never be without
T is for TOLERANCE toward others
U is for UNDERSTANDING different cultures
V is for VALUES learned along the way
W is for WEALTH gained by sharing our diversity
X is for X-RAY vision that helps us see the good in others
Y is for YOU. Make your life what you want it to be, forward and upward
Z is for ZEAL to appreciate a multicultural world

-- Author Unknown

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WORTHY IS THE LAMB

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TOP 20 EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES AND BOOKS

Strictly speaking, every day should be Earth Day because that’s the very least our planet deserves – to be treated with respect and concern for the protective home it provides us. However, one day in the year is set aside to celebrate this special occasion when we honor and acknowledge the earth’s contribution to our wellbeing and prosperity and strive to protect our environment and the only world we know – Earth Day is marked by activities and resolutions, some of which are kept and others that fall by the wayside. If you’re looking for ways to ensure that your contribution counts, here are a few good Earth Day activities and books:

Show you care:

1. Plant a tree.
2. Organize a garbage pickup or cleanliness drive.
3. Leave your car behind and walk, carpool or take public transport.
4. Skip the elevator and take the stairs.
5. Dispose of your trash responsibly.
6. Recycle and reuse whenever and wherever possible.
7. Work with land trusts to foster biodiversity/prevent extinction of species.
8. Campaign for cleaner air and fresh water.
9. Use recycled water for your garden.
10. Invest in solar power.
11. Upgrade your appliances to newer models that save power through efficiency.
12. Get your car a hybrid retrofit.
13. Work with a cleanup crew to protect natural habitats and save wildlife.
14. Grow your own garden of fruits and vegetables.
15. Go organic.
16. Buy from sustainable sources when you buy wood.
17. Dispose of electronic waste responsibly.
18. Use non toxic paints and recyclable building material in your home.
19. Don’t leave the water running or appliances on standby when not in use.
20. Go green whenever and wherever you can.


Get your kids more involved in Earth Day with these books:

1. Let’s Celebrate Earth Day by Peter Roop
2. Kids Can Care by Rhoda Orszag Vestuto
3. Earth Day by David F. Marx
4. Reduce, Reuse, Recyle by Rozanne Lanczak Williams
5. Teaching Kids to Love the Earth by Lachecki Marina
6. Let’s Get Ready for Earth Day by Lloyd G. Douglas
7. Every Day is Earth Day by Kathy Ross
8. The Great Trash Bash by Loreen Leedy
9. Earth Day Activities by Pamela Friedman T.
10. Earth Day – Hooray by Stuart J. Murphy
11. Earth Day (On My Own Holidays) by Linda Lowery
12. Earth Day by Linda Lowery
13. All New Crafts for Earth Day by Kathy Ross
14. Best Kids-Love-The-Earth Activity Book by Cynthia Overbeck
15. Earth Day by Nancy I. Sanders
16. Earth Day Birthday by Patty Schnetzler
17. 50 Simple Things You Can Do to Save the Earth
18. Earth-Friendly Outdoor Fun by George Pfiffner
19. Ecology Crafts For Kids by Bobbe Needham
20. More Teaching Kids to Love the Earth by James Kasperson

By-line:
This guest post is contributed by Anna Miller, who writes on the topic of online degrees. She welcomes your comments at her email id: anna.miller009@gmail.com

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

HAPPY NATIONAL DANCE DAY!

"NATIONAL DANCE DAY, a grassroots initiative that encourages the nation, young and old, to move! Individuals, families, organizations and communities from across the nation come together through their creative expression in dance. Any style of dance is welcome and imagination is recommended in order to get the most out of this celebratory day.

Why? To continue to generate national awareness for dance, a medium of expression and ...storytelling which, through shows like So You Think You Can Dance, has proven its value in bringing individuals from all walks of life together through a positive platform that has no boundaries and cultivates imagination and passion. Most importantly, the day is intended to promote health and wellness nationwide."

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO AND LEARN A COOL HIP HOP DANCE! DANCE IT TODAY!



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

BUG SONGS AND POEMS PART II

Fireflies in Flight
(Tune of "Camptown Races")

Fireflies come out at night.
Blink, blink. Blink, blink.
Showing off their little lights
In the summer sky!

Can you see them glow?
Flying to and fro,
Fireflies come out at night
In the summer sky!

The Little Caterpillars

Ten little caterpillars crawled up on the vine.
One slipped off, and then there were ______.

Nine little caterpillars sat upon the gate.
One hid behind the latch, and then there were ______.

Eight little caterpillars are on their way to heaven.
One went to find a leaf, and then there were ______.

Seven little caterpillars tried to find some sticks.
One went behind a bush, and then there were______.

Six little caterpillars crawled down the drive.
One skittled far away, and then there were ______.

Five little caterpillars were creeping as before.
One slipped inside a crack, and then there were______.

Four little caterpillars climbed up a tree.
One hid behind some bark, and then there were ______.

Three little caterpillars found leaves that were new.
One crawled far away and then there were______.

Two little caterpillars were snoozing in the sun.
One woke and ran away, and then there was______.

The Bugs on the Go
(Tune: "The Wheels on the Bus")

The small honeybees go buzz-buzz-buzz,
Buzz-buzz-buzz,buzz-buzz-buzz.
The small honeybees go buzz-buzz-buzz,
All day long.

The crickets in the grass go hop-hop-hop,
Hop-hop-hop, hop-hop-hop.
The crickets in the grass go hop-hop-hop,
All day long.

The slow caterpillars go munch-munch-munch,
Munch-munch-munch, munch-munch-munch.
The slow caterpillars go munch-munch-munch,
All day long.

The big black spiders go creep-creep-creep,
Creep-creep-creep, creep-creep-creep,
The big black spiders go creep-creep-creep,
All day long.

Do you like to Buzz?
(Tune: Do Your Ears Hang Low)

Do you like to buzz.
Are you covered all in fuzz?
Do you call a hive a home
In the garden where you roam?
Do you know how to make honey,
Are your stripes a little funny?
Do you like to buzz?

The Fuzzy Caterpillar
(Tune:Itsy Bitsy Spider)

The fuzzy caterpillar
curled up on a leaf,
Spun her little cocoon
and then fell fast asleep.
While she was sleeping,
she dreamed that she could fly
And later when she woke up
She was a butterfly!

BEE SONG
(Sung to: She'll Be comin' Round the Mountain)

They'll be flying 'round the flowers in the yard. Buzz buzz. (flap hands)
They'll be flying 'round the flowers in the yard. Buzz buzz.
They'll be flying 'round the flowers; they'll be flying 'round the flowers;
They'll be flying 'round they flowers in the yard.

More verses:

They'll be slurping up the nectar when they come. Gulp! Gulp! (pretend to swallow)
They'll be scooping up the pollen with their legs. Fun! Fun! (Stomp twice)
They'll be feeding all the babies in the hive. Eat! Eat! (pretend to rock baby)
They'll be cooling down the hive with their wings. Flap! Flap! (flap arms)
They'll be making lots of honey that we'll eat. Yum! Yum! (rub tummy)

KATHY STEMKE:
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

MY GRANDSON MICHAEL IS GOING TO AFGHANISTAN IN SEPTEMBER: PLEASE PRAY!

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

Summer Songs and Poems

INSECTS!!
(Sung to: She'll Be comin' Round the Mountain)

They'll be flying 'round the flowers in the yard. Buzz buzz. (flap hands)
They'll be flying 'round the flowers in the yard. Buzz buzz.
They'll be flying 'round the flowers; they'll be flying 'round the flowers;
They'll be flying 'round they flowers in the yard.

More verses:
They'll be slurping up the nectar when they come. Gulp! Gulp! (pretend to swallow)
They'll be scooping up the pollen with their legs. Fun! Fun! (Stomp twice)
They'll be feeding all the babies in the hive. Eat! Eat! (pretend to rock baby)
They'll be cooling down the hive with their wings. Flap! Flap! (flap arms)
They'll be making lots of honey that we'll eat. Yum! Yum! (rub tummy)

When the Bugs Come Out in Spring
Tune: When the Saints Come Marching In

Oh when the bugs come out in spring
Oh when the bugs come out in spring
I want to be outside marching

When the bugs come out in spring
I'll see some crawl; I'll see some fly
I'll count how many go marching by
I'll watch and see how many I know
Of the bugs that come out in spring


I'm A Little Turtle
(sung to the tune of "I'm A Little Teapot")

I'm a little turtle with a shell,
I have four legs, a head, and a tail,
When I get so scared I want to hide,
I pull my head and legs inside!

A New Itsy-Bitsy Spider

The itsty-bitsy spider
Crawled up on Jordan’s head.
He crawled all around, then used it for a bed.
He crawled down his back
and jumped down to the floor.
Then the itsy-bitsy spider
Crawled underneath the door.


DO SPIDERS STICK TO THEIR OWN WEBS?

The spider weaves a sticky web
To capture bugs to eat.
What keeps the spider's sticky web
From sticking to her feet?
Spider webs are very tricky
Because not all the strands are sticky.
Unlike the passing hapless fly,
The spider knows which strands are dry.
But if she accidentally stands
Upon one of the sticky strands
She still will not get stuck, you see-
Her oily body slides off free.

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