WE SHALL BEHOLD HIM CHRISTMAS PRESENTATION DEC. 10TH 7:00PM SCHAEFER THEATER TOCCOA, GEORGIA

We are now down to the home stretch!!! The last two weeks before our Christmas presentation is going to be busy!!! Lights, scenery, audio, programs, costumes, etc. here ...we come. Thanks to all of you who have been praying, and those participating. 

To God be the Glory! Please come! Dec. 10th Schaefer Theater, Toccoa, Georgia 7:00 PM.

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.html http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html http://kathystemke.weebly.com
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NUTRITION GAME1 HIT ALL FOOD GROUPS TO WIN!

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.html http://kathystemke.weebly.com
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THANKSGIVING SONGS FOR KIDS!

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Turkey Pokey
Tune: Hokey Pokey

You put your right wing in.
You put your right wing out.
You put your right wing in,
And you shake it all about.
"You do the Turkey Pokey and you gobble all around,
that's what it's all about."
Additional verses: Left wing, Drumsticks, Stuffing, Wattle (Head), Tail Feathers (Bottom), Turkey body.

---

Thanksgiving Song
Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle

Let's be thankful for this day
For our friends and for our play
Let's be thankful; let's be glad
For the food and things we have
Let's give thanks for you and me
And our home and family.

---

Mr. Turkey
Tune: Frere Jacque

Mr. Turkey, Mr. Turkey
Run away, run away
If you are not careful
You will be a mouthful
Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Day!

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I'm A Little Pilgrim
Tune: I'm A Little Teapot

I'm a little pilgrim on the run,
Here is my knife and here is my gun.
When I go a-hunting, hear my shout-
Deer and turkey better watch out!

---

I'm Thankful
Tune: Row, Row, Row Your Boat

I'm thankful for my friends
And my family.
I'm thankful for the food I eat.
I'm happy to be me!

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.html http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html http://kathystemke.weebly.com
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Great site: Storybird

I Love you, Grandad! by jaydesmom76 on Storybird

Kathy'a 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.html http://kathystemke.weebly.com
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FREE CHILDREN'S STORIES!

 I recently found this incredible website that offers free stories for children.  Some of them are really good!  Kids will love them and authors will be inspired by some of them.  Check it out.  http://www.freechildrenstories.com/index.phphttp://www.freechildrenstories.com/index.php




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.html http://kathystemke.weebly.com
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Round Shape Poem

Round is a Pancake

Round is a pancake,
Round is a plum,
Round is a doughnut,
Round is a drum.
Round is a puppy,
Curled up on a rug.
Round are the spots,
On a wee ladybug.
Look all around,
On the ground, in the air,
You will find round things everywhere!

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.html http://kathystemke.weebly.com
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JD'S Writers Blog: A Review of NO REST FOR THE CRANKY PRINCESS, a chi...

JD'S Writers Blog: A Review of NO REST FOR THE CRANKY PRINCESS, a chi...: "The Cranky Princess has the softest bed in the kingdom but she could not fall to sleep no matter how many times the wizard waved his wand. ..."

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

Illustrator, Kurt Wilcken, Is Almost Done with my Book!

 Just wanted to share a couple of pages from my book, "Trouble on Earth Day."  Kurt Wilcken is the talented illustrator working on the book.  He just has a couple of pictures left to do.

Kids will love this book about new friendships and problem solving.  It will open up conversations about the Earth and her limited resources.

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.html http://kathystemke.weebly.com
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Characteristics Checklist for Gifted Children

Often the earliest identification of gifted children takes place by simple observation of the child's behavior by an educational professional, a parent or friend. The following lists were adapted from various sources. Note it is not expected that any gifted child will show all the traits listed in any section.

General intellectual ability 

·         is an avid reader, wide range of interests

·         has avid interest in science or literature

·         provides very alert, rapid answers to questions

·         is secure emotionally

·         is adventuresome

·         tends to dominate peers or situations

·         needs little outside control - applies self discipline

·         is resourceful - solving problems by ingenious methods

·         displays a great curiosity

·         is involved with many exploratory activities

·         has the capacity to use knowledge other than to memorize

·         is a good guesser

·         makes good grades in most subjects

·         learns rapidly, easily and efficiently

·         uses a large number of words easily and accurately

·         asks many questions of a provocative nature

·         has a power of abstraction, conceptualization and synthesis

·         has an interest in cause-effect relations

·         has a liking for structure, order and consistency

·         has a power of concentration

·         is persistent

·         has a high energy level

·         is independent 

Creative thinking and production  

·         acts spontaneously, intuitively

·         tolerates ambiguity and uncertainty

·         retains own ideas in a discussion or collaboration

·         provides multiple solutions to problems

·         is uninhibited in expression, sometimes radical

·         is interested in fantasy, imagination

·         has a keen sense of humor

·         doesn't mind being different

·         doesn't accept rules without input

·         asks provocative questions, challenges authorities

·         is bored with memorization and recitation

·         can show unusual degrees of originality

Leadership 

·         can stimulate, organize, and arouse others

·         recognizes skills and abilities possessed by others

·         interacts with others easily 

·         can articulate clearly the goals of a group

·         can give directions clearly and effectively

·         exercises authority reliably and responsibly

·         can adopt non-leadership roles within a group

·         can establish the mood of a group  

Psychomotor ability 

·         is rhythmic, athletic 

·         is coordinated, balanced and confident in physical activities

·         is inventive in constructing or modifying games

·         demonstrates endurance, stamina and persistence 

Visual and performing arts  

·         responds readily to rhythm, melody and harmony

·         makes up original tunes

·         enjoys dance and dramatic activities with musical elements

·         readily shifts into role of another character

·         uses voice to reflect changes in mood

·         puts depth into drawing, showing planning and good proportion 

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.html http://kathystemke.weebly.com
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100_1927.MOV

My dance team at the Cornelia Apple Festival!

Book Review: The Fisherman's Wife by Dianne G. Sagan

Title: The Fisherman’s Wife

Author: Dianne G. Sagan

Genre: Middle Grade
Publisher: Buoy Up Press

ISBN: 978-0-937660-63-8

Paperback: 107 pages

Price: $11.95

Would you like to travel back to biblical times and experience the life of the wife of a fisherman from Capernaum?  Then you would enjoy “The Fisherman’s Wife” by Dianne Sagan. 

Dianne Sagan’s historical fiction is rich in Jewish customs and traditions.  After formalized negotiations between their fathers, Simon asked for Johanna’s hand in marriage. 

“Simon took her hand and placed a gold coin in herm palm as a sign of their betrothal.  He said, ‘Behold, you are consecrated unto me with this token according to the law of Moses and Isreal.’”

Johanna’s happiness eventually soured after repeated tries to give birth ended in disappointment and shame.  Her inner turmoil was matched by the society turmoil that existed from the cruel treatment by the Roman Empire.

“Johanna heard screaming and thundering horse’s hooves in the street….. One of the soldiers threw a net over two men running in front of them.  The two men fell and rolled in the net like fish trying to swim free.”

When Johanna’s husband and several others left their boats to follow a traveling Rabbi, Johanna was left wondering who would provide for her and her sick mother.  Bitterness grew in her heart.  Johanna faced the biggest decision of her life.

“The Fisherman’s Wife” will captivate those eight years old and up.  As a retired teacher I recommend this book for home, school and church libraries.

Reviewed by Kathy Stemke, Author/educator

http://educationtipster.blogspot.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.html http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html http://kathystemke.weebly.com
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Thank You for Your Wonderful Support!

I'm up to 404 votes!!!

Many of you know that I joined a picture book contest. What you don't know is that I feel that I've won already. So many of my friends and family have voted day after day for me. It's extremely encouraging.


I've made many new friends on Lulu as well. Complete strangers vowed to help me. I've featured some of their books on twitter and facebook. I'm going to do some blog posts for others. Writers are pretty cool people.


One of my church friends had had trouble sleeping. When she went to vote for me, she found a natural sleep aid that has helped her sleep!

A guy I hadn't seen since High School is voting for me every day!!! 

My church has rallied around me as well!

If you're hearing about this for the first time, I need your help. 

I entered the contest late so I have to catch up to others who have many votes already.  It's very difficult, but not impossible.  40% of my score is the number of votes.  60% of my score is the story, use of their illustrations, and grammar.  (I had to eliminate some paragraph breaks and words to fit the story in the 4 small pages provided.)  I just need to get in range of the high scorers to win!! 

You can vote once a day until November 22, 2010.  If you put the link in your favorites, it would only take seconds each day.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Please vote, here's the link:  http://naturemadesleep.net/stories/377 

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.html http://kathystemke.weebly.com
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Author Sue Berger Writes a Children's Book about Earthquakes

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.html http://kathystemke.weebly.com Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke Follow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile

"Animal Sound Mix-Up" by Connie Arnold

Title: Animal Sound Mix-Up

Author: Connie Arnold

Illustrator: Kit Grady

Genre: Picture book
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

ISBN-13: 978-161633-083-5

e-book-13: 978-1-61633-084-2

Paperback: 14 pages

Price: $ 9.95

Congratulations to author, Connie Arnold, for her delightful picture book, animal Sound Mix-Up.  Her rhyme and rhythm is music to my ears.  Children will giggle as they imagine animals speaking with the wrong sound. 

"What if a lion said meow . . .
or if a donkey said bow-wow?
Wouldn’t it seem quite funny now
if they became mixed up somehow?"

Kit Grady, the illustrator captured the humor of this book with colorful, action filled pictures.  This book would be a great addition to every school and home library. 




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.html http://kathystemke.weebly.com
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Please vote!! I have 185 votes!!

Thank you to those of you who have voted for me in the picture book contest recently.  (I’ve got 185 votes so far!! 10/18) I truly appreciate your love and support.

If you're hearing about this for the first time, I need your help. I'm shooting for 200 votes!!  Can you take 5 seconds to help?

I entered the contest late so I have to catch up to others who have over 1000 votes already.  It's very difficult, but not impossible.  40% of my score is the number of votes.  60% of my score is the story, use of their illustrations, and grammar.  (I had to eliminate some paragraph breaks and words to fit the story in the 4 small pages provided.)  I just need to get in range of the high scorers to win!! 

You can vote once a day until November 22, 2010.  If you put the link in your favorites, it would only take seconds each day.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Please vote, here's the link:  
http://naturemadesleep.net/stories/377

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.html http://kathystemke.weebly.com
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I have 95 votes:please help me reach 100!

Thanks to my dear friends and colleagues I'm almost at the 100 mark!  Please take a second to follow this link and vote for my book.

PLEASE VOTE! I NEED YOUR HELP IN A CONTEST! 

FOLLOW THIS LINK: http://naturemadesleep.net/stories/377

If you follow my blog I will follow yours!  Don't forget to sign up for my free monthly newsletter!

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.html http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html http://kathystemke.weebly.com
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Become a Fan of Children’s Author & Illustrator, Monique and Alexa Peters

This month I'm hosting Day 6 of the Virtual Book Tours for all the children's book authors/illustrators who are part of the October Showcase at the National Writing for Children Center. Today I'm pleased to be hosting Day 6 of the tour for authors Alexa and Monique Peters.

In June 2010, my daughter and I traveled to Peru with the Happy Hearts Fund and Petra Nemcova and were able to meet with the children of Peru and share our book, "Cooper and Me", with them.

My daughter, Alexa,  left Peru feeling greatly inspired. Her goal was to raise enough funds through the sale of the books to build a school in Haiti.

What began as a few sketches of our family dog has grown into something more profound. Alexa is using her passion for art and love of animals to help bring hope and happiness to children who have lost so much.

The Cooper and Me project has evolved to include a CD with original songs for each book, stuffed “Cooper” and “Bella” toys, a matching doghouse and backpacks for kids. Visit our website at http://www.cooperandme.com. 

The authors contribute three dollars from the sale of each “Cooper and Me” book to support the Happy Hearts Fund, a charity that builds schools for children in areas affected by natural disaster. Supermodel Petra Nemcova, who survived the 2004 Tsunami in Thailand, founded the charity. 

In recognition of her “Buy a Book, Help Build a School” fundraising campaign, Alexa was named the youngest ambassador for the Happy Hearts Fund. For more information on the Happy Hearts Fund, go to http://www.happyheartsfund.org.

Follow all 7 authors on their 6-day Virtual Book Tours and leave comments and you could win the Giftbox Giveaway from the National Writing for Children Center. Click here to keep following the tours The National Writing for Children Center. 

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.html http://kathystemke.weebly.com
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Become a Fan of Children's Author, L. D. Harkrader

Finding Fans by L.D. Harkrader

All writers want to reach their readers. Unfortunately, no one knows for sure the best way to reach them. I’m not sure, either, but over the years I’ve developed guidelines that work for me:

The best promotional tool is a good story well told. The easiest way to tell people about my book is to let enthusiastic others do it for me, and if I’ve done my job—created engaging characters, a powerful setting, a page-turning plot, gripping tension, and a bang-up ending—it’s more likely that my publisher, reviewers, bookstore owners, librarians, and, ultimately, readers will love my book and want to run out and tell other people about it.

Life’s too short to spend time doing things you hate. No one promotional method will work for every writer or every book, and no author will feel comfortable with every method. I decided years ago to promote my books only in the ways I enjoyed and was good at, and forget the rest.

For example, many authors get lists of bookstores across the country and call each one, telling the manager about their book. It works for some writers, but it’s something I’ll never to do. I know the bookstore owners in my area. It’s been amazing the way they’ve stocked and promoted my books. I always let them know when I have a new book out, but I don’t feel comfortable calling busy bookstore owners I’ve never met to try to sell them on my latest.

However, as an artist as well as a writer, there are some promotional endeavors I do well and enjoy. I designed my website (www.ldharkrader.com) and love keeping it up to date. Likewise, I’ve designed bookmarks, posters, and a book trailer (www.ldharkrader.com/Trailers.html). I do school visits and speak at library conferences, which can be nerve-wracking at first, but I’ve found that, shy as I am, I like talking about writing and books. And of course I write articles for blogs when I’m asked, because hey, I’m a writer—I love to write.  

The second best promotional tool is my next book. If I spend all my time promoting one book, I’ll never have time to write the next, so I make sure that writing is always my top priority. After all, the best way to reach readers is to keep giving them something to read.

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.html http://kathystemke.weebly.com
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PLEASE VOTE! I NEED YOUR HELP MY FRIENDS!

I've entered a story book contest a little late.  Some people have over 800 votes already.  But I have so many great friends, I know I can catch up.    

I could only use 4 pages of text and had to use their illustrations.  I really had to squeeze the words on the page.  So the story was limited in many ways. 

CLICK HERE TO VOTE:  http://naturemadesleep.net/stories/377 

YOU CAN VOTE ONCE A DAY!

THANKS FOR YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT. 

XXXOOO

KATHY

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.html http://kathystemke.weebly.com
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