Helping Children to Discover the Joy of Reading

Encouraging children to read can often prove to be a difficult task. This is why it is important to help children to discover the joy in reading. This article discusses different techniques to assist this to happen.

Bringing a book to life will certainly encourage a child to read. Reading can also be used as bonding time for a child and parent; which will also encourage a child to read. As long as they enjoy the experience and are not given reading as a punishment or a chore they will benefit and find the joy in reading. This will subsequently help them to develop. There are many ways to do this, some of which are more effective than others. Please read on to discover the implicating factors I have found to be beneficial.

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To keep a child's brain active their imaginations need to be inspired. Research has proven that children develop faster through play. It can be hard to get a child to love reading that is why it is important to choose the right books. It is beneficial to correspond the interest and hobbies the child has to the books they are offered. The more relevant to their tastes the more enjoyable it will be and the more joy the reading will become. The hobbies and interests your child has could well be marketed by a subscription or series of reading materials. This is perfect for on-going enjoyment of literature.

The time and timing in which your child reads is also important. It is known that a child will absorb information if it is read before bed. It can also spark imaginative and positive images for dreams. Bed time is also a relaxed and comfortable time to delve whole into a book. A child will of course not enjoy reading during dinner time, while a parent is vacuuming or over breakfast.

It is important that for a child to enjoy reading the correct atmosphere must be set. Maybe a special fun room full of books could be available. If not, maybe a little special reading space where a child can enjoy being. Fun colours and shapes, sparking creativity would be helpful. It is important that it is quiet at the time your child is reading. It is said that you mustn't choose a book by its cover but where children are concerned it is important that the cover is colourful, fun, sparks interest and is engaging.

It is important also, that children can physically see parents and other adults reading for pleasure. It is a researched fact that children act as their role models do. Consequently that is usually the parents so it is important that parents read regularly and a child is witness to that.

Reading with children makes them discover the joy of reading as they enjoy spending time with parents. They feel special and are proud when they get compliments for their reading. It is also a conversation starter and can develop all sorts of understanding for all aspects that are within the themes of the book. A book can also inspire other enjoyable activities as a development of the book itself. Spending personal time with your children will make them feel special and they will appreciate that they are able to share something.

Visiting libraries can often be a fun and enjoyable experience for children. There are usual fun interactive workshops and activities taking place with children at certain days of the week. Children certainly discover the joy of reading on these as they tend to meet other children, make friends and appreciate their special treat.

It can also be more enjoyable if your child if they are encouraged to interact with older siblings. It is perfect to involve the whole family in reading games. Understandably there will be an array of reading levels but the concept will be the same. Maybe the older ones could read to the younger ones or visa versa. Shared reading in groups is related to enjoyment and development so this is definitely worth a try.

All in all, in conclusion, as long a parent praises children's efforts they will be filled with joy and will be eager to read. Reading should never be used as a punishment. It must always be thought of something fun and enjoyable. To help a child discover the joy of reading is certainly the right path to success.

Helping Children to Discover the Joy of Reading

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Teaching Children Responsibility

What does it mean to teach your children responsibility? Every parent has a different answer and a different expectation of when and how their child will assume personal responsibility. One thing is for sure and that is that responsibility must be taught. It is not a natural skill, but it can be learned at any age. You do not become responsible when you are mature, but rather you become mature when you are responsible.

Four variables in this exciting venture;

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1. Your child (learning style, age, motor skills, interest, hot buttons or incentives)

2. Your expectations (perfection or ever-learning, do you punish for the truth?)

3. Your example (use the 4 r's, recognize, remorse, restitution and resolve to correct
mistakes)

4. Consistency and follow-through (natural and logical consequences)

Outward responsibility deals with everyday things (life skills) chores, brushing teeth,
returning videos on time. These are habits that make us productive and reliable.

Inward responsibility deals with attitudes, beliefs and values. This is where we look at
the heart. It means admitting mistakes, being unselfish, caring for other people's health,
property and feelings.

2-step process:

1. Teach them the skill until it becomes a habit and then eventually it will become
automatic action. Automatic action is action without conscious thought or
planning. This is the difference between pre-decisions and situational ethics. For
example, clearing your plate from the table, brushing your teeth, putting your bike
away. You don't have to decide what to do every time.

2. Praise the attitude, performance and effort. Use natural and logical consequences
to reinforce the lesson. "Thanks for picking up your toys without being asked. It
makes it easier for the whole family to maneuver when we don't have to step over
toys on the floor."

You cannot expect a 35-year-old job from a 10-year old. You also cannot expect a 10-
year-old job from a 10-year old who isn't clear what is expected of him. We will have to
occasionally jump in and help them do an unpleasant task, but not do it for them.

Voice and Choice: The more the child has the opportunity of "owning" the decision or
problem, the more he/she will learn. The purpose of allowing natural consequences to
occur and of designing logical consequences is to encourage children to make responsible
choices, not punish them. This method permits a child to choose and then to be
accountable for the decision whether it comes out well or not. Most children, when
permitted to make poor choices, learn from the consequences. The most effective method
of teaching is for you to remain matter-of-fact and non-punishing. This means separating
the deed from the doer. If you were trying to teach your child a new skill, such as piano
or tennis, you would probably be patient. You would expect and accept some mistakes.

Just regard teaching responsibility the same way. Regard slipups or wrong choices as a
learning experience rather than a personal affront on your ability as a parent or teacher
and everyone will be happier, more cooperative and responsible.

© 2004 Judy H. Wright, Personal Historian, Parent Educator and Author -
www.artichokepress.com

Teaching Children Responsibility

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Interior Design For Children

Interior design for children is one of the most fun, delightful aspects of the business if you ask me. It is so fun because children are limitless as far as their creativity and imaginations are concerned. Whenever planning interior design for children, be sure to involve the children in the planning and-if you feel very brave, the implementation of your designs.

A good beginning point or theme for interior design for children is to start with any favorite activity or toy or even character of the child's interest. Remember that many items of interest to children are topics that will change with time so try to take advantage of these interests and favorites with accessories and changes that will be easy to replace in the future as their interests and needs change. If a child has an interest or a particular activity that they are very enthused about and they have a special request that would make the design very special to them, go for it as long as the parents are as enthusiastic as the child is. Also, forewarn them of any possible headaches they might experience changing it in the future when it comes time to redesign the space in order to accommodate the child's changing needs.

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When choosing your color plan or schemes remember that interior design for children offers you unique opportunities to use bold or bright colors that would usually not be ideal for use in adult surroundings. Along the same lines, certain areas of the room would be more ergonomic to use as focal points then would in an adult's atmosphere. For example, a chalkboard or toy box might capture a child's attention more so then would a table or seating arrangement.

Another aspect of design that will vary from adult tastes when planning interior design for children would be the accessories that will be used to highlight and accentuate key features. Toys and collectibles make wonderful objects to use in this application. However, many times toys that are placed on display or for decoration are toys that the child would enjoy much more by being able to play with it rather then it actually being on display. You can solve this dilemma by either using old, unused toys that no longer captivate the child's interests or even by purchasing duplicates and allowing them to actually use one version of the toy and letting them know that the others are 'for looking only'.

Also, keep in mind that collectibles often times are of less significance to smaller children then are to adults so make sure that any item placed in a child's room is not of significant fiscal or sentimental value just in case!

Tying in interior design for children can be accomplished easily by purchasing one of millions of available bed treatments that is complimentary to the designs and themes used in the creation of the room layout as well as fitting in well with the accessories chosen. Many bed treatment packages come prepackaged with matching detailed sheets, a comforter, dust ruffle, and window coverings. These items can bring a room together in the greatest of all fashions and are an option in interior design for children that are obtainable by anyone looking to make a change.

Always remember when planning interior design for children that a child changes attitudes, opinions, and behaviors around every three years. Permanent changes of any type are a big no-no and practical, cost effective ones are ideal. A good furniture tip to remember when designing for kids is to buy reasonably priced, sound furniture that doesn't break the bank. Kids are even harder on furniture then they are on clothes! And most importantly to take into consideration when working with interior design for children--of course, HAVE FUN!!!

Interior Design For Children

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Keeping Your Children Safe Outside

If you have children, you understand how important it is to keep them safe. If you live in a nice neighborhood, you want to be able to let your kids play outside while you make dinner and watch them from the window. However, if you are not right beside them, you cannot stop them fast enough from inside if they run into a street. If you want to make sure they are safe, you can look into CT fencing. Ct fences will keep your children in your backyard or front yard and you will not have to worry about them running into the street.

You should be able to let your children go outside if they are old enough without having to be there with them every second. If they are too young, you should always be with them unless you have a babysitter outside with them, but they have to grow up sometime and you probably have housework to do as well. If you do not feel safe letting them go out alone, then take them to the park or get a babysitter to play with them. One thing that will definitely make you feel better is having something that surrounds your yard to keep strangers out and your children in. That way you will know where they are at all times.

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If your backyard is secluded and you live in a very safe neighborhood, you are probably more comfortable with the idea of having your kids out to play when you are getting things done inside. Although it is nice to get outside and play with them every once in a while, you cannot always make that happen. If you live in a neighborhood that is not as safe or your house is right off a busy street, it may be hard to let them go out by themselves. If this is the case, having a barrier installed would be a great idea.

Parents always worry about their children. It is a natural instinct because the job of a parent is to keep their children safe. If your children are really young, it is not a good idea to let them go out whether you have a secured area or not. They do not understand rules yet and should not be allowed to leave the area without you knowing. It is important that you are with your young children at all times when they are playing outside.

It is important for kids to play outside where there is fresh air and exercise. Instead of letting them watch television, make them go out while taking breaks from their homework. When they do go out alone, give them rules to follow and make sure they follow them by checking on them often. By getting them to do their homework early in the day, like right after school, they will have more time to play outside before it gets dark out. Especially in the winter, it gets dark very early so if you have to, get them to go out for an hour and then help them do their homework before dinner.

Keeping Your Children Safe Outside

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Writing for Children: What Drives a Children's Story?

If someone were to ask you what it is about some of your favorite books that you find most compelling, you may be inclined to answer with something like, "It has an exciting plot," "It's fast paced," or some other answer about the storyline. However, upon deeper reflection, you may come to realize that what's often the most compelling about certain stories is the emotional drive behind the primary storyline. Sure, an interesting plot line is essential for a good story, but what's behind the steering wheel of that plot? What's really driving the story?

For many readers, a strong emotional connection to the characters and their situations is what keeps them reading. After all, if you don't care about the characters, you're much more likely to stop turning the page and instead turn to a different book altogether. This concept, of finding ways to allow the reader to connect to the character, is used throughout literature and movies. It's how authors make you care about the "bad guy" in some books and movies. This idea is not limited to adult literature, however. Compelling children's stories also allow the reader (or listener) to enter the story and connect with characters and situations.

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Think about some of your favorite childhood stories. What was it about those stories that made you want to read them over and over? Even stories for the youngest child can create a connection. "Goodnight Moon," the classic board book by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd is one such example. Initially, the story seems very simple. A young rabbit boy says goodnight to the various things in his room before going to sleep. However, in doing so, the story depicts a safe and comforting environment for the child, an atmosphere that resonates with young children--and a reason why this story has remained popular for so many years.

Stories for older readers can accomplish the same thing. The idea is to keep the story and concepts age appropriate, as is done in "Goodnight Moon." Judy Blume's "Blubber" addresses issues that many kids can relate to, such as feeling like an outsider and being bullied. More recently the Harry Potter books deal with an assortment of issues that resonate with young readers, such as feeling different, finding one's inner strength, and facing one's fears.

Effective stories for children often appear to be simple stories; however, a closer look reveals that these stories address complex issues that many young people can relate to on an emotional level--and this is what keeps readers coming back for more. How do you do this in your own writing? To drive your story, think about what drives your character. What does he or she want? Why is he or she acting in a particular way, or going to a particular place? What does your character hope to achieve? By asking yourself a few questions about your character's motivation, you can find your own in writing the story--and this will help motivate children to read your story.

Writing for Children: What Drives a Children's Story?

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Kids Games For Mental Growth of Your Children

There is a negative collision of Television, media, Video games, Internet and movies on kids. This negative impact is not only deliberately noticeable, but ever-increasing day by day. Instead of going into the more imperative effects of wickedness, vicious behaviors, embedded selfishness and loss of values, the actuality is that these well-known means are participating to the loss of some famous attributes, capabilities and actions that every kid in the world is needed to develop. Mostly children of the world need to play their favorite sports event, for their social, physical, logical and emotional well-beings. This is the most famous responsibility of parents to make sure this happens. Unluckily, we will be agree that turning on some movies or Television to act as a momentary babysitter is certainly easier than the effort, time, and creativity is so much important to play this types of sports with your kids.

Every parent requires in their arsenal some silence kids games as well as some active ones. Some parents like to give their children outdoor sports events that are ever-liked and enjoyed by their kids very much. It is only the best and most leading fun stuff for children to get entertainment, but also useful to keep them healthier. And, the best thing about it is that it does not cost any money. You can easily play it at the park and in the back yard of your house, and every aged kids love it to play.

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When it comes to kids' games, parents imagine that it has to be complicated for it to be fun. This is not the fact and true impact. Just think about your childhood, the best and most exclusive playoffs were very simple. These were pickup sticks, Jacks and Marbles as well; these were very simple but also very funny too. In this modern millennium, there are many high quality and most popular kids' games that are played by the children. The most popular children games are Table Hockey, Kid Play, Luding, Puzzle Depot, and Sesame Workshop: Car Playoffs, Card Games, Web Trumps, etc.

When you are picking some entertainment of your kids like indoor sports, the major issue is space. You must have sufficient space to play these sports as well. Some children love to play outdoor playoffs, but their parents find them an irritation. These are more beneficial and useful for the strongest body and muscle of your baby.

There are a huge number of computer games for kids in this modern era. When it comes to select the best and good computer children games it's time to become attractive particular. It is very much significant to select the best playoffs, which is so much funny and challenging. You must select those playoffs that do not have any improper themes or content for your babies. The World of Goo, Nancy Drew: The Haunting of Castle Malloy, Crazy Machines 2 and SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition are some great computer kids games of edition 2009. All of them are great for wide-ranging entertainment, and are mentally challenging.

At the time of playing these games, you have to keep some security measure in your mind. Some of them can cause minor physical injuries. Therefore, you have to read security instruction before playing any of them. Please always remember that originally no harm was anticipated in this stuff, but the awareness level has enhanced appreciably in recent years.

Kids Games For Mental Growth of Your Children

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Writing For Children, and Getting Children to Write - Part 4

Your imagination can bring ANYTHING to life.

Children do this on an hourly basis. The younger they are, the more naturally and often they do it.

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Children can have friends who are leaves, footballs, pieces of toast shaped like boats and even items of clothing.

Personal effects can be personal friends, hard to let go. Inanimate objects have feelings and lives of their own.

Sitting at your desk they are able to create an adventure from what sits beside the computer you're now working on. A mouse, keyboard, speakers, paperclips, pens, pencils, rulers, mobile phones. Children imagine all these to be alive, if they choose, and can communicate with them, share thoughts between them all and take them on the kind of adventures most adults have forgotten all about.

The brain has an infinite capacity for creation, so when a child is asked to write a story, about anything they like, many will stop in their tracks and write nothing. Way too many choices to simply to choose one and go with it.

Next time, try this instead. Tell them they are not going to be marked on the story they write, no one will check for spelling or punctuation, and that grammatical mistakes will be ignored.

Tell them, they cannot go wrong with their story, There is no right or wrong answer.

Now ask them to select three words. For example: Mountain, penguin, guitar.

Then tell them the writing rules.

1. They must write for five minutes, non stop, without taking their pen off the paper, unless it is to dot the 'i's' and cross the 't's'

2. The first sentence must begin with one of the three words they chose, the other two words must be contained somewhere in the rest of the story.

3. They must not think. Ask them to allow all the thoughts inside their head to come out on paper and the screen. This goes against everything they are taught. Let them complain for a minute, then give them the rules again. Reiterate that they cannot go wrong, and no one has to see what they have written if they choose.

4. On your marks, get set, go!

5. During the five minutes if they stop gently remind them to keep going. Even if they are writing 'I don't know what to write, what's the point, I think they've gone mad.' It doesn't matter. All we're working on here is the process, of writing, the flow of creating.

6. After five minutes tell them to stop. Many of them wont want to, even the ones who five minutes ago said they hated writing. If they would like to share, let them. Validate what they have written.

7. They might have created an amazing story straight off, but more than likely most of what they've written will be random. A few will be brilliant. Most kids will be astonished at what they have just written. Most will have at least one gem of an idea they can use for a story, or something they want to expand on.

It isn't about writing a best selling novel every time they set pen to paper. It's about the process, and not judging the result. Give children the freedom to create, without judging the result, they will begin to produce work no one believed possible.

I've been using this technique in classrooms and workshops for years, with all age groups, and without fail it works a treat.

Praise, persistence, praise, persistence, non judgemental. Don't worry about the grammar, the spelling or punctuation. These will come with practice and reading. Just let them flow with the words, allow them to write how they would speak, and don't mark it. There is nothing that will destroy a potential writer more quickly than a page covered in red lines and hastily scribbled comments.

Resist!

And are you stuck for an idea with the story you are trying to get out? Try it!

Writing For Children, and Getting Children to Write - Part 4

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Why Do Children Shoplift?

Kids shoplift for a variety of reasons. The more you understand the reasons, the better able you will be to recognize the signs and signals that your child could be shoplifting. Here are some of the reasons children shoplift.
Children may use shoplifting as a means of acting out feelings of anger, frustration, depression, boredom, or confusion. Some children feel neglected by family members or peers and steal as a way of acquiring attention from these people. Most children who steal say they do so because of peer pressure. 86% of children say they know someone who shoplifts and 66% of these kids hang out with the shoplifter. (National Association of Shoplifting Prevention) Often children steal simply for the thrill of doing something they know is wrong without getting caught. Most shoplifters say the excitement they receive from "getting away with it" is an unbelievable high that is more rewarding than the merchandise they steal. Some children shoplift as a means of acquiring items that they cannot afford or that their parents cannot or will not purchase for them. Children may use shoplifting as a form of escape in order to avoid thinking about problems at home, school, work, etc. Some children simply have poor impulse control, meaning that if they see something they want they feel they need it now and will get it by any means possible. Sometimes children simply have difficulty distinguishing between right and wrong and do not realize that If children feel that they are unworthy or unattractive or that certain areas of their lives are out of control, shoplifting can give them a sense of power. Some children shoplift in order to support drug habits. Some children suffer from kleptomania, a disorder that causes compulsive stealing.It is important to determine the cause of the problem in order to solve it and prevent it from happening again. Taking an active role in your child's life could save your child from making a decision to shoplift. Listening to your child's problems, concerns, and feelings on the issue of peer pressure and stealing is key. Help your child to grasp the concept that there are consequences for his or her actions and that shoplifting is a dangerous choice to make.

 Copyright 2009 ShopliftingIsStealing.com. All Rights Reserved.

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Why Do Children Shoplift?

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Friendship Connections For Young Children

For most young children, day care, play groups or preschool is the primary place to develop a sense of belonging to a group and having special people there to enjoy. This is where young children practice the social skills necessary to make and keep friends.

Social Skills Need Practice

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Like any other life skill, it takes consistent effort and practice to form a habit. At all developmental levels, children exhibit some success at making and keeping friends. The skills come easily to some children and prove to be a bigger challenge for others.

When a small girl hides behind her mother's skirt it is thought cute for her to be shy. That same attitude is not as cute or helpful when she enters the playground and mother is not around.

If a child has difficulty in establishing connections and making friends, it is important for the teacher or parent to understand what is happening and if it a one time situation, or an ongoing area of concern. There are exercises to build confidence and to assist in acquiring the qualities that are most looked for in friends.

Friendship Connection for Young Children in Community

Be sure that your daycare, preschool or play date includes lots of whole-group activities such as singing, dancing and marching. It is always fun to put on performances for other classes or invited guests. This gives them an opportunity to shine and excel in a safe environment.

Emphasize cooperation, commitment and connection to the community by long term goals such as planting a garden, doing a music show and cleaning the playground.

Be sure to include in your lessons attention to the good feelings of acceptance, tolerance and mutual respect for all. Help them to grow up with an inclusive vocabulary and attitude.

Friendship Connections For Young Children

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Learn Why Children Are Better at Learning Languages

There have long been many questions on why children are more efficient in learning a second or even a third language when compared to adults. Scientists might finally have a concrete explanation on why children are best at learning new languages.

With the aid of animation technology and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), brains of several children have been studied by researchers from UCLA. Their discovery pointed to the children's ability to process language information on a region of their brain that is different from the region that adults use.

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The Brain and Its Role in Language Learning

There are various areas in the brain which control different functions. For instance, actions like driving a car or riding a bike no longer requires people to consciously think of moving their hands and feet in coordination.

These actions are done because of people's automatic brain functions. To connect this to learning a new language, children actually use this automatic area of the brain in learning; thus, a second language to them is much like second nature. Adults who want to learn of a new language use a different area of their brain.
This is why it is best to become bilingual or even multilingual during childhood since the brain operates a little differently as compared to normal adult brain functions.

There are still chances for people who are under 18 to catch up and learn new languages. This is because the opportunity to inculcate skills and information into the deep motor region of the brain is open until the age of 18; but with each year that passes, the window to this brain closes slowly each time. This would explain why adults have to think in their native tongue and translate words into a second language unlike children who would think automatically in another language.

Studies of the neurology of acquiring a new language have been proven to be useful. Learning the different geographic locations in the brain where information and skills are stored for both adults and children would give language educators the chance to improve their lesson presentations and instructions. For instance, children who learn accents and sounds at an earlier age would be far better off than people who consciously study these sounds at a latter part of their lives.

Other Benefits of Learning a Different Language Early On

Learning a foreign language is much easier for children than most adults and in addition to this great advantage, children have also been proven to do better in school, have better problem-solving skills, are more open to diversity, and score much higher on standardized tests. This is according to Francois Thibaut who is in charge of The Language Workshop for Children. There are nine schools around the East Coast who have participated on the said workshop. Thibaut is known as an expert in foreign languages for babies and children.

Through the efforts of people like Thibaut, more and more parents are becoming aware of the importance of teaching a different language to their children. And since globalization now includes being able to communicate more clearly even to foreigners, immersing the future citizens (or today's children) to different languages would help equip them with the necessary language comprehension skills.

Future ambassadors are better able to handle situations if they learned different languages early on. Therefore, the future of the world depends on how much children of today learn from the most important aspect of most cultures-language.

Learn Why Children Are Better at Learning Languages

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Fun Playhouses for Children

All children need a special place that's completely theirs, where they can shut out the world of grownups and retreat to their own private sanctuary. Playhouses for children provide a hideaway as well as a stage where they can act out their imaginings.

They can take their favorite toys with them and pretend to be kings, queens, soldiers, or perhaps the Mommy or Daddy of a special family. Fun playhouses allow children to develop their skills and test their limits without an adult's critical presence.

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When we were kids a blanket thrown over a few chairs served the purpose of a playhouse. These days, you will find all designs and sizes of fun playhouses for children.

Naturally Playful Front Porch Playhouse
This is a beautifully designed playhouse with a large front porch. A built-in porch bench provides a place for kids to sit away from the sun or rain. The interior includes a table, sink with swivel faucet, and a stove top. A working Dutch door has an electronic doorbell and mail slot. The playhouse also has a side window with shutters and a pretty peaked roof with skylight for a brighter interior. An electronic play phone comes with the porch playhouse.

This attractive playhouse is recommended for small children from 18 months to 5 years old. Although it is durable, some parts are a bit flimsy. The porch, for instance, cannot support adults. One or two small kids can comfortably play inside.

Little Tikes Endless Adventures Tikes Town
This fun playhouse for children really lives up to its name, offering an endless number of role-playing opportunities. The four walls have different themes. One side is a schoolhouse/firehouse wall and comes with a table and chalkboard, door with mail slot, and a molded-in bell and alphabet. Decals are provided to make the wall a schoolhouse or firehouse wall. Another side is a gas station wall complete with gas pump, phone, crawl-through tunnel and other details. The third side is a sports wall. It features a basketball hoop, soccer or hockey net, targets for ball tossing, etc. The fourth side is a grocery store/bank wall with drive-up window, ATM machine, shelves and molded-in details. The interior features more details and includes a kitchenette, workshop and bank.

The Little Tikes Endless Adventures Tikes Town is perfect for creative individual or group play. It's relatively easy to assemble and well worth the money. The playhouse is large enough for a few kids to have loads of fun together. Kids from 18 months up to 6 years old will adore this playhouse.

Neat & Tidy Cottage
This playhouse may be shorter than most, but it is big on features. For one thing, it has a molded-in floor, which is something you don't often see in a playhouse. Integrated drain holes on the floor keep water and dirt from accumulating. The cottage playhouse has an open design and provides a clear view on all sides. It features a Dutch door, shutters, kitchen table with faucet, burner and molded seats inside. The playhouse also comes with a doorbell, electronic phone, and mail slot.

The Neat and Tidy Cottage is a great playhouse for children. It is fun, affordable, compact and easy to assemble. The floor is a very nice touch and it's the perfect size for toddlers.

Fun Playhouses for Children

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The Benefits of Interactive Workshops For Children With Self Confidence Concerns

As adults we believe every child has the right to aspire to be the very best they can. We like our children to be happy, confident, enthusiastic and highly motivated to strive to their best potential!! We as parents, teachers, role models and councilors can often find it difficult to infuse theses elements into a child. For this reason we have motivational writers offering books to be read by children to implement these views. However some children do not enjoy reading or have the ability to read. In this case, they could benefit from an interactive workshop instead.

Having been enthused by the methods that are available to create self confidence in children, I came across Angela Buck and became interested in her ethos, the motive for her books and the benefits that her workshops bring to children everywhere. This article discusses the benefits of interactive workshops as a method used within a child's development. I will relate this discussion to Angela Buck, her books and her beneficial workshops particularly. This is because my interest is in workshops for children with self-confidence issues. Through which I found Angela Buck, successfully transforms children with a lack in confidence with activities that inspire them to explore their hopes and dreams, to respect others and live in a world where anything is possible.

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Angela Buck is the author of "The Magic Sunglasses" and founder of "The Magic Sunglasses Project", she has a keen interest in how the right self development can increase self worth and really improve quality and enjoyment of life, especially in children. With this in mind, she has expanded this ethos through her book and is now developing even more interactive concepts for children worldwide. The Magic Sunglasses is a fun fantasy book for 7-9 yr olds. It is a touching story about a girl named Samantha, who finds some magic sunglasses which enables her to explore her dreams and her own specialties. These personal treasures she finds, then continues and develops without the use of the magic sunglasses. Making the readers intrigued to discover and cherish their own self worth.

For this message to reach as many children as possible Angela has devised a flexible interactive program to be used in schools and centre's everywhere. Her aim is to spread her ethos globally. Whether it is a mud hut in Africa, a club in New York, a public school at Eton or a youth club in Hackney, Angela will deliver an inspiring workshop to motivate the new generation. The Workshop allows the ethos of The Magic Sunglasses to effectively bring out the message of positivity and inspirations to more intimate groups. By visiting individual classrooms for 20 to 30 minutes at a time she can tailor each presentation to a specific age level and effectively interact with the children in a more intimate environment.

Before she pioneered her workshops Angela Buck asked herself the question; how can I empower children with my vision of self discovery and appreciating own values, to those who don't enjoy reading? How can I reach children who don't see reading as a form of entertainment? She was aware that some children are reluctant to read. Maybe because they don't enjoy it, or maybe they simply cannot read or just haven't been given the opportunity. To create a solution to her quandary she devised an audio version of the book and broadened her audience with this workshop. She now finds that all children, of all ages, of all walks of life, of those who love reading and those who don't, can now all enjoy and benefit from her concepts. Angela believes her innovative workshops offer varied attributes that develop the inspirations her book ignites from the first read.

Although the emphasis at the workshop will be on taking the 'special value' concept out of the book and into life - looking at values, role models etc. The lively, interactive presentations focus on childhood self-esteem but they also holds other implements that are beneficial for children's development. Another fundamental aspect to Angela's objective is to offer communication, interaction and the development of social skills. Through her workshop the children are inspired to interact with other children and through their communicational progression their personal development also evolves. Angela has derived activities that promote not only self exploration but the exploration of others. The fact it is an interactive method means children can participate, thus improving confidence as well as knowledge of others.

The children will subconsciously develop social skills, communication skills, body language, manners, etiquettes and the diversity within values, religions and ideals. They will also learn to be respectfully aware of others while the go through the journey of self-discovery and self-esteem. Angela Buck's book and her activities include insights, exercises and learning experiences that are geared to help children develop and deepen their understanding and appreciation of themselves as well as others. Through conversation with peer group and adults on the workshop, the children will also deeper their understanding about the aspects within the book, more than they may do individually. Collectively analyzing it will offer new insights to the concepts and a consensus in views. This improves motivation and confidence to proceed with the factors discussed, within their own lives. This then implements a positive attitude and a pro-active manner after they leave the workshop.

Another aspect of her workshop is to promote reading within a child's lifestyle. The workshop encourages and provides interest in reading a book as not only self- exploration but also as an educational tool. Engaging children's attention to concentrate on the English Language and English Literature is of high importance to Angela Buck. Improving educational literature and intellect within children's learning is a fundamental aspect of Angela's ethos. The Magic Sunglasses can be used as an affiliation to the National Curriculum. She wishes to expand children's educations past the hours of schooling, with her interactive workshops that inspire fun and entertainment within an innovative environment. Their learning being on the forefront of objection, none the less!!

Although the importance is providing inspirational literature as an educational tool, the emphasis will be on having fun. Angela believes creative exploration and the freedom to use their imaginations will encourage aspirations and potentials. Through play and enjoyment a confidence will be built and dreams will be imagined. Think back to when you were a child. We can all remember playing with cardboard boxes and sheets, creating dens, cars, a house, a cave, or a castle. We can all recall having a best friend over and playing prince and princesses, cowboys and Indians. We created magical places, dressed-up as famous people, storybook or movie characters.

All of these unstructured, play-filled activities were and still are essential for cultivating imagination. They are remembered and stay with us for our whole lives. Experts reveal that children who engage in imaginative play tend to: have a broader vocabulary, be more content and confident, have an increased ability to show empathy for others and cope better with difficult situations. All of which are aspects of keen interest to Angela, all of which are explored in The Magic Sunglasses. Through the workshop children learn their own self values, act out their own dreams and be infused to aspire their potentials and believe in themselves

If you yourself have a child, have a school, a community centre, a child care centre, a play school, an after school activities centre, a local gym or anywhere else you believe a child could benefit from learning self worth, learning own special values, improving self esteem, learning to respect others and improve literacy and social skills this workshop is for you!

The Benefits of Interactive Workshops For Children With Self Confidence Concerns

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Cooking With Kids - Children

Cooking can translate into a wonderful hobby for children. Children learn a lot about the food they eat by cooking themselves. Cooking is also very creative, besides being a lot of fun. The kitchen can be a very adventurous and exciting place for a holidaying child. Cooking classes for children are becoming very popular in most cities, for this reason.

Most children love it when they are allowed to knead dough, roll pancakes, crack eggs and mix batter. Cooking has emerged as an education tool for growing children. It is also a great way towards better bonding. Children can be taught skills like counting, weighing, measuring, tracking time and fractioning in a delicious way through cooking. However, very few schools include cooking in their curriculum. Parent should use holidays to cook with their children, or send them to cooking workshops in their free time.

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Cooking is also very therapeutic from the psychological point of view. It can work as a de-stressor after a long period of study. Hands on training in cooking teach kids to be independent, self responsible and better prepared for an adult life. It is also a great way to whet appetites, as one loves to tuck into things which one prepares. It also gives immense pleasure to see someone eat and appreciate your cooking. Small children can also cook with adult supervision.

It is ideal to read and revise the recipe with the child before embarking on any cooking adventure. It's more fun for them if they know what they are doing. An adult should also clear a workplace and stack all the equipments and ingredients together to prevent confusion in the child. The recipes chosen should be in sync with the child's age and ability. Children should be made to follow hygienic rules like washing hands before cooking. They can be taught to measure ingredients and organize them. Older kids can be allowed to remove bake dishes from the oven after wearing gloves and handle pans on the heater. However an adult should do hazardous tasks like taking out rice or pasta from boiling water, deep frying etc. A personal set of tools can also be provided for children to cook more efficiently. Children can also be taught to shop for their own cooking. Many families have improved their eating habits and optimized their life styles by bringing kids in the kitchen.

Cooking With Kids - Children

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Help Your Children Make Mistakes - Foster Resilience in Your Child

Teaching our children life skills will help them develop the trait of resilience. One important life skill is learning to manage the mistakes and errors we make. Often parents are fearful of allowing their children to move forward in life and make mistakes. We want to protect them. However, children who are not allowed to make mistakes can become fearful of making the smallest decisions, may be hesitant to solve problems and try new experiences. We want to promote resilience in our children. Resilient children can make mistakes, get up brush themselves off and move on.

There are 3 simple ways we can teach our children the right attitude about mistakes:

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1. Encourage inventiveness:

My son rides his bike to his counselor job. He complained that his backpack kept on banging against the wheel of his bike. It was driving him crazy. He took an old backpack and tried to refashion the straps so that his bag wouldn't hang down so low and reach the wheels of his bike. He was using a scissor. It just seemed to me as I was watching him that he was ruining this backpack. I kept my mouth shut. After a few unsuccessful attempts, he came to the same conclusion. "I think I made it worse."

Instead of berating him for his attempt, I knew that this was the perfect opportunity to applaud his efforts in trying to find a solution to his problem. I said, "I am glad you tried. You know it took Thomas Edison over 1,000 attempts to make the light bulb. I am also glad that you used an old back pack and not your new one."

This is the kind of response that promotes resilience in our children. We can teach children that little failures are opportunities for growth and that effort should be celebrated.

2. Get children involved in understanding the values of mistakes:

Use your children's blunders and missteps as an occasion for teaching them the intrinsic value of mistakes. My other son knocked on and broke the outer glass on our back door (which unbeknownst should have been replaced when we moved into our house because it did not meet safety standards- our bad). I checked to see that he wasn't hurt which he wasn't. Instead of yelling at him for being irresponsible, I tried to gently encourage him to think of something he learned from this mishap. I said, "Well, we definitely learnt something from this, maybe that we should never knock on any door that looks like glass? What do you think?"

It can also be helpful to share what you have learned from the situation. Later on I said to my son, " What I learnt from this whole thing is that if we ever buy a new house the first thing we will do is make sure that any glass looking doors are made from tempered glass or plastic!"

3. Tell stories of failures that were really successes:
Many successful people relate that their mistakes and failures were valuable lessons. Their difficult and oftentimes painful experiences shaped their future in powerful ways. This is the attitude we should adopt even about our little mistakes. Collect stories about failures that were the impetus for great achievements and share them with your children. I asked my son for some stories that he knows about a successes that started out as a mistake. He told me there was something about Alexander Graham Bell but he couldn't remember it exactly. We looked online and found the following:

Bell enjoyed the work of the German physicist Hermann Von Helmholtz. and read his book written in German. In his book, Von Helmholtz stated that, vowel sounds could be produced using electrical tuning forks and resonators. Bell could not read German very well so he thought that Von Helmholtz had said that vowel sounds could be transmitted over wire. This misunderstanding changed the world. Alexander Graham Bell said, "It gave me confidence. If I had been able to read German, I might never have begun my experiments in electricity."
Our family loves these kinds of stories and we try to refer to them laughingly when we make mistakes.

Making mistakes is not something to be feared. It is a part of everyday life. Teaching our children to deal with their errors will encourage them to be resilient and strong. It creates a "can do" feeling that they will use and value their whole lives.

Help Your Children Make Mistakes - Foster Resilience in Your Child

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Conflict Resolution and Young Children

Conflict is a normal, healthy part of young children's development. For preschoolers learning to socialize can be the beginning of something new and exciting. Socializing however, requires children to learn many skills especially if they are to enjoy the experience of playing and having fun with other children.

Some of the many skills necessary for positive social interactions include; the ability to respect the rights of others. This includes property rights, space rights and safety rights. The ability to control expressions of anger. The ability to assert themselves in a socially and acceptable manner and the ability to share ones own ideas and listen to those of others.

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Naturally, children develop at their own pace in all areas, socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically. It is therefore, not unusual for a child to be ahead in one area of development and lag a little in another. This will to some extent, depend on their family circumstances for example, if there are siblings at home, if they have attended formal outside of home care and education and if parents are from non-English speaking backgrounds. Conforming to rules of sharing and being willing to accept them will vary from child to child and circumstances.

Strategies to Help

1. Adults need to firstly remember that learning socially acceptable behaviour takes time-sometimes a long time. Be positive, patient supportive and consistent. You may feel like a `running record' when helping children to use their words to express themselves, but don't give up.

2. Always be interested in what the child has to say and try not to comment until the story is finished. It's important that children feel they are being heard and understood.

3. Validate children's attempts to cope with new situations such as sharing. for example "thank you for listening Hugo and working on this problem together with Mary".

4. Teach children to use the correct words in order to avoid conflicts. for example, "can I have that toy when you have finished" Or "I don't like you pulling me....please stop".

5. Some children don't feel sorry if they have done the wrong thing to someone else so getting them to say "sorry" has very little value other than satisfying the adult. Better to help a child understand that his/her actions caused pain or distress to another child.

We should give children enough time to resolve their own conflicts before we step in as sometimes they can solve the problem without our help. Whether we decide to step in or not however, we are still supporting children to manage their own conflicts.

By doing this, we are in turn empowering our future generation to reach peaceful and non-violent solutions to problems. Now wouldn't that be the kind of world we ALL want to live in?

Conflict Resolution and Young Children

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IL Gufo Kids Clothes for Style-Conscious Children

History of IL Gufo

Founded in 1980 by an enterprising mother of 3 children who were then attending kindergarten, Il Gufo was started as a way of killing the time by creating bibs and clothes for toddlers and children. The Il Gufo brand, then a mother's hobby, was made up of an assortment of cute bibs, some with collars that featured varying colors. The first few IL Gufo kids' clothes and bibs were crafted in a big glass house that doubled as a workshop, with a backdrop of the picturesque Asolo hills. As the years went by, the company began to grow, with sales doubling after every season.

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Today, the company is now known all over Europe, with stores found throughout Italy and distributors bringing products to all corners of the world. Twenty years after being established, The company still takes pride in manufacturing hand-made products that are unique and of the highest quality, crafted from premium fabrics and natural fibers, ensuring comfort, safety and durability above all else-something which has become a known trademark of the company. All products are made with the same skill and care 20 years ago, and fabrics are still meticulously selected and designed with special dyes and finishing, resulting in colorful kids' clothes and products.

The Style That Made The Company Known

Their kids' clothes are also perfect for children who want to dress up. The brand's fashion items aren't just made up of ubiquitous fancy dresses, they come with clothes and items that are aimed at making children looking pretty and dashing. Whether it's for a day of frolicking under the sun during summer, or bundling up during a windy or cold day during autumn and winter, IL Gufo has anything and everything parents could possibly want to dress up their kids in style.

IL Gufo Kids Clothes for Style-Conscious Children

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Etiquette School For Children

An etiquette school for children specializes in teaching a specific set of social skills to children. You can find an etiquette school in nearly every part of the country. Their lessons vary, but eventually, there is convergence between all of them.

The best etiquette schools are capable of training even the youngest children in the proper way of behaving when in the presence of other people. The main advantage of such schools is that they provide an authority figure to the children. This is a well-known phenomenon - children are actually more receptive to authority figures outside their home.

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When you enroll your child in such a school, expect that there are group classes and one-on-one coaching. The power of the lessons is often developed during the one-on-one coaching, where children are motivated to practice proper etiquette because it matters.

We believe that these schools are important because really, good manners are not hardwired into a human's brain. They must be learned, remembered, applied and constantly enforced.

What does an etiquette school offer? Usually, the school divides the lessons into distinct phases. The first phase usually involves a discussion of why proper etiquette must be learned.

Children are given a variety of situations and the coaches ask questions about what the best behaviors could be in such situations. To encourage openness, role-playing games are also used to enhance the learning experience. This phase of the learning of proper etiquette may include grooming lessons, lessons on how to dress up properly for social occasions, etc.

After a fun introduction to proper etiquette, an etiquette consultant or coach may move on to discussing how to best behave in public. Children are taught how they can be kinder and more polite in their everyday life.

Simple things like asking gently when they want something, or being a good sport when playing with friends has a huge impact on how children are understood and accepted into social circles. By removing the 'edge' associated with ultra-modern living (extreme competitiveness, extreme individualism, etc.) a child is taught that there are other ways of approaching ordinary situations.

After discovering the various gems of proper etiquette that can be used in the public setting, coaches 'zoom in' on individual aspects of daily living, such as eating out in a fine restaurant. Table manners are taught. This is not about merely knowing which fork to use when eating dinner. It's about being polite enough during mealtime that a child can eat with anybody without running the risk of offending anyone.

Etiquette School For Children

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Children and Cognitive Development: Teach Them To Think

As I have mentioned, It starts early. Of course children can think (in the most basic sense) before they are even walking. However, the notion of teaching kids to think in an educational sense is something quite different. Parent(s), guardian(s), or preschool teachers should be able to give children a head start in learning by teaching kids to think at an early age.

Here are some suggestions for teaching kids to think for teachers as well as moms, dads and other guardians.

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It starts early. Children can use their minds long before they are walking. However, the notion of teaching kids to think educationally quite different. We should be able to give our children a head start in their learning skills by teaching them as early as possible.

Here are some suggestions for teaching kids to think for teachers as well as moms, dads and other guardians.

· Interest them:

Believe me when I say that boring does not work. A bored child will definitely be thinking, but he or she will be thinking about what is outside the window or playing basketball after school--but, obviously, that is not the type of thinking under discussion in this article.

In fact, teaching children to think in an educational sense is based on drive, motivation and curiosity. Once kids are high school ages, they are sometimes ambitious and motivated by the idea of promoting their future success, they may not be interested in the particular subject matter at hand, but an interest in gaining the knowledge he or she will need when the time comes for college, finding good jobs etc.

Nonetheless, they are interested--and therefore listening, and really thinking by him or her self. That being the goal is teaching them about thinking in order to establish their cognitive development. Once the children have figured out how very important their education is to their future--the prospect of making the lesson interesting is not as important as when teaching children who are in lower levels of education like preschool, kindergarten, and virtually all of the elementary grades. Older, motivated children are interested because knowing the material is essential for them.

The others--older kids--if not interested in thinking and developing their knowledge, are students we wish we could guide and instruct well enough to change their minds. But there will be students that are never interested in learning or study. Unfortunately, it is his or her choice.

· Younger children sometimes need to be involved more so than just sitting at their desks and answering questions.

o For example:

Story time:

When you tell a story, do not just read the words on the page. Pause and ask the kids questions like:

"Why do you think that the two children are dropping crumbs behind them as they go deep into the woods?"

Another idea is to follow the words on the page with your finger. Sometimes kids learn the first steps toward reading this way. Especially when you use repetition as a part of your plan--the kids will begin to know the words by heart. Therefore the children begin to recognize words.

Before continuing the story, let the children guess why and make sure (whether they figure it out or not) that by the time you turn the page that they know the children were leaving bread crumbs behind them as a trail to find their way back home.

--There are many questions you can ask in between, as you know, that will help the kids wonder a little more--

Then when the boy and the girl in the story try to go back ask them, "where are the bread crumbs to guide them home?" "Maybe they are going the wrong way and they center of attention not find the bread crumbs," etc. Let the children try to answer, and then when you have determined that the crumbs had been eaten by birds, give an example of birds eating crumbs. Ask something like: "Have any of you ever fed bread crumbs (or even birdseed) to birds before?" and "What other times did you feed bread crumbs to animals?" (for instance: the ducks in a pond at the park.)

Children and Cognitive Development: Teach Them To Think

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Raising Children

Raising children is the most important job in the world. Raising children is a wonderful and challenging life experience. Here's the problem: people assume that raising children is only the job of the women, men do not take child raising seriously in our culture. If raising children is so hard, why do people still want to have kids? Downgrading the importance of raising children is the greatest evil of our times. It is time to face it, raising children is the responsibility of parents. Raising children is a never-ending job. Raising children is much harder than it looks, but with patience and hope, children can mature into very emotionally-secure adults.

Child care is a partnership. Child care is a necessary part of life for many families. First-time parents explore and document the care and development of a human baby. Do you feel comfortable with someone else taking care of your child? Taking care of yourself is a vital part of keeping your child safe. No job is more important to you than taking care of your own child. I don't think that the care of children should be gender specific.

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Parents play a very important role in when raising children in a safe and loving home homes. Parents recognize and deal with their children's most challenging traits in a positive manner. Parents earning low or moderate incomes are under extreme pressure to meet the costs of raising children and overall household expenses. All parents face challenges in raising children. Parents decide to accept the responsibility of raising children. Therefore, workshop models for teaching parents how to cope with the stress associated with raising children has been developed.

Good child care provides parents with an extended family to help share in the challenges and joys of raising children. Creating a stable family environment and raising children should be a joy. It recognizes the critical role that the family plays in American society and in raising children. Poor family values and poor communication skills with children is what leads children to rebel. Siblings can cause many joys and frustrations in any family. It is difficult to balance this philosophy with a family life that places value on raising children.

Raising children is not an easy task. Raising children is at heart a practice that engages and embodies a rich variety of developed and undeveloped theories. The smartest advice on raising children is to enjoy them while they are still on your side. Like all parents, they have found that raising children is both challenging and unpredictable. It seems to me that raising children is a catch-22 when it comes to finances.

Raising Children

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Communicating With Young Children

Adults often become frustrated when communicating with young children.

Parents and teachers often ask me, "Are we really communicating? Do they understand me? Do I truly understand them?"

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Children, especially young children, are still learning to use words. Their communication skills are relatively new. Language may be the last piece added as a child solves the puzzle of communications.

Learning words and sentences are a much harder skill set than mimicry or gesturing.

Parents usually understand their infant's needs from the baby's facial expression, or the tone of his or her cry.

Later, adults see clearer nonverbal communication in children, and encourage them. For example, most young parents learn quickly what the "wee wee" dance looks like, and rush to help the child to the bathroom.

For a young child, it can be easier to use body language or display emotions, than to try to find the right words. For a toddler, language can be an onerous, intellectually consuming thought process.

The problem is compounded if the child is constantly corrected with "constructive" criticism such as, "No, that word is pronounced...," or "Didn't you mean to say...?"

Even as adults, we're sometimes at a loss for the right words. In an emotionally or physically overwhelming situation, words can fail us. For a young child trying to communicate, that can be a daily struggle.

Many young learners have difficulties with the nuances of language. For example, "too" and "two" sound alike but mean different things. Likewise, your tone of voice when saying, "Oh, great," can completely change the intent of the words. Your facial expression - trying to keep a straight face while reprimanding a child -- can increase your communication difficulties with children.

Young children are puzzling out how words are used and what they mean in different settings. However, until they think that they have it right, they may be reluctant to use words.

In recent years, we've seen great inroads in working with childhood communication difficulties. Some communication options for children include a sign language for preverbal children. This builds their communication skills and confidence while they're learning to use words.

Keep these tips in mind when communicating with children of all ages:

1. Always speak in an age appropriate way to a child.

2. Never confuse that with speaking down or condescendingly. Children will know/sense it.

3. Look for all the different ways the child is communicating. This may include changes in habits. He or she may use drawings or doodles to express emotions. Or, you may notice increased sensitivity or withdrawal.

4. If it is safer for them to speak through an imaginary friend or stuff animal, allow them to so. Listen when a child says, "My friend Johnny says...," or "Kitty-cat doesn't like..."

5. Don't try to rush communications, or push a child to talk until he or she is ready to.

6. Before talking with your child, always make sure you are in a loving, receptive mood. Never judge. Use every opportunity to teach your child how to think, not what to think.

It's normal to feel frustrated when communicating with young children. It doesn't mean that either of you have a communication disorder. By understanding the communication challenges that young children face, you can find ways to talk, verbally and nonverbally.

With patience and creativity on both sides, you and your child can overcome most communication difficulties. A counselor or mediator can help, if necessary, but practice, patience and understanding can be effective first steps.

Communicating With Young Children

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