tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86288399086770407652024-03-13T03:40:48.978-04:00Books go Beyond ReadingUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-78341128761650199082010-01-04T12:45:00.003-04:002010-01-04T12:48:40.925-04:00Book of the Week: Wright on Time Utah (book 2) by Lisa Cottrell-Bentley<div>I’m back from a 2 week hiatus and am recharged and ready for the new year. I hope all of you are ready for a great 2010.<br /><br />My format here is going to change a bit. I still will be doing reviews on books that go beyond reading. The rest of my posts will deal with a combination of different ways to use books, creative writing prompts and news on the multi-lingual front. In this last one I might even include some basic words, customs, games and fun things from around the world. I hope you all follow along this year and enjoy the ride. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIps4-wk8UhwQk_rqbUdmncAMV6A0lQD2f_L4lYc2C_JYVuTHycDe3bKau2Hl5DejPjzCp-B7pVA6V99GGSjlN7kF4pEeL3f_GHdLN8AEmuh6XDgjFaqbwglq0_BaqmwLVSPA3rvx37se/s1600-h/UTAH+cover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422927285928129458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 195px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIps4-wk8UhwQk_rqbUdmncAMV6A0lQD2f_L4lYc2C_JYVuTHycDe3bKau2Hl5DejPjzCp-B7pVA6V99GGSjlN7kF4pEeL3f_GHdLN8AEmuh6XDgjFaqbwglq0_BaqmwLVSPA3rvx37se/s400/UTAH+cover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />So, let’s kick this year’s Book of the Week off with the second book in the “Wright on Time” series. “Utah”, book 2. It is every bit as action packed as Lisa’s first book, “Arizona”.<br /><br />This time the Wright family has traveled to the state of Utah. They’re helping out at an Allosaurus dinosaur dig. Aidan is trying hard to find a new bone at the dig. Nadia gets some new surprises from her mysterious device. The symbols state changing and glowing in the night. Just what is this thing? What are the changing symbols that look Mayan, Chinese, Egyptian and Native American? Also, what’s going on with Aidan’s teeth?<br /><br />I like the way Lisa’s books not only are very fun adventure stories, they also teach and encourage you to want to learn more about the subject, in this case dinosaurs and hieroglyphics of different ancient civilizations.<br /><br />As with her first book, Lisa takes this book beyond reading with the two page spread of Utah facts at the front of the book. At the end of the story there are more Utah facts, a glossary, a contest and a peak at book number three “Wyoming.”<br /><br />Check out her website and pick up your copy today.<br /><a href="http://www.wrightontimebooks.com/">Wright on Time Books</a><br /><br />While you're there, check out her game page, blog by Nadia and character bios as well.<br /><br />Check out her <a href="http://www.wrightontimebooks.com/category/flat-aidan-and-flat-nadia/">Flat Kids</a> link and print out your copy of Aidan and Nadia today. Enjoy!<br /><br /></div><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children</a></strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-36816879362571459852009-12-16T10:22:00.007-04:002009-12-16T10:59:27.797-04:00Creative Wednesday: What Can You Make of This?This morning while I was thinking of ideas for today's post, I came up with three different ways to get your creative juices flowing. For the next three weeks I'll be giving you started ideas you can use and of course I'd love you to share what you come up with in the comments. <div><div><br /><div></div><div>Let's get started:</div><br /><div></div><div>Since it's Christmas time, look at the three pictures below and write a story through the eyes of a child or elderly person who's reminiscing about what you see here. Make this a flash fiction of no more than <strong><span style="color:#009900;">100</span></strong> words.</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415847238830433058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 380px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd42cZbG4fx8CVorkaT37GB9e5jZLg2aOIW7XihgjY4iUPiJp-yhyphenhyphenR7_leZ0MuWQcKpsQeFxDWD68eWu_R_GGJIVSzcpIdQ44-VnditSuz4ydmTBPBgM85y5857sfQR-L6lfaQrj6I1ded/s400/1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415847249165911042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21PQeNOvL7UPkfqH8Bq5klQoT_2oeQYv1yAfbLY49gcviXompsu1c7UnUkq0pWT-cxgYvHr8UGpcTVSU-miyIkyYHs_RBDuF6oPdtwvIy_Hwqx7H3rmXx1Rij5GoZh6V4-xN4snE78_Q2/s400/2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415847252544593682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3CtfPap96KZ59X0L3z2SQaAcM29zKmUuctAVo2PaQ8Y1MsVgpFZa8zQKmKkJA-WtjHGDFR5wYyNppUDeXxDlXRaA6aEmnYIWkw-Fw7yAiCBtfNf3iPCx3MmJQes6nMrGQUsI4XdGldBr/s400/3.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div><br /><p> </p><p>Have fun! I look forward to reading your stories.</p><p><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children<br /></a></strong>Check out what’s going on at the zoo!<br /><strong><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog<br /></a></strong></div></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-2395010487078935652009-12-14T11:59:00.014-04:002009-12-14T12:58:20.074-04:00Book of the Week: Wright on Time Arizona (book 1) by Lisa Cottrell-Bentley<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincSu6tzHg8mN-dp55osbjCmIzKQpUNplIkZ5Mpc-qS_6nXY0KE6au85U3yaB5B6WTsthYtRnei-8fFTrd_EU1yPYiBte4sdVPAzzrt9UzzDQoCdJHENiu7SFKlBx9LzjLTpxobYv7ih7S/s1600-h/wot1_cover-195x300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415134789867694226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 195px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincSu6tzHg8mN-dp55osbjCmIzKQpUNplIkZ5Mpc-qS_6nXY0KE6au85U3yaB5B6WTsthYtRnei-8fFTrd_EU1yPYiBte4sdVPAzzrt9UzzDQoCdJHENiu7SFKlBx9LzjLTpxobYv7ih7S/s400/wot1_cover-195x300.jpg" border="0" /></a> Today I'd like to share what will prove to be a great series of mid grade adventure books. The books are about the Wright family. Dad, Harrison and mom, Stephanie are taking their two children 7 year old Aidan and 11 year old Nadia on an RV trip around the United States. They will be home schooled as well as get to see up close and personal the entire country.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The first book takes place in Arizona. The Wright's are about to explore one of the many desert caves. Aidan wants to see bats. Nadia wants to see minerals and rock formations. Will Aidan see bats? What kinds of minerals do they find? What mysterious glowing thing is buried in the rocks? You'll have to read the book to find out.<br /><br /><br />Lisa Cottrell-Bentley's books are a great way to learn about some of the interesting facts each state has to offer. If this book is any indication of what the entire series will be like, we are all in for a fun and interesting ride along with the Wright family.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So how does Lisa take her book beyond reading? In the first pages, there is a two page spread of Arizona facts that are beautifully illustrated by Tanja Bauerle. Things like:<br /><span style="color:#009900;"><center> State insect </center></span><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#993300;"><center> State mammal </center></span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#993399;"><center> State flower</span> </center></div><div align="left">and more. At the back of the book Lisa has created a six page glossary of terms for young readers to learn a bit more about some of the things mentioned in the story. She also has a preview of the next book "Utah," a write up about the mysterious item they find, more facts about Arizona and a contest for young readers to enter. With links to her website as well Lisa has created a great learning tool.</div><div align="left"><br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Check out her website and pick up your copy today. </div><div align="left"><a href="http://www.wrightontimebooks.com/">Wright on Time Books</a></div><div align="left"><br /><br /></div><div align="left">While you're there, check out her game page, blog by Nadia and character bios as well.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><br /></div><div align="left">Take a look at her trailer. Enjoy!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9v8ECSyU2po&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9v8ECSyU2po&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children<br /></a></strong>Check out what’s going on at the zoo!<br /><strong><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog<br /></a></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><center></center><br /><br /><center></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-77920227040979944382009-12-11T09:59:00.003-04:002009-12-11T10:06:15.835-04:00A Truly Bilingual Program That Works Both Ways<a href="http://www.themonitor.com/news/program-33403-alamo-psja.html"><strong>PSJA bilingual program recognized</strong></a><br /><br />When I read this article today, I just had to share. Finally, a school district that gets it. They are offering dual language classes from elementary up. The students that graduate from this program are fully bilingual and ready to face the challenges of the world better than most American students.<br /><br />Right now the program is in English and Spanish. They want to add a third language the program has been so successful.<br /><br />Kudos to the creators of this program. I really hope more school districts adopt it.<br /><br />What are your thoughts?<br /><br /><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children<br /></a></strong>Check out what’s going on at the zoo!<br /><strong><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog</a></strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-61564284840921322852009-12-07T09:53:00.004-04:002009-12-07T10:29:39.592-04:00Book of the Week: Soap, Soap, Soap by Elizabeth Dulemba<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKP073bbEH5PLqimeddn6GQ-wX1pJHd1VbDGPun5MjQi5_Qm3rkzNwygrrJc_O1Us4a39eJPtXt5BWc6WqcWXHlI_anm2ZcuekHb0hGWBhocOGtM4CEokTJROlkq6_xHU0y6iIys1NZaBT/s1600-h/list-Soap.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412501264841083106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 194px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKP073bbEH5PLqimeddn6GQ-wX1pJHd1VbDGPun5MjQi5_Qm3rkzNwygrrJc_O1Us4a39eJPtXt5BWc6WqcWXHlI_anm2ZcuekHb0hGWBhocOGtM4CEokTJROlkq6_xHU0y6iIys1NZaBT/s400/list-Soap.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Today we have a fun book to share with you. "Soap, soap, soap" is both written and illustrated by Elizabeth Dulemba. This is a fun filled bilingual story about Hugo, a young boy. His mamá sends him to the store to buy soap or jabón. Follow Hugo's adventure to the store and see who he meets along the way. Watch out, or you might end up needing a bath by the end of the story.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Elizabeth's illustrations are amazing. Her style really makes you feel like you are running right along side Hugo during his adventure. This is Elizabeth's first book that she both wrote the story and did the illustration. She has done a wonderful job weaving a cute story and illustrations together. All young children will enjoy this book.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, how has Elizabeth taken this book beyond reading? Hop over to her <a href="http://dulemba.com/ActivityPage-Soap.html">website</a> page for this book. There you will find all kinds of activities to enrich the story. You'll find coloring pages, recipes, how to make soap bubbles, finger puppets and lots more. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Pick up your copy today at these locations:</div><br /><div><a href="http://books.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=elizabeth+dulemba&r=1">Barnes and Noble</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/SearchResults?keyword=elizabeth+dulemba&type=0&simple=1">Borders</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Soap-Jabon/dp/1934960624/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_3">Amazon</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>and at your local Independent book store. Go <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/indie-store-finder?storetype=1">here</a> to find the one closest to you.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Before you go today, watch the trailer of this fun book.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WDWiVxAFtXA&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WDWiVxAFtXA&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children<br /></a></strong>Check out what’s going on at the zoo!<br /><strong><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog<br /></a></strong></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-83549806173747333172009-12-04T10:42:00.004-04:002009-12-04T11:08:18.557-04:00Bilingual Crossword Puzzles<div>When I was creating my activity book to go with "Zooprise Party/Fiesta Zoorpresa", I wanted to include crossword puzzles. they are great learning tools. But how could one be made bilingual?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I could have made two puzzles, one in English and one in Spanish, but that didn't feel to me like it would teach which ever was the second language very well. Then I came up with the idea of having the clues in one language and the answer in the other language. Teachers really liked this idea saying they'd never seen it before. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Have a look at one I have in my activity book and then <a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/word-gameszp.html">download it </a>and try it yourself. </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411393958677295858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 223px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOB8gUkarljQky3AoPlWUQNpOh6zvoLtTEmYkRw2AGbVH1SW38HUrpo14toEhsygqpbr9Sek_miKdqAdkWrN1pz507yyT0oE57pI-k3I0nEXbfcsAVNX0IUfVOZcQj_Mt-7RFomTsBfnzC/s400/12-cross-word-in-english.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Have fun!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Loooking for more bilingual fun, hop over to <a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/book-store.html">my bookstore </a>and pick up your copies today. They make great Christmas gifts and throw in a bit of learning at the same time.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-26717682824871190332009-12-02T09:49:00.004-04:002009-12-02T10:00:32.478-04:00Creative Wednesday: What Hapened Next?Have you ever read a book to a child and had them ask you: "What happened next?"<br /><br />Do you say: <span style="color:#009900;">they lived happily ever after?</span><br /> <span style="color:#6600cc;">they went to sleep?</span><br /> or worst of all, <span style="color:#ff0000;">nothing the story is over?</span><br /><br />So, what did happen next? Did the three little pigs become famous wolf slayers and travel the world? Did little red ridinghood run off to Hollywood and become a star or did she marry the woodsman who saved her?<br /><br />Next time a child asks you "What happened next?" I challenge you to come up with a new story ending that children will talk about for years to come.<br /><br /><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children<br /></a></strong>Check out what’s going on at the zoo!<br /><strong><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog<br /></a></strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-66315894081559017902009-11-30T11:38:00.005-04:002009-11-30T11:43:04.277-04:00Book of the Week: Anna’s World by Wim Coleman and Pat Perrin<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qfFEXnan6xzccP5NR7hxcAVPLR56wDG4JHcPEeqWW3jfPENTUjJoLu_KAShgDdkIkD0G8XVYSLZvjI_kwooA2FJqwNEIMFrflhoi35hSEQuKSHfpazVKefEbOOk3MFECHfim5vRPFRDP/s1600/AnnasWorldcoversmall.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409922279337979570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 149px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qfFEXnan6xzccP5NR7hxcAVPLR56wDG4JHcPEeqWW3jfPENTUjJoLu_KAShgDdkIkD0G8XVYSLZvjI_kwooA2FJqwNEIMFrflhoi35hSEQuKSHfpazVKefEbOOk3MFECHfim5vRPFRDP/s400/AnnasWorldcoversmall.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">Fourteen-year-old Anna Coburn doesn't want to grapple with such terrible issues. Just growing up seems awful enough. Forced from her home and away from her beloved father, Anna is sent to live among the stern people called Shakers. Their strange ways and strict lifestyle are both appealing and difficult for the bright, headstrong Anna. </span></div><span style="color:#000099;"><div><br />When reunited with her father, Anna is plunged into upper-class Boston life, where she faces a troubling mystery, new responsibilities, and events that will affect not just herself and her loved ones, but a country about to come apart at the seams. </div><div><br />With a cast that includes Henry David Thoreau, a perceptive Shaker schoolmistress, and a murderous false friend, Anna's World is a powerful coming of age story, widely praised for its vivid characters, gripping plot, and moral stature.</div></span><br /><div><center>* * * * *</center>“Anna’s World” is a book that takes you into the world of the Shaker’s back in the mid 1800’s though the eyes of a fourteen-year-old girl, Anna. After a terrible flood and bout with Typhoid fever, Anna’s father leaves her in the care of the Shakers. With the promise to return for her, Anna is left to live, work and study with these strict hardworking people.</div><br /><div>Her journey to adulthood is peppered with mischievous fun, rule breaking and danger. See how Anna handles growing up in a world that she thinks she doesn’t belong in.<br /><br />Wim and Pat have done an outstanding job bringing the world of the Shaker’s to life. Their historical fiction shares a part of US history that is fascinating. Their sense of character development makes you a part of the story. You’ll fall in love with Anna, your heart will go out to Sally and you will grow to loath Seth.<br /><br />How do they take this book beyond reading? Wim and Pat have created an in depth teachers guide and some notes on Utopia living, the Mexican War and the Shaker’s. Check them out over at <a href="http://www.chironbooks.com/index.html">Chiron Books</a> You can also watch a video trailer there.<br /><br />You can buy “Anna’s World” over at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Annas-World-Pat-Perrin/dp/1935178067/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246127295&sr=1-1#noop">Amazon</a> in both book format and Kindle format.<br /></div><div>See you back here Wednesday with some new and creative ideas to go beyond reading.</div><br /><div></div><div><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children<br /></a></strong>Check out what’s going on at the zoo!<br /><strong><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog<br /></a></strong></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-36318740112347782812009-11-27T03:00:00.000-04:002009-11-27T03:00:01.405-04:00Thanksgiving Holidays From Around the WorldI'm going to depart from my normal type of post today in honor of Thanksgiving.<br /><br /><br />As an American, many of us can get into the thinking that Thanksgiving is only an American celebration. Not so. Many cultures around the world celebrate their own Thanksgiving.<br /><br /><br />Now, they don't celebrate the same way we do, but they celebrate non the less.<br /><br /><br />Here are a few links that share different Thanksgiving traditions from around the world.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thanksgiving.org.uk/around-the-world.html">Thanksgiving Around the World</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.familyculture.com/">Multicultural Thanksgiving</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thanksgivingworld.com/thanksgiving-around-world.html">Thanksgiving World</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.theholidayspot.com/thanksgiving/round_the_world.htm">Thanksgiving day around the world</a><br /><br /><p>Some of these may have one or two that are the same, but each one has at least one that's different.</p>If you aren't from the United States, or have immigrated here, please feel free to share your cultures way of celebrating Thanksgiving.<br /><br /><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children<br /></a></strong>Check out what’s going on at the zoo!<br /><strong><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog<br /></a></strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-13500764646218525442009-11-25T03:00:00.000-04:002009-11-25T03:00:04.993-04:00Creative Wednesday: My ABC Food List and moreOkay, as promised, here’s my list:<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>A</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">apple, really, I try to eat one every day</span><br /><strong>B</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">broccoli<br /></span><strong>C</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">chocolate, I’m willing to bet that many women said this too<br /></span><strong>D</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">dates<br /></span><strong>E</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">eggs<br /></span><strong>F</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">French toast</span><br /><strong>G</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">grapes</span><strong><br />H </strong><span style="color:#000000;">honey </span><br /><strong>I</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">ice cream, almost any flavor! Yum!</span><br /><strong>J </strong><span style="color:#000000;">jellybeans </span><br /><strong>K</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">kiwi friut</span><br /><strong>L</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">lobster, the kind from the Caribbean</span><br /><strong>M</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">mahi mahi</span><br /><strong>N </strong><span style="color:#000000;">nectarine </span><br /><strong>O</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">oats, raw with pineapple, cinnamon and almond slivers</span><br /><strong>P </strong><span style="color:#000000;">pizza</span><strong><br />Q </strong><span style="color:#000000;">quiche </span><br /><strong>R </strong><span style="color:#000000;">rasberry</span><strong><br />S </strong><span style="color:#000000;">salmon </span><br /><strong>T</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">tomatoes<br /></span><strong>U</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">upside down cake</span><br /><strong>V</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">vanilla wafers</span><br /><strong>W </strong><span style="color:#000000;">watermelon</span><strong><br />X</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">xingzi - Chinese for apricot, okay so this one’s a stretch, but it works</span><br /><strong>Y </strong><span style="color:#000000;">yogurt</span><strong><br />Z</strong></span> zucchini<br /><p>Okay, so I had to do some searching online and some might be a bit of a stretch, but I had fun thinking about foods I like. I found that certain letters have lots of foods I like and others very few. </p><br />I couldn't think of a way to rhyme them, anyone want to give it a try?<br /><br /><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children<br /></a></strong>Check out what’s going on at the zoo!<br /><strong><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog</a></strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-81007857581281913602009-11-20T03:00:00.000-04:002009-11-20T03:00:01.318-04:00Bilingual Friday: Fun Board Games<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDt3bCNl3VrZge31BFx23UEl_VVYuqNCsBCBlrRl5hkLaWzL83cPUYkFyHFZ2W61dBBRJi0t5L1bGY-lDsTGW949VVl2wCIiSzsgp69-XKBVdsDlNGMQcdgiIFz7Z3OQG_WkG6sE3dq0p/s1600/board1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405484012432168786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDt3bCNl3VrZge31BFx23UEl_VVYuqNCsBCBlrRl5hkLaWzL83cPUYkFyHFZ2W61dBBRJi0t5L1bGY-lDsTGW949VVl2wCIiSzsgp69-XKBVdsDlNGMQcdgiIFz7Z3OQG_WkG6sE3dq0p/s320/board1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In surfing for ways to have fun and learn a second language, I came across the <a href="http://www.languagelearninggame.com/">Language Learning Game</a>. This company has created two games to learn basic Spanish. The idea is simple and perfect for children in early elementary school. I encourage you to check it out. Be sure to click on the link at the bottom of the home page. The owner Barbara Bohl tells you about the game and how it came to be.<br /><br />See you back here Monday with another book review that takes a book beyond reading.<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children<br /></a></strong>Check out what’s going on at the zoo!<br /><strong><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog</a></strong></div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-71450205575277416632009-11-18T03:00:00.001-04:002009-11-18T03:00:04.356-04:00Creative Wednesday: Favorite Food AlphabetIt's safe to say that we all have favorite foods.<br /><br />I challenge you to come up with a list of foods that you really like. Now, that's not much of a challenge, so, make your list in alphabetical order and list one food item for each letter of the alphabet. The food has to start with the letter, not just have the letter in the word somewhere. If that's too easy, see if you can make the foods rhyme.<br /><br />Are you doing this with your children? Have them find pictures of the foods and paste them next to the food name.<br /><br />Have fun with this and please share. I'll share my list next Wednesday and hope some of you have posted comments so I can share your list too.<br /><br />Now, could you eat them all in one meal? I dare you, no, I double dare you!<br /><br /><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children<br /></a></strong>Check out what’s going on at the zoo!<br /><strong><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog</a></strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-49087609441162314842009-11-16T09:22:00.003-04:002009-11-16T09:44:31.196-04:00What Takes A Book Beyond Reading?For many months now I've been sharing books that go beyond reading.<br /><br />Now it's your turn. Do you have a favorite book that you'd like to share here? If so, leave me a comment and I'll set you up as a guest blogger for a Monday post.<br /><br />Have other ideas of how to take a book beyond reading? Share them in a coment and I'll add them to a post with credit given to you.<br /><br />Look for my Tips booklet coming out soon about the 10 top ways to take books beyond reading.<br /><br />That's all for today, I'll see you back here Wednesday with some surprises to spike your creative writing imagination.<br /><br /><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children<br /></a></strong>Check out what’s going on at the zoo!<br /><strong><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog<br /></a></strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-35133037660932711232009-11-13T09:18:00.004-04:002009-11-13T09:25:16.456-04:00Immersion and Dual Language Schooling Is Catching OnAcross the United States schools are offering an alternative to single language study. Immersion classrooms are springing up all over. Here are a few articles highlighting different schools in two different states.<br /><br /><strong>FLAG (Foreign Language Academy of Glendale)</strong> in Glendale, CA teaches children in Spanish, Armenian, Korean, German and now Italian. This program is working and has been so successful that they were awarded a $2.4 million in federal grant monies.<br />Read about their interesting approach to the multi-cultural area they are in and why it’s working. (<a href="http://www.glendalenewspress.com/articles/2009/09/16/education/gnp-korean091709.txt">Read full article</a>.)<br /><br /><strong>County schools expand dual-language classes, ESL Assistance<br /></strong><br />“Research shows that dual language is better for the students,” said Keely Krueger, District 200’s bilingual coordinator. “I think a lot of that reason is [the Spanish-speaking students] do start learning English in kindergarten. And they have those English language models in the classroom.” (<a href="http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2009/08/28/r_m7xobitwscwpqzncbhlssq/index.xml">Read full article</a>.)<br /><br />This type of teaching not only benefits those for whom English is a second language, but also for those who it’s their first language and will for a lifetime.<br />From a personal observation, I speak both English and Spanish. As a demo girl at Sams in Central Florida I have the opportunity to talk with members in their native tongue. It makes them feel more at ease and they always appreciate the effort that I make to speak to them in their first language. As for me, I love having the knowledge of a second language. It enriches my life and has afforded me many opportunities that, if I didn’t speak Spanish, I’d never have experienced.<br /><br /><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children<br /></a></strong>Check out what’s going on at the zoo!<br /><strong><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog</a></strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-8188077972320254812009-11-11T09:12:00.006-04:002009-11-11T09:34:18.452-04:00Have a Great Veterans Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RorG20fGq__HZITFF9EcJCNzoQFxtYR6SR7yj0vy9WJfUCqHVSmhd4RWgKCxsGIQ2gFMoof3995I44-K2AMwixPKYepVrZ4_sUH3A-UcOAJeNehj-trDVV_7XLDmkB1V5OVMgPgniD_t/s1600-h/usa-flag.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402837735693158050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 382px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 249px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RorG20fGq__HZITFF9EcJCNzoQFxtYR6SR7yj0vy9WJfUCqHVSmhd4RWgKCxsGIQ2gFMoof3995I44-K2AMwixPKYepVrZ4_sUH3A-UcOAJeNehj-trDVV_7XLDmkB1V5OVMgPgniD_t/s400/usa-flag.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>As a wife, daughter and mother of military men, I want to dedicate today's post to those who have served our country.</div><div></div><br /><div>My father was an officer in the Navy. My husband just retired this year from the Coast Guard. My son is an officer in the Coast Guard.</div><div></div><br /><div>I'm proud, VERY proud of all of them. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Take time today, and every day, to thank those who serve this great nation of ours. I do. If I see someone with a military hat, shirt or uniform on, I always make a point to say to them</div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>"Thank you for serving our country."</strong></span></div><br /><div></div><div>They don't hear it enough and it always brings a smile to their face. Those who serve in the military are all volunteers. They made the choice to put their life on the line so we can enjoy the freedoms that we do.</div><br /><div></div><div>In closing, please <a href="http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4f5451354f446b334d673d3d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link">click on this link</a>. It is a beautiful tribute to our men and women in uniform.</div><br /><div></div><div>Enjoy your day and thank a veteran for helping you to be able to enjoy it in this wonderful land of ours.</div><br /><div><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children<br /></a></strong>Check out what’s going on at the zoo!<br /><strong><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog<br /></a></strong></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-5882873893127199472009-11-09T11:20:00.004-04:002009-11-09T11:24:48.350-04:00Book of the Week: My Grandma’s Kitchen Rules! By Bill Kirk<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-1p2d3wriCnMS-DMayu4I-HxTtTIDqSQKFvkYeMYfbc_hAYJc2CyNvT2T1sZfEZFDJMZZ_cfoInqjYUXGkxl92xSoaOypt-BJkD4chMoGY7gTwAoNFo0dj6SG_gZxd5HAaD75A_9eTW7/s1600-h/mygrandmaskitchen+cover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402124549235893074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 245px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 221px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-1p2d3wriCnMS-DMayu4I-HxTtTIDqSQKFvkYeMYfbc_hAYJc2CyNvT2T1sZfEZFDJMZZ_cfoInqjYUXGkxl92xSoaOypt-BJkD4chMoGY7gTwAoNFo0dj6SG_gZxd5HAaD75A_9eTW7/s400/mygrandmaskitchen+cover.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Today’s book is a cute rhyming story about a young girl and her grandmother. Grandma loves all the things in nature that her granddaughter brings home, with one exception. Ants! Read along as all kinds of creatures and discoveries are brought home. See what happens when ants are introduced and the problems they bring with them.<br /><br />The illustrations in this charming story capture your attention and bring the rhyme to life. Lots of color and fun borders on each page bring you into the story.<br /><br />How has this book gone beyond reading?<br />Bill has once again combined a fun rhyming story with science. At the end of the story there are six pages of factoids, activities, games and a list of websites where you can go to learn more about ants. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402124692079354530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFjmNF8SIZzBRqd0IBWk2l8ZskL7JWD9jdTjF3FiKtuq-X2-eYt22TDVRixqBksFNH90xbOocuGfccYdSmgz7KTpuV_ldGUD2SgYy95EH4CNOggwpXWSt95zDCdHqTczkp92uX5oyoOJl/s400/MGK+interior+page.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Pick up your copy today at <a href="http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/kitchen-rules.htm">Guardian Angel Publishing</a>.</div><br /><div><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=boogobeyrea-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1935137883&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br />You can visit Bill over at his site <a href="http://www.billkirkwrites.com/content.html">Bill Kirk Writes</a>.<br /></div><br /><div><br /><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children<br /></a></strong>Check out what’s going on at the zoo!<br /><strong><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog<br /></a></strong></div><br />See you back here Wednesday for another fun creative brain boost.</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-42442247058535456322009-11-07T20:33:00.001-04:002009-11-07T20:36:35.070-04:00Language Magazine - The Journal of Communication and EducationIn my Google Alerts for 'bilingual education' today I found a website that intrigues me. <a href="http://languagemagazine.com/">Language Magazine</a>. It's a well put together site for world languages.<br /><br />The home page article grabbed my attention. <a href="http://languagemagazine.com/">Two is Always More Than One</a> talks about language and the educational system in America. Read it and see what you think.<br /><br />Throughout the site you can learn about the countires where English, Spanish, Chinese, French, Italian, German and Arabic are spoken. Study abroad and travel opportunities are available as well as an understanding of where the languages originated and it's use world wide.<br /><br />If you're a teacher and interested in teaching abroad, this might be the place you'll find your next teaching adventure.<br /><br />Check out <a href="http://languagemagazine.com/">Language Magazine</a>. I think you'll find it interesting too.<br /><br /><div align="right"><br />posted by Joy Delgado </div><div align="right">We go Beyond Reading </div><div align="right"><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children </a></div><div align="right">Check out what’s going on at the zoo! </div><div align="right"><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-79059011986375086082009-11-04T03:00:00.000-04:002009-11-04T03:00:02.106-04:00Being Creative; What Does It Mean To You?<div align="left">When you think of being creative, what comes to mind? Is it writing, drawing, acting, poetry?</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">I've dabbled in all of the above. Creating a work of art, whether it's a story or something out of fabric makes me smile. For example, I'm a Gator fan. As a demo girl at Sams Club I get to speak to lots of people each day. Since I live in central Florida, there are lots of Gator fans. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Now we have an old plastic gator we rescued after Hurricane Andrew. He's beat up and even missing some toes. Here's what I did with him one afternoon to show my Gator spirit. </div><div align="left"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399188705421272514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitH3GTrud9ViKs4QVsvfSYAr3iQPmGfbzdEes1A6lgV64CEyj-CJKKqmkHg6e3-Kgy-G5CosXn1O5xis3w5AaDOksajsihmuIlSpu03fIVwI_50SzQSlJvhyphenhypheng_FDTGPuh_teiMcz0oNo0z/s400/my+gator.jpg" border="0" /><center> <strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000099;">G</span><span style="color:#ff6600;">O</span> <span style="color:#000099;">G</span><span style="color:#ff6600;">A<span style="color:#000099;">T</span>O<span style="color:#000099;">R</span>S</span><span style="color:#000099;">!</span></span></strong> </center><br /><br /><br />On Saturdays I bring him to work and set him on my demo cart. As people sample my food, many of them make comments about rescue gator, both gator fans and those who wish they'd lose a game.<br /><br /><br />So, what do you do that's creative and brings you and maybe others a smile?<br /><br /><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children<br /></a></strong>Check out what’s going on at the zoo!<br /><strong><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog</a></strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-71140798224217700682009-11-02T03:00:00.004-04:002009-11-02T03:07:17.868-04:00Book of the Week: Mommy, Draw Stars on My Tummy by Martine Groeneveld<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkos63aHE7HM1pUM3gpksSA4S_qOl8_rgq6cDmE2EJrzdtLB5jB9SHLW-ajDhQdYltE_G-KGBCbONGR_2ypIXYTtZb8OOPUcX3NXPu9qcYZ0uNx6MXVIyWbekPvjUFpiLFDP02DYhd1B0/s1600-h/media-mommyfrontcover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399177738764758642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 321px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkos63aHE7HM1pUM3gpksSA4S_qOl8_rgq6cDmE2EJrzdtLB5jB9SHLW-ajDhQdYltE_G-KGBCbONGR_2ypIXYTtZb8OOPUcX3NXPu9qcYZ0uNx6MXVIyWbekPvjUFpiLFDP02DYhd1B0/s400/media-mommyfrontcover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /> </div><div>In honor of my mother's 82nd birthday today, I want to share a book all about interactive play between a parent and young child. Nurturing our children when they are infants, toddlers and beyond is a vital part of parenting. This book is a tool for parents to use at home to instill love and affection through use of touch-play, rhymes, games, songs and stories.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /> </div><div><span style="color:#6600cc;">“Positive touch plays a major role in my family. Besides daily hugs and kisses, many activities are easily combined with loving and playful touch. We enjoy touch-play activities in the car, in line at the grocery store and before bedtime. They can be done anywhere and anytime.”</span> </div><div><br /></div><div>The layout is wonderful. In each section you are given guidance on how to use touch-play and tips to involve your child in the process. For example:<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399179197470377538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 365px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2Az1DInK9PlLpyF9aACiatu-gX_Gj8lFv0JtEwCpa6x2mIv6TUWFXLNWv8M0yGW1t8TmrSFh64ELcOfbyHnepmhb3gfTTHavztyfadi7ftIRX8edmPJ2IoassLHQ_c3qTwHPi5Jf8ci_/s400/mommy.jpg" border="0" />Everything in this book goes beyond reading. Martine starts the book with an introduction to touch-play and how to use it with your child, She continues with notes for parents about types of oils to use, pressure and stroking, clothing and timing. At the end of the book she goes into the benefits of touch and research that’s been done on brain development and how it helps reduce aggression. She also gives you a list of resources and books that can further your knowledge.<br /><br />Reading through this book brought back memories of when my children were very young. I was involved in a “mommy and me” that used these same types of touch-play in a group setting. When we’d go home, we’d continue the experience and make up new songs and rhymes. This would be a great gift for anyone that’s going to have a child. </div><div><br /><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children<br /></a></strong>Check out what’s going on at the zoo!<br /><strong><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog</a></strong></div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-62954152041200842472009-10-30T03:00:00.001-04:002009-10-30T03:00:10.141-04:00We Have a Fan Page Now<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nDqXtLYLWqAnEiL11kPtIuG1VRYYMdLhRHvtKRF6XTNZaVZVDawWaXo1Uuvzzz4yu5W45GHXiVz6ykN5HSIpUJpWWxR1J1CVNn6Mrw2LjJOCJw6_jNR_p4vkXlnDjt7JpmKfAmJENEQf/s1600-h/logo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398189297137930130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 90px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nDqXtLYLWqAnEiL11kPtIuG1VRYYMdLhRHvtKRF6XTNZaVZVDawWaXo1Uuvzzz4yu5W45GHXiVz6ykN5HSIpUJpWWxR1J1CVNn6Mrw2LjJOCJw6_jNR_p4vkXlnDjt7JpmKfAmJENEQf/s400/logo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>So, I finally set up a fan page on FaceBook. Now I have to figure out exactly what to do there.</div><div></div><br /><div>I've thought about putting up a post each week to get fans creative juices flowing through pictures, prompts and what ever else my brain thinks up.</div><div></div><br /><div>What do you think?</div><div>Do any of you have fan pages? </div><div>What do you put on them?</div><div></div><div>I don't want it to just have twitter updates and blog post links. I want to use this fan page to enhance all that I have already.</div><div></div><br /><div>Any suggestions are totally appreciated. </div><div></div><div> </div><div>Oh, and click on the link and become a fan!</div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Laughing-Zebra-Books-For-Children/190431946250?v=app_2347471856">Laughing Zebra - Books for Children Fan Page</a></div><br /><div></div><div><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children<br /></a></strong>Check out what’s going on at the zoo!<br /><strong><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog<br /></a></strong></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-53977638702786423352009-10-28T03:00:00.001-04:002009-10-28T03:00:03.455-04:00Creative Thinking Wednesday<div><div><div><div><div><div>I'm taking a new approach to Wednesday. Many call Wednesday 'hump day' because it's in the middle of the week. I want to turn you, my loyal readers, onto your creative brain power.<br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>So, how will I do this? Each week I'll have something new for you to ponder. Could be a picture,a prompt to get your writing flowing, a puzzle or maybe even a fun craft idea. </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>How do these things take books beyond reading, you ask? Simple. Each of the ideas I post can be used with your favorite book, mainly children's books, but who knows, you might be able to use some with your favorite sci-fi or romance novel too.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>The idea is to have fun. Take a few minutes out of your day and let your mind wander into that creative area that wants to express itself.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Here's what I picked for today. I spent several years recently in the Caribbean living on a sail boat. Several times a week I went snorkeling with friends. I fell in love with undersea life. So much so that I bought a simple underwater camera. My time snorkeling was spent taking hundred of pictures and even some short movie clips. Here are some of the many pictures I took. They were taken one after the other.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>What do you see? </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dme9NctNLUJdPBQXeiAfRfRekxoeAvb-T1l7Y6BlyghtVOTr04VfrYwkMFjY7DH2E3Js2lZS2MCOGQfFopEMsLcYvYKnyIEy1yaFvPxninLyPoC3pNEfWHQkfAUC-8feKCBMR-4qeg5V/s1600-h/octo1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396573162710809378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dme9NctNLUJdPBQXeiAfRfRekxoeAvb-T1l7Y6BlyghtVOTr04VfrYwkMFjY7DH2E3Js2lZS2MCOGQfFopEMsLcYvYKnyIEy1yaFvPxninLyPoC3pNEfWHQkfAUC-8feKCBMR-4qeg5V/s400/octo1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC29CKMqNrg2GM6XcKElKAHYHOUW0bZzIL4RcRKDHDJNJ3EoNPPWqm_03DK39F1caOeKZqjVp5gqwISKobK5o_g4_XW1_DAb9KHoSj6jl46l-1IL3g2gUlj_hrfjpWyhmlNw_a7T4ZFuuR/s1600-h/octo1.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTVL41C6qWdtBfPAmTxvm3ZX-Eth6XQ8qHOFkZ4Rfdqk0VrvM7BfhPCqslWUOONE_onm0pziVcL7DexKKX1GpUvJJoh4NA3Tv5R5I9uSyM46YNJ4l8MdbwWIWnbxj_Z1yIPkLSuzzgTZ2/s1600-h/octo3.jpg"></a></div><div><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396573346563673378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 232px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fSjDx4Bz5ohyphenhyphenpens4nl19Qs3NU7jteETw81cylKl4if4ABR0BSWVhUFH4vz0tQE1km1hulTEMCzcWIptZ3yxGNP9STVQRw2TNBHM83B-2e8bimtP0VP2sp8NUU5UkGqdNYw6KFcNWS2y/s400/octo2.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj806MLTfTnNnVUEYCACaKkQu2NMsllmNv7qG14Bdxs5wDHjYKaF5GJ7fS6cYujJOgQ8jETvKycuaLf2ExTa5YfItGvL6cmUS8K7g4sKRNQNBw4ul2VZQN_eYyzO-11xdrrMsY0NU7qvi_D/s1600-h/octo3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396573526462081762" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 346px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj806MLTfTnNnVUEYCACaKkQu2NMsllmNv7qG14Bdxs5wDHjYKaF5GJ7fS6cYujJOgQ8jETvKycuaLf2ExTa5YfItGvL6cmUS8K7g4sKRNQNBw4ul2VZQN_eYyzO-11xdrrMsY0NU7qvi_D/s400/octo3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Please share your ideas, stories and poems that come from this picture. I can't wait to read them all. :-D</div><br /><br /><div></div><div><span style="color:#6600cc;"><strong>*Please note*</strong></span> All rights reserves for all photos in today's post. Thank you</div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children<br /></a></strong>Check out what’s going on at the zoo!<br /><strong><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog</a></strong></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-20744258474822266112009-10-26T03:00:00.001-04:002009-10-26T03:02:38.107-04:00Book of the Week: Andy and Spirit in the Big Rescue by Mary Jean Kelso<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVD3zcVsPw8VbHY-x4LEUndQyUSo3J57ez1uNQr59VFQe-SJDQYtCmWePZHglwjFVxhdESgLumhXICS0oECLQLXiXZaAdlFH3v6NrF6xH05OyQF0KVveCdORRLU0vddV5I_y4BDolNRTPn/s1600-h/A&SitBR-2x100.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396562250796980658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVD3zcVsPw8VbHY-x4LEUndQyUSo3J57ez1uNQr59VFQe-SJDQYtCmWePZHglwjFVxhdESgLumhXICS0oECLQLXiXZaAdlFH3v6NrF6xH05OyQF0KVveCdORRLU0vddV5I_y4BDolNRTPn/s320/A&SitBR-2x100.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This week’s story is the third in the Andy and Sprit stories. Once again Andy and Spirit show what a great team they make.<br /><br />We are back at the State Fair. It’s the day after Andy won the ‘Grand Champion’ ribbon in the 4-H riding competition. He and his mom have stayed over to see the rest of the fair and see how the other 4-H clubs do in their competitions.<br /><br />Tracy, Spirit’s owner, has promised a ride around the tents to show Andy all the 4-H animals and the rest of the livestock that’s at the fair. When they arrive at the rodeo arena, Andy is watching a girl practicing barrel racing when suddenly one of the bulls breaks down the gate to his pen. The bull races after the girl and her horse then takes off out of the arena chasing Spirit, Andy and Tracy. When they reach the barn, the bull and Billy (the school bully) enter it at the same time. Will Billy be hurt? Will Spirit be hurt? See what happens and how Andy and Spirit save the day.<br /><br />Mary Jean has once again done a wonderful job portraying the love between horse and boy. Her imagery brings you to the fair and makes you feel like you’re riding with Andy. K.C.’s illustrations show you all the action in this thrilling story.<br /><br />So, how does this book go beyond reading? At the end of the story, Mary Jean has two pages about ‘hippothrerapy.’ And several links to learn more about the procedure.<br /><br />Check out:<br /><a href="http://www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org/">American Hippotherapy Association</a><br /><a href="http://www.narha.org/">North American Riding for the Handicapped Association</a><br />You can also google “equine therapy” for more information and maybe find a location near you.<br /><br />On a personal note: I have done some volunteer work with one near my home. This is an amazing type of treatment with unbelievable results. They can always use more volunteers too.<br /><br />You can buy this and the other books in the Andy and Spirit series from <a href="http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/andy&albinohorse-series.htm">Guardian Angel Publishing. </a></div><div> </div><div><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children<br /></a></strong>Check out what’s going on at the zoo!<br /><strong><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog</a></strong></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-44999333604910388612009-10-23T03:00:00.002-04:002009-10-23T03:00:05.098-04:00What Makes You Creative?For me it's lots of different things. Something as simple as seeing the eyes of an alligator peeking out of a retention pond at me while I'm doing my morning walk sparks the beginning of a poem.<br /><center><br /><span style="color:#009900;">I looked at a pond and what did I see?</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Alligator eyes looking at me.</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Watching me slowly as I walked by,</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Do you think they'll make me cry?</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">They didn't move, not even a blink,</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">I snuck on by, as quick as a wink.</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Will they follow me, will they try?</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">I sure hope not, so I'll say bye bye.</span><br /></center><br /><br />Okay, so it's not the best, but I think you get the idea.<br /><br />Your turn. While you're out today, look around. Maybe a cloud in the sky will remind you of something or a sign on a bilboard. What ever it is that grabs your attention, see what you can come up with, a poem or a story.<br /><br />Please share, I'd love to see what you come up with.<br /><br />See you Monday. Have a great weekend.<br /><br /><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado </div><div align="right">We go Beyond Reading </div><div align="right"><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children </a></div><div align="right">Check out what’s going on at the zoo! </div><div align="right"><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog </a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-10007073583988222762009-10-21T03:00:00.003-04:002009-10-21T03:00:05.357-04:00Muse Online Writers Conference Wrap UpLast week was a whirl wind of information. I participated in about 5 workshops and popped intp over 20 others, commenting once in a while.<br /><br /><br />The greatest thing I've gone away with each of the three years I've attended is a new sense of awareness of the writer in me. This year I:<br /><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><span style="color:#993399;">dabbled in suspense,</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">perfected writing dialogue,</span><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">assaulted my senses,</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">learned how to use social media better,</span><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;">learned more about writing for kids of all ages and</span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">started writing a historical fiction book for mid graders.</span><br /><br /><br />Now that all the fun is over, it's time to take all I learned and put it to use.<br /><br /><br />Before I go, here's one idea to get your creative writing juices flowing.<br /><br />Look around the room you're in right now.<br />Focus on one thing in the room.<br />Write about it. How does it make you feel, memories it brings back, any aspects about that item that you can see. Write until you're done, let it take you whereever your mind goes.<br /><br />Here's mine:<br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">A picture of me almost 30 years ago is stuck to the bulkhead on Julio’s side of the bed. I am sitting at a table on the outside patio at the sanitarium where we met. </span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">It was the day of the luau I held for the patients. I’m dressed in my signature type of clothing from back then: a puffy white-sleeved blouse with a pink and black flowered vest I’d made over it and a long full flowing skit that matches the vest. I have a pink plastic lay around my neck. My hair lies in soft curls on my shoulders and it’s tied up with barrettes that have pink hibiscus stuck in them. </span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">It looks like I’m eating ice cream and really enjoying it. On the table in front of me is a plate with a piece of cake. Behind me, in the window, I see the face of one of the male patients peeking out. I wonder who he is, looks like Stanley. I remember that my best friends Ann and Nola came that day to help me serve the cake and ice cream after the patients broke open the piñata. </span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">Thinking of the piñata, I remember how when it was Marianne’s turn, she whacked me in the head, knocking me on the ground. She ran to her room shouting “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” When I could walk, I went to her room to show her I was okay. Opening the door, she spat out, “I wish I would have killed you.” (She had a crush on Julio and we had just gotten married a few months beforehand.)</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">All these years later, I don’t know what happened to Marianne, Ann and I still keep in touch, I’m still married to Julio and Nola passed away a few years later from cancer. Life sure is interesting.</span><br /><span style="color:#339999;"></span><br />Now it's your turn. Be sure to share.<br /><br /><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children<br /></a></strong>Check out what’s going on at the zoo!<br /><strong><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog<br /></a></strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8628839908677040765.post-84709861193771183562009-10-19T03:00:00.001-04:002009-10-19T03:00:07.600-04:00Book of the Week: “An Environmental Guide from A to Z” by Tim Magner Revisited<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-L8_vGUQ__epbdELjF6CvwTfBeaKXZXkaeKdwj9HXjuilGyP4udyfoIRemkidEaEem6qzFd8IwQjUmP3T0bpkw9gMTcukxNN3bsqdz7MBsVQayw6tUcChZKdCGT97YMdPjfRC73W44yZ/s1600-h/EnvironGuide_cover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393931539286734146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-L8_vGUQ__epbdELjF6CvwTfBeaKXZXkaeKdwj9HXjuilGyP4udyfoIRemkidEaEem6qzFd8IwQjUmP3T0bpkw9gMTcukxNN3bsqdz7MBsVQayw6tUcChZKdCGT97YMdPjfRC73W44yZ/s320/EnvironGuide_cover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Back in <a href="http://goingbeyondreading.blogspot.com/2009/05/environmental-guide-from-to-z-by-tim.html">May</a> I <a href="http://goingbeyondreading.blogspot.com/2009/05/environmental-guide-from-to-z-by-tim.html">reviewed</a> this book. I’m revisiting it today because Tim and his staff have added more ways to take this book beyond reading.<br /><br />First he’s added a Parent’s Guide. The 14 page guide “promotes outdoor activity necessary for healthy childhood development. It gives children a chance to bond with and understand nature, a chance to become excited about and<br />involved in the places we live. Uncovering the secrets of nature, opens opportunities in transforming how we live-—from changing where energy is derived to how products are made.”<br /><br />The book is divided into 3 sections.<br /><span style="color:#660000;">Where do we live? Who lives with us?</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">How does it work?</span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">How do we protect our places, keep them working and build a better future?</span><br />Each section is filled with activity ideas, detective questions, writing activites and section one has map activities as well.<br /><br />This is a wonderful addition to “An Environmental Guide from A to Z” and a great way for parent and child to study the world they live in. My children are grown and off involved in their own careers, but, I plan to use this book for my own learning and pleasure.<br /><br />The second book is a well thought out and comprehensive Teacher’s Guide. Written for the state of Illinos, this can be adapted to any state with a few changes. Starting with pre-reading questions and ending with post-reading discussion the students will get a real feel for the essence of this book. Going through every letter in the alphabet, there are ‘Be a detective’ questions and a wide variety of activities for teacher and students to do. For example here is a sampling from questions and activities for one section.<br /><strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">H is for Habitat and N is for Nature</span><br /></strong>Be a Detective general questions:<br />• Why are maps important? What are they used for? How do we “read” maps?<br />• Are the plants and animals living near us, native to the area? Why? If not, how did they arrive and<br />what is the impact?<br /><br />Activities<br />4. Native American Story: In conjunction with researching pre-European history in America and the prairie-lands of the Midwest, write a story as a Native American child five hundred years ago, e.g. “A Day in the Life,” or, “A Year in the Life.” Describe their relationship among local resources?<br /><br />8. Need vs. Want: All our needs, including air, water, food and shelter, are met. What members of the community have unmet needs? What is it like to feel cold, hungry, thirsty or lonely? As a person? As a wild animal? Have students choose animals to act out. After the drama ask the student to explain why the animal felt that way. Note: the “L is for Lugari” contains a Need vs. Want exercise.<br /><br />I believe these books are excellent ways to take a book beyond reading and very good ones to have for anyone interested in studying the environment they live in.<br /><br />I’ll be back Wednesday with my take on the Muse Online Writing Conference.<br /><br /><div align="right">posted by Joy Delgado<br />We go Beyond Reading<br /><strong><a href="http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/" target="blank">Laughing Zebra – Books for Children<br /></a></strong>Check out what’s going on at the zoo!<br /><strong><a href="http://zooprisepartyfiestazoorpresa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog</a></strong></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2