Please note I have checked all the websites but as you know they can change.
In this website there are links to other websites and blogs owned by third parties. These links appear as resources and only as a resource for your convenience and not as an endorsement. I am not responsible for the content of these sites and make no representations regarding the content or accuracy of materials on these sites.
This page contains information which will reinforce the books with more of an explanation. Included are poems, activities, definitions, quotes, websites, more information, books that may supplement the children’s book on its theme, etc. My goal is to give the adult: parent, teacher, librarian, teenager, and babysitter more information to help guide/mentor your child positively and to add/supplement your discussions about the books.
These books can be read aloud with an adult: parent, grandparent, teacher, librarian, babysitter, or childcare worker and/or read by a child by him or herself. A different page can be read in one day or the entire book all at once. One can read these books without including the charts and later on go back to the charts for clarification. Families and adults, as suggested by someone who read these books commented on, could also benefit from these books. There are activities on the theme that are also shared.
Included are poems, activities, definitions, quotes, websites, more information, books that may supplement the children’s book on its theme, etc. My goal is to give the adult: parent, teacher, librarian, teenager, and babysitter more information to help guide/mentor your child positively and to add/supplement your discussions about the books.
Much of the information below I have changed the words “kids” to “children” or “youngsters” as that is how I want to talk about children.
I have put the corresponding websites after the information.
For “‘How Can You ‘Love Yourself?’ Finding Many Pebbles to Make a Difference in Learning about ‘Loving Yourself’”
Inclusivity
The word “neurotypical” describes someone who thinks and processes information in ways that are typical within their culture. They tend to learn skills and reach developmental milestones around the same time as their peers.
In contrast, the term “neurodivergent” describes someone who processes information in a different way. Autistic people and those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and similar conditions sometimes identify as neurodivergent.
These words can be a way of moving discussions away from focusing on a disease or mental health disorder, implying instead that people simply have a different way of understanding and interacting with the world.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-does-neurotypical-mean
I wanted to write a book that was inclusive using Mrs. Hope, Ruth and Evan and some of their friends or people they meet through their journey as the characters.
Inclusivity is the fact or policy of not excluding members or participants on the grounds of gender, race, class, sexuality, disability, etc.
“Inclusive literature is necessary to help children feel represented in the books they are reading. It can also be a window for readers to experience characters, cultures, and circumstances that are different from their own.”
“What is the importance of inclusive stories? When children are provided with stories that both reflect their backgrounds as well as the backgrounds of others, they become better-rounded and gain a greater understanding of their own identity as well as the identities of others.” The Benefits of Using Inclusive Literature in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade Classrooms, Guidelines for Selecting Inclusive Texts, Guidelines for Selecting Inclusive Texts, and Resources to Help Teachers, Librarians, and Community Members use Inclusive Children’s Books.
https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1944&context=honorsprojects
https://www.readstoleads.com/blog-article/how-to-write-inclusive-content
Quotes/Music:
More quotes can be found in the children’s book, How Can You ‘Love Yourself?
“In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” By Maya Angelou
“We all live with the objective of being happy: our lives are all different and yet the same.” By Anne Frank
“United we stand, divided we fall.” By Aesop (620 -560 B.C.)
“The richer we have become materially, the poorer we become morally and spiritually. We have not learned the simple art of living together as brothers.” By Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“Love yourself first, and everything else falls in line.” By Lucille Ball
“Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?” By Thoreau
“The question is not what you look at but what you see.” By Thoreau
“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” By Thoreau
“This world is but a canvas to our imagination.” By Thoreau
“Don’t change for anyone. People will love you for who you are or you don’t need them for in your life.” Anonymous
“Take Pickles,” said Papa Pete. “There are big ones and little ones, smooth ones and bumpy ones, very crunchy ones and not-so-crunchy ones. There are bread and butter pickles, gherkins, hamburger slices, half-dills, full-dills. The point is this. They’re all different and they’re all delicious to someone and you, my grandson are positively delicious.” “Hank Zipper” By Winkler, page 132
“We’re all good at something, you’ll have your chance to shine. Everybody’s a star, a brilliant creation, the trouble is finding the right constellation!” “The Blue Ribbon Day” By Couric
“Whether we’re a preschooler or a young teen, a graduating college senior or a retired person, we human beings all want to know they we’re acceptable, that our being alive somehow makes a difference in the lives of others.” By Fred Rogers
“Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievements.” By Golda Meir
“Know thyself.” By Socrates
“To thine owns self be true.” (from Act 1 Scene 3 of “Hamlet”) By Shakespeare
“To love others you must first love yourself.” By Leo Buscaglia
“What if you took that dark storm that you’re going through and instead of letting it destroy you, you choose to use the water from the dark clouds to help you grow?” By Inna Segal
“The Rose.” sung By Bette Milder
“just remember in the winter
Far beneath the bitter snows
Life’s the seed that with the sun’s love
In the spring becomes the rose”
Here Are Things Parents Can Do To Help Children Feel Good About Themselves:
.Help your child learn to do things
.When teaching children how to do things, show and help them
.Praise/compliment descriptively
.Be a good role model
.Ban criticism
.https://kidshealth.org>parents›self-esteem
. Make children feel important
.Give children opportunities to stretch outside of their comfort zone
. Encourage your child to see their strengths
.Show them by your experiences
https://www.workingmomsagainstguilt.com/teaching-self-esteem-kids-love
How Do I Teach My Child To ‘Love Themselves?:’
.Focus on strengths
.Let children help and give to others
.Make them feel important. Nothing boosts your child’s self-esteem more than knowing that they’re valued/worthy and appreciated
.Ask them how they feel about themselves
.‘Loving Yourself’ isn’t being selfish” https://divethru.com/how-to-teach-kids-to-love-their-bodies/
.Read and use daily affirmations, quotations, visualizations, and vision boards pinned up all over your home, etc. so one can see them over and over again. For example: “I am important and special” or “I am proud of myself and my accomplishments.”
https://www.prodigygame.com › main-en › blog › positive
https://www.rachelhawkes-mindfulparenting.com/blog/rock-painting-make-your-own-affirmation
For More Examples of Affirmations:
https://www.romper.com/parenting/affiratmions-forkids?utm_source=pocket-newtab
The Benefits of Teaching Children to ‘Love Themselves:’
Children who have a positive view of themselves are more likely to have a growth mindset. That means they are likely to try new things, take on challenges, and cope with and learn from their mistakes better.
In Order To Feel Good About Yourself: (you and your child):
.Become mindful. People who love themselves tend to know what they think, feel, and want
.Act on/take care of what one needs rather than what one wants
.Practice good self-care
.Forgive oneself
.Become your hero for the day
.Take back one’s power
.Note your relationships
.Surround oneself with good people and a good environment
.Practice self-compassion
Here are Some Examples of Having a Positive Attitude:
.Changing your perspective. Your perspective has a powerful influence on your life and happiness
.Smiling and being kind to others
.Being concerned for others
.Being aware of one’s community
.Being happy for others’ success
.Being responsible
.Being content (not comparing self with others or siblings)
.Being appreciative
.Being self-controlled” https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/six-important-attitudes-develop-child/
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs:
“Desire to be the most that one can be Self Actualization
Respect, self–esteem, status, recognition, strength, freedom Esteem
Friendship, family, sense of connection Love and Belonging
Personal security, health, protection from elements, Safety, Stability, order
Food, water, sleep, warmth, shelter, clothing Physiological”
Created By Connie Hamilton, author of “Hacking Questions”
Miscellaneous Thoughts About ‘Loving Yourself:’
.“’Loving yourself’ is the act of connecting with ourselves to better tune in to our truths which, in turn, shapes how we show up in life. We practice ‘loving yourself’ by being kinder and gentler to ourselves, without indulging the inner-critic and without judgment.” https://www.headspace.com/mindfulness/self-love
. Being alone (solitude) with yourself is healthy.
.“Helping with Self-Esteem/Self-Confidence/Self-Image: (“confidence in one’s own worth or abilities; self-respect)” https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en/ “Self-esteem is how we value and perceive ourselves. It’s based on our opinions and beliefs about ourselves. We might also think of this as self-confidence. Your self-esteem can affect whether you like and value yourself as a person:” https://www.mind.org.uk › information-support › about…
.Listen to one’s conscience/intuition/gut/heart and thus trust/accept one’s feelings
.Mistakes can help me learn and grow by considering them as opportunities.
.Think about how would you treat a child and treat yourself that way. (Your Inner Child)
https://time.com/collection/guide-to-happiness/4070299/secret-to-happiness/
Both my daughter, grandson and the children I was teaching would sometimes ask me “Why am I here/Why am I me?” I explained that our planet is not unlike a school, and that everyone on it is a student, here to learn the meaning of life.
Possible Negativity of Too Much ‘Loving Yourself:’
.‘Loving Yourself’ doesn’t always consider the feelings of others. For example: disregarding, not understanding and not caring for others’ feeling. One may not think about how their choices affect others. This can lead to a loss of friendships and other relationships.
.As long as you are in love with yourself while loving others, not being selfish, and see a scope of growth within yourself, you’re walking in the right lane. Once ‘Loving Yourself’ turns into a massive obsession, it might lead to narcissism.”
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321309
The Following is Negative:
.A child who may have an unreasonably (or inflated) high sense of their own importance
.They need and seek too much attention and want people to admire them
.They may have a lack of empathy, be manipulative in their behavior, be emotionally fragile, have an excessive need for admiration, and feel they are entitled.
https://www.choosingtherapy.com/narcissistic-children/
Humility/Humble/Modest
. Be the Model
. Model empathy. “(Empathy) has to be infused in everything, every encounter your child sees you have, even how you cope with your own emotional difficulties.”(By Durvasula)
. Build Them Up: Instead of placing emphasis on the material items that your family possesses, place that emphasis on the actions that you take in life. Also, mention that you might not always get recognition or credit for carrying out noble duties, as these types of duties are simply how one should move through life. You can place weight on actions by taking your kids with you to volunteer or help out the community, and build them up before yourself—making sure to point out how much work they put into whatever activity you may be doing. This will teach them to do the same.
. Encourage Your Children to Own Up to Mistakes: Mistakes aren’t a bad thing. They happen all the time, and this is something that children must get familiar with.
. Step into Someone Else’s Shoes: Help your child understand that whoever they meet will know something that they don’t, and that everyone in the world has something unique to offer. With every new person comes a learning opportunity. Paying attention to other people’s perspectives helps teach humility.
. Teach your Children to consider other People’s Feelings: You want to help them to grow up thinking about other people’s feelings.
. Be Open with Your Feelings: A parent saying, “It’s okay that I am sad and it is going to be okay.” (By Durvasula)
.Discourage Entitlement: Constant positive reinforcement for actions that don’t necessarily warrant it can create a sense of entitlement in children. Someone who’s always being told how perfect and amazing they are will start to believe that they deserve more than others. It’s important to create confidence in a child, but not let it turn into overconfidence.
. Celebrate Others: It’s important for children to acknowledge other people’s efforts. This helps to cultivate personal relationships that are meaningful instead of just surface-level. Supporting and encouraging others helps to teach a child humility because, once again, they are putting others before themselves by celebrating another person.
. Control Pride: A humble child knows that they are important without it being shouted from the rooftops. Controlling pride creates a strong sense of self, and a strong sense of self in a humble child will create someone who can de-escalate an argument, include others, or allow someone to cut in line. Humility allows children to acknowledge another person’s dignity, not just their own.
. Foster your Child’s Authentic Interests (By Durvasula)
. Spend Quality Time: Setting aside 15 or 20 minutes daily either, one on one or family dinners can make a difference. (By Del Toro)
. Share Stories: History is a huge part of humility. Teaching children about historical figures who were known for their humility—like St. Vincent De Paul and Mother Teresa—is interesting and shows that humble people have an impact on the world.”
Remember the most important thing to teach a child is empathy
https://austinchildrensacademy.org/aca-blog/establishing-humility-at-a-young-age/ https://www.yahoo.com/news/narcissism-genetic-narcissists-made-not-112646250.html
For the book: How Do You ‘Help One Another?’ Finding Many Pebbles to Make a Difference in Learning about ‘Helping One Another’
Quotes:
There are also quotes in the children’s book, ‘How can You Help One Another?’
If there is no author, I couldn’t find one
‘Helping One Another’
“Somewhere along the way we must learn that there is nothing greater than to do something for others.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“We can’t help everyone but everyone can help someone.” By Ronald Reagan
“Lord make me a blessing to someone today.” By Jan Karon
There is a Chinese proverb that goes: “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.” For centuries, the greatest thinkers have suggested the same thing: Happiness is found in ‘helping others’/life of service
“The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity.” By Leo Tolstoy
“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” By Dalai Lama
“Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace” By Dalai Lama
“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” By Buddha
“When you see something beautiful in someone, tell them. It may take you a second to say it, but for them, it could last a lifetime.” Unknown
“There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.” By Mandy Hale
“To make a difference in someone’s life you don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful, or perfect. You just have to care.” By Mandy Hale
“Those who are the happiest are those who do the most for others.” By Booker T. Washington
“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” By Warren Buffet
“One of the great ironies of life is this: He or she who serves almost always benefits more than he or she who is served.” By Gordon B. Hinkley
“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” By Edith Wharton
“We cannot force someone to hear a message they are not ready to receive, but we must never underestimate the power of planting a seed.” Minds-Journal
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” By Mother Teresa
“Being of service is not enough. You must become a servant of the people. When you do, you can demand their commitment in return.” By Cesar Chavez
“Life is an echo. What you send out, comes back. What you sow, you reap. What you give, you get. What you see in others, exists in you.” By Zig Ziglar
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” By Gandhi
Kindness
“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind, and the third is to be kind.” By Henry James
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” By Ralph Waldo Emerson
“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” By Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Always be a little kinder than necessary.” By James M. Barrie
“A kind word is like a spring day.” Russian Proverb
“Kindness doesn’t cost a thing, yet it’s the richest gift you can give.” Unknown
“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention.” By Kahlil Gibran
“What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?” By Jean Jacques Rousseau
“A part of kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve.” By Joseph Joubert
“Kindness is the lights that dissolves all walls between souls, families, and nations.” By Paramahansa Yogananda
“Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the figure of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.” By Franklin Roosevelt
“Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle you know nothing about.” By Wendy Mass
“Giving kindness does us as much good as receiving it.” By Piero Ferrucci
“Imagine what our real neighborhoods would be like if each of us offered, as a matter of course, just one kind word to another person.” By Fred Rogers
“There is no effect more disproportionate to its causes than the happiness bestowed by a small compliment.” By Robert Brault
“When words are both true and kind, they can change the world.” By Buddha
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” By Mark Twain
“You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot do by force.” By Publilius Syrus
“I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good things I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.” By William Penn
“Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust and hostility to evaporate.” By Albert Schweitzer
“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” By Princess Diana
Giving
“No one has ever become poor by giving.” By Anne Frank
“Giving back is as good for you as it is for those you are helping, because giving gives you purpose. When you have a purpose-driven life, you’re a happier person.” By Goldie Hawn
“For it is in giving that we receive.” By Saint Francis of Assisi
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” By Leo Buscaglia
You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” By Kahlil Gibran
Empathy
“Could a greater miracle take place then for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?” By Henry David Thoreau
“Be the reason someone believes in the goodness of people.” By Karen Salmansohn
Inclusive Classrooms
“Features students of all learning styles and ability levels. For example, an inclusive classroom could have a mix of gifted students, auditory learners, visual learners and students with disabilities such as ADHD, students who are in wheelchairs, and students with executive functioning issues.” https://www.healisautism.com/post/benefits-inclusive-classroom-neurotypical-children-special-needs
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-does-neurotypical-mean
https://www.readstoleads.com/blog-article/how-to-write-inclusive-content
“Currently, the official definition of Inclusive education is “when all students, regardless of any challenges they may have, are placed in age-appropriate general education classes that are in their own neighborhood schools to receive high-quality instruction, interventions, and supports that enable them to meet success in the core curriculum.” https://www.texthelp.com/resources/inclusive-education/
Inclusive Playgrounds
“Welcomes children and families of all abilities to learn, play and grow together. A well-designed, inclusive playground enables children of all abilities to develop physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally.” https://www.inclusiveplaygrounds.net/
https://www.playlsi.com/en/playground-planning-tools/
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/adding-braille-our-accessible-playground/
‘Helping One Another’
(Giving assistance or support to someone)
Every person has something negative going on that they are struggling with, only sometimes we can’t see what it is because they hide it well and suffer in silence or it can be quite evident that something is wrong.
“Everyone is going through something that we can’t see” By Kevin Love
Miscellaneous Thoughts about ‘Helping One Another’
The Golden Rule and Other Variants
“The Silver Rule has sometimes been described as the Golden Rule in a negative form. It is the Golden Rule without the gold. ‘What you do not wish done to you, do not do to others.” https://christiancourier.com/articles/gold-silver-and-iron-three-rules-of-human-conduct
“While The Golden Rule encourages individuals to treat others as they would like to be treated themselves, The Platinum Rule recognizes the importance of individual differences and enables people to adapt their behavior to meet the unique needs and preferences of others/way wants to be treated.” https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/golden-platinum-rules-neferiatiti-holt
“As opposed to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” as The Golden Rule states, The Platinum Rule asks you to “do unto others, wherever possible, as they would want to be done to them.”
“The Titanium Rule suggests means “do unto others according to their druthers.” (as they would like you to do)” https://www.ascend-international.com/2013/02/20/the-titanium-rule/
The Golden Rule By Norman Rockwell
https://www.scarboromissions.ca/golden-rule/golden-rule-across-the-worlds-religions
“The Golden Rule mosaic is based on a painting by well-known American artist Norman Rockwell (1894 – 1978). The painting served as the illustration for the cover of the April 1961 issue of the Saturday Evening Post, a popular magazine. Rockwell’s most well-known work is the series of oil paintings called Four Freedoms, which was inspired by a 1941 speech by USA President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882 – 1945). The speech centered on the idea of a postwar world based on four basic freedoms; freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. Another recurring theme in Rockwell’s work is tolerance.
The mosaic depicts people of every race, creed, and color, with dignity and respect and touches on the theme of human rights. Inscribed on the surface of the mosaic is the Golden Rule: Do Unto Others as You Would Have Them Do Unto You. It depicts a common experience and a shared aspiration to unify the world’s religions and philosophies. In the mosaic, people of all traditions and cultures of the world are in united harmony. The artist said, ‘When I decided to attempt a picture illustrating the Golden Rule and, remembering this charcoal, hauled it out of the cellar and looked at it, I immediately felt that in the grouping of the peoples of the world behind the delegates was the basis for my picture illustrating the Golden Rule.’
The government and the people of the United States of America presented this gift to the United Nations and Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar received it. It was presented by the USA’s First Lady, Nancy Reagan (1921 – 2016), on 21 October 1985, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the United Nations. The Thanks-Giving Square Foundation arranged for the creation and finance of the mosaic.”
https://www.un.org/ungifts/golden-rule
https://displate.com/displate/5111846?pe=retro,paintings,Vintage&ctrc=US&gclid=CjwKCAjw_uGmBhBREiwAeOfsdxsmfN8s5oYcFT3_OcIBatoq9_j0_w8-z3VupmlUamaSk2D8VQhkxoCXcMQAvD_BwE
The Purpose of a Healing Cloth
“At many Early Childhood Waldorf Schools, a healing cloth is used when there is a physical disagreement between children. The child who did the hurting gets a wet healing cloth for the hurt child and places it on the child. It is a way to do sorry. The healing basket is one of our important tools, as well. If a child’s gestures have gotten away from him/her, then this child can administer the healing salve to the offended party.” The Daily Blessing of the Older Child in the Kindergarten, by Ruth Ker, Spring/Summer 2006, Issue #50
See My Book Many Pebbles to Make a Difference: Inquiring Ways You Can Improve Children’s Lives by Making Connections: Education in Different Environments By Julienne Levy Marks (the author), page 111
The Tale of the Starfish
One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?” The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.” “Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!” After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”
http://ataturksociety.org/the-starfish-story-original-story-by-loren-eisley/
“The Star Thrower” from THE UNEXPECTED UNIVERSE by Loren Eisley. Copyright © 1968 by Loren Eisley and renewed 1996 by John A. Eichman, III. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Teaching Your Child to ‘Help One Another’
1. “Lead by example: Actions speak louder than words. When it comes to developing a helping nature, children learn the most from their parents. In family dinners or gatherings, when they see you helping, they feel like participating in it. Family gatherings or outings are a great way to inculcate a helping behavior in children. Be the model. The truth is our children want to be like us. So, one of the best ways to teach children about ‘helping one another’ is to model generous behaviors for and with them. Show children how excited you are to be kind this season, give back and find ways to donate or volunteer to help others. https://www.childrensmercy.org/parent-ish/2021/12/helping-others/
2. Emphasize the importance of helping: Tell your children that helping others is a trait that every good person possesses. Give them examples of people they know or look up to, from your family, friends or in the neighborhood.
3. Take them to local communities: A local community in your neighborhood, like a soup kitchen or anywhere that has to do with ‘help’, is a place where good things happen. It’s where your children can witness the goodness and helpful nature in people. It motivates them to get up and lend a hand.
4. Read stories about helpful characters: Reading to your children comes with many benefits. While choosing the books to read, make sure to pick stories that have the main characters helping others. Children often find their first heroes in the stories you read to them. After you finish reading, discuss the character with them and ask for their feedback. It will tell you how much they are inspired by it.
5. Appreciate them: A timely appreciation helps children understand the true value of their efforts. When you see them help others, give them a slow clap or describe what they are doing and how it is helping others. Children, whether they show it or not, secretly crave their parent’s admiration. When you appreciate their efforts, they will try harder to do a better job the next time.” https://nurturey.com/blog/teach-your-child-to-help-others-in-5-simple-steps/
“A ‘helping’ nature ensures a happy and successful life. The more your children ‘help one another,’ the better they do, in life. They are respected for their efforts and they build a strong character for themselves. And nothing satisfies a parent more than knowing they have raised a good human being.” https://brilliantio.com ›why-is-helping-others-important
What Do Children Learn From ‘Helping One Another?’
“As children acquire a realistic perspective, they may become disillusioned when they consider how much help the world needs. But if you allow them to take part in charitable projects and other means of helping people, they’ll feel a strong sense of ability to effect change in people’s lives.” https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/importance-giving-back-to-your-community/
“It helps their sense of ‘Agency’ which is ‘being able to make choices and decisions to influence events and to have an impact on one’s world.’” https://www.ourxplor.com/respecting-a-childs-sense-of-agency-and-belonging
What is the Main Idea of ‘Helping One Another?’
. “It means the ability to impact the lives of others in a positive manner. It could be as simple as teaching someone a new skill or teaching them something they previously didn’t know. It could be teaching something that has multiple steps in complexity.” https://time.com/collection/guide-to-happiness/4070299/secret-to-happiness/
. I strongly believe that ‘Helping One Another’ should be part of the curriculum as children need to learn how and why to help and engage with others.
. To try to ‘help one another’ feel better is a great goal to have.
. I believe that one reason we are here on this earth is to ‘Help One Another.’
. “’Helping One Another’ is thought to be one of the ways that people create, maintain, and strengthen their social connections.” https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk › explore-mental-health
Other Types of Ways of ‘Helping One Another’
By using the Buddy Bench, Talking Circles, and a Talking Stick we can learn about taking turns, listening to others, having everyone have a chance to speak and share, helping someone who may be lonely, etc. which is all a part of ‘Helping One Another.’
Buddy Benches
“Buddy Benches were invented to combat loneliness and bullying in schools. Sometimes called a friendship bench, these benches are provided on school playgrounds as a way for students to signal to others that they are feeling lonely and isolated and need a friend to play with or someone to talk to. The bench allows other children on the playground to clearly see when another kid needs support or a friend, and they can join them on the bench for a chat or invite them to play.” https://pollyproducts.com/buddy-benches-why-they-are-important-for-your-school/
I Have Used Talking Circles and Talking Sticks in my Classrooms and Library Classes
By using the above, we all learn about taking turns, listening to others, having everyone have a chance, and helping someone who may be lonely.
Talking Circles
“Talking Circles can be used for discussion, problem solving, and/or decision making. The basic purpose of a talking circle is to create a safe, non-judgmental place where each participant has the opportunity to contribute to the discussion of difficult and/or important issues.” https://www.heartland.edu/documents/idc/talkingcircleclassroom.pdf
http://firstnationspedagogy.ca/circletalks.html
The Talking Stick
“The Talking Stick is a listening and speaking method that can be used in the classroom, (or at the home) which is democratic and encourages understanding between students from culturally diverse backgrounds. This method incorporates an open style of listening, within a space of silence.”
http://iteslj.org/Techniques/Fujioka-TalkingStick.html
https://www.du.edu/conflict-resolution/news/significance-talking-stick
https://nidhi0113.wordpress.com/2013/06/06/talking-stick-in-the-classroom/
Please see Many Pebbles to Make a Difference: Inspiring Ways You Can Improve Children’s Lives by Making Connections: Education in Different Environments By Julienne Levy Marks (the author) pages 74-76, 78-79 and Many Pebbles to Make a Difference: Inspiring Ways You Can Improve Children’s Lives by Making Connections: Reading and Books By Julienne Levy Marks (the author) pages 152, 166-167 for more information about the Talking Circle and Talking Stick. Published by Yawn Publishers. https://yawnspublishing.com/
What is the True Meaning of ‘Helping One Another?’
“Researchers often define ‘Helping One Another’ as the intention or the effect of improving the welfare of another without the expectation of material rewards in return.” www.berkeleywellbeing.com
I believe to give with an open heart. What someone does with your gift has nothing to do with you.
Websites with Samples of Things to Do to ‘Help One Another’
“Play a cooperative, team-building game with friends. Playworks is a non-profit organization that supports learning and physical health among children. It’s a great resource with a number of examples of team-based games for children.” https://www.gokids.com.tw/tsaiss/Peaceable%20Kingdom/Rules/GMC7_Dinosaur%20Escape.pdf
https://www.jsonline.com/story/life/home-garden/garden/2017/04/06/5-easy-diy-bird-feeders/100041276/
https://themanylittlejoys.com/kid-made-bird-feeders/
https://www.doinggoodtogether.org/bhf/write-letters-to-a-soldier
https://www.operationgratitude.com/
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/a34330608/where-to-donate-toys/
https://www.nomeangirls.com/resources-1/2019/5/21/you-dont-have-to-like-everyone-but-always-be-kind
https://coffeeandcarpool.com/why-our-kids-dont-need-to-be-nice/
https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674965904
https://zenhabits.net/25-ways-to-help-a-fellow-human-being-today/
https://www.businessinsider.com/teachers-prefer-kindness-over-good-grades-2016-10
Miscellaneous Thoughts about Kindness
. “Kindness, or doing good, often means putting other people’s needs before our own. Kindness is choosing to do something that helps others or yourself, motivated by genuine warm feelings.” https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/kindness/kindness-matters-guide
. “Kindness means thinking of others and acting in ways that contribute to their happiness.” https://time.com/5233398/raise-grateful-children/?utm_source=pocket_collection_story
. “Kindness puts others at the center. It is not focused on how it will benefit us or how many likes we can get on social media. True kindness, above all, comes from a place of compassion, understanding, and goodwill.” https://berkeleywellbeing.com
. “‘Pay It Forward’ is an expression for describing the beneficiary of a good deed repaying the kindness to others rather than paying it back to the original benefactor.” (also a movie) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pay_it_forward
. “The hardest part of teaching children to be kind is helping them stay kind when other people are mean to them.” https://coffeeandcarpool.com/encourage-kids-to-be-kind-when-kids-are-mean-to-them/
. Genuinely compliment others. Complimenting others is an easy way to show kindness. It helps others feel seen, releasing a boost of endorphins associated with the reward centers of the brain.
. “Complimenting someone for their looks, which is largely a result of genetics and out of the individual’s control, also reduces that person’s worth to what they look like and reinforces the message that it’s more important for women to be beautiful than it is to be intelligent, strong, or a great leader, friend, or mentor.”
https://shedefined.com.au/life/how-and-why-to-give-women-compliments-that-arent-based-on-appearance/
. (Describe) “Descriptive praise is when you tell your child exactly what it is that you like. For example, ‘I like the way you’ve found a spot for everything in your room.’ This helps your child understand exactly what it is that they’ve done well. It’s also more genuine than non-specific praise like ‘You’re a good boy.’”
https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/connecting-communicating/connecting/praise
. See the book, How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen so Kids will Talk By Faber and Mazlish
. Say/write a genuine ‘thank you’ and ‘I’m sorry’ and do amends/restitution. (‘What should we do to help her feel better?’)
. Some other words that show kindness: connection with/to others, listen to self and others, treat others humanely, concern, consideration, nurture, love, cherish.
https://selecthealth.org/blog/2020/11/9-ways-to-show-kindness
. Kindness is about relationships, connections/engagement.
https://www.kindness.org/ A great organization
. At the end of the day do you (or your child) want to be remembered for how kind you are/were and what good you did? I do.
https://naturespath.com/blogs/posts/17-activities-kids-practice-kindness-compassion
“Try these Six Tips for Teaching Children to be Kind
1. Discuss What Kindness Means and Looks Like.
2. Use Play Pretend, Games, and Stories
3. Be an Example of Kindness
4. Promote Kindness Through Selfless Habits and Experiences.
5. Help Them Understand That Kindness Isn’t Always Easy
6. Focus on How It Feels to Be Kind” https://www.harpercollins.com/blogs/harperkids/6-tips-for-teaching-kids-kindness
Some Research about Kindness
“A recent study reported on how people felt after performing or observing kind acts every day for seven days. Participants were randomly assigned to carry out at least one more kind act than usual for someone close to them, an acquaintance or stranger, or themselves, or to try to actively observe kind acts. Happiness was measured before and after the seven days of kindness. The researchers found that being kind to ourselves or to anyone else — yes, even a stranger — or actively observing kindness around us boosted happiness.” https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-heart-and-science-of-kindness-2019041816447
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29702043/
“Kindness is contagious and it has the potential to make the world a better place. Practicing kindness may also have many health benefits such as lowering pain levels, relieving stress and anxiety, and increasing life expectancy. When we show kindness, we are healing others and ourselves at the same time. Kindness has been shown to increase self-esteem, empathy and compassion, and improve mood. It can decrease blood pressure and cortisol, a stress hormone, which directly impacts stress levels. People who give of themselves in a balanced way also tend to be healthier and live longer.” https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/the-art-of-kindness
Be Kind to Yourself
“When sharing kindness, it’s not just how you treat other people — it’s also about how you extend those same behaviors and intentions to yourself. Be kinder in your own self-talk and practice gratitude.” https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/the-art-of-kindness
When you are feeling down, try doing something kind for someone else.
Sympathy
“Sympathy is more of a feeling of pity for another. It is being kind, understanding and showing concern for others when they are sad, suffering, or having trouble.” https://kids.wordsmyth.net/we/?rid=41782&ent_l=sympathy
Miscellaneous Thoughts about Empathy
Empathy is our ability to understand how someone feels. https://www.drstevesilvestro.com/teaching-kids-empathy-and-compassion
When you teach empathy to children, you are helping them understand other people’s feelings.
What You Can Do To Help Children Develop Empathy
. “Empathize with your child. For example, ‘Are you feeling scared of that dog?’
. Talk about others’ feelings
. Suggest how children can show empathy
. Read stories about feelings
. Be a role model
. Use “I” messages
. Validate your child’s difficult emotions
. Use pretend play or role playing” https://www.beginlearning.com/parent-resources/teaching-kids-empathy/
. Putting yourself/standing/walking in someone else’s shoes means putting yourself in the other person’s shoes; to see from another’s point of view/perspective/position; to feel what another feels due to their perception; to look at the same situation and see it differently; a respectful understanding of what others are feeling.
. “Standing in someone else’s shoes is one of the things Atticus, said to Scout, meaning “you never really understand a person until you consider things from his or her point of view and until you climb into its skin and walk around in it.” from To Kill a Mockingbird By Lee https://www.ipl.org/essay/To-Kill-A-Mockingbird-Walking-In-Someone-
. “Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes.” In effect, it is a reminder to practice empathy. While long credited as a Native American quote replacing the word shoes with moccasins, the saying almost certainly is derived from a Mary T. Lathrap poem published in 1895.” (Native American) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh55e6U_XPM
https://amodernmother.com/my-daughters-best-friend-is-moving.html
Compassion
Compassion in Latin means ‘to suffer with.’
Compassion is when we take a step away from the emotion of empathy and ask ourselves ‘How can we help?’ It is also saying: ‘How can I be a blessing to someone today/ serve others?’
How to Teach Children a Compassionate Spirit and Desire to Help Others
. “Be the model.
. Talk about helping others
. Let them guide the giving (using their interests)
. Find a new tradition” https://www.childrensmercy.org/parent-ish/2021/12/helping-others/ https://meaningfulmama.com/day-339-compassion-role-playing.html
Self- Compassion
“Don’t forget that self-compassion is just as important and essential as showing kindness to those around you. If you are unable to accept self-compassion and find value/worth in yourself, it will be harder to spread kindness.” https://selecthealth.org/blog/2020/11/9-ways-to-show-kindness
“Ever notice how much better you treat others when you’ve taken care of yourself? When we are compassionate, we are recognizing our shared human condition. Compassion can guide us to acts of kindness.” https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-heart-and-science-of-kindness-2019041816447
Giving
Here are Some Suggestions to Make the Concept and the Act of Giving a Part of your Regular Interactions with your Children
Benefits of Giving
. “Giving makes us feel happy
. Giving is good for health. It can relieves stress and improves emotional well-being
. Giving helps build social connection
. Giving evokes gratitude
. Giving is contagious
. Giving is doing something for someone else and expecting nothing in return” https://www.kent-teach.com/Blog/post/2017/11/28/5-benefits-of-giving.aspx
. Builds a sense of purpose https://www.worldvision.org.ph/5-reasons-why-giving-is-good-for-you/
.“Teach what it means to share
. Model generosity/ Lead by example. Talk about why you give
. Talk about your feelings when you give
. Talk about giving as a family/class
. Do it together
. Descriptively praise the giving impulse
. Create opportunities
. Share your stories
. Making Giving Real
. Use gift-giving occasions to teach about giving
.Be patient. “Focus on the Good Intentions of your Children” By Deb Cohen, Certified Parenting Educator
.“Encourage your child to choose their toys, clothes, and books to donate
. Look for volunteer opportunities
. Have a three-bucket approach for allowances. A part of their allowance be for things they want to spend it on, some for saving, and some for giving back
. Set up a donor-advised fund.” https://www.parents.com/parenting/money/teach-kids-charity-giving/
. “Find causes your child cares about. Your child is more likely to develop a habit of giving back when he or she is passionate about the cause. Start by brainstorming the possibilities of who your child can help that he is really interested in, such as their classmates, animals, the homeless, the environment, etc. Then, encourage him or her to identify what talents to offer in service. Examples: Does he love to bake? Does she enjoy music or caring for animals?”
. Give and volunteer together. When your children see you volunteering your time, talent and treasure, they see your values at work.” https://www.jtownchamber.com/5-ways-to-teach-your-children-to-give-back/
https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-blog/what-difference-between-food-bank-and-food-pantry
https://careerandrecovery.org/2021/12/can-homeless-people-get-jobs/
. “If your child loves animals, volunteering time or giving support to an animal shelter might be a good choice. There is no reason why being generous can’t also feed a child’s personal interests. Children are more likely to be sincere in their helping efforts when they personally care about the cause. Teaching compassion for animals is a great way to practice empathy, children are naturally drawn to animals and love to help them.” https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/kindness/kindness-matters-guide
. “Native Americans give away something that is meaningful to them.” https://www.nighteaglewilderness.com/post/the-give-away-ceremony-a-lakota-tradition
. “The richest people are those who are willing to give away everything they own.” https://squaxinisland.org/visitors/native-american-etiquette/
. “In some countries on your birthday one gives presents to others. For example, in Russia even the guests receive gifts from the person whose birthday it is.” https://giftii.com/blogs/gift-ideas/curious-gifting-traditions-around-the-world
. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service takes place each year on the third Monday in January and is the only federal holiday that is also designated by Congress as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. It is a ‘day on, not a day off.’” https://www.doi.gov/pmb/eeo/mlk-day-service
Caring
The Difference between Kindness and Caring
“In order to be kind, we need to focus on the other person’s feelings and needs, while caring involves taking actions that help someone out even if we don’t know them very well.” https://differencess.com/kind-vs-caring-whats-the-difference
How to Teach Your Child to Care for Others
. “Acknowledge Acts of Kindness. If your child does something nice for you or someone else, tell them! (thank them)
. Encourage Your Child to be Adventurous
. Prioritize Face-to-Face Conversations
. Celebrate Differences
. Be a Consistent Role Model
. Talk About Your Feelings” https://tobeme.com.au/how-to-teach-your-child-to-care-for-others/
Volunteering
Real Volunteering (not just for school hours)
. “Volunteering and helping others can help us feel a sense of belonging, make new friends, and connect with our communities.” https://www.highschoolcube.com/volunteering-in-high-school-pros-and-cons/
https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/volunteering.html
. Please also see my book, Many Pebbles to Make a Difference: Inspiring Ways You Can Improve Children’s Lives by Making Connections: For Families, Parents, Grandparents By Julienne Levy Marks, “Volunteering as a Family to Help Others,” pages 68-70
Health Issues/Concerns/Disabilities
I need to share here that it seems there are several different words that are used for the same word. Many may be outdated or not politically correct. I have tried with my books and in the website to use respectful words. I have never wanted to/meant to offend anyone. https://www.aucd.org/docs/add/sa_summits/Language%20Doc.pdf
Please note there is some conflict about what/ which word to use for “disabled.” https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewpulrang/2020/09/30/here-are-some-dos-and-donts-of-disability-language/?
“‘person with a disability’ and ‘individual with an amputation’ emphasizes the person and not his or her condition.” https://www.apa.org/pi/disability/resources/choosing-words
“An individual with a health issue is first and foremost an individual. The emphasis should be on the person not the health condition. Ex. a child with Down syndrome” https://www.dsaneo.org/families/about-down-syndrome/proper-language/
“For most diseases, disabilities, and disorders, only proper names, as in a person’s name, are capitalized.” https://www.acs.org/about/diversity/inclusivity-style-guide/disabilities-disorders-and-other-health-conditions.html#when-and-how-to-mention-someones-health
In my book, ‘Helping One Another’ and here on the website, there are only a few Health Issues that are addressed. There of course more/others.
I have chosen in my books to use the words ‘Health Issues.’
Part of ‘Helping One Another’ is helping others who may have Health Issues, as well as everyone.
Miscellaneous Definitions/Explanations
One aspect of ‘Helping One Another’ is accepting differences of others: physical, emotional, culturally, etc.
. “Intellectual disability is a term used when there are limits to a person’s ability to learn at an expected level and function in daily life. Levels of intellectual disability vary greatly in children.” https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/developmentaldisabilities/facts-about-intellectual-disability.html
https://www.24hrcares.com/resource-center/invisible-vs-visible-disabilities
. “Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital is taking a bold step in ending ableism for children and youth with disabilities. Ableism is the discrimination towards someone based on their abilities, often favoring those who do not have a disability and seeing less value in those that do. And it needs to stop. Over the past four years, Holland Bloorview’s ‘Dear Everybody Campaign’ has been confronting personal and systemic ableism and this year we’re calling on the community to join in.”
https://deareverybody.hollandbloorview.ca/
. “Ableism describes assumptions and attitudes that reinforce notions of normality and devalue those who fall outside its parameters.”
https://www.sapiens.org/culture/ordinary-future-ableism-parenting/?utm_source=pocket-newtab-en-us
. “Discrimination in favor of able-bodied people, a person with a disability can struggle with ableism.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ableism
. “Altruism (or selflessness) is concern for the well-being of others. A truly altruistic act is something done completely for the benefit of another, without concern for the self.” https://kids.kiddle.co/Altruism
. “When we give to others it activates the areas of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection and trust. Altruistic behavior releases endorphins in the brain and boosts happiness for us as well as the people we help. Altruism inspires young people by directing their attention outward and providing an opportunity to experience the value of helping others. Kindness, compassion, gratitude, empathy and many other positive qualities emerge when children learn that helping others is also a great way to help themselves.” https://actionforhappiness.org/10-keys-to-happier-living/do-things-for-others
Types of Disabilities/Health Conditions/Issues with Definitions/Explanations
In my Book on “Helping One Another’ are short explanations (in chart form) for the child readers explaining about some specific health conditions/issues. I also ask the children to talk to you (the adult) for more of an explanation. I hope the websites below will help you with this and give you more information.
Little People (The better word to use)
A dwarf has disproportion of body parts.
https://www.diffen.com/difference/Dwarf_vs_Midget
http://understandingdwarfism.com/explain-dwarfism-to-young-children
Wheelchair Use
https://www.urevolution.com/blogs/magazine/wheelchair-questions-from-kids
https://nmeda.org/tips-on-choosing-an-accessible-van-for-children-with-special-needs/
. “Wheelchair-accessible vans for children with special needs should have access to safe transportation for numerous reasons, including medical appointments, therapy, and school.” https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/cerebral-palsy/living/wheelchair-accessible-vans/
. “Car accidents are the leading cause of spinal injury.” https://mileylegal.com/spinal-injury-from-car-accident/
. “Self-propelled wheelchairs can be propelled by users themselves by using push-rims fitted on rear wheels. They also come with pushing handles, which makes it easy to be pushed by another person, if need be. Their larger rear wheels are an advantage when you need to push the chair over an obstacle.” https://www.mobilitysmart.co.uk/blog.html
Deafness
. Video of Signing ‘I Like You’ https://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-signs/l/like.htm
. People using sign language make shapes, called signs, with their hands and arms. They also move their bodies and make facial expressions. Signs can stand for letters, words, or ideas.” https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/sign-language/399595
https://www.lingvano.com/asl/blog/how-deaf-people-think
“People who learned to talk before becoming deaf often have it easier and speak clearer. This is because there’s already a familiarity with some sounds and qualities that are associated with spoken language.” https://www.healthline.com/health/can-deaf-people-talk#about-spoken-language
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-does-deaf-speech-sound-like-1048743
. “Hearing aids are small electronic or battery-operated devices that can amplify and change sound. They are used by people with hearing loss.” https://www.childrensnational.org/get-care/health-library/hearing-aids
Limb Differences/Leg Length Discrepancy
“A limb-length discrepancy is when one leg or arm is shorter than the other leg or arm. The difference in length can range from a fraction of an inch to several inches. Some children are born with congenital limb differences that cause their legs or arms to grow at different rates.”
https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/limb-length-discrepancy
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/limb-deformities.html
https://www.bookbaskets.com.au/blog/books-about-children-with-limb-difference/
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a “neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.” https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd
https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/autism-spectrum-disorder/articles/getting-comfortable-
https://www.psycom.net/autism-top-questions
https://www.khabar.com/magazine/spiritual-straight-talk/autism
“Includes Asperger’s syndrome, a mild form of autism. Communication training and behavioral therapy can help people with the syndrome learn to socialize more successfully.” https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=asperger%27s+syndrome+definition
Blindness
“Blindness is the inability to see or a lack of vision.” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24446-blindness
Vision Impairment
“Visual impairment usually means that someone’s eyesight is reduced (impaired) to the extent that it can’t be corrected to a normal level. This means full correction is not even possible with the help of glasses, contact lenses, medication or vision surgery.” https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/lowvision/visual-impairment/
Glasses
“Glasses work by ending light before it enters your eye by just the right amount to correct for the error for your eye’s lens.” www.tappityapp.com>answers.how-do-glasses-work
https://aapos.org/glossary/glasses-for-children
Braille
“Braille is a system that allows blind people to read and write.” https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Braille/352878
https://wecapable.com/braille-translator/braille-to-english-text/
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/adding-braille-our-accessible-playground/
Crossed- Eyes
“Strabismus, a misalignment of the eyes, is one of the most common eye problems in children, affecting approximately 4 percent of children under the age of six years. The eyes (one or both) may turn inward, outward, turn up, or turn down. At times, more than one of these conditions are present. Strabismus is also called “wandering eye” or “crossed-eyes.” Treatment for this condition: Surgery to straighten the eyes, Eye exercises, Eye patch over the strong eye (if amblyopia is present) to improve the weak eye.” https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/crossed-eyes-strabismus
Service Animals
“Various definitions exist for a service animal. The Americans with Disabilities Act defines the term as “dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities”. Dogs are the most common service animals, having assisted people since at least 1927.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service_animal
Service animals/dogs’ job is to keep their “person” safe and should be seen and treated as an extension of the person.
A Service Dog or Seeing Eye Dog or Guide Dog is a “dog that has been specially trained to lead or guide a blind person in walking about.” https://www.tpt.org/post/kids-service-dogs/
“One of the biggest and most obvious differences between a guide dog and white cane is that a guide dog is trained to avoid obstacles along their pathway. A white cane helps locate impediments so that the blind person can decide how best to maneuver around them.” https://clovernook.org/2020/09/18/guide-dogs-vs-white-canes-the-comprehensive-comparison/
https://brailleworks.com/child-who-is-blind-needs-white-cane/
“Blind people hear better – this is not only the result of necessary training, in which blind people learn, among other things, to compensate for their lack of vision with their sense of hearing. It is also due to the neurological development of the brain. This has been proven by research in which the brain activities of blind people were studied.” https://www.kind.com/en-sg/magazine/how-we-hear/blind-people-hear-better/
Down syndrome
“Sometimes halting use of language, rocky pronunciation of certain words, mannerisms that don’t strictly follow tacit social norms, the trademark physical features of Down syndrome.”
Life goes on TV series https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_Goes_On_(TV_series)
“Down for Love (TV series) A heartwarming quest for love, this feel-good reality show follows several people with Down syndrome as they navigate the trials and triumphs of dating. A heartwarming quest for love, this feel-good reality show follows several people with Down syndrome as they navigate the trials and triumphs of dating.” https://www.netflix.com/title/81599745
Alopecia Areata
“Alopecia Areata is a disease that develops when the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles (what holds the hair in place), causing hair loss. You can lose hair anywhere on your body, including your scalp, inside your nose, and in your ears. Some people lose their eyelashes or eyebrows.” https://www.pfizer.com/disease-and-conditions/alopecia-areata
“Our mission is to restore confidence, happiness and pride to anyone struggling with low self-esteem during their medical journey, especially bald children. Our vision is a world where every child goes to sleep proud of their differences. We accomplish this by donating Smile Kits inclusive of paints, brushes and canvases to children’s hospitals and charity organizations around the world. Children can paint and customize their very own head scarves, neck scarves and superhero capes. Each Smile Kit provides a child an outlet of creativity, and the ability to wear their masterpiece with a smile.” https://www.cominguprosies.com/
Prosthesis
“A prosthesis is an artificial device to replace or augment a missing or impaired part of the body.” www.merriam-webster.com>dictionary>prosthesis
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002286.htm
During the summer of the early 1970’s I was working at a day camp. The camp hired an excellent horseback riding person who happened to have a prosthesis for an arm. Sometimes she wore it and other times she didn’t. (It was hot in New York.) Many of the parents were upset that their children would be disturbed by this. Therefore she had to become a counselor for a group. To this day I remember how badly I felt for her.
Dyslexia
“Dyslexia is the difficulty in reading that is not associated with impairment of intellect, vision, or recognition of letters.” https://dyslexiaida.org/definition-of-dyslexia/
Aphasia
“Aphasia is a brain disorder where a person has trouble speaking or understanding other people speaking. This happens with damage or disruptions in parts of the brain that control spoken language. It often happens with conditions like a stroke. Aphasia is often treatable, and speech therapy can still help people who have this condition permanently.” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5502-aphasia
The following first paragraph of What are Learning Disabilities is taken directly from my Book, ‘How Can You Help One Another?’ Finding Many Pebbles to Make a Difference in Learning about ‘Helping One Another’ as I felt it important for parents to peruse.
What are Learning Disabilities?
“Some of us, children and adults, have learning disabilities or learning disorders which is a name or umbrella terms for a wide variety of learning problems. Sometimes people’s brains are simply wired differently – and this difference affects how they receive and process information. Children and adults with learning disabilities see, hear, and understand things differently. It is different than physical conditions because you can’t see them. A learning disability is not a problem with intelligence or motivation and children with this condition aren’t lazy or dumb. In fact, most are just as smart as everyone else.”
“Some of these conditions can lead to trouble with learning new information and skills, and putting them to use. The most common types of learning disabilities involve problems with reading, writing, math, reasoning, listening, and speaking.” https://www.helpguide.org/articles/autism-learning-disabilities/learning-disabilities-and-disorders.htm
“Are ADD and ADHD the same thing? Yes, ADD and ADHD are the same thing. ADD (attention-deficit disorder) is an outdated term for what is now called ADHD. Some children with ADHD have hyperactive behaviors and some don’t, but the diagnosis is ADHD either way.” https://childmind.org/article/what-is-the-difference-between-add-and-adhd
https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/development/adhd/friendships-children-pre-teens-adhd
Symptoms of ADD: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350889
Things One Can Do With Children that Have ADD
https://chadd.org/adhd-in-the-news/games-puzzles-and-adhd/
Disability Terminology Chart
“When referring to people with disabilities, choose words that reflect dignity and respect. Use language that describes the person’s disability without defining the individual as his or her disability. The following are just some examples.
INAPPROPRIATE APPROPRIATE
The disabled, the handicapped People with disabilities, the disability community
Crippled, suffers from, afflicted with, stricken with, has disability, is a person with
Normal person, healthy, whole People without disabilities, able bodied, person who is able to walk, who can see, etc.
The blind, the deaf Person who is blind, person who is deaf or hard of hearing
Wheelchair bound, confined or restricted to a Person who uses a wheelchair, wheelchair, wheelchair user
Handicap parking Accessible parking, parking for People with disabilities
Dumb, mute Person who cannot speak, has Difficulty speaking, uses synthetic speech, Non-verbal, non-vocal
Tongue-tied Speech disability, speech disorder Or Communication disability
CP victim, spastic Person with cerebral palsy
Crippled, lame, deformed Person with a disability, walks
With a cane, uses leg braces
Epileptic Person with epilepsy, with seizure disorder
Fit, attack Seizure, epileptic
Episode or event
Crazy, maniac, lunatic, insane, nuts, deranged, People with emotional
Psycho, demented, retard, defective disorders, mental
Idiot, slow illness, mental health
Disability, psychiatric
Imbecile, feeble-minded, Down’s person, Person with a
Mongoloid developmental
Disability, person
With mental
Retardation, person with
A developmental
Delay, person with Down
Syndrome or person
Who is brain injured,
Has traumatic brain injury, brain damage with a closed head
Injury.
Slow learner, retarded Person who has a learning
Disability
Dwarf, midget Short stature, little person
Paraplegic, quadriplegic Person with spinal cord injury,
man with paraplegia man with paraplegia,
Woman who is paralyzed
Birth defect congenital disability,
Birth anomaly
A post-polio, suffered from polio has had polio, experienced polio
Homebound Stay-at-home,
Hard for person to get out
Senile, demented Person with Alzheimer’s disease,
Person who has dementia”
https://www.courts.ca.gov/partners/documents/7-terminology.pdf
Miscellaneous About Things Talked about in the Book ‘Helping One Another’)
10 Strategies for Talking to Children about Disability (Health Issues/Conditions)
I will be using all of the above words below
I felt the following information would be so helpful to parents so I have shared it in full.
“Whether it is a person who uses a wheelchair that you see in the grocery store, a child in their class that has Autism, or a sibling with ADHD, your child has someone in their life that has a health issue that they might have questions about. Talking openly and honestly about these health conditions with your children is a critical first step in living in a more inclusive community that celebrates and embraces diversity.
1. Embrace your child’s curiosity. Children are naturally curious and highly observant. They are constantly taking in new information and learning about the world, themselves and each other. Research has shown that babies start to notice differences in race as early as six months old, are able to notice gender differences by the time they are one and by three years old they are able to notice differences in physical ability. Diversity is a critical piece of the human experience, yet, adults are often hesitant to talk about differences with children because they don’t want to draw attention to them. However, whether or not you talk about differences be that of race, gender, or ability, children notice them. By not talking openly and allowing children to ask their questions, youngsters are taught that it is a rude or taboo topic.
So let children ask their questions. When your child asks a question about someone with a health issue consider it an opportunity to talk about a new and interesting topic rather than turning health condition into a topic to be avoided.
2. Be honest and direct. Give direct answers to your child’s inquiry. For example, if a child asks, “Why can’t she walk?” if you reply with a response like, “Oh, we don’t need to talk about that right now” or “It’s okay that she doesn’t’ walk, she has her wheelchair to help her” you are not really answering their question and the child is left wondering. Instead, you could say “Are you curious about how Ruth moves? We can go talk to her and ask her to tell us more about herself if you’d and she’d like.”
With younger children a simple statement will normally give them what they are looking for. For example, in response to the question “What is that thing in his stomach?” you could reply, “This is Jack’s feeding tube. Some people eat through their mouth like you do, and others eat through their stomach like Jack.” Simple. Honest. Direct.
As children get older, you may give a more complex response such as “Some youngsters have medical problems that make it hard for them to get enough nutrition by mouth. A g-tube is a tube that brings food directly to the stomach. It’s one of the ways doctors can make sure children who have trouble eating get the food they need to grow.”
By elementary age or middle school children become more aware of less-visible disabilities like those associated with learning or behavior. Again, try to answer your child’s questions with facts and be honest. If you don’t know much about the person your child is asking about, find a way to respectfully talk with that child’s family or teachers to learn more or facilitate a conversation between the children themselves.
3. Avoid making assumptions and interpretations. Whether you know the person your child is asking about or not, avoid adding your interpretation of how a person may feel about their health condition or what caused it. You don’t know what that person is feeling or experiencing if you haven’t taken the time to get to know them.
There are many assumptions and misconceptions about health issues that hide under the surface of our interactions such as “people with health conditions are special and should be treated differently” or “people with health issues lives are hard and challenging.” These incorrect assumptions stem from fear, lack of understanding and/or prejudice. You can help your children talk about health issues in a more accurate and respectful way by avoiding assumptions and taking the time to get to know someone on an individual level.
4. Keep your explanations positive. Children are like sponges. If you use positive language with your child, they will continue to use that kind of language on their own. For example, explain that hearing aids help others hear and wheelchairs help others move around, instead of using a negative connotation. (he can’t hear, she can’t walk, etc.)
Use the term “disability,” and take the following terms out of your vocabulary when talking about or talking to people with disabilities. Don’t use the terms “handicapped,” “differently-abled,” or “special needs” or “retarded” as these terms frame disability as a negative thing and thus further perpetuate the exclusion, isolation and negative stigma of people with disabilities.
5. Lead by example. Children look to adults for guidance on how to act, especially if they are in a new or unfamiliar setting. If you stare, point, quietly move to the other side of the street, whisper about someone, talk down to, or raise your voice high like you would a little child when talking to someone with a disability, your child will see, hear and internalize those behaviors and knee-jerk reactions. Take the time to become aware of your own attitudes, beliefs and assumptions around disability before talking to your children. When you begin talking with your child about disability, actively counter any negative attitudes or beliefs you may have developed. If you approach someone with kindness, openness, respect and curiosity your children will do the same.
6. Prepare for tough questions and avoid shushing their questions. It is not uncommon for children to ask questions like, “What’s wrong with that girl?” When an adult hears this, they often try to shush their children. They are embarrassed that their child said something rude and potentially hurtful to another person. However, it is key to remember that children are not trying to be rude, they are trying to make sense of what they are seeing. A question like that however can be damaging if not addressed in an appropriate way. Explain to your youngsters that there is nothing wrong with people with disabilities. Explain that a child may have trouble talking or difficulty in a group situation but that doesn’t mean there’s something “wrong” with them.”
Here are Examples of some Tough Questions we get Asked Often at the Seattle PlayGarden
(A Garden for Everyone, the Seattle PlayGarden is a 1-acre fully-fenced garden in the heart of Seattle. Our mission is to provide children of all abilities a safe, accessible, and adventurous place to play. https://seattleplaygarden.org/)
. Is he really 5?
. Why can’t she walk?
. Can he talk? Will he learn how to talk?
. What’s that thing? (in reference to… tracheostomy tube, a g-tube, a ventilator, or orthotics).
. Why does she make those sounds?
. Why does she always do that? (in reference to self-stimulating behaviors)
. What is that in her stomach? (in reference to a g-tube)
. Why does he eat that way?
.Why doesn’t________come to circle time?
https://childrensplaygarden.org/playgarden-story/
7. Talk about human diversity (and neuro-diversity) with your children. We are all different in some way and that we all do things every day to adjust to our unique circumstances. For example, someone who wears glass uses them to correct blurry vision, just as someone who is non-verbal may use an assistive device like an IPad to communicate. None of these things are “wrong” they are just different ways of being in the world. Children use the word ‘wrong’ because they have been socialized by adults and society’s attitudes about what is considered ‘normal’ versus ‘abnormal.’
https://www.khabar.com/magazine/spiritual-straight-talk/isyour child normal? A great article
We can expand the notion of “normal” by talking about neurodiversity with children and talking about how ALL body types, ways of moving, communicating, thinking and behaving are normal and healthy.
8. Emphasize similarities and shared interests. Avoid focusing solely on differences, doing so sends the message that people with disabilities are inherently different than the other children. Instead, emphasize similarities. ALL children are children first and foremost and everyone wants the same things- to have friends, to play, to be loved, to laugh, feel included and to participate in activities together with their friends and family. We are relational beings at our core and emphasizing similarities helps children to relate to one another. The more we can relate to each other the more understanding, compassion and interest we can develop. This is true in any teaching context across all different ages. What is something that the children have in common? Are they both learning something new they could share with each other? Are they the same age? Go to the same school? Or like the same activities?
9. Learn about disabilities together. As children get older they are able to ask more complex questions and are hoping to get more complex responses. Take your youngsters questions as opportunities to learn about different disabilities together. What do you know about Down syndrome? Autism Spectrum Disorder? Cerebral Palsy? Sensory Processing Disorder? If your child asks about one of these and you don’t feel prepared to answer your child’s question in the moment you can always say, ‘I’m not sure. I will think about it and get back to you.’ or ‘I don’t’ know much about Cerebral Palsy, let’s learn more about it together.’
10. Facilitate conversation. No matter the age, social interaction with children and teens stems from having shared experiences together. In school settings taking classes together, participating in an after school club together or sports create these opportunities. Outside of school, children interact with each other in places like the playground. For some youngsters, making a friend on the playground is easy. For others, and many children with disabilities this is not as easy. Adults can help children with and without disabilities talk to each other, to help them find common ground, understand different forms of communication, slow down a conversation if children need more time to process or to help the youngsters really hear what the other said.” https://playworld.com/blog/the-importance-of-inclusive-playgrounds/#gref https://childrensplaygarden.org/10-strategies-for-talking-to-kids-about-disability/
Some Famous People with Disabilities (Health Conditions)
Perhaps Share these Incredible People with your Children
. Andrea Botticelli: blind, world famous singer
. Lexie Delaney: Collins Syndrome, Make a Wish Georgia ambassador, (bones in the face do not form like in Wonder By Palacio) Citylifestyle.com /EastCobb March 2024
. Peter Dinlage: little person, actor
. Whoopi Goldberg: dyslexia, actress
. Mahandas Karamchand Gandhi: glasses, employed nonviolent resistance that lead to the successful independence of India from British rule and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world
. Stephen Hawking: ALS (motor neuron disease) scientist, physicist
. Frida Kahlo: artist, “known for her infamous, vibrant self-portraits, Mexican Painter Frida Kahlo was involved in a bus accident at just 18 years old. She had also had polio as a child. As an adult she had a leg amputated. The crash would leave her with a likely spinal cord injury, physical ailments and mobility issues for the rest of her life, making her a famous wheelchair user. Many of Frida’s works were inspired by the pain she experienced after the accident and into adulthood.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frida_Kahlo
. Marlee Matlin: deaf, actress
. Elon Musk: alopecia, business magnate and investor, the founder, chairman, CEO and chief technology officer of SpaceX,
. Heather Noib: a prosthesis, athlete
. Lauren Potter: Down syndrome, actress
. Amy Purdy: “lost both legs, has won three back-to-back World Cup gold medals in snowboard cross, has become the top-ranked para-snowboarder in the U.S., and is a favorite to win a gold medal at the Sochi Paralympics. To top it all, Amy is also a model, actress, motivational speaker and licensed massage therapist.” https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/medal-quest/athletes/detail/amy-purdy/
. Franklin Roosevelt: polio, wheelchair, President 4 terms
. Rich Rotilla: leg length discrepancy, actor
. Nick Vujicic absence of 4 limbs, world-renowned motivational speaker.
. Bruce Willis: aphasia, actor
https://www.inspiringmomlife.com/famous-people-with-disabilities/
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=famous+people+who+are+disabled
The following article thinks the following people may have been autistic: https://www.passionatepeople.invacare.eu.com/famous-disabled-people-inspire-day/:
. Albert Einstein: scientist
. Beethoven: composer
. Mozart: composer
. Hans Christian Anderson: author
Put the following after Hans Christian Anderson
In General
For Your Information: Things That May Occur in the website
Please note shortcut writing of titles of my Children’s books:
How Can You Love Yourself? Finding Many Pebbles to Make a Difference in Learning about Loving Yourself, Loving Yourself, or Book 1
How Can You Help One Another? Finding Many Pebbles to Make a Difference in Learning about Helping One Another, Helping One Another, or Book 2
How Can You Discover and Learn about Interests, Hobbies, Collections, Causes, and Passions? Finding Many Pebbles Make a Difference, How Can You Discover and Learn about Interests, Hobbies, Collections, Causes, and Passions?, or Book 3. If states Interests, it may also mean Hobbies, Collections, Causes, and Passions but it is just not all written out.
I often put end quotation marks including in my website after websites already written that are being used.
Please check out one of my four books for adults, Many Pebbles to Make a Difference: Inspiring Ways You Can Improve Children’s Lives by Making Connections: Education in Different Environments” By Julienne Levy Marks for more information about Interests.
In all of my careers, getting to know a child’s interest and then going with it, is what is quite important to me be it as a teacher, librarian, parent, or grandparent.
The author has added more information about the topics she had wanted to put in her book but there was not enough room. Therefore, it will be on the website. Websites of information that I used in the book are listed here in my website.
The author has not repeated hobbies that are already in my book or somewhere else on the website here under hobbies.
“What Interests, Hobbies, Collections, Causes, and Passions Can Do for Your Child?
Something that makes them happy
Captures their attention
Kindles their interest
Uses their hands and minds
Discovers/doing something they like
Using skills they are good at
The enjoyment of something
The fun of discovering
Gets them excited about
Motivates them to explore
Brings out the best in them
Being true to themselves
Listening to themselves
Finding what is refreshing to their soul which relishes, (delights) or resonates with them
It can give one’s purpose to one’s life and have their personal gifts/talents’ light is turned on
Make them authentically Them!”
https://extension.usu.edu/mentalhealth/articles/how-hobbies-improve-mental-health”
“Parents Can Help Children Find an Interest, Hobby, Collection, Cause or Passion:
Observing their natural curiosities. What sparks their curiosity?
Observe their behavior. Be a silent observer of your child’s reactions to various things. Is there a common theme?
Listen to what they talk about with excitement.
Don’t suggest their passion for them. Choose something your child is interested in.
Offering low-pressure opportunities to try new and a variety of things; exploring different hobbies without pressure.
Allow them to take non-traditional electives.
Supporting their deep dives into specific topics without pushing for perfection.
Introducing them to different music, foods, books and cultural events.
Let them watch the adults try new hobbies or learn new skills.
Notice what tasks they do easily or ask to repeat.
Provide a Low-Pressure Space.
Offer art supplies, building blocks, or books without a strict goal.
Ask them questions.
Let them quit an activity if it is not a good fit or does not bring them joy so they can keep searching. Allow safe quitting. Treat quitting a hobby not as a failure but as a normal step in learning what they truly like.
Avoid making a fun hobby feel like a chore or job.
Just because you or their grandparents are interested in something does not mean your child will be. But it is possible they are.
Support and Encourage.
Act as a supportive guide rather than a director.
Help them gather items if they start a collection.
If they show a care for a Cause, talk about your community’s needs such as caring for animals.
Everyone has something to contribute to our society.
Celebrate their small milestones and proud moments.
Reflect on their past proud moments. https://kudoswall.com/index.php/easyblog/entry/5-ways-of-helping-your-child-find-their-passion
Exposing/Exploring them to diverse activities: take children to museums, parks, nature trails, libraries, craft stores and to new experiences giving them broad exposure.
Observe and Model: Notice what children gravitate toward and allow them to explore, rather than just forcing specific interests, etc.
Provide Resources: Facilitate their interests, etc. by giving them access to tools, information, or, for older kids, opportunities to volunteer
Avoid Over-Scheduling: Allow free time for children to explore their own interests, etc. without turning them into a “to-do” list”
Watch what your child does freely: Notice what your child chooses to do in their free time when no one tells them to do it. What activities capture their attention the longest?
Let them be bored: Boredom gives the brain time to dream up new ideas and creative projects
https://www.adventhealth.com/blogs/benefits-boredom-kids
www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/ways-to-nurture-interests-that-inspire-kids-to-explore-their-passions
https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/boredom-isnt-a-bad-thing-for-kids”
“Ways You Can Spark Interests at Home:
The possibilities are endless and will differ from child to child and home to home. However, these suggestions can help you get started and really begin to learn who your child is.
Give your child free time to play. Be a quiet observer and notice what s/he chooses. Building? Nature? Organizing? Creating?
Use your phone to record questions/comments that your child says so that you don’t forget and can go back to it later. Maybe you make a note on your phone, pull up a website or take a quick photo/video. Keep a running list on your refrigerator of your child’s questions. Whatever works best for you, find a way to go back to the topic.
Use the local library or the internet to look up information about a topic.
Clear space on the refrigerator or a bulletin board for your child to showcase their passion.
Give them a space where they don’t have to pack up all the time. So they can easily get back to it.
Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know. Let’s you or we can figure it out.
Let each family member have a turn to pick an outing/movie/game.
“Ways to Nurture Interests That Inspire Kids to Explore:
Provide children with information about their skills and talents: Provide them with speaking to others who are interested in this topic, buy supplies, give them books on it, tools, (but not pressure) sign up for classes, if they show a real spark, but let them set the pace. Say more than simple encouragement like “Good job!” and “That’s great! (Describe)
https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/nurturing-your-childs-creative-mind”
“If finding an Interest, Hobby, Collection, Cause, or Passion for your child seems difficult, try having them make a Vision Board of. (Inspirations/aspirations/dreams/) Have them think of his long term and short term goals. One can use images of words and affirmations. https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-create-vision-board”
“A parents’ career or hobby may be in your child’s future and become their adult career or an adult hobby because one enjoyed it so much. Some examples include: fisherman, glass blower, (a commercial on Georgia Public Broadcasting, https://www.gpb.org GPB) artist, photographer, history, paleontologist, Jain International School in India. (hobby and recreational activities are an essential part of the mandatory student life and holistic curriculum.) https://www.jirs.ac.in/jirs-holistic-education”
“Or your child may notice/see that one’s parent or grandparent has a career or hobby which they also like and want to do as an adult like you. In the PBS show Made with Love Tuscany families share about how for generations they have been making: jewelry, hats, pocketbooks, butchering, mosaics, pottery, etc.
“Who knows what will happen if a child is given a camera at age 4? He may become a professional photographer whose job is to take pictures at high school plays, graduations, weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, senior pictures, etc. And when his family travels he enjoys taking his personal camera and takes photos of nature, landscapes, and his family. And perhaps have a one woman show of her photographs. This is exactly what a professional photography told me. https://creators.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/introducing-your-children-to-photography-even-if-you-parent-a -photographer-yourself-195940513.html”
“One’s interest, hobby, collection, cause, or passion could aid your well-being and perhaps turn them into a possible career (life work) or continue to have them when one is an adult
“For example:The Wright Brothers were given a toy airplane and later became aviators or inventors regarding aviation highlights.” (saw this on a TV show on early Aviation)
“Dr. Len Levy (the author’s father) was a dentist and in his senior years did sculpture. Both required the use of precision tools, to shape teeth and clay and marble, and have fine motor skills. Also enjoyed gardening and fixing things. https://www.dentistrybydery.com/blog/hobbies-that-improve-dentistry-skills-2/”
“The author’s husband also was a dentist, repaired dolls, repaired and made jewelry, and worked in a dental lab. Dentists and doll repair share a surprising amount of overlap in their techniques, precision tools, and materials. Many professional doll restorers—often called “doll doctors”—utilize actual dental equipment to fix vintage, antique, or modern dolls. Also enjoyed gardening and fixing things. https://nextdoor.com/pages/doll-dr-restoration-roswell-ga/”
“Ruth carried a wheelchair bag that held all the things that were needed for their group when they went on their journeys: (from Book 2 page 4)
Water
Water bowl
People’s snacks
Kindness’ snacks
Ruth’s camera
Evan’s pad and pen
Braille book for Mrs. Hope to read when the children were involved doing a project”
“Ruth and a change of blankets for indoors and outside:
“Outdoor blankets focus on shielding from the wind, rain, and cold using heavier, waterproof shells and fleece. Indoor blankets are much lighter and breathable, designed to avoid overheating while resting or socializing.
Outdoor: Often shaped like leg covers, sleeping bags, or ponchos. They are tailored to prevent dragging on the ground or getting caught in the wheels.
Indoor: Often traditional lap throws or smaller quilted wraps. To provide cozy comfort without causing the user to sweat while indoors, and maintaining modesty and dignity while seated. https://classypal.com/blogs/news/seven-tips-for-choosing-the-right-wheelchair-blanket?srsltid=AfmBOooBWlrEg384_kP95fwcIDJ5LWerkhK91HZfHrQ-r0HoCAiCphQx”
Practice
“For people in wheelchairs, Practice means learning how to move, play, and live independently in a world built for walking. They are Building Muscles with Memory Repetition helps muscles learn how to push a manual wheelchair smoothly. Balance drills teach children how to tip their chair safely to cross bumps or curbs. Transfer practice makes moving from the chair to a bed, car, or toilet easier and safer over time.
Practice
“Deliberate practice (DP) occurs when an individual intentionally repeats an activity in order to improve performance. The claim of the DP framework is that such behavior is necessary to achieve high levels of expert performance.” (Campitelli & Gobet, 2011, p. 280). https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0963721411421922”
“Practice is important as it turns “I can’t” to “I can.” It’s like building muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets.
“Practice helps people reach their highest potential. It is a life skill that allows individuals to develop expertise in specific tasks. Practice doesn’t make perfect, but it does enhance confidence and can be a powerful tool that helps you reach your goals.”
https://www.ardentlearning.com blog › power-of-practice”
Practice (perseverance/persistence) can be a powerful tool that helps you reach one’s goal. And it takes patience.
“Here is Why Practice Matters, as Explained to a Child:
It Makes Your Brain Faster (Automaticity): When you practice you u something (like tying shoes or riding a bike) over and over, your brain creates a “fast track” for that skill. Soon, you won’t have to think hard about it anymore—you’ll just do it!
It Turns Hard Things into Easy Things: Remember when learning the alphabet letters felt impossible? Now you read them easily. Practice turns “too hard” into “I can do this!”
It Builds Confidence: When you practice, you make fewer mistakes and get better at the game, art, or math. Doing it well makes you feel proud and confident.
It Helps You Learn from Oopsies/Feedback: Every time you practice and get it wrong, you learn how to get it right next time.
It Makes “Memory Muscles” (Long-term memory): Practice moves things from your short-term memory (forgetting it quickly) to your long-term memory (knowing it forever).
ww.ahealthysliceoflife.com/how-to-encourage-a-growth-mindset-in-your-child”
“Explaining a growth mindset to a child means teaching them that their brain is like a muscle that gets stronger and smarter every time they practice and try new things.
https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/how-to-teach-kids-about-the-power-of-a-growth-mindset/”
A Simple Analogy:
Imagine your brain is a park, and an example of learning something new is walking through high grass. The first time you try it, it is hard. The second time it is easier. If you walk the same way every day, it will get easier. And soon a path appears. Practice is walking the path until its smooth.
This exercise by Louisa Hay, is called the hand-clasping exercise, which features a “thumb check” to demonstrate how learning a new habit gets easier over time. The author took the exercise to mean if you practice something continually, it will get easier. The Author used this exercise in several of her workshops. https://www.facebook.com/angelacarbonevisions/posts/practice-doesnt-make-perfect-practice-makes-persistence-you-can-learn-something-/1613775757347204/ The Golden Louise Hay Collection”
“The book Secret of the Peaceful Warrior by Millman has examples of practicing and getting better at a task. Approximately pages 16-25.”
Note children doing different hobbies may exhibit diverse expressions like: awe, interest, frustration, happiness, thinking.
New: Following are the topics/subjects/headings of items and other websites that did not have room enough for in this Book 3.
Interests
“Interests implies the things that capture the children’s attention, makes them happy, and motivates them to explore, often changing as they grow and discover new things.
A child’s interests are broad activities or subjects that children naturally gravitate towards, showing focus, like drawing, sports, music, or science.
https://www.kutubooku.com/post/6-effective-ways-to-discover-your-child-s-true-interests”
“How does your child feel when something interests them? When a child feels interested, they light up with joy, focus, and energy. Their body and mind lock onto the task. They feel excited, safe, and curious. https://houstonmom.com/passion-parenting-helping-your-child-explore-their-interests/”
Interests are the things children want to do, learn about, or play with, like dinosaurs, trains, trucks, animals. and dolls.
“What does your child choose to do most often? https://www.hanen.org/information-tips/what-makes-your-child-tick-using-childrens-interest”
Dewey (1913) suggested some time ago “that trying to find out what is of interest to students is an important part of schooling. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00461520.1991.9653136”
Interests Groups: Children previously in my classes came back and shared about their hobbies to my new class. We had such topics as macramé, cars, sports, fly fishing, dinosaurs, bird watching, and Florida. The room was set up so that the children in my class could walk around and ask questions about the previous children’s hobbies.” Page 82 (This took place prior to the Hobby Fairs at the libraries- see below Hobby Fairs)
“Motivational Teacher: I wanted to work with students through their interests, hobbies, collections, causes, and passions to help to strengthen them and their self-esteem while giving them something positive to hold onto and be interested in. I would have a safe environment where the child finds value in learning skills through their Interests. Children learn best when they are exploring subjects that interest them and use their strengths. For example, I worked with a child who was a struggling reader and was fascinated by Ancient Egypt. I took out several books on Ancient Egypt. We decided to write a book together using Experiencing Charting. (Please see my book Many Pebbles to Make a Difference: Inspiring Ways You Can Improve Children’s Lives by Making Connections; Reading and Books. Pages 64-65) He dictated to me a letter written to a Museum which had a great Ancient Egypt exhibit asking for pamphlets, etc. He received a wonderful letter back from this museum plus an Egyptian gift from the Gift Shop. (also written about in Anne Moore’s piece on Interests) After my mother had been on a cruise down the Nile River this child and my mother began a correspondence with him asking her intelligent questions about the Pyramids and the Sphinx.” Chapter 8 (Education) Pages 115, 116-117, 120.”
Hobbies
“Hobbies cover creative arts (drawing, music, crafts), physical activities (sports, hiking, dancing), learning (reading, chess, astronomy), and practical skills (cooking, gardening, sewing), with options ranging from screen-free outdoor adventures to indoor building projects.”
https://kids.britannica.com›students›article›hobby
“A childhood hobby that evolves into a lifelong passion, adult occupation, or career is often called a vocation, a calling, or a lifelong passion. If you monetize it or make it your primary source of income, it is frequently described as ‘turning your passion into a career.
A Vocation refers to a strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation, often rooted in childhood interests or a natural talent. A Calling is a compelling urge or strong inclination toward a particular type of work or career path, usually starting as an early interest.
An Avocation is a hobby or minor occupation pursued in addition to one’s main vocation. It implies you enjoy it so much it functions almost like a second job. A Side Hustle is a modern term for a hobby or secondary business that you start on the side, which has the potential to grow into your primary career or life’s work. Monetizing a Passion: The act of taking a fun hobby and turning it into a profitable career or business.
“Doing a job that incorporates your natural strengths and aligns with things you naturally gravitated toward as a child does equal being more content with your actual work. Not necessarily your paycheck, your commute, or your benefits—but the work itself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e42OF9EyrVQ&t=72”
“Your childhood hobbies and interests weren’t just ways to pass time. According to Hoff and colleagues’ research, they were your brain’s early attempts to show you where you’d find genuine engagement, satisfaction, and success.
“A person lights up after trying something new and realizing they love it. Hobbies can spark curiosity, build skills, and help shape who we become.
The research is clear: The path to career satisfaction isn’t about developing interests that match lucrative careers. It’s about finding careers—or creating roles within your current career—that match your authentic, longstanding interests.
What did your child find themselves doing the most when he was growing up? That question might be more important for your older child’s career satisfaction than anything a guidance counselor or career test might tell your older child. Find an approach that fits your child.
https://noteswnat.substack.com/p/your-childhood-hobbies-predicted https://time.com/collection/guide-to-happiness/4070299/secret-to-happiness/”
“Hobbies are fun, special activities children choose to do just for enjoyment, sometimes based on a person’s, family or friends’ interest. People want to do this in their free time, outside of school, to play, create, learn, and be themselves, like science, building things, or playing games, which aids them to grow skills and confidence. Hobbies can change; it doesn’t have to be forever. But right now it makes one happy.
https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/hobby/390767”
“Hobbies keep one occupied and are always great for learning social skills. Your child is not alone in whatever he does and the deeper he gets into the hobby, the more social skills he’ll develop. Many hobbies require one to work in groups or find someone with similar interests. (clubs) So your child will not just be working alongside people with comparable interests, but also with people from different backgrounds and cultures. https://www.orchidsinternationalschool.com/why-are-hobbies-important-in-childrens-learning-and-development/”
“One feels a strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation.
https://wwwmomjumction/com/articles/teenagers-hobboes_00474362/”
One can experience a hobby by being a participant in it or observing it. For example, Listening to/observing: music, (classical) plays, instruments, etc. or playing/participating: sports, instrumental music, participating in plays, etc.
Writing this book was a learning experience for the author because she had to read about the hobbies, etc. that were new to her or were unfamiliar with or talked to knowledgeable people like Becca. (and Tae Kwon do)
Having a hobby can play a vital component of good mental health.
“Engaging in personal interests and hobbies is a vital part of good mental health. Doing your hobbies reduces anxiety, and depression by promoting/fostering relaxation, boosting self-esteem through accomplishments, and providing an essential mental break from daily pressures. Hobbies foster joy, creativity, and social connection while enhancing overall life satisfaction. Hobbies act as restorers that reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, and improve mood, according to Mental Health America and Utah State University Extension. https://extension.usu.edu/mentalhealth/articles/how-hobbies-improve-mental-health
https://www.snhhealth.org›about-us>news-and-articles
https://hobbyslave.com/disadvantages-of-hobbies/”
Check Out for Possible Ideas for Hobbies:
https://ericalayne.co/34-hobbies-for –moms/
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fpubish
https://www.momjunction.com/articles/teenagers-hobbies_00474362/
Collections
“A Collection is a special group of things people gather and keep because they like them. These objects give us personal enjoyment. They can be a way to preserve memories, and often reflect our personal identity and cultural values.
Collecting teaches responsibility and organization.
Children who collect items will need to learn to be responsible for them.
Collecting helps children experience the world around them.
Children who collect items are more likely to spend time reading about, sorting, and discussing their collections.
Collecting helps children build social skills.
Children who collect items can bond with others who share similar interests who may be different ages or cultures.
Collecting helps children learn to tell a story.
Children who collect items that need to be purchased will have the opportunity to learn budgeting skills.
Collecting brings joy.
https://northstateparent.com/article/kids-collection/
“Why Do We Collect?
“It’s a personal treasure trove that brings joy. Collecting begins out of love for something. It’s exciting to acquire a new ‘thing’ for your collections like: coins, salt and pepper shakers sets, thimbles, stickers, comic books, costumes, toys, acorns, shells, rocks, (some items are from the Natural world) etc.
Some reasons children collect include curiosity about their collectibles and learning more about them showing their natural curiosity and building skills in organizing, understanding categories, responsibility, and learning about our world.
https://northstateparent.com/article/kids-collection/”
“I learned there is developmental significance in why children create collections and, to this day, it is one of my favorite developmental topics to deep dive on. Here’s the reason why I think it’s so cool: When children collect things, it’s an opportunity where you can actually see and participate in their cognitive development. It nurtures those desires to build collections, gives them ways to store and organize them, engages in collecting and sorting, have conversations, ask questions, and if there is something that you don’t know, look it up together!” Alix Tonsgard is the Early Learning Specialist at the DuPage Children’s Museum. https://dupagechildrens.org/collections-they’re-not-just-clutter”
“Collecting can be part of good mental health acting as a positive hobby that reduces stress, increases social connection, provides a sense of control and purpose, and enhances cognitive function through organization and research. It fosters positive mental states by fostering passions, providing comfort, and boosting self-esteem through achieving milestones.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mind-of-a-collector/202506/mental-health-and-collecting”
Causes
“A cause is an idea, goal, principle, aim, or movement that becomes a deep and commitment/meaningful commitment. They are activities we feel are part of who we are. It is usually selfless. It is about helping others. Helping animals that have no homes is an example of a cause that people give money to or work to solve this problem. https://www.cmosc.org/teaching-children-about-giving-back/”
Volunteering
“Encourage children to select/have input for causes they care about, like supporting animal shelters, feeding the homeless, helping other children, the environment, or tree planting. One can be prepared to defend or be an advocate for a cause. Get involved with a cause which is good for others and speaks to you doing services for your community. By engaging children to give to others (by volunteering) at an early age, this nurtures empathy, compassion, kindness, showing up, and social responsibility. It is too easy just to give money. Volunteer to what calls to your child. https://kidscause.org”
“Perhaps begin by volunteering first. (The author’s experience: As a teenager, I thought I wanted to be a nurse. So I became a Candy Striper. But after a few days I knew working in a hospital was not for me.) Other examples include: In the author’s book, Helping One Another, Warren and Jo volunteer at an animal hospital, Evan and Vicki with their parents volunteer at a homeless shelter, Emma visits an elderly person, Mrs. Patterson, Ruth and her grandfather, Dr. Stu Williams, giving blankets to Ms. Jane Carter, as well as a job, and Evan and Ruth with Aunt Elissa serve food at the soup kitchen to people like Mr. Bob Smith. At a Food Pantry. Mae, Bill, and Frank (who showed poor sportsmanship in the author’s book, Loving Yourself,) put together boxes of canned food. https://pmc.ncbi.nim.nih.gov”
“Having a cause or passion is vital for good mental health, as it provides a sense of purpose, boosts happiness, and reduces stress. Engaging in meaningful activities lowers anxiety, increases resilience to negative events, and triggers “motivation chemicals” like dopamine, which improves mood. https://time.com”
Passions
“A passion occurs when enthusiasm is present and is the greatest gift of self-discovery. Hobbies can become passions as an adult (a social issue) (Giving to others). Your passion can match your values and ethics. A Passion is that which deeply stirs us. It’s the fire from within and which motivates us.
A child’s passion is a strong intrinsic enthusiasm and deep engagement with an activity or subject driven by curiosity, excitement and a desire to explore, differing from a fleeting interest by it long term motivation, purpose, and ability to focus, learning and self- discovery often showing up as a n intense interest in things like dinosaurs, music, sports, or creative. It is a powerful internal drive.
https://thecontentauthority.com/blog/purpose-vs-interest”
“Interests are things your child enjoys doing or learning about, but passions are deeper, more intense feelings that drive your child to pursue an activity or cause. To identify your child’s passion, think about the things that make him/her lose track of time, activities that make them feel most alive, or what your child returns to repeatedly, even when it’s challenging. Find something your child is passionate about and hone in on it. When your child is passionate about something, he/she is more likely to put time, effort and practice into the skills, hobbies or topics that involve this passion. Therefore, your child probably has certain strengths built around it. https://www.actionforchildren.org/blog/blog-teaching-children-the-joy-of-giving/”
“One’s talent is a natural aptitude or innate ability to do something well, while love (passion) is the deep emotional drive, enthusiasm, and enjoyment you feel for an activity, making you want to do it. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/singletons/201510/how-support-and-nurture-your-childs-passions”
“Ask your child?
With our little time on earth how does your child want to spend their time?
What impact does your child’s life have on others? How does your child engage with others?
What legacy does your child want to leave the world?
https://livingjoyfully.ca/articles/helping-kids-find-their-passion/”
A “Safe” Outlet: Passions can protect children, by reducing stress and preventing engagement in risky behaviors.
“https://www.leapfrog.com/en-us/learning-path/articles/kid-worthy-causes
https://kids.wordsmyth.net/wild/?ac=71&level=4&rid=6589
https://aif.org/5-meaningful-ways-to-introduce-your-children-to-philanthropy/
https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/encouraging-kids-to-give-back”
https://www.leapfrog.com/en-us/learning-path/articles/kid-worthy-causes
The Inclusive Community Center for All
“In Norway young children are not involved in competitive games, there is no scoring, they have fun and joy, trophies for all.
https://www.upworthy.com/youth-sports-in-norway-shuns-competition-for-fun/
d&q=norway+sports+for+children+no+competitive+teams+or+scoring+article
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/prioritizing-children-happiness-helps-norway-133820812.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/28/sports/norway-youth-sports-model.html
https://www.alfiekohn.org/article/limits-teaching-skills/”
Visual and Fine Arts
https://www.the healing-palette.org/post/explore-inspiring-community-art-projects
Textile Arts
“Construction methods such as sewing, knitting, crochet, and tailoring, as well as the tools employed (looms and sewing needles), techniques employed (quilting and pleating) and the objects made (carpets, kilims, hooked rugs, and coverlets) all fall under the category of textile arts. (is from natural or synthetic fibers or from fabric or textile)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Textile_arts
Wet Media or Dry Media Painting
Dry medium art refers to the use of dry materials, such as charcoal, graphite, pastels, markers, and colored pencils. These materials are applied directly onto a surface, such as paper or canvas.
Wet medium art involves the use of liquid or water-based materials, such as watercolor, acrylic, and oil paints. These materials are mixed with water or solvents to create a fluid consistency that can be applied onto a surface with a brush or palette knife.
https://varnaarts.com/blog/f/dry-medium-and-wet-medium-art-understanding-the-differences
Woodcraft or woodworking
“There is some debate if jewelry, wood carving, and whittling is considered an art. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cH8jT4pAKPI
Basketry
Basketry—also known as basket weaving or basket making—is the art of shaping flexible materials into three-dimensional forms. It is one of the most widely practiced techniques in the world and also one of the oldest, predating even pottery.
https://www.fiberartsalliance.org/Basic_Techniques_A-L/basketry
Mrs. Shelly makes baskets.
“https://meetmastersartcurriculum”
Performing Arts
“Paper Bag Dramatics should be about kindness (no kidnapping, violence, horror) Give parameters.”
“Stagecraft is a technical skill and management of theatrical devices or techniques in theatrical production. It includes constructing and rigging scenery, (scenic design) handling and focusing of lighting scenic design, stage machinery, sound, (microphones) costume design, and makeup. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stagecraft”
“The author’s ballet dance teachers included Glenda, Linda, and Jackie.”
“Wheelchair dance team LA based Rollettes, Chelsea Hill CEO and founder https://www.rollettesdance.com/”
The Israel Parasport Center is Israel’s leading organization for physically disabled athletes. Atlanta Jewish Times September 30, 2026 page 26
“Center for Puppetry Arts, Atlanta https://puppet.org/”
National Theatre for the Deaf
“Deaf theatre works by blending visual storytelling, sign language, physical movement, and collaborative staging to make performances fully accessible and expressive for both Deaf and hearing audiences.
Bilingual and Integrated Casts: Companies like Deaf West Theatre and the National Theatre of the Deaf feature both Deaf and hearing actors on stage. Deaf actors perform using sign language, mime, and physical expression, while spoken lines might be voiced by actors on or off the stage.
https://dramatics.org/beyond-dialogue/”
The author and her daughter attended a deaf theater musical of “Evita.” It was so amazing as the deaf characters felt the floor ground vibrate which was one of their cues.
“Deaf people feel music primarily through physical vibrations that travel through the skin, bones, and body. (for dance too)
https://nautil.us/how-the-brain-allows-the-deaf-to-feel-music-238516”
Instrumental and Voice Music
“Little people’s intelligence is usually normal, and most people with it have a nearly normal life expectancy.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarfism (Eileen)
https://ahjaystelino.com/2015/05/28/appropriate-instruments-for-special-needs-small-percussion/
https://bmusician.com/blog/popular-musical-instrument-types-guide/”
“Are there traditional instruments with unique origins? Yes, traditional instruments like the sitar (India), bagpipes (Scotland), and didgeridoo (Australia) have unique origins and cultural significance. They are recognized for their distinct sounds and special roles in world music.
Traditional music is often communal dances developed by rural or ethnic communities, reflecting their cultural history, daily life, and social customs. Usually transmitted orally. https://www.britannica.com/art/folk-music”
On an Antiques Roadshow episode, September, 2026, there were guitar molds made of wood to use in the making of guitars. It was interesting to view.
Someone’s father I actually know made guitars.
“Jamming can be in any musical genre. Traditionally this is done improv style, but jamming these days can be more ordered or structured as well. https://wejam.studio/blog/new-to-jamming-heres-what-you-need-to-know/”
Sports
“Prince William and Princess Kate, On Your Side Project: Use sports to help prevent suicides by opening conversations about mental health stigmas. Some people interested in sports
may never go to a mental health facility. Thursday Sept. 10, 2026 BBC News”.
“https://www.mutesportsequipment.com
Adaptive One Arm Jump Rope: The Bar” (Karl)
See also Reading Lists on Sports for children and adult books
Cooperative VS Competitive Sports
https://www.shareable.net/how-to/how-to-raise-non-competitive-kids/
“The ultimate goal is for all players each to win or lose together, fostering teamwork, communication, and shared problem-solving rather than competition.” (in cooperative basketball)
https://www.myactivesg.com›Basketball>
“https://ultimatecampresource.com/camp-games/cooperative-games/
https://sportnz.org.nz/media/3887/movewell-booklet-2-cooperative-games.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooperative_board_game”
“Special Olympics and Paralympics
are distinct international organizations serving different levels of athlete populations.” https://dcp.ucla.edu special-olympics-vs-paralympic
“Special Olympics focuses on empowerment, health, and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities of all ability levels. Special Olympics serves individuals with intellectual disabilities (e.g., autism, Down syndrome). Special Olympics values the power sports have to allow people to reach their full potential. Special Olympics hosts year-round local, national, and world games.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Olympics”
“Paralympics focuses on elite, high-performance competition for athletes with physical disabilities that prevents running, jumping and pivoting. For example, riding on a wheelchair, a game of basketball is played among two teams of five and some have intellectual disabilities. Paralympics serves athletes with physical disabilities (e.g., amputees, spinal injuries, visual impairments). The Paralympics are held in the same city and year as the Olympics, immediately following them. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paralympic_Games”
Pets, Wildlife and Other Animals
The author’s niece, Shoshanna, had been a vegetarian from ages 12-26. Then she started eating fish. So, she became a pescatarian for about 20 years with not eating meat and no chicken for 34 years. She started out because she felt it was ethically wrong to eat meat but does have items in her closet of leather and suede.
For several years the author too was a vegetarian for ethical reasons. Unfortunately, she stopped after around 7 years.
Marsha, one of the author’s sisters, has a dog named Susie. She is blind; had lost both of her eyes due to a disease. A little later on, Susie had to lose all of her teeth. But Marsha feels she is quite happy at home, and she really knows how to navigate the house, relying on her senses of hearing and smell, as well as, eating food cut into very small pieces.
Becky, an adult friend from the library, shared with me that she had fostered 52 pugs. She provides a temporary, loving home for rescue animals until they are found a permanent family.
https://www.lpzoo.org/photos-of-animals-affect-the-way-we-think/
When the author sees animals’ homes being destroyed in the wild (trees cut down, etc.) she gets very upset.
“Ernest Hemingway adored cats, famously admiring their absolute emotional honesty and lack of pretense. He owned over 50 cats during his time in Cuba, regarding them as loyal companions and “purr factories.Some of his cats have six toes on all four paws. (polydactyl) https://www.hemingwayhome.com/our-cats”
“The Jamaica Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA) was on BBC urging families to talk about being kind to animals. September 2026”
“Using books (bibliotherapy) helps children to process the death of a pet by providing gentle language and emotional validation tailored to their developmental stage. Pet Bereavement Books help children understand loss, name their complex emotions, and feel safe through their first experience with grief/loss. https://www.readbrightly.com
https://en.wikipediq.org/wiki/Bibliotherapy”
See also on this website under Reading Lists Animals and Death and their Pets for some examples of children’s and adult books.
Nature
At a day camp the author worked at, the female horseback riding instructor had a prosthesis that she sometimes wore. When it was very hot, she went without it. Many parents complained about their children seeing her both ways. The author was directed to put her in a group as a counselor. This happened in the 1970s. The author thought it was horrible for the young woman, this non-acceptance and prejudice and too protective for the campers. How wonderful things are different today!
“Ableism: Prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination against people with disabilities based on the belief that non-disabled ways of living and functioning are superior.
https://mn.gov/olmstead/blog/blog/?id=1143-628283”
https://www.delraybeachchildrensgarden.org/team”
“Painting with Autumn’s Treasures, East Cobb Living, September 2026, page 12”
See also on this website under Reading Lists Nature books for children and adults.
Astronomy
“Why Use Binoculars First before a telescope? One reason is that you can take them anywhere.
Paleontology
Some websites for children
https://www.amnh.org https://kids.nationalgeo-graphic.com https://dinosaurpictures.org/
Reading
The programs listed in the third book, on the Reading Page were developed and presented by the author in the three library systems she worked in: Broward, Florida, Palm Beach, Florida and Cobb County, Georgia.
Dr. Henrietta Smith, one of the author’s main professors in Library School at USF. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henrietta_M._Smith
“Carrie Sue Ayyar is an award-winning professional bilingual storyteller, master teaching artist, and Chautauqua scholar based in Miami, Florida. https://www.carriesueayvar.com/”
Two of the children’s staff at the Jupiter Library added their hobbies to their Story Times:
Louise shared sign language and Edith added yoga. Both the young patrons and their parents seemed to enjoy both.
Writing
When the author presented a program called Creative Writing at the Library, a child told me that due to this opportunity she could share her feelings about getting an adopted sister to join their family. WOW! Another child shared about her parents getting a divorce and how painful it was. But through creative writing she could express her feelings and hopefully then share this difficult subject with her parents. Double Wow!”
Add Cursive
“https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/why-cursive-back-classroom
https://www.amazon.com/cursive-writing-paper/s?k=cursive+writing+paper
https://www.amazon.com/cursive-writing-paper/s?k=cursive+writing+paper
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cursive”
Add Creative Writing
“https://www.theknowledgeacademy.com/blog/elements-of-creative-writing
https://online.hull.ac.uk/blog/genres-of-creative-writing
https://www.clippings.me/blog/elements-of-fiction
https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Prompts/s?k=Writing+Prompts
https://www.acsedu.co.uk/info/writing/creative-writing/what-is-creative-writing.aspx”
Creative Writing is a world where imagination meets language. Creative Writing is an art that allows you to express your thoughts, feelings, and imagination in a unique and engaging way.
“https://homeschoolhelperonline.com/free-printable-spelling-dictionary-students/”
At the library, the author worked at, several times the children’s stores were put out so they could be read by other patrons. Both groups of the children, the writers and the readers seemed to like this.
Languages and the Tactile Alphabet (braille)
Languages: https://bilingualmonkeys.com/51-great-quotes-on-language-for-language-lovers-teachers-and-learners/
https://afaspanishimmersion.com/blog/benefits-of-bilingualism-for-young-children/ https://www.ed.gov/media/document/bilingual-enpdf-99175.pdf
Sign Language
“American Sign Language (ASL) is an alphabet and writing system used to encode language. Its primary target serves the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Gestural: Uses hand shapes, facial expressions and body language. Sign language varies by country.
“Deaf children speak to astronauts on International Space Center Oct. 12. 2021 https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-berkshire-58912458”
“Dozens of deaf children from all across the Southeast are in the rocket city learning the ins and outs of what it takes to become an astronaut. Deaf Space Camp is a weeklong event organized in collaboration with the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. A total of 27, seventh and eighth graders are taking part in this year’s program. https://www.waff.com/2023/11/10/huntsville-space-rocket-center-hosts-deaf-space-camp/”
Braille
https://www.brailleinstitute.org/
“Braille: Sighted children absolutely can and often do learn braille. Many pick it up out of curiosity, to communicate with a visually impaired friend or family member, or as a fun code. (like Ruth) https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/braille-sighted-classmates-and-family-members/”
“Blind individuals experience performing and visual arts through specialized, sensory-driven methods, primarily using live or recorded audio description to narrate visual details. Key techniques include audio headsets in theaters for scenes/costumes, “touch tours” to feel sets and props, and tactile art, such as raised-line drawings, for visual arts. https://www.cpr.org/2014/02/21/how-blind-people-experience-dance/”
“How do blind people interact with art? Tactile drawings are tools that allow people to engage with an image through touch. https://artuk.org/discover/stories/art-matters-podcast-how-blind-and-partially-sighted-people-engage-with-visual-art”
“There are blind artists: John Bamblitt is an American blind painter and the first blind muralist Eşref Armağan who is a Turkish artist born without eyes. Keith Salmon is a visually impaired artist working in Ayrshire, Scotland. Giovanni Gonnelli, was a blind Italian sculptor of the 1600s. https://scene360.com/art/78311/blind-artists/”
“Braille primarily serves the blind and visually impaired. Tactile: Uses raised, 6-dot or 8-dot
cells felt with the fingertips. Like printed text, it adapts to local alphabets/ https://www.factmonster.com/features/speaking-language/american-sign-language-and-braille” https://kids.wordsmyth.net/we/?rid=23204&level=2
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/tools-writing-braille/ https://www.knowledgecrates.com/products/braille-and-american-sign-language-kit-for-kids?srsltid=AfmBOor6IyyUjqgDvggmApTZayhpxJEwjhPR4H-LjWvaAcblcIM_ai_x
https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/sign-language/399595
https://srpplayground.com/products/braille-panel
I have a notebook about Service Dogs.
Miscellaneous Subjects
“When one shares about one’s religion in a community center it is not to indoctrinate but to inform and educate. Teaching religion objectively as an academic subject or historical discipline is a great way to foster cultural literacy in the community. When teaching religion objectively, educators distinguish between religious studies and theology. Religious Studies: Focuses on the religion’s history. https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/teaching-about-religion https://interfiathamerica.org/articles/teach-religion-classroom”
Mrs. Susan shared about being a Methodist.
“Mindfulness, centering, meditation, affirmations, yoga: Shares deep breathing for children, helping to handle emotions, self-regulation practices, enhancing focus, concentration, comprehension, and memory, improve physical fitness by body awareness, provides opportunities for reflection, patience, and insight, reducing impulsivity and supports social and emotional learning.
https://www.wholechildmodel.org
https://actionforhealthykids.org”
See also on this website under Reading Lists Yoga for Children, Centering, Affirmations, (Book 1 pages 13-15) and Meditation (under Miscellaneous Subjects) for some examples of children’s and adult books.
I had a friend at the library, Ellen, and when we would see each other we would both mouth “Breathe” to help us relax.
Outside Groups
Mrs. Rhonda actually is involved with reenactments. She sews basic tunic style dresses. She uses various accessories such as appropriate belts, jewelry, headgear, and a round pouch.
“SCA is Society for Creative Anachronism and is a worldwide non-profit organization for the study and recreation of medieval history. It used to be mainly European history but has spread out worldwide history but still pre1500’s. SCA requires some form of medieval clothing. Some people go all out hand sewing everything, researching this and that from that period. One can buy medieval clothing on Ebay. One also needs underdresses and a couple of Viking apron overdresses.
Living History: historical reenactment is an immersive, educational hobby where enthusiasts dress in period-accurate attire to recreate past events, daily life, or battles. It bridges the gap between textbooks and reality, offering hands-on experience. It is living history through activities like period cooking, crafting, and tactical demonstrations. It bridges the gap between textbooks and reality, offering hands-on experiences with history through activities like period cooking, crafting, and tactical demonstrations. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_reenactment
Mrs. Debbie actually was a clown.
Some Professional Clowning Organizations:
“Clowns Without Borders USA which sends professional performers to present to organizations through keynote addresses, workshops, or performances, focusing on resilience, and the power of play. https://clownswithoutborders.org/”
“Humorology Atlanta Inc: A local Georgia nonprofit whose professional “Clown Doctors” visit hospitals and community settings, offering insights into therapeutic clowning and healthcare. https://www.mightycause.com/organization/Humorologyatlantaha”
“Caring Clowns International: An organization that shares stories of humanitarian work and how clowning brings joy to vulnerable communities globally. https://www.caringclownsinternational.org/ www.caringclownsinternational.org/joyful-connections/
https://www.squeezetheclown.com/new-events”
Clown Schools in the US
“ USC School of Dramatic Arts, Institute for Theatre & Social Change – Los Angeles, California. https://clownswithoutborders.org/top-clown-schools-u-s/
https://www.clownsinternational.com/”
“Patch Adams travels the world as a professional clown, social activist, and speaker while continuing to develop the Gesundheit! Institute.
https://www.patchadams.org/patch-adams/”
Two children librarians the author knew, Miss Karen and Miss Molly were also clowns.
“Kids on the Block Puppets
Phyllis who was one of the puppeteers and her son Steven Kelly came to one of my libraries several times and presented Kids on the Block.
“Puppeteers dressed in black stand behind the puppets/characters, performing scenes and answering questions from the audience. The puppets were full body moveable mouths of large children. It is a troupe of very likeable puppets, with and without disabilities, sharing the differences and similarities in people. The puppets have been used in classrooms, libraries, museums, and malls, all over the country. Our puppets include individuals who have Down syndrome, hearing and visual deficits, cerebral palsy, autism, ADHD, epilepsy, and learning disabilities. Subjects can range from physical disabilities, to emotional issues such as dealing with divorce. The organizations are by state and there is not a national one.
https://www.baberinstitute.org/about-community-resources-kids-on-the-block”
Hobby and Collections Fair
The author had shared Hobby Fairs in two library systems’ settings, where children and adults shared their hobbies as The Volunteer Presenters as The Volunteer Attendees wandered around/drifted through the tables they were interested in, asking questions. The Presenters must be able to handle questions from The Attendees. Presenters could dress up if they wanted to about their hobby. For example, a person who shared her model trains wore a conductor’s hat.
Publicity is needed to attract The Presenters and the public (The Attendees) to come to a Hobby Fair (like schools, organizations, homeschool groups, etc.).
A sample of PR about the HobbyFair for The Attendees to look at the hobbies or to be a Presenter:
The Attendees: Come join us and enjoy our Hobby Fair. Find friends and neighbors who will be sharing with us their fun and interesting hobbies and collections. Stop by and maybe you can get a new idea for a new hobby.
The Presenters: Do you have a passion for poetry, pottery, a yen for yoga, a knack, for knitting? Do you collect dolls or stamps, models or miniatures?
Either written combined on one poster or written separately.
Interest Groups were the beginning of a program I shared in two library systems, called The Hobby Fair. The format was similar to the TV show Antique Roadshow. With The different Presenters who had a large table to display their interests, hobbies, collections, causes, and passions and perhaps turned them into a possible career (Life Work) and/or having them as an adult hobby. The Attendees wandered around. Large Science Fair Posters may also be used to display information. There were children’s and adult books available to take out. Examples included a child scuba diver, arrowheads, a wooden duck carver, Legos, origami, knitters, a quilt maker, model trains, and stamps. (Please see author’s book Many Pebbles to Make a Difference: Inspiring Ways You Can Improve Children’s Lives by Making Connections: Education in Different Environments. Pages 209-218. ( Page 212 Hobby Fair)
Logistics of the Hobby Fair:
Director or librarian needs to approve Presenters
No food to be presented is allowed. (For Safety reasons)
Both child and adult participants are responsible for their table and everything on it.
This is not an opportunity to advertise a business or service but to share your hobby, how you began, and why you enjoy it
If using a TV or tapes, have a battery operated one
Our Fairs were around one and a half hours long; Presenters had half an hour to set up their stations beforehand.
“Feedback from actual Hobby Fairs:
from: The Attendees:
“It was great to see children and adults sharing their hobbies side by side.”
“The intimate venue made for close contact with the public which is good. I enjoyed interacting with the children, especially the teens and their parents.” (some teens and their parents worked together on a hobby)
“It was interesting to see that there are still folks that do more than watch TV or surf the web. The Hobby Fair made me realize that there is more in life that can be fun and fulfilling.”
from: The Presenters:
“I liked sharing my hobby of bird carving. One little boy was fascinated and came back several times.”
“I presented postcards from different places. I heard someone say, ‘That would be easy to do as we travel quite a bit.’”
The author also shared a Career Fair and a Multicultural Fair in the libraries she worked at.
“A Hobbies Fair is a celebration of passions, creativity, and community. Designed as a space for discovery, the event brings together hobbyists, brands, and communities across a wide range of interests, all under one roof. From games and collectibles to sports, outdoor activities, and modern tech driven hobbies, a Hobbies Fair is where people come to explore new interests, reconnect with old ones, and meet others who share the same passion.
Evan’s List and Ruth’s Photographs and Questions for the Reader
Throughout each journey Ruth takes photographs of pebbles she sees and Evan makes a list of them. Then at the end of each journey they get to choose one of their pebbles that they want to share, that means something to them, or resonates (to produce a positive feeling, emotional response, or opinion) or that they want to remember.
Quotations
Many of the quotations came from:
https://brainyquote.com
https://www.quotationspage.com
How Can You Discover and Learn about Interests, Hobbies, Collections, Causes, and Passions? Finding Many Pebbles to Make a Difference. There are also quotations in these books more geared for children.
Music/Quotations
Music
Add the following books after Barbra Streisand’s song “Be Aware.”
Songs dealing with Love Yourself: (for first book)
“Fireworks” Katy Perry
“Brave” Sara Bareilles
“Who Says” Selena Gomez
“Greatest Love of All” Whitney Houston
“Hero” Marian Carey
Add
“Poem
To Help You Love Yourself (for first book)
Accept yourself fully
Breathe deeply and often
Choose rest without guilt
Drink water regularly
Eat foods that nourish you
Forgive yourself
Get moving in ways you enjoy learning about, like outer
Honor your boundaries
Invest in your health
Journal your thoughts
Keep promises to yourself,
Laugh often
Make time for what inspires you
Notice your progress
Organize your space.
Practice gratitude daily
Quiet negative self -talk
Recharge Unplugged
Surround yourself with supportive people
Take yourself on a date
Understand your limits
Value your worth
Walk outdoors whenever possible.
Express your deeds
Yield to moments of rest
Zoom out and reflect
(Feb. 2026) Meadoword
www://themeadowssarasota.org”
Quotations
Animals
“Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in. The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog,” By Twain
“The dog is a gentleman; I hope to go to his heaven, not man’s.” By Twain
Nature
“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” By Margaret Atwood
“We must teach our children to smell the earth, to taste the rain, to touch the wind, to see things grow, to hear the sun rise and night fall – to care.” By Cleal
“Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.” By Einstein
“If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would have only four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man.” By Einstein”
“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” By Emerson
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” By Muir
“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” Muir
“The earth has music for those who will listen.” By Santayana
“Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.” By White
“Encourage your child to have muddy, grassy or sandy feet by the end of each day, that’s the childhood they deserve.” By Whitehouse
“Let Nature be your teacher.” By Wordsworth
“Not all classrooms have four walls.” By Wordsworth
“It’s a wondrous thing how the wild calms a child.” By Unknown
These quotes above encourage wonder, outdoor play, and environmental stewardship, perfect for fostering a love of the outdoors through curiosity and dirt-filled fun.
Passion/Dreams
“Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.” By Child
“Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic and faithful, and you will accomplish your goal. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” By Ralph Waldo Emerson website
“Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your
own limited imagination.” By Jemison (astronaut)
“No matter what you do with your life, be passionate.” By Jon Bon Jovi
“Passion is what drives us crazy, what makes us do extraordinary things, to discover, to challenge ourselves. Passion is and should always be the heart of courage.” By Komatsu
“You are never too old to get another goal or dream a new dream.” By Lewis
“Be brave and be patient. Have faith in yourself; trust in the significance of your life and the purpose of your passion.” By Jillian Michaels website
“Doing what you love isn’t a privilege; it’s an obligation.” By Sher, author of Wishcraft How to Get What You Really Want (asksto What did you like as a child?)
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” By Tubman
“Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow’s reality.” By Malala Yousafzai website
Hobby
“No matter what your age or your life path, whether making art is your career or your hobby or your dream, it is not too late or too egotistical or too selfish or too silly to work on your creativity.” By Cameron
“The best thing about a hobby is that you can’t do any pretending about it. You either like it or you don’t.” ByDraper
“You never lose a dream, it just incubates as a hobby.” By Page
Music
“Music can change the world because it can change people” By Bono
“The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.” By Van Doren
“There is music in every child. The teacher’s job is to find it and nurture it.” By Clark
Miscellaneous
“Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open.” By John Barrymore website
“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” By Joseph Campbell website
*It is never too late to be what you might have been.” By George Eliot website
“It isn’t where you come from. It’s where you are going that counts.” By Ella Fitzgerald website
“Stay as close to anything that makes you feel alive.” By Hafez (Persian poet)
“You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go see what happens.” By Mandy Hal website
“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says. It’s possible!” By Audrey Hepburn.
“Some people look for a beautiful place. Others make a place beautiful.” By Hazrat Inayat Khan
“Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it.” By Penn
“You must do the things you think you cannot do.” By Eleanor Roosevelt
Dr. Seuss champions reading as “the ultimate gateway to knowledge, imagination, and adventure.” He famously taught that “opening a book expands your mind and unlocks endless possibilities, encouraging readers of all ages to make books a constant part of their daily lives.”
Reading Lists:
In my children’s book How Can You Discover and Learn about Interests, Hobbies, Collections, Causes, and Passions? Finding Many Pebbles to Make a Difference
Adult and Children’s Books that May Supplement the Children’s Book, How Can You Discover and Learn about Interests, Hobbies, Collections, Causes, and Passions? Finding Many Pebbles to Make a Difference.
(After an Adult book it says Adult)
Many of the books listed here (children’s and adults) are from the authors’ personal books. (Peace Place’s original books began from the author’s book collection)
Books by Dr. H. Ginott, Fran Schmidt, Alfie Kohn, and Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish (Adult)”
Peace Corner: In the Youth Services Children’s Section in one of the libraries where I worked, I had set up a Peace Corner as I wanted to bring Peace ideas (especially items such as books, posters, curriculums, etc.) there. One could also have one in your home and a Peace Table where one can talk about disputes. Many Pebbles to Make a Difference: Inspiring Ways You Can Improve Children’s Lives by Making Connections: Multiculturalism and Peace pages 214-215, Much of what was in the Peace Corner in the library was from my home that I had collected through the years that is now back in my home.
Peace Curricula including Conflict Resolution Programs for all ages By Grace Contrino Abrams Peace Education Foundation, By Peace Education Foundation, By Peace Education International (Peacemaker series), By Teaching Tolerance curriculum, World of Difference, (Anti Defamation League) Nonviolent Communication, Beyond The Golden Rule By Southern Poverty Law Center, and many others.
Princeton Files, Folders, Notebooks (folders) have both articles and relevant pictures: Kindness, Bullying, Conflict Resolution, Commit to Non Violence, Peace Heroes, Multicultural Pictures, Multicultural Stories, 101 Ways to Combat Prejudice and More, Diversity.
You can buy peace/multicultural shirts and posters on Amazon, as well as other online smaller venues.
Shirts: The greatest natural resource that any country can have is its children (Argus), It’s time to listen with care, touch with kindness, walk with a lighter touch (Pat Surface West), “See with beauty, listen with care, speak with love, touch with kindness (Project e), Peace Jordan, where we found peace and love, Peace, Peace in different languages, Shalom “What do you want to be when you grow up?” “Kind” said the boy. (Charlie Mackery), One planet, one people please, Color me human, (Loganberry), Shalom (peace), Namaste (I bow to you the divine in you), Aloha (part of all of me) (Gail, friend of Mae).
Posters: Peace Trek; Humankind… Be; Both, The opposite of war isn’t peace, it is creation (Rent By Larson); Kindness is free, sprinkle it everywhere; Make music not war; War is not healthy for your children and other living things, No mother is enemy to another mother; The Day Peace Broke Out; Love your neighbor who doesn’t look like you, think like you, love like you, speak like you, pray like you, vote like you, love your neighbors, no exceptions; All colors are beautiful; A soul has no color; If only our eyes saw souls instead of bodies, how different our idea of beauty would be, Caution, human beings here handle with care, Love everyone unconditionally-including yourself, You are Valuable.Don’t let anyone make you believe differently
A touching poem written By Amy Maddow 16 in One World, Teaching Tolerance (now called Learning for Justice)
“He prayed — it wasn’t my religion.
He ate– -it wasn’t what I ate.
He spoke—it wasn’t my language.
He dressed. —It wasn’t what I wore.
He took my hand.–it wasn’t the color of mine.
But when he laughed—it was how I laughed.
And when he cried—it was how I cried.”
I was going to end this children’s book with A Multicultural Fair (Many Pebbles to Make a Difference: Inspiring Ways You Can Improve Children’s Lives by Making Connections: Multiculturalism and Peace pages 179-180) which I had given at two of the Libraries I had worked at to take place in a Multicultural Museum like the Fernbank Reflection of Culture. https://fernbankmuseum.org/experiences/exhibits/indoor-exhibits/reflections-of-culture At the Fair would be Cultural/Ethnic Celebrations like dancing, (like Middle Eastern Dance, Bollywood, Hora (Israeli), Irish Irish stepdance, Spanish Flamingo) songs/music/folk music, folk instruments, food, holidays, costumes/clothing, artifacts, games, festivals, art, books, religions.
Please note my book for adults Many Pebbles to Make a Difference: Inspiring Ways You Can Improve Children’s Lives by Making Connections: Multiculturalism and Peace with more information on these subjects. For example: Multicultural Programs: Chapter 5 pages 99-210 like Cultural Heritage Programs, Celebrate Yourself and Others, (several weeks) and other Peace programs. There is a list of Peace books, songs and Conflict Resolution curricula for all ages also in here. I would like to share a few things about these subjects.
Life is a Storybook. Words have Power and empowering children with choices of kindness, with the Empty Chair Movement is wonderful. What if an empty chair could change everything? What if the school lunchroom was a place where every child was part of ‘the’ group – not ‘a’ group? https://emptychairs.org.uk/ What a fabulous idea!
Bullying fact sheet and what to do, and a letter to Moms and Dad about being judged. I so agree with this website. Add https://search?q=life+is+s+storybook+bullying+fact+sheet+and+letter+to+mom+and+Dad+abotu+being+judged&oq=life+is+s+storybook
Books
Willamena Picklepants: and a Case of the No Good, Really Mean Words by Lauri Garretson. Join Willamena Picklepants as she encounters playground bullies who use words to hurt. How will Willamena respond? Does kindness matter? Can her words really make a difference? The book and website can be found on http://amzn.to/2oCpYxO
Strictly No Elephants By Mantchen
People by Spier
Many books on Kindness
Local (in South) Florida Peace heroes I knew were Fran Schmidt and Georgianna Lowen who were also teachers.
https://kidsforpeaceglobal.org/peacefulpenpals/
Different names from different countries or religions that I had wanted to use as characters in the next book:
India: Devyani and Supriya, Japan: Yoko, Ireland: Liam, Israel: Amer (means the top of a tree, seeing things from a global perspective in modern Hebrew) and Hadara, Native American: Nita (strong girl), Buddhist: Tashi, Kadeem: Egyptian, Eza: Iranian, Muslim: Habiba (beloved)(“head covering https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/24118241”
“Which name to use for Native American, Indigenous, etc.? First Nation, Native Americans, Knowledge Keepers, or Indigenous people? https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/informational/impact-words-tips”
A Peace Story Time
Given at South Cobb Regional Library, Camp Integrity, June 12, and at Mable House (Storytelling Festival where I did book sharing) all in Mableton, GA https://www.cobbcounty.gov/parks/centers-facilities/mable-house-arts-center/mable-house-historic-house
Welcome: Introduce myself and why I am here today: to read, sing, hear music
Put on Mom’s hawl: Close your eyes, clap hands, Storytime is ready to begin
This is I Care Cat. He cares for you. How can you show someone you care for them? Smile at someone. Do so. Let children touch him
Read: How to be a Lion By Vere (Do you have a thinking spot?)
Don’t Laugh at Me By Seskin and Shamblin (Peter Yarrow) (think about helping, being kind to all)
Songs: The More We Get Together, the Happier We’ll Be, I Have Something in my Pocket
Up Activity: Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes Start in slow motion, little faster, and then quite fast
Hokey Pokey: hands, feet, elbows, nose
Poetry: Popup puppet introduces poem. Get him to go home Hug a War in the book Where the Sidewalk Ends By Silverstein (what is the game Tug a War?)
Read: The Enormous Turnip By Parkinsen Sing each time: Turnip turnip come on up, turnip turnip come on up (cooperation, helping each other to accomplish things)
One By Otoshi (being kind, not bullying)
Music: William Tell Overture move and move hands
Music Box: Small World
Songs: Make new Friends
Bubbles: All stay seated for safety
Draw Picture: After I leave the activity is to choose one book Mrs. Marks read and draw a picture of why you liked it and bring it home.
Additional Books Zero By Otoshi, The Story of Ferdinand By Leaf, and Chopsticks Are By Ward. Also see Many Pebbles to Make a Difference: Inspiring Ways You Can Improve Children’s Lives by Making Connections: Multiculturalism and Peace by the author. Chapter 6 and pages 198-200
“It’s good that people share/learn /know/understand about others. Everyone has his own peculiar way of doing things. How do you know we don’t seem just as odd? You must learn to overlook different manners in people because it doesn’t matter. What is really important is whether the person has a good heart.” Quote from All of a Kind of Family By Taylor
Communication: I statements, (don’t back someone into a corner by saying You), describing what someone does right, not comparing, individual strengths. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Faber and Mazlish and start
In 6th grade my teacher, Mrs Everett assigned the following: I choose, “Man’s Inhumanity to Man,” and read Young Lions By Shaw, the Diary of a Young Girl By Anne Frank, a book about the Japanese Interment, (The Moved-Outers By Means) Black and Native American poor treatment. (the last three I cannot remember their titles) So many more books on these topics have been written since then.
Some Famous Peace People:
One Voice can make a difference.
Dali Llama, Anne Frank, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Theresa, Gandhi, Jane Goddell, Samantha Smith (the 13-year-old “ambassador” to the Soviet Union was best known for writing to Soviet leader Yuri Andropov in 1982 and visiting the Soviet Union as Andropov’s guest in 1983. https://www.history.com /this-day-in-history/ samantha-) Nelson Mandela, Margaret Mead, Dalai Lama XlV, Thich Nhat Hanh, Desomd Tutu, Jane Addams (Hull House), Eleanor Roosevel, Cesar Chavez, Eli Wiesel
Quotations (more in all of the books)
Quotations: “If we are to have real peace, we must begin with the children; Be the change you wish to see in the world; An eye for an eye only ends making the world blind.” By Gandhi
“The richer we have become materially, the poorer we become morally and spiritually; We have learned to fly in the air like birds and swim in the sea like fish, but we have not learned the simple act of living together as brothers; Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that; The time is always right to do what is right.” By Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else” By Booker T. Washington
“If you want peace you don’t talk to your friends, You talk to your enemies” By Desmond Tutu
“Working for peace in the future is to work for peace in the present moment.” By Thich Nhat Hanh
“Peace begins with a smile.” By Mother Teresa
“Service is the rent we pay for living. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your free time.” By Marian Wright Edelman
“ Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” By Nelson Mandela