Kb - Spring 09 (final) (2)

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Spring ‘09

educating little minds

...a little bit at a time!

Premiere Issue!

Inside This Issue: Special Needs Resources April is Autism Awareness Month

Birthday Parties on a Budget

Features

Activities

Reviews

Crafts & More!

Tell us why your Mommy should be “Queen for a Day.”

Bring Your Entry to: Fernbaugh’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry - 206 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN Page 2

Kidbits Magazine

Spring ‘09 Your Time & Resources are Essential...Entrust them Virtually!

Marla Murasko President & Publisher

Ballpark Publications, Inc.

FEATURES: 4. Spring into New Beginnings 5. Healthy Smiles 11. Nutritional Information for Children 14. Birthday Parties on a Budget

Design & Production

Melinda Cilio & Karen Plumley Contributors

•••••••

P.O. Box 126 • Plymouth, IN 46563 Phone: (866) 542-2535 Fax: (509) 696-3127 Email: [email protected] Website: www.KidbitsMagazine.com ••••••• Kidbits Magazine is an independent, quarterly publication designed to promote literacy & learning among local youngsters ages 3-10. All Rights Reserved. Nothing may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Kidbits Magazine is intended for informational purposes only. The publisher accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or quality of any of the information or advertising contained herein. Kidbits Magazine is published by ExecuEssential Administrative Services Inc. and distributed—free of charge—to more than 100 locations throughout Marshall County, Indiana, including the towns of Argos, Bourbon, Bremen, Culver & Plymouth. © 2009 ExecuEssential Administrative Services, Inc.

RESOURCES & REVIEWS: 13. Special Needs Support Groups 15. Book Reviews: The Rainbow Fish & The Family Book ACTIVITY SHEETS: 6. Sequencing 7. Preschool Writing 8. “A is for Apple” 9. Counting Money 10. Teaching Children to Save

Advertise in our Summer Issue!

Call (866) 542-2535 or email us at Kidbitsmagazine@g mail.com

As a business executive you understand the value of time. Your time and resources are essential to growing and maintaining your business. At ExecuEssential Administrative Services we value you and your business. Partnering with us to assist with your administrative needs will give you time to focus and grow your business. Here are Some of the Services We Provide: Administrative Services - Word Processing - Desktop Publishing (Newsletters) - Creation of Training Materials - Powerpoint Presentations - Travel Arrangements - Bulk Mailings Meeting Planning - Research Site Selection - Assist with Registration - Liaison Between Hotel & Client - Creation of Meeting Materials

Concierge Services - Dinner Reservations - Sending Balloons & Flowers - Personal Invitations for Meetings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, Showers & Special Events Project Management - Internet Research - Data Entry Social Media Presence - Social Network Profile Setup and Management, including: Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter

Phone: 866-542-2535 (toll-free) • Website: www.ExecuEssential.com Spring ‘09

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FEATURE

Spring into New Beginnings By Melinda Cilio

S

pring is the time of year when the days get longer and the nights get shorter. It is a time when the earth and animals awaken from their long winter nap. Springtime is about new beginnings and birth. As the weather begins to get warmer, the grass starts turning green and the leaves on the trees begin to grow, flowers start to bloom and baby animals are born into the world. As you go outside to play and ride your bike, look around at all of the wonderful things coming to life. Hear the birds chirping and stop to look at the flowers poking up from the ground. Each day notice how they change and grow in the warmth of the sun. Go for a walk with your family or friends and challenge each other to see how many different new plants and animals you can find. Try starting a spring journal and write down what you see and how they change over the course of a few weeks. Write down how this makes you feel.

Think of how much you have changed since last spring. • Are you taller? • Do you still like to play the same games? • Do you have the same friends or different friends? • Do you like different foods? Draw pictures of the people who are special in your life, your favorite hobbies, activities and toys. Write down how these wonderful people and things make you feel. Make a list of new activities or things that you would like to try this spring and see how many of these wonderful things you can make come true. • Are there any new foods you want to eat? • Is there an instrument you would like to play? • Is there a sport you would like to learn? When we try new things, we experience a new beginning and learn from these new experiences. Like a baby bird learning to fly for the first time or a squirrel learning to its nuts, learn to experience new things and have fun!

Links to Self-Esteem & Sprituality Reasons to Teach Kids About Spring: Why Spring Activities for Children Can Teach and Boost Self-Esteem by Lisa C. DeLuca http://holistic-parenting.suite101.com/article.cfm/parenting_joyful_children

Improving Self-Esteem in Kids: How to Build Self-Confidence in Children and Teens by Lin Burress www.parentingmethods.suite101.com/article.cfm/improving_selfesteem_in_children#ixzz0AdZ3dPG3

Activities Spring Coloring Pages for Your Spring Journal - by Activity Village www.activityvillage.co.uk/spring_coloring_pictures.htm

Books about Spring It’s Spring! - by Linda Glaser A book about the arrival of spring and its effects on plants and animals.

My Spring Robin - by Anne Rockwell A child observes a variety of signs of the new season in her backyard.

The Spring Equinox - by Ellen Jackson Explores the celebrations of Spring in different cultures and times. Explains where some of our current traditions come from. Page 4

Kidbits Magazine

FEATURE

Healthy Smiles By the Kidbits Staff

A

ccording to the American Dental Association (ADA), proper dental care is important...even before the first teeth emerge.

The ADA states the following: • Healthy baby teeth are crucial in helping babies learn to speak. • Healthy teeth build self-confidence. • Healthy teeth help with proper feeding & nutrition. • Poor dental care can lead to periodontal disease and cavities.

If your kids like music, why not try to entice them to brush their teeth with a “musical toothbrush?” Hasbro has introduced an electric toothbrush that plays different tunes for two minutes...which is how long children should brush their teeth. You can visit www.hasbro.com/toothtunes to see the variety of tunes available. They run about $10 each and can be found at retail locations like Walmart and KMart.

We’d Love to Hear From You! Tell us about your upcoming event, promote your business, or simply make a suggestion. Call: 866-542-2535 -orEmail: [email protected]

Family Dental Care Chad Shaw D.D.S., P.C.

Early Childhood Education at Ancilla College A choice of two degrees: Associate of Applied Science

“Dental Care with a Gentle Touch” NEW PATIENTS WELCOME! Prompt Emergency Care Saturday Appointments Available • Wide Range of Dental Services • Preventative Dentistry • Oral Cancer Screening • Cleanings/Periodontal Treatment • Fillings (white) • Tooth Whitening

• Crowns & Bridges • Root Canal Therapy • Extractions • Partial & Complete Dentures • Intra-Oral Exams • Most Insurance Accepted

Interest-Free Financing Available Upon Approval

574-936-8787 1409 N. Michigan St. - Plymouth Member of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Spring ‘09

Designed for those who plan to work after graduation

Associate of Science Designed for those who plan to transfer

Fall Classes Start on August 24th Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. Grants available through T.E.A.C.H Scholarships. For information call Rhonda Arvesen at 574.936.8898 ext. 342 or 1.866.ANCILLA Page 5

ACTIVITY SHEET • PRESCHOOL

Sequencing Sequencing is an important standard for children 2-5 years old. It is the ability to put together a purposeful pattern of actions, behaviors, ideas, or thoughts. Learning to sequence is vital for problem-solving and following directions. Look at the patterns below and finish them on the lines provided.

In this activity draw a line that connects the pictures that match up.

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Kidbits Magazine

ACTIVITY SHEET • PRESCHOOL

Preschool Writing Tracing these zig-zags from left to right will help your child develop control while learning to hold a pencil correctly.

Spring ‘09

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ACTIVITY SHEET • PRESCHOOL

“A is for Apple” Trace each letter “A.” Then, use the empty spaces to write your own.

1

2

3

ACTIVITY SHEET • GRADES 1-2 Write down what you see in each picture.

Now, write your name.

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Kidbits Magazine

ACTIVITY SHEET • GRADES 1-2

Counting Money Teaching your children how to start counting and saving money early, will give them the skills they need to be financially stable in life. Help your children understand the value of money and teach them how to save by going to your financial institution and opening a Junior Savings account. Children look to their parents/caregivers for financial information...start teaching them now! Pennies

Nickles

Dimes

Quarters

1¢ or 1 cent

5¢ or 5 cents

10¢ or 10 cents

25¢ or 25 cents

Count the coins below and write the total in the box.

1.

=

¢

2.

=

¢

3.

=

¢

4.

=

¢

5.

=

¢

Spring ‘09

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ACTIVITY SHEET • GRADES 3-4

Movie Time Going to the movies? Here are some multiplication problems to help your child understand how much food costs.

85¢

49¢

1. If you and your parents want preztels, how much will it cost buy three of them?

______ x ______ = _________ 3. Your mother bought you and your friends four bags of popcorn, how much did she spend?

______ x ______ = _________

39¢

27¢

2. You want to purchase two ice cream bars, how much will that cost?

______ x ______ = _________ 4. You would like to buy three sodas, how much do you need?

______ x ______ = _________

ACTIVITY SHEET • GRADES 3-4

Word Problems Here are some word problems to help develop your child’s critical thinking skills.

1. Samantha has 49 pieces of candy. She gives 25 pieces to her friend Ellie. How many pieces does she have left?

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2. There were 15 horses in the barn. Eight of them were brought out to the pasture. How how many are left in the barn?

Kidbits Magazine

FEATURE

Nutritional Information for Children By the Kidbits Staff

G

iving your children the information they need to make healthy choices from an early age is critical to their health. We all need to take an active role in preventing childhood obesity, which can lead to other diseases and health conditions. Help them to understand the “Food Pyramid” and what each food group is and what benefits they get from each group. Grain Group: Gives us carbohydrates which gives us energy to play and learn. Foods would be: breads, cereals, rice and pastas. Vegetable Group: Provides Vitamin A which helps us see in the dark and Vitamin C which helps our skin stay healthy (heals cuts). Foods would be: broccoli, carrots, green beans. Fruit Group: We get Vitamin C from fruits which helps our body heal cuts and bruises and helps fight infections. Foods would be: apples, oranges, bananas. Milk Group: We get calcium from the milk group which helps with healthy bones and teeth. Foods would be: milk, bananas, yogurt, cheese. Meat Group: We get protein and iron to build strong muscles. Foods would be: beef, chicken, fish, nuts and peanut butter.

Invest in our Youth! Advertise in

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Spring ‘09

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DID YOU KNOW?

Get Moving! By the Kidbits Staff

P

hysical activity is important for good health. Children need to eat enough food to support their growth and development. Children should also be physically active for at least 60-90 minutes every day. Running, walking, swimming, playing at the playground, or riding their bikes will help them stay healthy & active.

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Kidbits Magazine

RESOURCES

Special Needs Support Groups Down Syndrome Family Support and Advocacy Group A non-profit organization serving South Bend, Mishawaka, Elkhart, Bremen, Plymouth, LaPorte, and other surrounding cities in Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan. Mission: To help improve the lives of individuals with Down Syndrome, as well as their families, through education, advocacy, research, and fellowship. Vision: To help foster a community of acceptance which promotes the best opportunities for individuals with Down Syndrome in helping them to achieve their greatest potential and realize their dreams. When Do They Meet: Once a month as a “Family Support Night” at the Logan Center in South Bend, as well as a “Mom’s Night Out” once a month at various restaurants throughout South Bend. They also sponsor a number of other events throughout the year like the Buddy Walk, Logan Nose, etc.

Mended Little Hearts For many parents, hearing the heartbeat of their unborn child becomes their first, loving bond to that child. It’s no wonder, then, that discovering their child has a heart defect, whether diagnosed in the womb, shortly after birth or during childhood, can be devastating. Mission: Mended Little Hearts, a new support program for parents of children with heart defects and heart disease, is dedicated to inspiring hope in those who care for the littlest heart patients of all. Mission: Mended Little Hearts offers resources and a caring support network as families find answers and move forward to find healing and hope. When Do They Meet: The second Sunday of every month at the HealthWorks Museum in South Bend. Contact: Jennifer Gorski at (574) 217 8244

Contact: Kathy Ratkiewicz at 574-234-0590

Does Your Child Have Autism? April is Autism Awareness month. According to recent statistics, the incidence of autism spectrum disorders in American children is on the rise. Early intervention is critical for a child with autism to reach her full potential. Does your young toddler have a worrisome behavior or is she just going through a phase? To know for sure, a child must have a behavioral screening. Look for these common symptoms of autism provided by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). If they display any of these five symptoms, schedule an appointment with her pediatrician. 1. No verbal sounds by 12 months. 2. Does not point, wave, or grasp by 12 months. 3. Does not speak single words by 18 months. 4. By 24 months, does not say two-word phrases without help. 5. At any age, experiences regression in social or language abilities. Karen Plumley is the Special Needs Education Feature Writer for Suite101.com and blogs at www.dailyactivitiesforkids.com. She can be reached via email: [email protected]. Spring ‘09

AUTISM

FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP “Together we can SUPPORT one another, EDUCATE one another, and ADVOCATE for those we believe in.” Where: Plymouth Public Library Laramore-B Room When: 1st Tuesday of every month beginning February 2009 Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm Childcare will be provided during each meeting* by members of Autism Resources of Marshall County Where: Laramore-A Room Contact: Carrie Cadwell at 936-3031 or [email protected]

BOOK DISCUSSION INFORMATION Mother Warriors: A Nation of Parents Healing Autism Against All Odds Author: Jenny McCarthy Price: @$12.00 at Amazon.com/bn.com

Contact Information Peggy Sturtevant at 936-5035 Carrie Schadek at 936-2661 or 286-5197 Page 13

FEATURE

Strategies for Birthday Parties on a Budget By the Kidbits Staff

B

irthdays are always a time to celebrate, whether young or old you have to admit that a smile comes across your face on that special day. Birthdays are especially important for younger children. They want to invite all their classmates, choose a theme and, of course, see what gifts they will receive. However, with the economy struggling, having a full-blown party with all the bells and whistles could be very costly for you as parents and for the guests. If you are on a budget, try to stay away from “themed” parties, they can get very costly. You can go to many children’s websites and print down “printables” to decorate with. For instance, if your child loves Mickey Mouse, visit the Disney website at www.disney.go.com/ magicartist/greeting/classic/index.html. You can make your own cards; pull down different games to play during the party and more, without spending a fortune on entertainment. This may also be a great learning opportunity for you to teach your children the value of a dollar. Sit down with your children, and let them know that they have a budget for their party, like a $100. Let them write down the things that they want and put a cost value to it. They will see very quickly how things start to add up. Work with them to understand they can still have a great party within the budget. Help them to start looking at things on the list and cut back. For instance, they want that very expensive Princess cake, take them to a party store that sells cake molds and show them they can make their own Princess cake exactly the way they want it—probably for a lot less than what you will pay in a bakery. Go to Dollar Stores if you need to put goody bags together. They will realize they can get a lot more. Your children will start to look at things differently when they are in charge of the expenses. Here is another novel idea—a “Charity Party.” It is a great new way to celebrate your child’s birthday. Here are some things to think about before you get started: 1. Make sure your child understands and agrees to this type of party. Present it to them as they are using their special day to give back to others who may be in need. You will have to reassure them that you are not throwing the whole birthday celebration out; they can still have friends, cake and special gifts from family. Page 14

2. Help them to pick out a charity: Example: If your child loves animals, make them feel good knowing that they will be giving food or treats to the dogs and cats at the local Humane Society or animal shelter. Believe it or not, animals are also being affected by the bad economy. After the party, bring your child to the Humane Society or shelter and have them present the box of donations themselves and take a picture of this event. Having them present it themselves really gives them a sense of giving. 3. Notify guests very clearly on the invitations that the “gifts will be for charity.” Let your guests know instead of a gift, to bring a donation for that charity. Here are some helpful websites to help you with “charity parties.” Birthdays for Charity - A family website devoted to giving birthday gifts and money to charity. Website: www.birthdaysforcharity.org Just Give - A non-profit organization to connect people with other organizations or causes. Website: www.justgive.org Most importantly, make it a special day for your child! Kidbits Magazine

BOOK REVIEWS

The Rainbow Fish By Marcus Pfister

See the Rainbow Fish craft project below!

Preschoolers can relate to this colorful and engaging book. The artwork is fantastic with eye-catching foil paper used for Rainbow Fish’s shiny scales. The moral of the story is teaching children the concept of “sharing,” and being nice to others. A concept that may be hard for little ones to understand at times. In the book, Rainbow Fish swims around thinking he is better than everyone because he is so beautiful. However, he notices that he has no friends because he does not want to share any of his beautiful scales with others and realizes that he is lonely. See what Rainbow Fish does to start making friends. An American Booksellers Book of the Year (Abby) Winner in 1995.

The Family Book By Todd Parr

Author Todd Parr captures diversity in families at a level that is engaging, colorful and fun for children of all ages. He explains that families are all different, but they all share one thing in common—they love and support each other. The Family Book reassures children with families that are not onsidered the “normal” family that, at the end of the day, we all celebrate together, we love together, we are sad together. Most importantly, he reassures children that everything will be okay as long as you have each other. “There are lots of different ways to be a family. Your family is special no matter what kind it is.” - Todd Parr

Rainbow Fish Craft Project Materials: • coffee filter (we used the brown kind, but white ones work too) • children’s markers • water • wiggly eye or paper eye • tinfoil Instructions: • Flatten out coffee filter on a plate • Color it roughly with various colors of markers This is wonderful as even the youngest children can color this way. • Wet coffee filter Use a squirt bottle or flick drops of water onto the filter with your hands. • Allow to dry for a few hours TIP: Speed this up by using a hand held blow dryer on low heat for about 5 minutes. • Once dry, cut out a fish shape from the coffee filter • Glue on some small strips and triangles of tinfoil • Glue on a wiggly eye and draw on a mouth To make your Rainbow Fish look like it’s underwater, stick it to a blue sheet of construction paper and glue one sheet of slightly crumpled cling wrap on top. Spring ‘09

Courtesy: www.dltk-kids.com

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HAVE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY AT PLYMOUTH COUNTRY CLUB! Our $150 Birthday Package for 15 Children Includes: Complete setup & cleanup • Invitations • All food and drinks Menu items include: Chicken Tenders, Hot Dogs, Fries, Cheese Pizza, Sodas & Water Access to our swimming pool (with lifeguard), basketball and tennis courts Available Saturdays & Sundays from 10:00am-11:30am (One hour for recreation/one half hour for the party.)

PLEASE CONTACT CHEF DARRELL AT 574-936-9008 You want your child to have fun at their birthday party...But you want to enjoy yourself too. Why not schedule it at the beautiful, family-friendly Plymouth Country Club?