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Stories About the People We Know in Heaven, Giving God's Creatures, and His Signs for Christian Kids and Their Parents

The People We Know in Heaven
Giving
Creatures Great and Small
Send Me A Sign ... Read more

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Finally, here’s a book that will help teachers win their students’ attention. Claudia Dodson provides teachers an alternative to the typical drill and practice worksheets to supplement student learning.101 Innovative Ideas for Creative Kids highlights easy-to-implement, unique, and enjoyable ideas centered around eight challenging curriculum areas:

• Readingand language arts
• Journal writing
• Creating class books
• Mathematics
• Science and social studies
• Seasonal projects
• Outdoor or active play
• Motivating students

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37 Stories on Kindness, Favorite Songs and Quotations, Prayer, and Family Time for Christian Kids and Their Parents

Christian Kindness
Stories and Songs
Favorite Kid Quotes
This I Pray
Family Time ... Read more

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This digital document is an article from National Catholic Reporter, published by National Catholic Reporter on April 2, 2010. The length of the article is 1074 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Sisters' program yields brighter futures; mobile school for migrant kids ended in 2001, but still bears fruit in students' lives.(Sisters of Mercy of the Americas)
Author: Judy Gross
Publication: National Catholic Reporter (Magazine/Journal)
Date: April 2, 2010
Publisher: National Catholic Reporter
Volume: 46Issue: 12Page: 9a(2)

Distributed by Gale, a part of Cengage Learning ... Read more

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This digital document is an article from Presbyterian Record, published by Presbyterian Record on May 1, 2001. The length of the article is 710 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Catch that Kid!(tips for teaching children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder)(Brief Article)
Author: Margaret Brouillette
Publication: Presbyterian Record (Magazine/Journal)
Date: May 1, 2001
Publisher: Presbyterian Record
Volume: 125Issue: 5Page: 18

Article Type: Brief Article

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

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This digital document is an article from Catholic New Times, published by Thomson Gale on June 4, 2006. The length of the article is 1400 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

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Title: Good news for gay and lesbian kids: guidelines released by bishops gives direction to educators: take pastoral approach.(FAITH & SPIRITUALITY)
Author: Michael Arbour
Publication: Catholic New Times (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 4, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 30Issue: 10Page: 12(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

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This digital document is an article from National Catholic Reporter, published by National Catholic Reporter on March 25, 2005. The length of the article is 3528 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Program celebrates uniqueness: inclusion, independence for special needs kids is goal of diocese's education model.(Catholic Education)
Author: Patricia Lefevere
Publication: National Catholic Reporter (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 25, 2005
Publisher: National Catholic Reporter
Volume: 41Issue: 21Page: 6a(6)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

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This digital document is an article from Vibrant Life, published by Review and Herald Publishing Association on January 1, 2010. The length of the article is 1359 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: 8 tips for raising healthy kids: how to bring up children to be active, focused, and balanced.
Author: Barbara Choi
Publication: Vibrant Life (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2010
Publisher: Review and Herald Publishing Association
Volume: 26Issue: 1Page: 20(4)

Distributed by Gale, a part of Cengage Learning ... Read more

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The old civilisation of India was a concrete unity of many-sided developments in art, architecture, literature, religion, morals, and science so far as it was understood in those days. But the most important achievement of Indian thought was philosophy. It was regarded as the goal of all the highest practical and theoretical activities, and it indicated the point of unity amidst all the apparent diversities which the complex growth of culture over a vast area inhabited by different peoples produced. ... Read more

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Each summer six math whizzes selected from nearly a half-million American teens compete against the world"s best problem solvers at the International Mathematical Olympiad. Steve Olson followed the six 2001 contestants from the intense tryouts to the Olympiad"s nail-biting final rounds to discover not only what drives these extraordinary kids but what makes them both unique and typical. In the process he provides fascinating insights into the science of intelligence and learning and, finally, the nature of genius.
Brilliant, but defying all the math-nerd stereotypes, these teens want to excel in whatever piques their curiosity, and they are curious about almost everything — music, games, politics, sports, literature. One team member is ardent about both water polo and creative writing.Another plays four musical instruments. For fun and entertainment during breaks, the Olympians invent games of mind-boggling difficulty. Though driven by the glory of winning this ultimate math contest, they are in many ways not so different from other teenagers, finding pure joy in indulging their personal passions.
Beyond the the Olympiad, Olson sheds light on many questions, from why Americans feel so queasy about math, to why so few girls compete in the subject, to whether or not talent is innate. Inside the cavernous gym where the competition takes place, Count Down uncovers a fascinating subculture and its engaging, driven inhabitants. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

brilliant young mathematicians compete for intellectual glory
Count Down is really the story of the International Math Olympiad, which invites the world's best high school mathematicians to compete for individual and national pride. Traditionally, Bulgaria, China and other Eastern European nations (esp. the former Soviet Union) dominate, with the U.S. always doing quite well with its unusually male, Asian, and first generation composition.

In the entire history of the competition, no nation has had an even number of male and female competitors, despite the increasing numbers of women studying advanced mathematics in high school. On the U.S. team, only one girl has even represented the U.S. team of six. Explanations as to why there are so few women in elite-level mathematics competitions are unconvincing. The author does better trying to explain the Chinese and Eastern European dominance. Their culture fosters creativity and excellence in mathematics, ours shuns it well into high school and college. Even the U.S. representatives to the Olympiad admit being somewhat embarrassed about competing, something that would be almost unimaginable in Russia or Bulgaria.

Olson does a fair job trying to explain solutions to the six problems given at the Olympiad. Those are not math-inclined will have to work hard to understand the solution and may still not understand. Every country, every teammate gets the same six problems. Individual scores are tabulated in addition to composites, which factor into each nation's rank. A perfect score on the test is 42, with 7 points awarded for each correct solution.

My sole gripe is that the author did not get into the heads of the competitors from around the world. Although he detests the term, some of them really are genius. Even with great parenting, great schools, hard work and motivation--there is no clear explanation as to how these kids easily figure out solutions to some truly mind-boggling problems. An example is provided:

"Twenty-one girls and twenty-one boys took part in a mathematical competition. It turned out that (a) each contestant solved at most six problems, and (b) for each pair of a girl and a boy, there was at least one problem that was solved by both the girl and the boy. Prove that there was a problem that was solved by at least three girls and at least three boys."

If you can prove it, you too deserve to medal in the math Olympiad!

presentation of mathematics as a creative and exciting endeavor
Countdown presents the competitive world of the Mathematical Olympiad in a manner that shows well the incredible mathematical aptitude of the contestants. At the same time, the author takes pains to present the budding mathematicians as well rounded individuals who are not at all like the stereotypical geek. The author argues that mathematics at the level of the Mathematical Olympiad is more of a creative endeavor than a rigid formula based effort. Although mostly about the contestants themselves, the author also presents biographies of some of the coaches, considering, especially, their approach to teaching, which seems to involve short presentations of theory followed by long problem solving sessions. This is a really good book to give to someone who is interested in mathematics.

Competitive math
A few years ago, the movie Spellbound gave viewers insight into the world of spelling bees, culminating in the National championship.Since then, I've noticed other competitions getting similar treatments, such as bowling (in The League of Ordinary Gentlemen) and crossword puzzles (Word Play).Although it is a book and not a movie, Steve Olson's Count Down fits right into this genre of the competition documentary.

Count Down deals with the International Mathematical Olympiad, in which high school level students from around the world gather together to solve difficult math problems.How difficult?The first problem they are given reads:"In acute triangle ABC with circumcenter O and altitude AP, angle C is greater than or equal to angle B plus 30 degrees.Prove that angle A plus angle COP is less than 90 degrees."This is the easiest of the six questions the Math Olympians must solve.

Perhaps coincidentally, there also six members in the U.S. team, so Olson dedicates one chapter to each member and his approach to a problem (it is an all male team).It is like going from Los Angeles to New York by car:there are a number of different routes, each with its pluses and minuses.Similarly, these math problems can be solved a number of different ways.

Olson goes beyond the Olympiad itself, however, using it as a launching pad for discussions on topics regarding math education.One key theme that runs through Count Down is how Americans look down on math, often treating those who are good at it with scorns and letting people think that being bad at math is okay.This is contrasted with other countries where math is considered much more valuable.The problem is not merely with the education system but the culture itself.

Other topics include the nature of genius and the effects of environment versus genetics.Are boys naturally better than girls at math (which is to say, more genetically inclined), or is it cultural issues that creates a disparity between the genders? (As Olson notes, in the decades of American participation in the Olympiad, boys have outnumbered girls 118 to 1.)Is it even possible to truly separate the two?Can the abilities that these teenagers have be taught to others?

Olson keeps the math rather simple so even the mathematical layperson should be able to understand all that's going on.If you enjoy math, this is a recommended read.If you don't enjoy math, this is a must read:it will help show why mathematical skill is not merely nice but is essential.

Too much filler
CD is two books in one, one interesting, the other pedestrian.The interesting book includes: profiles of participants in the 2001 IMO + some description of the IMO itself + partial solutions of the IMO problems.The pedestrian book includes: lengthy digressions on the topic of genius/talent.CD weaves back and forth between both books.The result: a greatly short-changed book one.Profiles could have been much longer/deeper; the event could have been described in greater and more interesting detail; solutions (relegated to Appendices) could have been complete.The contents of book two read like an extended (fragmentary) book report.The topic of genius/talent has been ably treated elsewhere in the literature.All of book two, considerably compressed, would far better have served to introduce a much expanded book one.

CD reads well enough; it does provide a couple hours' entertainment.It could have been so much more.

Good overview of competitive mathematics (and mathematics in general)
"Count Down" is a well-written and concise profile of the International Mathematical Olympiad and, more broadly, the field of mathematics.While the book offers an engaging overview of the Olympiad, its real strength is in its coverage of the individuals underlying the contest.

Steve Olson provides readers with an insightful and unique perspective on what type of person and abilities it takes to become a part of a Mathematical Olympiad team.Moreover, the book challenges the reader with facts and anecdotes related to the roles "nature" and "nurture" play in the evolution of traits such as creativity. ... Read more

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"The old civilisation of India was a concrete unity of many-sided developments in art, architecture, literature, religion, morals, and science so far as it was understood in those days. But the most important achievement of Indian thought was philosophy. It was regarded as the goal of all the highest practical and theoretical activities, and it indicated the point of unity amidst all the apparent diversities which the complex growth of culture over a vast area inhabited by different peoples produced." ... Read more

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Twelve-year-old Kalman Gabriel wrote to hundreds of famous -- and infamous -- people to find out what kind of advice for life they would impart upon him.The response was overwhelming.Over two hundred people, from Mother Teresa to Mr. Rogers: from Ray Bradbury and Scott Turow to Naomi Judd and Drew Barrymore, responded to Kalman's letters.Leona Helmsley told Kalman, "Persevere," while Elie Weisel advised, "Study. Read. Share." Kalman's files are compulsively readable and infinitely quotable. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

That kid has got ambition!
hey!i just wanted to say that i really enjoyed "dear kalman".what a clever idea to write to so many people!it's so interesting to read the inspirational advice from such a diverse group of people.i think everyone should check this book out!

I love this book!
How any 12 year old came up with this innovative idea is really attractive.I found the responses really warm,and was picturing kalman reading them in his bedroom! I couldn't put this book down, not even for ahot second! Definitely check out the back flap and if you get bored, readsome of the book too.

GREAT BOOK GET IT!
I know this book must've required a lot of time and effort to publish, and it shows. This is a great book and has advice for everyone. Definitely get it, it's worth the money.

Good Friend
I know the author. Infact, he is one of my best friends. I have seen him working on this book, and how hard he tried. This is a great book, and the advice will last forever.

Wise nuggets mixed with humor makes good reading.
The wide scope of the authors responses is impressive. Interesting to note that many politicians seem to write in a similar vein. There is great advice on every page for someone, while most responses may not even applyto us. Like a parking spot, we often only need one. ... Read more

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In a healthy, meaningful, and enriching education, teachers and students treasure, celebrate, and nurture themselves and each other. Helping Kids Hope describes one teacher's efforts to learn, and to teach in this way. ... Read more

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Getting Our Kids Back on Track is a no-nonsense guide for achieving academic success written by an acclaimed expert in the study of motivation and achievement in children. In this indispensable resource, author Janine Bempechat claims that the so-called self-esteem movement has actually worked to undermine academic excellence in our nation's schools. As an alternative, she offers parents clear-cut advice and details step by step how to create a structured, predictable, and consistent home environment that will inspire children to reach their full intellectual potential.

Amazon.com Review
A highly readable and practical guide to achieving that delicate balance of academic excellence and high self-esteem, Getting Our Kids Back onTrack is a realistic look at today's families and their frustrations intrying to "do it all." Full of stories from all kinds of families, examplesabound of different parenting styles, teaching methods, and children'spersonalities. None of these is presented as being "right" or "wrong"--butthe author doesn't hesitate to offer suggestions. From homework battles tooverbooked sports activities, everyday occurrences are examined andquestioned: is it necessary, for example, to spend four hours each dayshuttling kids to sports practice, or is there a better way of spendingthat time? Topics are relevant from kindergarten through the teens, andtend to focus on clear communication and regular examination of prioritiesto help families stay on track.For quick reference, author JanineBempechat includes an appendix of questions that relate to eachchapter--questions to ask both yourself and your children's teachers. WhileBack on Track is an excellent starting place for longer dialogues,there are no quick answers to questions like "How much importance am Iplacing on my children's education relative to other activities in theirlives?" and "What do you think are my children's strengths, and how do youthink I can encourage their development in those areas?" Still, the storiesare warm and humorous, and the book as a whole is encouraging. --JillLightner ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great book!
A very helpful and enjoyable read.The stories really helped to bring the book into the context of our daily lives.It was easy to relate to many of the families in the book...and Bempechat's advice was reasonable and easyto follw.She didn't make the reader feel like there was an absolute"right and wrong" way, but points out some of the pitfalls we, asparents, all find ourselves in when trying to motivate our children inschool.

Great book!
A very helpful and enjoyable read.The stories really helped to bring the book into the context of our daily lives.It was easy to relate to many of the families in the book...and Bempechat's advice was reasonable and easyto follw.She didn't make the reader feel like there was an absolute"right and wrong" way, but points out some of the pitfalls we, asparents, all find ourselves in when trying to motivate our children inschool.

A Very Helpful and Entertaining Book for Parents
This book is wonderfully informative and entertaining.Bempechat speaks in language accessible to all parents about the struggles we all face trying to do the best for our kids' education.Her anecdotes andsuggestions for dealing with everyday problems, such as homework, are righton the mark.Not at all preachy, Bempechat urges that we think about whatworks best for us and our families, to help us help our kids do well inschool.A must read! ... Read more

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Over 150 creative craft and art activities for children ages three to nine years old. Laurie Carlson has captured the joy of creating while introducing the basics of working with paper and paste, clay and dough, printmaking, sculpture, and various other techniques. Includes time guides and degree of difficulty levels. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great beginners projects
This book was good for holding the attention of both my 3 year old daughter and 10 year old son, I especially liked the clay projects and have incorporated my own spin on them for crafty ideas for decorations around the home from learning. Great if you are just starting out with your children doing arts & crafts.

great reference!
This is an excellent book to have as a reference regardless of your children's ages.It has wonderful recipes for doughs/paints/etc & lots of useful general info about crafting with kids.It also has lots of ideas for classic crafts- the kinds you did in school or VBS when you were a child before everything came in a kit from Oriental Express.

ART BOOK
I am a preschool teacher and purchased this book to look for new and exciting projects to teach my class. I was VERY pleased to all the creative ideas this book contained.

More than a kids' "busybook"
The craft instructions in this book are indeed easy, fun, cheap to do (etc) for kids. But the best part was the discussion in the back of the book on appropriate levels of creative projects for kids of different ages. It clearly outlined what attention span and dexterity level you should expect from kids of different ages. And it had useful advice for adults on how to make the project fun for kids; not just push the child to produce an "aesthetically ideal" finished project. That unanticipated inclusion in the book made it really stand out for me.

Awonderful anthology of craft ideas for kids of all ages!
Kids Create! is an excellent collection that uses various mediums and can apply to children with varied artistic ability.I am a 6th grade art teacher, and I purchased the book after borrowing it from the library. There are too many wonderful ideas to let it slip away!My studentsespecially love Carlson's collection of sculpting projects. ... Read more