I'd like to thank all of you for reading my blog. Whether this is the first time you're visiting my site, or you have been reading my posts for a while, I just want to let you know that I really appreciate your support.
I know how busy people are these days, especially moms. There are so many blogs out there and I know it's hard to find the ones that apply the most to you personally. That's why I decided that I needed to take time out to explain the individual categories of my blog.
Here they are:
This subject is of particular importance to me, because I feel that if we ever hope to achieve world peace, we must start in our own homes. We can help our children to better understand the meaning of peace, diversity, tolerance, and global awareness through: everyday interactions with family members and friends, discussion of current events, examination of world maps and photographs of faraway places, and the reading of high quality children's literature. Here you will find such resources and strategies.
I firmly believe that children need to be exposed to all kinds of art, especially photographs of people and places that they may never have a chance to visit. One simple picture, for example, can help children to learn how to become critical thinkers. They can learn a lot about themselves and the world through art.
So, even though I'm by no means a professional photographer, and my photos are meant for parents (mainly moms), it is my hope that they will bring you some peace. If parents are more at peace, then their children will be as well.
I'd like to dedicate this category to my sister, who died at way too young an age, who was an amazing photographer and most of all, a wonderful person. She had a heart of gold, and I will always carry a piece of her in my heart.
My two amazing children, StrawberryGirl and GreenGuy, are really the heart and soul of this entire blog. Here I share books that they enjoyed in the past, while also mentioning books that are on their list for the future.
Many parents seem to think that once their children are reading independently, they no longer have to be read aloud to or taken to the library. I've personally learned that even an avid reader can become a reluctant reader without parental support, especially between the ages of 10 and 14.
There are so many books out there, just waiting to be found! Please help your child to seek out ones that she or he will enjoy the most.
This category contains healthy recipes and eco-friendly products and links. I believe that the green movement is the one cause that should truly unite all of us. If we all make small changes in our lives, all those changes will add up to a lot and will help us all.
It's so important to make informed choices these days. We all have a right to breathe clean air, to drink pure water, and to eat food that's not produced with pesticides and chemicals. If we do not make our consumer voices heard, we may not have access to any of these things. Please make sure your family does its part.
Parents are so busy these days, and need all the inspiration they can get. If you're having a bad day, here you can find music, poems, and other resources to help you refocus and hopefully end the day on a positive note.
I also will add posts about more serious issues, such as internet safety, into this category.
This is a rather large category because I decided not to make separate categories for each subject. For example, you'll find a lot of math resources here (not anymore, see note below...), but they also apply to language arts and possibly social studies. That's why I am keeping them all in this one spot. There are so many wonderful picture books that integrate a variety of subjects, and teachers and parents can really help their children to become critical thinkers by surrounding them with such resources.
Please note that as of 7/11/09, I have moved all of the math related books into a separate category. You can find them at the Math Resources category.
There are so many beautifully illustrated and/or photographed informational resources out there, which I believe to be the best alternative to the often "dry" textbook material children are often exposed to. Teachers do not always have time to research the best of these nonfiction picture books, and parents can supplement learning with them.
Nonfiction picture books can help all ages of children to understand important concepts in a clear, concise, and creative way. Please note that there currently are not too many posts here yet, because I have put many of these books into the "Diversity/Tolerance/Global Awareness" Category.
Here I share everything I have learned as a parent and as a teacher over the years. What I've found is that families are so busy these days that reading for pleasure has become an afterthought in many homes. I believe that readers are made, not born, and that every child can become an avid reader with parental support. You are welcome to share your own thoughts and experiences on this all important subject.
I recently added this category because we all need a backup plan for rainy days!
I think this category explains itself, but I will add a giveaway policy to the site when I get a chance.
Please keep in mind that this blog represents a culmination of the knowledge I've acquired over the years as a parent, and as a teacher (currently not in practice). Since I also am a licensed certified public accountant (also not currently in practice), my experience in this field has also shaped who I am today, and affects my writing as well.
I have learned so much over the years, especially from children, that I felt compelled to start writing. It was always my goal to become a writer, and now I feel that I finally have so much to say to the world. I certainly do not feel that my ideas are the only ones that matter, though. My hope is that this blog becomes more of a conversation than a lecture! That's why, if you are enjoying my posts, all I can ask in return is for you to share your thoughts, feedback, and questions, by making comments.
This blog is about the world as I see it, but I want to know how you see it, too! I hope you come along for the ride.
So, I will conclude by asking, which category can you relate to the most, and why? What would you like to see me write more about?
