Kidsfreesouls Editor Blog:Newspaper for kids with Resources for Parents and Teachers

Chit Chat on Facebook - Check your Teen's Privacy Controls

2011-12-22T06:13:00.000-08:00

Predators crawl on the web everywhere waiting for naive kids and teenagers to introduce themselves. Especially, if your children are on 'Facebook' hanging for hours playing games or chatting with friends, it's a red alert to be aware, beware!

Social networking sites appeal to kids and teenagers, mostly because they encompass so many of the online tools and entertainment activities that they know, love and talk over with friends. These networks provide a centralized control center to access real-time and asynchronous communication features, blogging tools, photo, music and video sharing features, and the ability to post original creative work – all linked to a unique profile that can be customized and updated on a regular basis.

My recent observations with children who are active on Facebook and the parental concern who complain about their child's activity on web, call for Privacy matters that matter the most!

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids

November - Geography Awareness Month and Fairyland Project

2011-11-04T23:30:00.000-07:00

November - a Geography Awareness Month and it can be quick to find Kidsfreesouls on the Google map here. Kids can sort to find different places on Google Maps or in an Atlas and all the geographical locations, etc. Make a Project on Asia, Europe etc. Make sheets on geographic locations, rivers, religions, costumes, languages,

Even surf National Geographic and Make your country-town map (Map Maker Interactive) - Find and explore National Geographic website as it celebrates National Geographic week from November 13-19. Explore your own Communities and learn about people, places and interconnection of the world. flags, etc.

At Kidsfreesouls Project, you can find National Geographic Awareness Month and also Book Week celebration that is held every November at Swagat Children Library. Story telling is a gateway into the heart of a child and I'm sure many of the tiny toddlers would like to listen to a story before they sleep. As we held Story telling sessions, you send us your paintings/Posters related to stories like Hansel Gretel, Red Riding Hood, etc. for Pasteboardon Kidsfreesouls. Also find Story Projects atFairyland and await a surprize for a new story coming soon on these pages !

Here is November Month Projects for Kids. Also view the past Projects that you can take in classrooms.

ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for kids

Cloud Computing, Environment and Google...

2011-10-21T09:53:00.000-07:00

Did you know?

Google, which has been carbon neutral since 2007, has been a real leader in the building of green data centers, even powering them with renewable energy.

The environmental impact of so much online time really boils down to energy usage, which in turn affects the amount of greenhouse gases we pump into our atmosphere. For one, each of us can help by limiting computer time (whether surfing the ‘net or not) and shutting them down or putting them into sleep mode when we aren’t using them (this can be automated via the computer’s power management control panel).

Indeed, we miss out on such things and most of the people join for a cause on Facebook to save environment!

The time is for 'Cloud Computing' too - Gujarat Government is amongst the first few to adopt the Cloud Computing technology and if you ask me, what is Cloud Computing, I can just quick mention a few Characteristics of Cloud Computing here:

Virtual: Software, database, Web servers, operating systems, storage and networking as virtual servers.

Incremental Scalability: Cloud environments allow users to access additional compute resources on demand in response to increased application loads.

Agility: As a shared resource, the cloud provides flexible, automated management to distribute the computing resources among the cloud's users.

Reliability and Fault-Tolerance: Cloud environments take advantage of the built-in redundancy of the large numbers of servers that make them up by enabling high levels of availability and reliability for applications that can take advantage of this.

Service-oriented: The cloud is a natural home for service-oriented applications, which need a way to easily scale as services get incorporated into other applications.

Utility-based: Users only pay for the services they use, either by subscription or transaction-based models.

Shared: By enabling IT resources to be consolidated, multiple users share a common infrastructure, allowing costs to be more effectively managed without sacrificing the security of each user's data.

SLA-driven: Clouds are managed dynamically based on service-level agreements that define policies like delivery parameters, costs, and other factors.

APIs: Because clouds virtualize resources as a service they must have an application programming interface (API).

I am not an Expert but my research on Cloud Computing go indepth. You can read more on Cloud Computing here. Meanwhile, visit the Environment Column Q & A and find the answer how Google, Facebook, and Amazon.com are already deeply committed to the cloud computing model, with Microsoft, Yahoo and others following suit accordingly.

In Environment column:

What is the environmental impact of so many people now using sites like Facebook and spending so much time online?- Bob Yearling, Paris, TX

The environmental impact of so much online time really boils down to energy usage, which in turn affects the amount of greenhouse gases we pump into our atmosphere. For one, each of us can help by limiting computer time (whether surfing the ‘net or not) and shutting them down or putting them into sleep mode when we aren’t using them (this can be automated via the computer’s power management control panel).

Also, when shopping for a new computer, consumers and businesses alike can opt for models certified by .............

Stay connected and follow the Environment Column - almost Every week with new Question and Answer.

- ilaxi patel

Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com

Newspaper for kids

2011-10-04T01:46:00.000-07:00

Children are like wet cement - Not really! In fact, they do not slip but today's tech savvy kids tend to rise and shine! As parents and teachers need a change over - "Think not what you can teach the kids, just think, what they can teach you" and kids almost prove their point when they are well equipped with information and 'Know it all'.Technology is the new wave generation and sometimes, we tend to be too over protective and we should. At the same time, explore with them and share and learn together the way of the web. We ourselves sharpen our skills while they frankly tell us what they do on Facebook or just share their skills on what innovative skills they've possessed while

they blog or fiddle with the search engines. They ego surf - their names, friends and family - even their schools or just 'Feel Good' to find their Project links.

Recently, my Swagat Kids made me explore amazingly to what they surfed with the name 'kidsfreesouls' - They took me to Google Search and got to Mr.Doobs Google Chrome Projects - Sphere and Gravity. They beamed with laughter as they searched 'Kidsfreesouls' and even had fun exploring Gujarat StateCM's name 'Narendra Modi' - Children, indeed are too innocent when it comes to talking to them about Politics and would pour their hearts and dabble all they know, heard and experienced around them. For them, the CM of Gujarat means 'Development Engine' as they find the city Infrastructure fast changing and what matters most to them is 'Inspiration' - Well, Check these sites and have fun as much fun I had sharing knowledge with them.

- ilaxi patel

Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com

Newspaper for Kids

Tech savvy kids took me to MrDoobs Projects

2011-09-26T03:17:00.000-07:00

Technology is the new wave generation and sometimes, we tend to be too over protective and we should. At the same time, explore with them and share and learn together the way of the web. We ourselves sharpen our skills while they frankly tell us what they do on Facebook or just share their skills on what innovative skills they've possessed while they blog or fiddle with the search engines. They ego surf - their names, friends and family - even their schools or just 'Feel Good' to find their Project links.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com

Newspaper for kids

Kids Blogs - why make student blogs, tips and more..

2011-09-12T23:52:00.000-07:00

WHY MAKE STUDENT BLOGS? | Blog Making Tips | Make a Blog

Swagat Children Library aims to Improve Student Literacy and Creativity. Always a step ahead in Creative Activities, with Technology shaping up lives of Children with Social Networking on a rise, I have opted for Student Blogs to help children to use Social Networking sites like 'Facebook' in a constructive way. My approach is to encourage and inspire children for 'Any time, Any where Learning' and enable learning and assistance outside of Swagat Library hours.

Times have changed and we need to motivate our children to use Internet positively and with moms/teachers, explore to boost knowledge sharing platform.Swagat Children get a chance to display their work to +190 countries through Kidsfreesouls Global Network.

Here is a glimpse into Blog Preparations that I conduct for my students. I am sure, this will help many parents and teachers to help children for preparation to new generation computing on the web. Do give me your feedback, drop in your comment mails or ask a question and I shall be pleased to hear from you. You may even explore Swagat Children Library Page and visit Kids Blogs. Enjoy.

- ilaxi patel

Newspaper for Kids
www.kidsfreesouls.com

Vishwaraj Jadeja shares his sports journey with Swagat Kids

2011-09-06T03:48:00.000-07:00

Few days ago, Vishwaraj Jadeja, a long track speed Skating and Ice Skating Champion, visited Swagat Children Library. He shared his Sports Journey with the children and talked about his experiences on pursuing his hobby. Children attentively listened to him and asked him a lot of questions as to his routines and how he reached this far. Apart from a lot of tips and advice, Vishwaraj told the children to concentrate on three things : Determination, dedication and hard work. Especially, he focused on Time Management and balancing sports and other academic, professional fronts. Watch the video here and his other Interviews. Kids at Swagat cherish the memories of talking to Vishwaraj and support him for a cause that he would hopefully participate in the upcoming 2014 Olympics in Russia for which, he is even looking for Sponsorers. Out there, anybody interested may sponsor Vishwaraj, a gujarati boy who makes it big in Holland, Denmark and reach fame internationally. Vishwaraj has received the highest 'Sardar Patel Award from Gujarat State and will be the first from the nation to reach Olympics 2014 and make it big.

- Follow Vishwaraj Follow my article 'Sports skills'

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/

Newspaper for Kids

Freedom comes from within

2011-08-14T23:36:00.000-07:00

Are we really Free? Economically, socially, Politically, Culturally? Well, the answer lies within your heart and the mind rules! It's all about 'perspectives' - If we ever see the brighter side of things, we see the sun and horizons but if we see the negatives, we sure apt to end up finding a lot of negatives and faults...that's all human minds.

Whatever grudges people have for India, I Love my India, I love my Gujarat and a day is not far what our scriptures and even nostradamus predicted - India will be a Super Power one day.

India, the Land of Legends (Free), proudly stand independent and as we commemorate the nation on its Anniversary of Independence/Republic Day, Kids Free Souls salutes all those immortal souls for their gallant undying contribution for the cause of the freedom.

- India Independence Day Mahatma Gandhi Rabindranath Tagore

- ilaxi patel
Editor, Kidsfreesouls.com
Kids Newspaper

Happy Friendship Day

2011-08-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Friendship Day - (First Sunday in August)

Friendship is the intensity of the love that leaves behind trails of sweet memories to cherish the core of life giving a whole new meaning to it. The enigma of friendship strengthens with the bonds of relationships so unique which is unselfish, intimate, pure and beautiful. Learning to appreciate, speak out on issues, Listening, confide and sharing secrets, meeting of wavelengths and such deeper corners are focused for a caring friendly relationship with the people you love most.

Friendship Day - Joys of Friendship, Friendship Recipe, quotes

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for kids

Harry Potter at Science City IMAX' 3D

2011-07-18T07:42:00.000-07:00

Banned Books and a lot is said about Harry Potter! HP books promotes witch craft as mentioned them to be inappropriate for Catholic schools.

Here's the banned list:

Harry Potter Series:

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's stone

These books were to ban out of the school libraries, based on a claim they promote witchcraft. The themes of witchcraft and sorcery were inappropriate for a Catholic school. A county school board members said the books were good tools to encourage children to read and to spark creativity and imagination.

Well, with the new movie being screened at Science City in Ahmedabad with the 3D effect, the craze is on. More, experience the Harry Potter (Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows- Part 2) in IMAX 3D with Sweepstakes tickets to win - Enter for your chance to win posters from all six Harry Potter IMAX releases, a Snitch Clock, the Harry Potter Film Wizardry book from Harper Collins, a Harry Potter IMAX t-shirt, and IMAX tickets.

I think the movie sadly fails to impress! The final chapter begins as Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue their quest of finding and destroying the Dark Lord's three remaining Horcruxes, the magical items responsible for his immortality. But as the mystical Deathly Hallows are uncovered, and Voldemort finds out about their mission, the biggest battle begins and life as they know it will never be the same again.

You can read the synopsis here and maybe you like the thickening plot. Too much complicated and I think, far beyond to enjoy a theme like this by kids in India when most of the children hardly have formed the habit of reading and just hooked to watching hindi movies and cartoon channels. Maybe some exceptions, can't say but sure, they would be exceptional kids.

If you know kids who've watched the movie at Science City, do get them to write the reviews and submit to Kidsfreesouls.com -I shall be pleased to put it on site for other kids to read. Btw, find Harry Potter stamps online. Enjoy.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/

Newspaper for Kids

Fathering : Dads choosing to be hands-on, hearts-on fathers

2011-06-18T04:52:00.000-07:00

"Be kind to thy father, for when thou were young,
Who loved thee so fondly as he?
He caught the first accents that fell from thy tongue,
And joined in thy innocent glee."
-- Margaret Courtney

Joys of Fathering see no boundaries as being a Father itself is an emotional feeling from the day the child is born - a feeling of love, compassion, possession. A feeling of nurturing and protection. And these days, we find many Dads choosing to be hands-on, hearts-on fathers than ever before - Children are blessed with the love and care of a Dad who guides them to climb the steps of their life slowly and steadily. Father's Day is about honoring father and celebrating fatherhood, parenting influence and love to care. A Father is 'Role Model' and here's 9 ways that may help Dads to stand by Moms in bringing Kids Gracefully and helps kids manage their workplace with a positive rewarding experience.

Here's quotes for you to add to your Father's Day Card and a print out to fill up 'Dad's Day Report Card' - He's sometimes more than a mother who unconditionally love you and as Robert Frost says, " “You don’t have to deserve your mother’s love. You have to deserve your father’s. He’s more particular.”

Happy Father's Day to all Dads on the web!

- Father's Day Dad's Report Card Dad Tips

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids

Back to school - Follow Kidsfreesouls & Swagat Children Library to Create a Genius in your child

2011-06-01T06:47:00.000-07:00

Back to School in June and it's time to Create a Genius in your Child!

Month of May had been too busy at Swagat Children Library with Reading sessions and Activities. Children enjoyed writing Book Reviews, Archie Day, Carry a Poetry in your Bag and got inspired with Color Paste session with exhibition of childrens' drawings and paintings. The last fun activity this month will be Coloring Competition and Poster making. Followed by this, a Debate Session and in comes suggestions for topics like, "Should kids carry fancy things to school?" and "What do you think should be the first month activity at school?"

Mid June, a session on Goal setting has been decided where Children will jot down their Goals for this academic year. Focused on overall development, kids at Swagat look forward for an informative, educative and fun filled activities round the year this year as Registrations Open for this June-May 2011 yearly members. To know more, follow the Swagat Page.

Well, here's June Projects for kids:

Back to School : Make Sticker Labels. Select Stickers from Kidsfreesouls and make Labels to stick to new book. Just click to Kidsfreesouls Student Assignment Google site, print the sheet, cut the labels and stick on the book. You can also find more on Stickers page here.

Get back to School pages here and Set up your Goals. Write down your Goals and what you would like to achieve by end of this academic year.

World Environment Day on 5th June. Make this an Environment Month. Make Environment Project - Write, draw and color environment pics, make poster with trees, etc. and write How can you help to Save environment. You may also plant trees, do gardening, collect leaves and add to Scrap book and write on them, make poems on trees and more.

You can explore Environment pages on Kidsfreesouls and make your own Earth Talk Q & A Project Book. Click right click and save the pictures and stick to your project and add the Q & A in short.

Finally, follow the simple rules of better Handwriting and tips on Homework Hassles or How to work Smart in classroom and at Home.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/

Newspaper for Kids

Summer fun - Welcome to Kidsfreesouls Fairyland

2011-05-16T23:44:00.000-07:00

Summer Activity in May - Welcome to Fairyland! Once upon a time....Thus begins the tale and right away, from those first few words, one's heart warms in anticipation of fantastic wonders and the unexpected, the end! There are wonderful fairy tales all around the world and fairy tale writers have just charmed, not only the children but adults too. There are still insufficient stories to satisfy the need of children for fresh stories. Hence, here's Fairy Land - with the old and new tales - for you, me and us.

It's said, "Fairy tales are fiction, yet hold a hint or two, That no bold hero dare deem untrue."

A child may be reading or Listening - Grimm's tales with the enchanting stories so popular, to name a few like the Hansel & Gretel, Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Rumpelstiltskin, Cinderalla, Sleeping Beauty. Or, whichever the Story reads.

Read More:

Fairyland Stories Fairy Fantasy Fairy Quiz

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Kids Newspaper
Author of Guardian of Angels

Access to safe and clean water a “human right" - In Environment Q & A

2011-04-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

This week's Environment column speaks of 2009 World Health Organization and UNICEF study found that 24,000 children in developing countries die each day (one every three-and-a-half seconds) from preventable causes like diarrhea resulting from polluted water.) In 2010, United Nations (UN) agreed to a new resolution declaring the human right to “safe and clean drinking water and sanitation.”

In many rural villages in Gujarat, improved access to Water is about more than having something to drink, access to Water, Improves Quality of Life for Women and Children, Getting Water to Crops, and Slow and Steady Irrigation works wonders. There has been improved sanitation facilities for women and girls. Gujarat rural areas are developing with the bare necessities and more, Educating the women who learn to be literate and stop the drop out ratio which stand 58% amonst children going to school.

A worth read digging to Earth Talk Q & A:

Recently the UN voted to declare access to safe and clean water a “human right.” Isn’t that a no-brainer? What are the ramifications of this declaration? - P. James, Boston, MA

A 2009 World Health Organization and UNICEF study found that 24,000 children in developing countries die each day (one every three-and-a-half seconds) from preventable causes like diarrhea resulting from polluted water. Pictured. An Ethiopian girl drinks water from a newly-installed hand pump.

Were Japan to close all its nuclear plants following the recent damage and radiation leaks from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, what could its energy mix look like? Would it be able to provide all of its power in other ways? - Richard Miller, New York, NY

Japan would be hard pressed to close all of its 54 nuclear reactors anytime soon, especially given that these plants provide over a third of the nation’s electricity supply and 11 percent of its total energy needs.

- In Environment column

ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for kids

Leave your footprints - Readers Survery for Kidsfreesouls.com

2011-04-14T05:28:00.000-07:00

Blowing your trumpet? Yes, it do make sense sometimes. Why, you would say and here is my logic. When it is a 'Feel Good' Factor, we work hard to scale to success. Towards the path of achievement, in comes the hurdles but Kidsfreesouls has experienced ins and outs, ups and downs - a journey since years while I wrote 'Freesouls' in Sambhaav and still continue to write @ kidsfreesouls.com. While I searched my articles in Way Back Machine as I gave Internet lessons to my Kids Blogger 'Tulsa', here comes the form for all my readers to fill up and let me know where Kidsfreesouls stand! 90% new visits to Kidsfreesouls comes from Search Engines, next is Direct visits and rest is Referred visits.

50% elementary, middle- and high-school teachers and librarians
30% parents and grandparents of kids ages 3-17
20% kids ages 6-17

Did you Like Kidsfreesouls.com? Well, you know the answer. Stay tuned and help Kidsfreesouls be a better destination for Kids, Parents and Teachers on the Internet Super Highway:-) Please do fill up the form - Or fill up here too. Thanks for your support.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids

Carry a Poem in your Pocket on 16th April 2011.

2011-03-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

April and it's all about Poetry - National Poetry Month. Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is more 'Learning Poetry, Writing Poetry.' How to Write a Poetry session can be taken in classrooms and children can select their own topics on like, writing poetry with names of all animals, colors, places or maybe on what they'd like to be, etc. Know the words, build vocabulary and learn how to rhyme. Here's on Learning Poetry. They can also make a scrap book and write their fav poems or pin up poetry charts on soft board of their classroom/bedroom/study room.

This year, children at Swagat will have a Poem in your Pocket Day as 16th April 2011. Wondering what is this? Well, the idea is to write and carry a poetry in the pocket and share with friends, teachers, parents and anybody they would love to recite. Pin it up on paste board at home or at Library and even supportive to this, draw or dribble in their scrap books and have fun with rhyme and words. Sounds Interesting? Try it and it sure is fun and learning! Do share your poetry with us and I will love to put it on Your Poetry Page on Kidsfreesouls.

- ilaxi patel

Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/ Newspaper for Kids Author of Guardian of Angels : A practical guide to Joyful Parenting

Colors of Love, colors of Life

2011-03-20T03:16:00.000-07:00

Here comes Holi and its Colors of Love, colors of Life. It's time to paint the town red and spread the message of love - colors fill live with beauty and leave lasting impressions on minds. Your liking for different colors reveal your moods and personality. Check this out and Paint the town Red with Kidsfreesoul ideas - Happy Holi - Enjoy! Keep the Faith!

- ilaxi patel

Editor, Kidsfreesouls.com

Newspaper for Kids

Les Miserables - novel in Literature class

2011-02-25T00:49:00.000-08:00

Born on February 26, Victor Hugo is one of most known author whose work 'Les Miserables' is used in Literature class. Victor Hugo said: ‘‘I condemn slavery, I banish poverty, I teach ignorance, I treat disease, I lighten the night, and I hate hatred. That is what I am, and that is why I have written Les Misérables.’’ The novel is a critical statement against human suffering, poverty, and ignorance. Its purpose is as much political as it is artistic. Les Miserables is the story of four people. Bishop Myriel, Jean Valjean, Famine, and Marius Pontmercy, who meet, part, then meet again during the most agitated decades of nineteenth-century France. It also tells the story of the 1832 revolution and describes the unpleasant side of Paris. The novel is in essence a plea for humane treatment of the poor and for equality among all citizens. A must read and if not, watch the movie and it really gives thorough understanding. Watch the movie trailor and find the profile of Victor Marie Hugo

ilaxi patel

Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/

Kids Newspaper

Author of Guardian of Angels

Rhyme with a reason - Auden's Poetry

2011-02-20T02:19:00.000-08:00

Schooling years are the best when children learn Literature. The Literature Projects aim for understanding English Literature and know the poets and authors. Children can be encouraged to draw the Character Sketch of the Literature Profile and learn the poems - the rhyming and rhyme schemes by providing them vocabulary of words that rhyme. Later on, teach them how to write poetry. Well, W.H. Auden was born on 20th February, an English born poet who was born in York, England, in 1907 (20th Feb). He made a remarkable contribution and best known for variety of his works W.H. Auden has written the best ballads, blues, limericks, sonnets, nonsense verse, oratorios, free verse, librettos (words) for operas and dramas. Find the Profile and use in Classroom February Projects.

Btw, Read my Book 'Guardian of Angels' and my poetry in poetry pages. Enjoy.

- ilaxi patel

Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/

Newspaper for Kids

Valentine - make happy, stay happy, stay cool.

2011-02-14T00:43:00.000-08:00

February Project highlights were missed but I am sure, many of you have found the February Projects and Valentine pages on Kidsfreesouls - Nothing new, however, much to surf around and help children to understand what Valentine is all about. When I had sessions of Valentine Day Project in the classroom, kids love to draw the heart, exchange chocolates, find significance of flowers, bird myths, know gods and goddesses of love, love symbols, etc and even gather the Valentine messages. As parents, we do understand the feelings of our children and as they grow up, the butterflies bugging them to have the crush or the infatuation, often failing them to know what is love! Surfing through the web, we encounter friends, some cool, some familiar, some aloof, some near and some far. Message flows and soon everything freezes as time pass by - often its crush, infatuation or flirting. Well, its all to care for a smooth sailing relationship, soft heart but no broken hearts and make happy, stay happy, stay cool.

Happy Valentine's Day to all friends whom I met all through a phase of over 20 years. God bless.
- Valentine pages
- Valentine Projects for Kids
- February Calendar

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids

Rich flavours of Harmony? Republic Day

2011-01-25T05:56:00.000-08:00

26th January - Republic Day. The rich tradition and culture of India reflects India’s true blends of rich flavours of harmony. The Independent India is a struggle for freedom. India became a Republic and the constitution came into force on January 26, 1950. As you can read further and find the India Page on Kidsfreesouls.com, here's the info on The Political Model of The Constitution :

The Political Model – The constitution pledge to solemnly resolve to constitute India into a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic and secure to all citizens its rights:

The Political Model - The Constitution

The constitution :

We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic and to secure to all its citizens:

*Justice, social, economic and political

*Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship

*Equality of status and of opportunity and to promote among them all

*Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation

In our Constituent Assembly this twenty sixth day of November 1949, Do Hereby Adopt, Enact and give to ourselves this Constitution.

The constitution of India was originally written in English. A hindi translation was issued on January 24, 1950.

Happy Republic Day.

Btw, find the new Book of M J Akbar ' Tinderbox: The Past and Future of Pakistan' and stay tuned to the M J blog as I keep updating the same.

- ilaxi patel

Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids

Stuttering Stan goes Digital

2011-01-18T02:05:00.000-08:00

Stuttering Stan goes Digital - Artie Knapp's stories are amazing and if used in classrooms, can be inspiring and provide moral values to children. His Stuttering Stan story goes Digital and you can now read, view and listen to the story here as well as flip pages as you like. Log to Fairyland and enter Artie Knapp's Story corner on Kidsfreesouls to find Stuttering Stan. Let your children read along with you. Enjoy.

- Fairyland Stuttering Stan - Artie Knapp's corner

2011 Calendar - Grimms Fairy Tales

2011-01-04T01:55:00.000-08:00

January is a Month of Universal Letter Writing Week, Writing Quotes and collecting Grimm's Fairy Tales. You can download the 2011 Calendar here and check in every month for events. Btw, 4th January is marked for Grimm's Fairy Tales and the two Grimm Brothers ( Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm) are remembered for pouring in dreams to the kids world. Grimm fairy tales include stories of Kings, magic, and talking animals. Even though the stories are sometimes scary, fairy tales pave in way for fear to cool down and often teach children moral lessons of human values and guiding light to right or wrong. Some of my favorite stories ever are:

1. Hansel & Gretel
2. Red Riding Hood
3. Snow White
4. Rumpelstiltskin
5. Cinderalla
6. Sleeping Beauty

Many more and I am sure, the list goes long for you too as we all cherish the yester year memories of being a child and reading the wonderful stories. Step into Kidsfreesouls Fairy Land and pop up some moral lessons as you read the stories that teach moral values. Click for Resources pages for more wonderful sites for children and find stories are National Geographic website too.

-2011 Calendar here

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids

1.1.11 - Happy New Year

2011-01-01T04:02:00.000-08:00

1.1.11 - The first day of the year 2011 begins with four ones and November will have a unique 11.11.11 - Now, what I think is, why can't we have something unique that can adorn our lifestyle in this new year 2011. I asked for some ideas and my children promptly charted out their Resolutions for 2011. The list went long but they settled to follow the Resolutions that require most to change their Personality or call it - Identity. They chose 'smart working' lifestyle. They resolved to be patient, focused and aim for perfection. Above all, kids have chosen 2011 as the year for Reading and being focused. Kidsfreesouls convey a message to Encourage Reading and share book reviews. Even if you wish, Donate books to Swagat Children Library! Any children books, education or reference books are acceptable. Kids would love to read them and share their reading experiences. Since 1991, Kidsfreesouls has received books from well wishers and ghost donors too. Follow Swagat Page and stay tuned.

Kidsfreesouls wishes all a very Happy New Year 2011....Listen to the New Year Song and follow Resolutions page.

Swagat Children Library Kids read

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids

Build Arks for Future...Farewell 2010 - Welcome 2011

2010-12-30T04:26:00.000-08:00

Farewell 2010 - Welcome 2011 - Ring out the old, ring in the new - Let this Year be a year of 'Silence'. It is said, Silence speaks a thousand words. Choose Life, choice is yours. Here is the time to make Resolutions - Make them right, make them firm. So, why not follow some of the Resolutions that may make a big difference. Why Silence, you can resolve to be Optimistic or spread peace. However, one thing is sure that when Resolutions are made to follow, they build a future. Build Arks of Future (In Guardian of Angels) . Let this future be yours to cherish all happiness round the year 24x7, 365 days. Enjoy, Peace be with you, me, us.

- Make Resolutions-Build Arks of Future Listen to the New Year Song Song words Robert Burns

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for kids
Author of Guardian of Angels

Jane Austen loved to ride on donkey carriage...Me too:-)

2010-12-16T05:16:00.000-08:00

Jane Austen and it's 235th Birthday celebrations on 16th December. Did you know, Jane loved to ride to town on a donkey carriage? It was given to her by her brother Edward Knight in the 1800s. Jane lived in the beautiful village of Chawton and travelled into Alton (a nearby town) by donkey and carriage to go shopping and visit friends. Jane Austen is considered the best woman author of all time, but her witty, satiric novels about everyday people living ordinary lives were unappreciated until the twentieth century. Google celebrates Jane Austen Birthday with doodle of Sense and Sensibility. Sense and Sensibility, Austen's first book, was published October 31, 1881, twelve years after she first offered it to a publisher. Thomas Egerton agreed to publish it only if Austen agreed to pay the loss. However, the reviews were good and she made £140.

Find Jane Austen Profile in Literature.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/

Newspaper for Kids

Author of Guardian of Angels

World of Literature

2010-12-11T00:38:00.000-08:00

Poets, when they are born, the parents little do they know their future. The Childhood phase passes with all the thick and thin. As the child grows up learning to climb the first steps, the first few words spoken are joy to listen. Gradually, they build their vocabulary and turn to choose their chosen activity and follow their instincts. It is here that Parents need to Nurture a genius in the child. As we find, assignments given to kids to write a poetry, like learning music, it is not a cup of tea for every child. First, they need to learn how to read, speak and write. Follows the vocabulary and learning how to write a poetry or a story. Well, more on this on the blog posts and Poetry pages. For now, step into Literature World and find John Milton and Emily Dickinson's profiles, in case you've missed.

- ilaxi patel

Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/

Newspaper for Kids
Author of Guardian of Angels

Thank You for passing by Kidsfreesouls.com

2010-11-22T23:13:00.000-08:00

Fourth Thursday in November is celebrated as ‘Thanksgiving Day’ People thank God for his blessings. People can ‘Thank’ friends, foes and anyone for the experiences, happiness and sunshine they bring into their lives

Thank You for passing by Kidsfreesouls.com

Wherever a beautiful
soul has been
there is a trail
of beautiful memories....

My readers Inspire me to keep going on Kidsfreesouls. I appreciate your Visits. Thanks:-)

Find 'How to teach children to write Thank You Notes. Btw, have you written your word? Follow this page.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids
Author of Guardian of Angels

Hi - Hello - Bonjour - Namaste - Hola......

2010-11-20T02:31:00.000-08:00

21st November is Hello Day. "HELLO" – When we say this five lettered word, it’s the sound that makes a big difference. Your voice is the inner reflexion of your soul. Every person has gifted with a voice which one can modulate with the speech styles. The voice is the power within you. It has powers that make a person fall in love with you. Close your eyes and listen to the smooth husky flowing voice of ‘George Michael’ or a close friend and you can feel the calm like a breath of fresh air! Listen to the musical sensation of Ricky Martin’s ‘Cup of Life’ and one can feel the rush of excitement in life. Listen to the bold voice of late PM Rajiv Gandhi and you are sure to feel the concerns finding yourself in the midst of a debate getting aggressive and confident. A voice can make one ready for a battle of words which can calm and seduce, provoke or silence, thrill and charge or can be electrifying. Voice has a special depth of thoughts and can influence your whole life as well as others. When you say ‘Hello’ the sound is like tinkling bell when you say it with softness and deep feeling but if you are harsh with your words, this means you are not towards the right track to road ahead of success. Words spoken with intelligence, words spoken with soft feelings, words spoken with understanding has an impact on the other with the voice powers. If you observe people talking, you can find the characteristics of the person which can master you with ‘mind reading’. Voice can get you hired or fired or promoted too. A voice can make friends or foes. A voice bring love back into your life and a voice can make your work loads lighter when you are on hieghts of your job and the work stress is higher. A Free Soul Friend Siddharth says " Voice is like a calm breeze which builds the faith and brings in the peace of mind." Vivek puts it this way that a voice should be pleasant that a person keeps talking to you but it also depends on one’s identity otherwise you are sure to be rejected with a bang of the receiver if you just call someone and say ‘Hi’. However this depends on the way you start your say, so he beams. Rohan too supports Vivek’s views on voice but Binal snaps back ‘Priya had a beautiful voice and talked for hours but she faced a rejection from me. What’s the point of hearing a beautiful voice when you can’t meet, says he!

Truly, Voice is a lovely gift that humans possess and as someone said "Speech is silvern, silence is gold" – Speech is Silvern but Silence speaks a thousand words and those thousand words when are accumulated comes out with an outburst, overflowing thoughts stored in the mind and than there is peace and calmness, isnt this true?

Btw, Power speak your way to Success. Find cool Kidsfreesouls tips here and stay tuned to Moms Zone - check in all my Book Articles as I update online.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids
Author of Guardian of Angels

Tolerance - on the Back Seat???

2010-11-17T02:59:00.000-08:00

16th November is International Tolerance Day. Gautam Buddha said “For hatred does not cease by hatred any time; hatred ceases by love” and when we see the world getting charged to fall apart, we find Victims of differences whose hearts are filled with hatred and their eyes flaring the fire to engulf and burn the enemy to ashes. Tolerance is on the back seat with the 21st century Gen X and as one notice, from kid to a youth, the art of ‘Let go’ finds no place to existence. Social, economic and political tensions have mounted up and its that most religions preach tolerance and tolerance is the necessary loom to knit society. Intolerance creates prejudices and bog down to fill the mind with remorse and malign thoughts where one can’t see the hay when the sun shines. Tolerance is openness to differences and that depends on self-esteem. If there is self-esteem, the threat of differences is gone and one can co-exist in harmony to others.

Read more in my article : Tolerance is on Back Seat??? Also Download Tolerance pdf and click to read 'Attitude - It makes a Big Difference apart from other related link articles.

Read my Articles on Parenting as I reframe most of the pages on Kidsfreesouls. Some of these articles appear in my Book 'Guardian of Angels: A practical guide to Joyful Parenting.'

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/

Newspaper for Kids

Witch stories - Explore Halloween's Day Page on Kidsfreesouls.com

2010-10-25T05:37:00.000-07:00

31st October is marked as Halloween's Day. The image of Witches roaming the skies with broomsticks and fear of ghosts and spirits haunt the children. However, Halloween is so much fun for children in UK, US and most parts of Northern Europe.

As you surf the page of Halloween (Mystifying myths), this mention of Witch reminds me of the story of Rupunzel. The Witch snatched away the first born child 'Rupunzel' and locked her in a big tower. Whenever the witch said, 'Rupunzel, Rupunzel, let your hair down', Rupunzel let her long golden hair down from the tower and the witch climbed up to talk to her. Later a Prince came and heard the witch. He immitated and Rupunzel let her hair down. Both of them meet and the witch did come to know about this. She brutally cut Rupunzel's hair and next time, when the Prince came, he found the witch with Rupunzel who threw him down and later, ran away with Rupunzel. Fortunately, the Prince finds her in the end and the witch dies.

I just helped two children read this story at the Sports Club Library. They had stacked too many books but when asked, both replied that they did not read any book! While encouraging them, I narrated the story showing pictures and yes, the kids read the book thoroughly after hearing the story.

Well, I guess, we need to encourage kids for reading and what other time could be - right now? Collect all books that have characters as 'witch' - Rupunzel, Black Beauty, Red Riding Hood and so on....Children love to read them and Halloween is the time to get them read books with witch characters, get halloween costumes and let it be a halloween party with red color treats and decorations.

Follow the Halloween's day Page and Encourage Reading Page on Kidsfreesouls.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids

e bike lanes - concerns for safety

2010-10-20T04:20:00.000-07:00

Some time ago, I read about bikers who gather on Sundays and even joined the walkathon with bikes! Morning exercise on open wide roads is fine but for those who are already using bikes, ask them and we know 'Traffic is a big issue and biking on roads is dangerous' - Agree? I do. I use to go for my daily bike rides when I realized the cross roads always gave me panic with the rushing AMTS buses and fast pacing cars - people overtaking from wrong way and scooterists/motor cyclists driving like a rowing, swinging boat ! All pushed me, a cyclist away to get down many a times and save my soul. I ended up using my society lanes for biking every day but this too gave me panics as cars rushed in from all lanes with great speed! Now, where do I find the bike lanes?

Safety is indeed a concern. Special cycling lanes are no more like they use to be earlier as our roads are almost tailored for one in all vehicles. Drive as you like it. Here's a question that concerns safety - Some cities—New York, Los Angeles, Seattle—make available maps of bicycle routes. The inclusion of bike routes on Google Maps has also been a boon to cyclists across the country looking for the safest and most direct routes. I wonder, when we can find such Bicycle routes in Gujarat and India?

Here's this week's Environment Questions:

Are there efforts to increase bike lanes and paths around the nation? I’d like to be able to bike more instead of drive, but I’m concerned about safety. - John Shields, Minneapolis, MN

“Around the U.S. new bike lanes and paths are all the rage, helping cash-strapped cities simultaneously green operations and trim budgets (adding bike lanes is far less costly than building new roads). Some studies have even shown that bike trails help improve nearby home values.

¿Hay alguna manera de utilizar la energía en la caca de mis perros? Tengo tres perros y mucho estiércol y querría deshacerme de esto en una manera más “verde.” - Mary C., Wallace, ID
(Is there a way to utilize the energy in my dogs’ poop? I have three dogs and lots of poop and would like to dispose of it in a “greener” manner. - Mary C., Wallace, )

“Matthew Mazzotta, armado con una beca de $4.000 del Instituto de Tecnología de Massachusetts (MIT) creó el sistema ingenioso de convertidor de caca Park Spark que utiliza caca de perro para alimentar un farol a gas que ilumina un rincón del Pacific Street Dog Park en Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Read the Question and Answers - In English In Spanish

Sometimes, as teachers, we find it difficult to explain to children on why use less vehicles and go more cycling and walking. Their arguments on road safety and their first hand information on happennings on road even give us second thoughts, How can we promote cycling? Urban living has its own gains and pains - We can only teach our children to be safe and adopt transportation for them to go to school that checks their safety.

A new program on Road safety is lately being introduced in schools by the Traffic Police - A concern, the Taffic staff needs to understand the rules first, isn't it?

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids

Festival of overcoming spiritual obstacle:Navratri

2010-10-11T08:26:00.000-07:00

Festival of Music and Dance, Navratri is nine days celebration with tenth day as Dussehra being celebrated for victory of Good over evil. Based on mythological tales, the celebrations continue with a meaning to overcome three undesirable obstacles in spiritual path. Read more on this festival in Kidsfreesouls Culture pages.

- Happy Navratri

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for kids

Green Investing - Learning about Investments that help environment

2010-10-05T00:12:00.000-07:00

Ecological crisis is exploding. Socio economic inequality, economic catastrophe and environment hazards boom, not only America but world over. There has been a growing concern over consumer demands regarding green solutions. Amidst continuous struggle to restore environment, green solutions find way to progressive world and Green Investing focus on Investing with values. Socially Responsible Investing has found way and we find, refusal to own stocks in tobacco, alcohol, gambling, weapons or nuclear energy companies. Community awareness pave its way to greener investing keeping in mind the future and the hazards that pose a threat.

You can find more in the book and explore the Environment Column at Kidsfreesouls.com with more Green Questions and Answers that tickle the mind. This week's questions (In English and Spanish) are:

What are some good resources out there for learning about investments that help the environment?- Rob Johnson, Sherman Oaks, CA

Is it now feasible to provide all of a home’s energy needs—including air conditioning—with solar power alone? If so, why hasn’t solar caught on more, particularly in U.S. “Sun Belt” states from southern California east to Florida? - Tim Douglas, Burlington, VT

Read more on Kidsfreesouls - Environment Pages. If you have any Question related to Environment, do send in your concerns.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids

>

Mahatma's Ideology on Education

2010-10-02T00:48:00.000-07:00

Born on 2nd October, 1869, Mahatma Gandhi’s Ideology on Education has ever been so inspiring as he placed importance on Observation skills. He said, "A student means one who has hunger for knowledge. True knowledge is first and foremost to know own self. To attain this, one must know literature, history, geography, mathematics and so on. A real student will pursue to learn more at every stage and dedicate himself to attain knowledge which is an unending process. One has to develop habits of observation. One would not, then, always need a multitude of teachers or rather, would look upon the world as one’s teacher and accept everything in it which is good." Gandhiji inspired the inner spirit of the nation too - all with his spirit of truth and non violence. He left us the legacy of ahimsa, love and tolerance. Today, we salute the personality and pay our respects as even the nation. Gandhiji has emphasized social awareness amongst children and follow the path of truth and do what is good and honest. Click here for Gandhiji's profile and Gandhi Quiz from his book 'My Experiments of Life'. Gandhiji's page on Kidsfreesouls has ever been the highest surfed pages through Google Search and as I keep more contents posted on this, stay tuned.

- Gandhiji's Profile & more Information

Gandhiji followed Bhagwad Gita though on Religion, he said, "Even as a tree has a single trunk but many branches and leaves, there is one religion and that is "Religion of Humanity" There can be many faiths but the essence of all religions is one, only their approaches are different."

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids

Banned Books Week

2010-09-29T04:50:00.000-07:00

September 25-October 2 - Celebrate the Freedom - freedom to Read! Observed every year in September since 1982, The American Library Association explains: “Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one's opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those viewpoints to all who wish to read them. After all, intellectual freedom can exist only where these two essential conditions are met.”

Very True, Indeed. At Kidsfreesouls, every year we celebrate Banned Books Week and even encourage kids for reading. Watch the video above with Banned Books Title and also read the Blog here on Banned Books.

- Banned Books & Encourage Reading

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids

Kidsfreesouls Google Personalized news

2010-09-27T04:01:00.000-07:00

4,000 sources to more than 50,000, and from one English edition to 72 editions in 30 languages - That's Google News, eating the cake of News Successive Years !

On September 22, 2002, Google News rolled out to all English-language readers, with a dedicated News tab on Google.com. Over the years Google has made thousands of changes to deliver more news to more users—faster, and with enhanced customization, sharing and serendipity. They've added video, local news, custom sections, scanned newspaper archives and a redesigned homepage.

As I explored Kidsfreesouls Google News Section reflects Google news pieces to be better aware and be an informed parent, teacher, kid as it features choice news pieces in Category as:

kids News
Games for Kids
schools, parents and teachers
Sci/Tech
kids Safe sites
Books
Kids Writing
world news
Recommended
Video Games
Most Popular

The latest in the series added is Video Games News. Check Kidsfreesouls Google News Section - Read Top Stories of last 8 years that appeared in Google News and Read More Kidsfreesouls Personalized News Random Updates.....

- Kidsfreesouls Google News Section

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids

Green Notes - Ozone Day

2010-09-16T05:22:00.000-07:00

Green Notes and the column dates back to 2001 when I started the Environment Page on Kidsfreesouls. Natural or man-made calamities and its Doomsday predicted! We are responsible for our own living and lifestyles. Moreover, struggle & Strife continues with War, Destruction & Nuclear Threats as years roll by unbalancing nature. 16th September is Ozone Day. "Ozone is still decreasing but just not as fast", said Mike Newchurch, associate professor at the University of Alabama and lead scientist on the study. "We are still decades away from the total ozone recovery" (Read More on Ozone Page)

Stay tuned to this section and help Save Environment, Save Mother Earth.

- Find Environment Pages and Related resources

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids

Environment friendly Cars : Diesel fuel?

2010-09-13T02:40:00.000-07:00

New Questions in Environment gives a light to many hidden facts and understanding that we sort for to Save Environment. When we buy cars and even recommend our customers to make a choice and buy a Car, the first thing that we think of is the budget and the next is environment friendly car. Though most of the people are not focused on environment friendly cars, Diesel cars are preferential and go green cars are finding way to markets lately.

Here's a question on Volkswagens that use diesel fuel. It says, In the past, diesel fuel was always considered dirtier than gasoline. But newer standards regulating sulfur content and improved technology in diesel engines have made diesel somewhat kinder to the environment. Find the Question and Answer in the Environment column and read on....

In Environment Column - Earth Talk

I’ve been hearing about the great gas mileage for Volkswagens that use diesel fuel. But is it better for the environment to use diesel or unleaded gasoline? - K. Cronk, Bay City, MI

- In English In Spanish

Effective emission control system with state of the art engine and cars designed to have fuel efficiency are the need of the hour.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Kids newspaper

Festive season!

2010-09-09T06:04:00.000-07:00

Friday, 10th September is the Rakshabandhan day for many Brahmins. This day all Modh Brahmins wear the sacred thread chanting the 'Gayatri Mantra' and sisters tie rakhi later on. It might surprize many but the tradition dates back years ago as Bhadarva sud Bij (Bhadrapad Mass shukal paksh) 10th September, 2010 is set for Rakhi Day for Brahmins. Find the Raksha Bandha Page here.

11th September is the festival of Lord Ganesh - god of wisdom, prudence, and salvation.It is believed that Ganesha was born on the Chaturthi of bright night of Bhadra. Reincarnated in different yugas in different forms to right wrongs, it is believed that Ganesha will be born again as 'Dhoomaketu' in Kali Yuga, to exterminate the evil and restore peace and harmony.

10th September is also being celebrated as Id and you can find the page here.

- Inspirations from Lord Ganeshjee

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for kids

Freesouls Tips to develop Art of Forgiveness - Paryushan festival

2010-09-08T00:02:00.000-07:00

Three Jewels of
Right Faith,
Right Knowledge &
Right Conduct
are the path leading to peace and purity
- Jainism

Paryushan, the most important Ongoing Jain religious festival observed by Shvetambars (8 days festive spirits) and Digambars (10 days festive). This period is intensive reading, reflection and purification with fasting and reading of Mahavira - 14 dreams of his mother and followed by story of his life, birth, life and liberation. For Shvetambars, the final day of Paryushan is "Samvatsari Pratikraman - the annual confession. (Read More)
- Paryushan - Samvatsari - Mahavir

In real sense, the impact of the Jain festival helps us develop the art of ‘let go’ and ‘forgiveness’ and like Osho says 'Every emotion arising in you is a great opportunity. Master the mind. It is a state of consciousness when the outer world is reflected in . Mind is nothing but the process of thinking, the traffic of thought' and so, its wise to master our mind and think positive - shrug off the black seeds of ego, hate, jealousy, anger, possessiveness, dominance from the heart and possess white flowers of love, peace, compassion, service, sincerity, sensitivity and awareness which makes us 'Better people'.

Here are some Freesouls Tips to develop the Art of Forgiveness - What we sow is what we reap.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids
Author of Guardian of Angels: A practical guide to Joyful Parenting

Happy Teachers' Day - 5th September

2010-09-04T03:55:00.000-07:00

5th September is Teachers' Day. Adams said "The teacher affects eternity. One can never tell where his or influence stops" Shower of Roses to all Teachers...all those who taught me and wherever they are, all those who knowingly or unknowingly teach me online through their words and actions....May the fragrance of my Roses never fade so that the sweet fragrance fills your heart with pleasure and appreciation that you bloom like a flower throughout the year and spread sunshine into the lives of children and many people around.

As I pass through the phases in life, I recall what Dr. Radhakrishnan said once: "A good teacher must know how to arouse the interest of the pupil in the field of study for which he is responsible. He must himself be a master in the field of study and be in touch with the latest developments in the subject, he must himself be a fellow traveller in the exciting pursuit of knowledge"

It is due to the great Teacher Dr. Radhakrishnan that 'Teachers' Day' is being celebrated in appreciation for all teachers. When some students and friends wanted to celebrate his Birthday, he gently said, "Instead let this be Teachers' Day" and so it is. When children in my class gave me cards, it's a fond sweet memory and when today, kids are making cards to give me, I am happy to be a Teacher and fondly love all their little feelings they share with me. It's a strong bond that even when they grow up, they love me and remember me for who I am and I love all of them too.

- click to visit Dr. Radhakrishnan Profile For Teachers Teachers who Inspire

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids

Author of Guardian of Angels

Krishna - Janmashtmi festival

2010-09-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

September 2, 2010 is being celebrated as Janmashtmi - the day Lord Krishna is said to be born. Krishna has ever been the perfect ‘Avatar’ whose influence on human lives far exceeds that of any other God incarnate. Krishna is depicted as Govinda, who is the prime cause of all causes, the embodiment of wisdom and selfless action as well as a human liberal and practical philosopher with foresight. Three great works enumerate Krishna’s Teachings : Bhagwad Gita, Anugita and Udhavagita. Bhagwad Gita, like Bible or Koran, for Hindus, is the sacred Book depicting ‘Mahabharata’. The advice Krishna renders to disheartened Arjuna at Kurukshetra, immortalized the Bhagwad Gita, greatly influenced philosophers and continues to inspire millions of people worldwide.

As you find the Krishna Pages here, it is the simple Bhagwad Gita message that entails the comprehension of five basic truths. First, science of god is explained and than the position of living entities, jivas. The living entity is controlled by the controller 'God head krsna' and the material nature 'prakriti' and time, the duration of existence of the whole universe and karma 'activity' are discussed. Finally, its god's wish and he makes or breaks the world! Bhagvad gita is written with 18 chapters - the conversation of krsna with Arjun ( Find the review of Bhagwad Gita here and few shlokes)

More Culture and Festivals here on Kidsfreesouls.

Happy Janmashtmi.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids
Author of Guardian of Angels

When there is Peace, Miracles Happen!

2010-08-25T23:24:00.000-07:00

Born on 26th August - the day being celebrated as her Birthday when she was baptised (August 27, 1910), Mother Teresa has been an apostle of peace. Mother Teresa is known to the world for her love, compassion and sacrifice. Angel of Mercy and Mother T were just some of the titles used to describe her. She devoted her life for the poor, destitute and the dying. A noble Laureate, who authored a personal saga of love and compassion that touched millions of live around the world. She rendered her services to the poorest of the poor and her love for them was divine. Through their network of services, Mother Teresa and her missionary sisters brought succor to the ill fated humans suffering from diseases. Millions were helped, consoled, given a decent life or helped to die with dignity in God’s love. She was the greatest philanthropist of the Century, a person with boundless energy even in her old age.

On August 26, 2010 to mark her birth centenary, the Railways will introduce a new train "Mother Express" named after Mother Teresa. Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "We have decided to launch the new train after Mother Teresa as a tribute to her on occasion of her birth centenary" She further added that the coaches of the train would be painted in blue, the trademark border of the habit worn by the order she founded. The route of the train would be announced later, but it would touch important destinations in the country.

Mother Teresa quoted,

"The fruit of silence is Prayer,
Fruit of Prayer is Faith,
Fruit of faith is Love,
Fruit of Love is Service,
Fruit of service is Peace
– Mother Teresa

And truly, I would say, And, When there is Peace, Miracles Happen!

Visit Mother Teresa Profile on Kidsfreesouls.com

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids
Author of Guardian of Angels

Inspiring soul

2010-08-20T04:58:00.000-07:00

Born on 20th August, Rajiv Gandhi - The name is memorable! The soul is immortal! I have always admired the leader and he has been an Inspiration to the Youth. He was known as 'Mr. Clean' and I think the only person different from his whole family. He had no interest in Politics and became a commercial airplane Pilot. However, this was not to happen and he later became the PM of our country.

Destiny - not dreams and he got to be what he did not wish to be! However, it is amazing to see how he brought a shift to reforms in education, power and electricity, population control, youth power and many other social reforms.

You can find Rajiv Gandhi's Profile in Literature pages on Kidsfreesouls.

- ilaxi

Green Office - Green Understanding

2010-08-16T01:06:00.000-07:00

Concerns and they're many! India can be called a Can-do Nation but when it comes to concerns, unity of people power can say, 'Can do' to fight the concerns. Children are not left behind in this mission to tackle concerns as they are involved in all sorts of Projects - Save Environment, Say No to Drugs, a lot more. However, when children are guided for better environment and loaded with projects, it often happens that Parents and Teachers do forget in process that they too, require to follow the rules.

Our daily use power, water, electricity and so on, is endless. Our office and home is fully equipped with all comforts. And, here is when we need to focus on 'Green' - Green Homes, Green Office. This is so easy to say but here's a question that draws our attention for a Green Office, a work area and we can follow the tips therein and even help our children with better understanding as they are the future.

Earth Talk Question and Answer in Environment Column on Kidsfreesouls:

What are some simple things I could do to green the office I work in?- James Raskin, Framingham, MA

“The average office worker uses 10,000 sheets of copy paper a year. One no-brainer way to green up one's office is to refrain from printing when you can, use both sides of a sheet, and recycle so that the recycling industry will have raw material.”

I always thought cotton was eco-friendly, but I recently heard otherwise. What’s so bad about cotton? And where can I find organic cotton clothing? -- Jamie Hunter, Twin Falls, ID

“The Organic Trade Association (OTA) considers cotton “the world’s dirtiest crop” due to its heavy use of chemical insecticides and fertilizers. Fortunately, there are now thousands of organic cotton retailers, including some of the big box stores. The OTA’s Organic Pages Online lists vendors (and links to their websites) by product type.
- Read more in English and Spanish.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for kids

Happy Independence Day - 15th August

2010-08-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

India, the Land of Legends (Free), proudly stand independent and as we commemorate the nation on its 64th Anniversary of Independence on 15th August, Kids Free Souls salutes all those immortal souls for their gallant undying contribution for the cause of the freedom.

Visit Kidsfreesouls India Page and download the tune of Jana Gana Mana - the National Anthem of India.

Also Watch Live webcast of The 64th Independence Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony, 15th August- 9:00 Am in Gujarat. The celebrations will be graced by the presence of Her Excellency the Governor of Gujarat Dr Shrimati Kamla & Hon'ble CM of Gujarat Shri Narendra Modi.

Click Here to Watch Live Webcast

- ilaxi patel

Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/

Newspaper for Kids
Author of Guardian of Angels

Simple tips on how to memorize and recite a poetry - Remembering Tennyson

2010-08-10T00:35:00.000-07:00

Charge of the Light Brigade - Cannon to the Right of them, Cannon to the Left of them, Cannon in front of them, Volley'd and thunder'd; ....I still remember this poem which we had to memorize in the classroom and as we teach our kids Literature, it is very important to explain about the poet and in which context the poetry was written. Another thing important is teaching children how to recite the poem. We almost find children saying poetry or a story with no expressions and in a hurried style with mugged up learning. It is important to know the meaning of the poem and recite in a way which becomes interesting to the listener. When a child have to recite a poem, it may so happen that he may skip off words or a line and when prompted, he continues reciting. Reciting poetry is much more than memorizing. Reading aloud confusedly mars the experience of the listener but well said poetry can carry a good emotional rapport.

When I teach poetry in the class, it is more than memorizing. Expressions have a way in recitation. So do the child learn the poetry in a manner that prompts with rhyme patterns and meter that make it easy to flash memory.

Here are some simple tips on how to memorize and recite a poetry. You can help the child with slow and gradual progress which even makes them learn and recite poetry from school syllabus. It even becomes an interesting learning and teaching experience as well.

1. Understanding the poetry: When children are taught poetry, first explain the poetry. Talk about the Author and when or why he wrote the poetry. A brief biography of the poet will make interesting poetry session before they memorize the poem.

2. Natural Tone : Maintain the voice tone. Ignore punctuation or breaks and pauses. Recite quite normally in a natural voice with no excitement or pitched up voice throughout recitation. However, to be expressive, vary pitch and volume though in a natural tone instead of being hyper.

3. Focus on Phonetics: A read aloud Poetry can be interesting with focused phonetics. Check those 'vowels and consonants that can be spoken with clarity of voice. Using right language leave impressions and makes the child feel better to hear his own clear, well pronounced voice.

4. Be Expressive : Most of the time, children are not expressive when reciting poetry and they speak aloud the mugged learning. It so happens, they fail to remember and when prompted, they can finish the stanza. It also turn them up being embarrassed when reciting in front of an audience and they forget in-between the lines. Facial expressions and hand movements understanding the poetry lines can help children to present the recital in an interesting and confident manner. Gesture is to be maintained for effect.

5. Write and re-write revision: Children can write and re-write the poetry 2/3 times in their scrap with supportive drawing and coloring. Let them identify the parts they find difficult to remember. Help them visualize the poetry and what it is about. Help them plan where to pause and stop with smooth flow to continue. Avoid sing-song tactics.

6. Easy Recitation : For easy reciting on the stage, slow down. Speaking aloud faster tends to make the child forget as they easily get distracted at times. Slowing down helps them gain confidence and be less nervous. Even the audience will love to enjoy listening.

7. Rote learning : Some children love to learn repetition. Go back to the rote learning nursery rhymes and have fun for a while. Even sing along rote songs like 'In a cottage, In a wood', skipping every one line while they enjoy action. Rote learning and visualizing helps faster learning and memorizing.

8. Posture and Dressing: A well dressed child is always confident. And, the posture comes with confidence. Help the children to possess good posture and dressing while they are ready to perform. A well presented child on stage leaves impressive image to the audience.

9. Eye Contact: The most important part while reciting on stage is eye contact. Some children look down while saying the poetry. Some tend to look here and there and than get lost in imagination or get distracted. This leads to nervousness and forgetful. While recitation is on, the eye contact should be beyond the audience and even turning towards sides towards the audience as if to capture all of the listeners.

10. Never get embarrassed: Children often tend to make mistakes. Never get embarrassed and pass on your vibrations to them. Patience is always a key to success. Never tell the child to say, "I'm sorry' as apologizing messes up and they lose interest in poetry and memorizing becomes a pain for them.

How often we run away from the things we don't like yet have to do? When I learnt Tennyson's poetry, I still remember those lines "Cannon to the Left of them, Cannon in front of them, Volley'd and thunder'd; ...." and smooth went on reciting the poetry and having fun too.

Well, 6th August was a day to remember Alfred Lord Tennyson and interestingly, he was known as Lord because of the Peerage titles I guess just like Lord Byron. Follow the Songs section for rote song and find Poetry pages here.

Btw, you can find the August Calendar and Projects here. Share Knowledge, pass on wisdom.

- ilaxi patel

Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for kids
Author of Guardian of Angels

Grammar Fun - Stories with Grammar for kids

2010-08-06T01:11:00.000-07:00

Grammar Fun and Printable Worksheet Zone is exclusively 'Free' for prints on Kidsfreesouls. Teachers can circulate copies in classrooms and help kids with Projects and Parents can set up an hour - once a week, take prints and help children to enjoy doing the worksheets. Give them stars and even make a file for records.

Btw, I have added 'Stories with Grammar' - the worksheets are exclusive content I wrote while I conducted 'Stories with Grammar' Swagat class during summer. Seven stories and continuing to add more, these worksheets are for primary children who can build a strong base of Grammar while they have fun doing the stories. All parts of speech - Nouns, Verbs, Adverbs, Adjectives, Pronouns, prepositions, conjuctions....and more of the basics are being covered up in these simple stories and worksheets.

Supportive to reading, children can follow the Fairyland stories and I am sure, this will be fun for children. Enjoy.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids

Spread Peace - Friendship Day

2010-07-31T05:41:00.000-07:00

Friendship is the intensity of the love that leaves behind trails of sweet memories to cherish the core of life giving a whole new meaning to it. The enigma of friendship strengthens with the bonds of relationships so unique which is unselfish, intimate, pure and beautiful. Learning to appreciate, speak out on issues, Listening, confide and sharing secrets, meeting of wavelengths and such deeper corners are focused for a caring friendly relationship with the people you love most.
Whenever it's a Friendship Day, Kidsfreesouls wishes all readers Happy Friendship day with a simple message to spread love, faith, peace and unity among human beings.

Follow Friendship Day on Kidsfreesouls

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for kids

Meet Kidsfreesouls Kids Reporters and Bloggers

2010-07-30T00:51:00.000-07:00

Meet Kidsfreesouls Reporters - Bloggers who make their way on web to spread their wings to fly and reach the skies. Kids Blogs are presented on Kidsfreesouls by Swagat Children Library class students - some old and some new students. Blogging is not everybody's cup of tea but a result of hard work at the Library while they learn how to Report News, conduct Interviews, Write their fav jokes, Riddles and book Reviews. They even provide their favorite quotes and whatever they find interesting and inspiring to others.

The recent Blogger is Tulsa Ved. Amazingly, she has picked up Blogging in a span of six months and inspite of being in Gujarati Medium, I am happy to note that she can break boundaries to reach her goals. You can find her Blog here and stay tuned as she blogs Interviews and more interestingly, her Inspirational stories that could stir souls with her delicious soup stories.

Also find, Shril's Blog who is more fond of reading and presents his reviews. Most of the time, he is found with his head deep buried in books and comics. He has sure shot ideas on How to Make Newspaper and is found to provide good tips and suggestions to a noted Weekly Children Newspaper 'Knowledge Path'.

A shift in technology, Blogging has become a revolution but at Swagat, Blogging is more informative learning too. To Blog, kids need to read. To blog, they need to write and type too - They get the exposure to technology. Develop communication and writing skills. They even Learn to type faster using the right fingers and enhance vocabulary and spelling skills. Children learn the privacy and social networking skills and above all learn 'Courtesy and responsibility' as they use technology.

Finally, Parents learn in the process too and who better can be their teachers than kids who can explain to them what Blogging is about! Esp. to those parents or teachers who are not exposed much to technology.

Enjoy Kidsfreesouls.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids

Mobile Bullying and kids

2010-07-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

Bullying has just become of the most underrated but enduring problems today. Kids & Teenagers use the mobiles and the net and because there's the whole world of fun using these gadgets. It's the need of the hour to stop the Bully Panic. Especially Mobile Bully. I have mentioned of Bullying (an article from my book 'Guardian of Angels) and even blogged about Mobile Manners.

However, the issue surfaces concerns once again as a recent study by the Pew Internet Research Center states that 72% of cellphone owners ages 12 to 17 are texters while only 18% of cellphone owners ages 40 to 49 are texters. Moreover, for tweens and teens, cellphones are the perfect tool for being constantly connected to the friends and others. As a result, texting use has drastically increased. It is noted by Nielsen Mobile that three years ago a teen sent and received an average of 435 texts per month. As of late 2009 that total jumped to 3,186 texts. Social networking has made it easier for exchange of phone numbers and predators who seek close contacts with kids have found their prey. Cyberbullying, psychological harassment in text or instant messaging, is more often perpetrated by girls, who initiate inappropriate messages or spread damaging gossip. The Pew Internet & American Life Project found that 39 percent of cell users ages 18-29 say they are not always truthful about where they are when they are on the phone. Many parents find it shocking when the bill knocks the door due to texting (text, picture and video messaging), special ring tones, downloading games and even chatting for long hours. An alarming case is reported at Forbes - A 15 year old boy communicating to a 30 year old woman whom he met while playing multi game of World of War Craft.

Cell phones have become a serious cause for lack of concentration, distraction, anxiety, fear and misuse among many school going children. Moreover, the common features of cameras, ipod music, games and video are temptations for use and misuse. The silent mode has easy texting anywhere. Mobile manners are almost being missed out by not only children who use it but also parents and teachers who fail to keep a check on their attitude and courtesy mannerisms. Fiddling with the mobile, texting or playing games is often a sign of bad manners when you are with others - socialising, in a meeting or with a guest. Kids who are often tempted with their parent's mobile, are found to be bad mannered. Many teenagers opt for talking or texting even in front of guests which embarrass the parents.

Though schools like CBSE and other schools are opting for ban of using mobiles when in school campus, it is the need of the hour to safeguard children from Mobile Bullying and even protect them from the Health hazards.

An Austria Dr. Eric Huber calls for the potential dangers in kids using mobiles and calls for Mobile companies carrying labels showing Radiation levels. It is recommended, children below 16 years should not use mobiles. Brain tumour could be extreme case with vision problems too. However, this would not stop children from using nor will the parents want the children to be away from the latest technology and gadgets that surround our world. As Dr. Michael Rich, Director of the Center on Media and Child Health at Harvard University believes, We have basically let kids be in an environment where they have free rein but don't have the brain development to manage that in ways that are safe and healthy.

The child should know, it's a use of mobile phone only in time of special/urgent needs only. Best is no mobile till the age of 16 and don't let them get attracted for the fancy picks. All things come for a value. Children need to understand this and not keep changing the gadgets that keep freaking in the market.

Some things children using mobiles should know:

1. Protect the mobile numbers. The child should not give the number to everyone. Do not let others see the number too.
2. The child should not respond to unwanted SMS or call back to strangers who sms or ring up.
3. The child should not give any information to any caller unless he/she knows the person well.
4. Set rules and responsibilities. Don't let your call go unanswerable from the child.
5. Strictly make the children turn off their phones at night when they are in their rooms.
6. Teach them value for money. Provide the mobile that best utility for them keeping in mind the cost factor. Do not pamper them and allow them to frequently change their gadgets too.
7. Why Cell Phone - Explain the use and why they are equipped with such gadgets.

Give kids their free reins but Limit the use of the Gadget. Teach them to use and make them understand the right and the wrong. There's no denying that we live in a dangerous world and that children are overwhelmingly important. A day when our mobiles go off even for a while, we are used to adjust but the next generation is out with the newer technology and its safety more a concern for them right now. Protect kids from the dangers using mobiles.

-More on Bullying.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids

Project - Rupee

2010-07-20T00:26:00.000-07:00

Most of the people are now aware of the Indian Rupee symbol and even how to use the fonts on computers. However, to brief mention with Font download on Kidsfreesouls, find the same in Kids news section of Kidsfreesouls.

On News Page:

Indian Rupee gets new Symbol - The creation of the rupee sign began with an Indian government announcement on March 5, 2009, that a contest would be held to choose a symbol for the rupee. About 3,000 designs were submitted and those were short listed to five selected ones. The cabinet picked the symbol you see above, designed by D. Udaya Kumar, a 32-year-old graphic design and typographer who had just completed his PhD on Tamil typography at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Mumbai and is now at IIT Guwahati. The symbol is an amalgam of the Devanagari "Ra" and the Roman capital "R" without the descending stem. The two cross strikes at the top of the symbol reference the Indian flag. The creator D. Udaya Kumar is rewarded ` 2.5 Lac.

As the keyboards are yet to be equipped with the font, a substitute option is already created by Foradian, a Mangalore based Internet Engineering Company who offers Free Download of the Fonts with easy installation and ready for use on Computers. All you do is go here - Download the new Rupee Symbol from Foradian here and follow the Presentation Help File. You can also Join the Foradian Group on FB and follow instructions here.

For Kidsfreesouls ready help, download the fonts from foradian. Save in your Windows>Fonts. Open and click. Go to your word doc. Choose 'Rupee_Foradian' from Fonts. Select the top left key with symbol ~ and ` - the sign appears. Simple, isn't it?

Btw, I asked my children about the new Rupee symbol. Many of the kids went blank and that triggered a Rupee Project! What that could be? They gave me the ideas and drew the symbol in the Scrap book with the informative piece on rupee symbol innovation. Supportive to this, they are writing 'Autobiography of a Rupee' and gathering the rupee notes to place in their Lucky Piggy Bank. Further, learning on 'How much Pocket money' and 'How to manage the Pocket money'.

If you are a parent or a teacher, I think, Ideas do work wonders. Go ahead and implement the thought and help kids to be aware, be aware while they spend money - Saving is gaining!

- ilaxi patel

Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/

Newspaper for Kids

Robot Teachers or robotic teaching?

2010-07-11T04:57:00.000-07:00

Recently I read, Honda Motor Co.'s Asimo, the robot teacher called Saya, was introduced to students in South Korea. They took English, Maths, science and Arts classes in the Elementary schools. Saya can express six basic emotions — surprise, fear, disgust, anger, happiness, sadness — because its rubber skin is being pulled from the back with motors and wiring around the eyes and the mouth. And, amazingly, students reacted favorably to the new teacher who seemed to be less sarcastic but more responding and courteous in the class. Saya can call out names, say 'Thank You' and even give orders like 'Be quiet.' Saya's creator Professor Hiroshi Kobayashi said the robot's main purpose was to highlight the joys of technology to children, he also said it would benefit schools suffering from a shortage of human teachers. The South Korean government is investing in millions and aims to have 8000 robot teachers and assistant teachers in classrooms by 2013.

This incarnation of a School teacher gives an insight of the teacher - student relationship today which has made this new age teacher an option to be considered as the fun part of learning and understanding technology that replace human efforts. However, I really can't figure out how can a robot handle a class of 40-60 or even 20 students? The Robots are programmed and have no thinking of their own! How could there be discipline in the classroom or interaction thereby for the lessons mechanically taught?

Children love the tender loving care, a human touch and a smile that makes their day. Teachers not only teach but also act as mentors who motivates and encourages children in various aspects as they help them gain academic excellence. Moreover, Robots are programmed and no further can they continue to provide fun and learn to children if they keep on focused on same lessons and same songs with no updates. Robots can be supportive to teachers but not substitute.

Even Teachers who teach like a Robot mechanically with the same old style of imparting education find less responsive students. Creative innovations to make lessons interesting is their efficiency plus in boosting their own teaching techniques. Character building of the students is enhanced as mere seeing and listening is not the factor but even understanding the Instructions is important. Knowledge involves human interaction. Thought Robots in classrooms can be fun and supportive to teaching, I think, more emphasis rely on interactions - communication and interpersonal relationship bonding the teacher and the student as they experience the joys of teaching and learning together.

It is most important for a parent or a teacher to provide opportunities for Development Schedules. Development schedules are just the tools to assist parents in determining the child’s development, learning the little things in life to take big steps to climb ahead. Some children are slow branded whereas some are fast learners. Children possess different skills as per their development schedules. Programmed Robots need better programming to enhance child's development schedule and this would not be possible unless Teachers follow the program patterns based on individual student.

Even Parents need child assessment with the development schedules as it plays a major role as their IQ, EQ and SQ (Intelligence Quotient, Emotional Quotient, Spiritual Quotient) which becomes measured expression of child's abilities.

Some tips for Development schedules Teachers/parents can follow are:

Creative skills : Children love creativity. Make lessons interesting with Projects in classrooms. Support colors and sing along sessions while they attend Projects, paper cutting, sticker pasting in Scrap book is often fun for them. Let them draw, color or watch a cartoon online and let them jot down their noting. Anything creative is fun and learn.

Cognitive skills : Children gain cognitive skills or say, reasoning with own mind as they in the middle years of their development stage, they have the capacity to distinguish what is right and wrong. They can reason others point of view, play games as per the rules and master their minds with subjects they like the most.

Communication skills : Speech comes with thought process. Conduct chatting sessions, verbal compositions, debate or ask questions and just questions to get back replies. Follow the language they are learning and not the mother tongue as often children speak their home language and can express better.

Linguistic skills : Develop love for language. Anything to do with vocabulary and words. Scrabble games, word search, cross words and even Vocabulary Projects are found interesting by children and they love to pursue these activities.

Logical Thinking : Kids at a tender age love to count and are good at math. They have an understanding of logical or numerical patterns and sequence of reasoning. These kids tend to adapt to activities related to science, puzzles, exploring and all that has logical reasoning.

Spatial Intelligence : Remembering roads, reading maps or knowing charts and reading graphs. All that requires to level up their intelligence.

Empathy skills : Understanding other children in classroom, cooperate, share and avoiding conflicts with peace power. It's like 'walk in someone's shoes' or 'see through their eyes.'

Self Learning/understanding : Children love to lean on a shoulder. Encourage them to self learn by providing necessary guidelines and allow them to use their own brains. Mugging champions often fail to perform when they need to understand on their own.

Children can grow and flower to progress in a free atmosphere. Harmony in classroom and love for nature are also major factors that contribute favorably.

Technology has its own charming ways but Teacher follow up creates great genius!

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for kids

Sports Spirit - honing skills

2010-07-07T11:35:00.000-07:00

Recently, I come across my ex-students who have been young children when they came to the Library, tip-toeing with hopes of making their own identity someday. Today, I see them pursuing their goals that gives me immense pleasure to recognize their abilities and capabilities that turn them to be successful in their chosen field.

Sometimes, as teachers, we underestimate our children and are quite skeptical as to their future looking to their childhood academic progress. How wrong we could be! We all know, some kids are sharper and some weaker in certain areas, some children are fast learners and some slow - all where academic skills are concerned. However, when creativity gives a way, some children turn to be the best in the exclusive skills they possess and it is sure to admit 'Practice makes a man perfect' - be it arts of sports or even academic area like writing a poetry or maybe literature savvy. This gives a special mention of a child who was no good in academic, needed a push for good handwriting and needed special attention for reading and grammar skills. Speech skills was almost missing as he was more used to his mother tongue. As years rolled by, Teacher-Parental role played their part and I was much happy to see tremendous change in him at the Library. More happier now, because he's the one who makes me proud as he honed his Sports Skills. His love for Sports makes me feel on 'Cloud Nine' as he has turned to be the Best Skater and won laurels skating his way to glory. While talking to him, he revealed his daily routine which gave me an idea of his determination towards the sport. Fitness is a way of life as he begins his day early in the morning, cycling and gym exercise followed by routine skating practices of minimum 2 to 3 hours. Sometimes, he wins and even loses to competitors but its a sports spirit and game all the way he loves to play.

Well, I would like to share a counselling question once a parent asked me by email : "My 7 year old just participated his school's field day and didn't fare too well - but he sure tried. Hence, he went and kicked the school building and threw away his participating ribbons and moped around for the rest of the day. How do I sympathetically but firmly approach this?"

The answer is as below and I am sure, might help many parents and teachers to help children face defeat in a positive manner:

Competitions do not mean winning or standing first or in order. It gives opportunity to experience and find way out from losing to winning edge. Let the kid learn from experience so as not to let this frustration flick back again. ‘Everyone likes to win but most of, its good you are enjoying and having fun’ should be the attitude that keeps the child hooked to the Sport. Participating in the School field day itself helps to build confidence but if luck do not favor or for some reason, the child fails, his willingness to accept defeat is on back seat. Why me? Why I lost? And this frustration plays the role of your child's mental process. Feelings of hopelessness and guilt has taken roots within his brain cells and he seems to be hurt to extent that makes him fling things, be destructive, have a sense of withdrawal from people and hve unreasonable fears or phobias that he is a failure and cannot accept defeat under any circumstances.

In such situations, I feel that a parental / teacher's attitude towards the child can pull him out of his hurt feelings and face defeat in a positive manner:

-Parental calm and positive influence play a major role. Kids need to be treated with respect and love, with no ridiculing, sarcastic remarks or let downs. Expectations may be towards winning way but sports should be ‘sharp one’ Attitude with lots of entertainment and humor. Show him the love and say soothing words "Yeah, sure you tried your best but anyways, there's always another chance. All cannot win, after all"

-Talking Therapy works wonders. Divert the mind from game play and indulge in interesting talks or stories. The child memory is too short lived and his resentment can be turned into a lively kid by talking to him about all he likes and is interested in.

- Check the mood blues by adding in creativity. The inflated self esteem needs to be worn back again. The higher children's self esteem, the better able they are to cope with the ups and downs of life. The more self esteem the child develops, the more secure they are in confronting obstacles, fears and defeats. Kids with low self esteem see problems as grounds for quitting and often say "I quit or I give up" and flair. Instead of comparing their achievements with their own goals and potential, they compare themselves with others and get frustrated.

- Let the kid develop sense of being optimistic. There is always another day to win instead of feeling 'I Lost' Give your own example and recollect your own childhood days. Narrate a few of your ups n downs, twists n turns and talk to the kid, how you faced odd situations and embarrassments.

-Failure is never final, success is never ending - Build Sports spirit in the child and teach him the first steps to face challenges in life. Defeat is only a challenge. Talk to the kid to build a positive sense of identity. Who I am? Why I failed? Is my attitude okay? And the realization comes through when the child is helped to understand own self, own weak points. He should be disciplined to know and act what is right - what is wrong behavior. This self realization makes the kid a well balanced mind and disciplined in his behavior during times of his frustration.

-Make the child more tolerant. The kids who learn to cope with bad times and its this time when values of tolerance is more necessary for them to divert their minds to shrug off the hatred from the heart. An emotional trauma needs much more care than a broken bone. Talk to the kid with love and care. Treat him nice instead of being angry or saying harsh words. Words break the heart more, so let not the parental anxiety/anxiousness add fuel to fire and keep the cool, calm n composed self to turn the situation normal. Time heals.

Some kids tend to be aggressive and always be the winner. It is during these times Sports Spirits instill the faith, courage, loyalty, tolerance, brotherhood, all natural virtues which prepare to support in difficult situations without weaknesses. Anger, frustration, self pity, all the so called negative emotions generally have a bad effect on performances, after all.

( Suggested Reading : Honing skills - Whiff of sports-An article from my book 'Guardian of Angels)

I guess, we all need to keep the Sports Spirit live even when we see our favorite Soccer team winning or losing the game! And, cross the fingers, I hope Germany to win and may score 3-1 over Spain in the semi finals Soccer today as they have been the most impressive team in South Africa.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/

Newspaper for Kids

Cartoons in classrooms

2010-06-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

Ever though of teaching Cartoons in Classrooms? Especially in an Indian environment where children hardly would be interested in Political cartoons. So, what about learning on Educational Cartoons? Or just about using cartoons to analyze critical thinking activities and know about current affairs. As I hear, Digital Whiteboards are paving its way in classrooms, it is far way thought to introduce activities that power the brain and flow juices of educational creativity to enhance learning abilities.

Teachers and parents tend to ignore Cartoons while reading print newspapers and hardly encourage children to read the cartoon captions. I have held a class on 'Cartoon Learning' and got an amazing response with the 'Cartoon Project.' I have used the Cartoons as Critical thinking skill as well as a creative writing skills. I copy the cartoons to the power point slides and students visualize and discuss on the same. This focus on awareness, knowing the current happening topics and even act as Discussion starters and writing prompts.

Follow these tips while showing the cartoons:

1. What is the purpose?
2. What message it try to convey?
3. Debate on the topic
4. Paste cartoon clips in their scrap
5. Let them jot down the notings
6. Let the children communicate their ideas through art
7. Find opinions and reactions

As primary school children are not easy with political cartoons, I have tried using Educational cartoons, humor and focused on their favorite comic characters. One being Popeye and the other Archie, Betty, Jug head and Veronica. Children have fun reading the comic books and love to create their own cartoon clip writing their own creative message. Themes like 'Go Green' (Popeye and the sea) and 'No junk food' (Jug head eating junk) with their own remarks as they paste the characters in their 'Scrap books or call it, Spark Spiral Note books.' Kids love to use the word balloons in various shapes and even use stickers in case they are not good in drawing or in the mood to do so. Giving a free hand in learning is sometimes a blessing as we get willingness to participate and the results are even better.

Btw, the only one Political Cartoon that kids loved in my classroom was on the CM Narendra Modi as they've been great fan of this leader. They were keen to observe the message of the Cartoonist on him! In Political Cartoons, children need to be interested and even know the characters. And for this, it is first important to Teach kids about Politics and elections !

Well, explore the Literature Cartoons esp. Shakespeare characters here on Harp Week. It provides a revealing glimpse into the nineteenth-century world of Thomas Nast and Harper’s Weekly, and the influence that William Shakespeare had on it.

Also explore Popeye Cartoon Video and find the Lyrics - You can use this for classroom activity for Cartoon Project. Also find Dan Rosandich's Educational Cartoon and come back again to find a new one for a change. Stay tuned to Cartoon Kids Resources for more and follow other Resources page too.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids

Soul Curry for Kids : Kidsfreesouls in Simply Gujarati, India Today

2010-06-23T00:10:00.000-07:00

Soul Curry for Kids : An online Portal for children that even includes information on Poetry-Did you know about this Worldwide Hit? says Jhumri Nigam Misra in Simply Gujarati, India Today (Issue on stands - 28th June, 2010) As she further adds, "Call her the Pied Piper with a modern twist" - It sure gives a feeling of joy to continue my journey at Swagat Children Library and at Kidsfreesouls - spreading the message of love, faith, peace and unity among human beings.

Being an explorer on web, life is and endless journey with 'No Stop' Destination. Presenting Kidsfreesouls and running a successful Children's Library, life becomes a full circle and sometimes blowing own trumpet do give a sense of pride! Enjoy my Press Pages here and of course, being an Editor for an online newspaper and Official Blogger and VA to the Editor of The Sunday Guardian, stay tuned to my world of Journalism.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for kids

World Music Day - Songs for children & Music Reviews

2010-06-21T06:39:00.000-07:00

World Music Day - 21st June
This is my Synthesizer - the Yamaha Keyboards I love to play!

Music is speech of angels, a universal language of mankind. In music, one must think with the heart and feel with the brain and so, after every silence that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music! That’s when you dream and your every dream precedes the goal! Its like dancing away your blues to reach high for stars that lie hidden in your soul and this is when the heart and mind perform in harmony after all!

-Click for Songs for children Music Reviews

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids

Making connections

2010-06-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

Schools begin and children are back to routines. Back to school is a celebration time for children as the long summer creativity calls in for a routine change and kids love to be with their school friends. Some old, some new but nevertheless, learning lessons and having fun too.

It is important for a parent to build a bridge of communication with the teacher as most of the hours, the teacher helps the child to learn and grow. The child needs not only the love and affection from parents and teachers but also need to set their goals and fulfill them.

One thing really important for a child is Making connections. Children do make friends on their own but yet, a parental guiding help can add to his positive friendship :

1. Help the child to be friendly. Simply listening or talking, sharing and appreciating the other and even sharing alikeness - for a video game or a even an activity in class.
2. Help the child to compete - In the sense, master the skills the others have and admire. Be it playing a keyboard or guitar, playing sports or arts.
3. Avoid being negative and impulsive. Listen to the child on what he has to say of his friends rather than stop him and showing your distaste of his friend. He may strong feel of his friend that you don't, maybe.
4. Help the child to solve conflicts. Social skills are necessary as they can learn to settle themselves at times of disputes with others.
5. Don't involve in small arguments of children. If they go physical, take your stand. Let the kids work out on their own.
6. Let the kids practice co-operation and understand feelings of others.
7. Help the kids to share, care and be kind and gentle with friends.
8. Know your child's friends. Invite them for play, birthday celebration

As for the teachers, it's the first few days to be like the acronym, "KISS" - Keep it Simple Stupid! Teachers can adopt innovative ideas at the start of the school and make learning fun. Encourage reading habits on daily basis in the classroom and even at home. Even follow up with a para handwriting practice everyday. This will help weaker children to learn faster. Above all, routinely writing book reviews per week and making journals. Encourage them to write simple jot downs and you can make Kids Blogs with Google sites - a sure fire-way to lift up the spirit of the children.

Teachers can write 'welcome letters to children' and invite parents to describe their child by simply letting them jot down on 'Child Development Review' - some points to fill as below:

1. Describe your child
2. What are your child's strengths
3. What are his hobbies - What he has been doing lately?
4. Does your child have any special problem or disability? Mention.
5. What concerns you have about your child?
6. What other activities does he attend apart from school?
7. Mention what improvement you require in your child.

This will give an insight to know the child, about their learning abilities and methods to adopt while dealing with children. Some kids are fast learners whereas some are branded as slow snail learners. What is required is to identify their weaker areas and diagnose their learning disabilities to apply strategies to combat difficulties.

More, it's to be friendly with kids. Keep the communication live and keep the perfect 'Discipline' in own self as well as the Class.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for kids

Theme a Party

2010-06-14T03:53:00.000-07:00

Theme Parties are Fun! The most memorable Birthday Theme Party I ever organized was my son's first birthday. And later, the Swagat Dance Parties rocked with themes - costume to music and game dancing. Theme Parties are guaranteed to set balls rolling to entertain whether it's birthday or any occassion......

- Read more in Theme Parties - Presenting Chris Molnar of Themeparty on kidsfreesouls

- ilaxi
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids

Back to School : Create a Genius in your child

2010-06-09T02:30:00.000-07:00

Back to School for kids. Time to 'Create a Genius' (From Guardian of Angels) in your Child. Children are with mixed feelings of excitement and leaving behind the creative activities with the bygone summer. New introductions with new teachers and new friends. New Prefects and class monitors or call them Student Teachers and all works great with a wee bit of anxiety at the start of the school routines. What is more important is to set goals, Check the hand writing from the beginning and overcome the homework hassles. Reading routine is another important aspect of student life because if a child has cultivated a reading habit, lessons are no boring sessions.

Check out BACK TO SCHOOL pages on Kidsfreesouls and follow rules of success to make best days of school life.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids

Teaching syllabus is boring? Follow Projects

2010-06-03T03:24:00.000-07:00

Last March, First Lady Michelle Obama celebrated Dr. Seuss Birthday by reading 'The Cat in the Hat' to over 200 local elementary school students at Library of Congress.

This reminds me, schools are just a fortnight away to reopen. Students in classroom enjoy the English text lessons especially "Cat in the Hat" and "The Grinch who stole Christmas." I have noticed, teaching syllabus to children is often boring and lessons like these when taught in classrooms with Question-Answers, meanings and reference to context are just a routine study for the child who lose interest in such wonderful stories. If we adopt movie shows or role play the characters, children love this.

Another thing is, following an activity related to the Lesson. It can be building vocabulary based on the words, go for vocabulary projects or a story project. Can be Dr. Seuss project where the child can be encouraged to pen down all about Dr. Seuss and his works.

Often we find, parents relying on subject lessons and follow tuition patterns. Instead, applying creativity and encouraging children to make simple projects, is fun and learning too.

You can find the June Calendar and Projects here. As Aesop's Birthday falls on 4th June, there's loads of ideas to celebrate with simple aesop's fables. Kids can read and write reviews, gather pictures and even make the Story Project. The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse and The Dog in the Manger has been the favorite reads of the children at the Swagat Library.

Fill up happiness instead of bored effect on how to pass time on a sunday or holiday and stop kids to say, 'I am getting bored, what should I do?'

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids

Idealistic, romantic and realistic : Walt Whitman

2010-05-28T06:03:00.000-07:00

Born on May 31, Walt Whitman is one of my favourite poet whose poetry is idealistic and romantic - in rhymes and rhythm to thoughts. His prose has been realistic. His poems have often voiced for peace during the Civil War and what I like about the Poet is, every poem has something to say - so human and concerned with a message - which you will find in Comments on his work. This reveals the Poet's nature, emotions and kindness towards things he perceived. Here is the Profile and his works.

- Walt Whitman Other Literature Profiles Index

If you love poetry and are even writing or wish to write better, here's Poetry Pages on Kidsfreesouls and you can look forward for more as I frame more Poetry Learning pages. You can read a couple of my poems written with random thoughts and do put 'Like' on this post if you are on FB or comment on my blog post.

- ilaxi patel

Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/

Newspaper for Kids

Sherlock Holmes - a Different Character?

2010-05-24T07:20:00.000-07:00

In 1916 Arthur Conan Doyle made a declaration that would impact the rest of his life. He stated his belief in Spiritualism. Could it be? The man who created the ever-logical Sherlock Holmes believed in ghosts?

Born on 22nd May, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a British writer, creator of the famous Sherlock Holmes, the world's best known Detective. Check his profile and read on Sherlock Holmes on Kidsfreesouls.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids

Who loves broken marriages? They're made in Heaven!

2010-05-18T05:09:00.000-07:00

International Family day was on 15th May. Here's my Post article on Family, relationships and 'Divorce' :

Values count and they do, especially when a couple is on the verge of a broken relationship and an almost ruined married life! When the vows are taken, it’s always the sun and the moon and the stars but a couple of days, months and years roll down to realize the stars always are shining in the sky and to reach there, a lot efforts take to check those difference of opinions and emotional outbursts.

Sacrifices and its from either side. Couples often forget the small yet big meaning of life – to be together is adjusting, forbearing differences and sacrificing. Family bonds come with love and couples leave behind their influence and impressions to their children. Parenting role plays an important part in lives of kids. Children are dependent on parents for their every need and as they grow up, it is fondness and security that calls for from parents.

Times have changed and this day, we find 'Divorces' on a rise. Crash boom goes the wows broken to head for a divorce! - Stop, Think, Compromise, Adjust - for Kids' sake, parents need to Grow Up and manage their responsibilities gracefully. Divorce is no solution. It affects both the partners emotionally, economically and socially. It becomes complex for a single parent to appropriately care for the child. It gives an uncomfortable feeling socially as in social context, it is considered a caste out deed and unacceptable attitude with taken as granted that the couples are both at fault possessing qualities of ego and intolerance. Children could equally experience a feeling of anger and isolation if they are at an understanding age and for those who are very young, the realization at a later age is embarrassing.

Every thing in life happens for a cause. Even a Divorce. Before taking an action, every parent should, ‘Stop, think and act’ – Confronting situations is a pain but binding by law and taking decision is more stressful. Separation is risky and should be taken seriously. It is not a game where you can play with your own self as well as with the children. It is Stress in relationships that break the family bonds. Nothing ever should be compromised that keeping relationships intact because it is said, ‘Marriages are build in Heaven’ and who are you to break it? Nevertheless, it is the freedom and emotions that rule the minds and more important is ‘Self Esteem’ – to value self and to be self accepting.

In India, as per the Hindu Act 1955, marriages broken can be due to the grounds of adultery, desertion, cruelty, conversion, mental disorder, diseases, renunciation, etc. However, lately family disturbances are on a rise and as a result, a joint family is not an acceptable idea to many which ends up to break in relationships. This trend of ‘staying alone, staying happy’ is somewhat a shift in family lifestyle which lived under one roof, in unity with joint families where the parents, grandparents, children and grand children lived together in earlier times. These joint families are almost breaking as members of the family are getting separated – some or the other reason and those couples who are more modern and living on edge, find it inconvenient to adjust and sacrifice – for the sake of the family, for the sake of kids. Intolerance is on back seat as ego surfaces with stressful situations from all sides creating an environment of breaking bonds. Suffering comes from all ends and if you ask people around you ‘What do you worry about?” In comes the answer:

80% - worry about family

75% - worry about relationships

60% - worry about health

50% - worry about small things

50% - worry about What if…..

There are people around in India when surveyed upon said:

80% - worry about money

85% - worry about keeping relationship intact

75% - worry about losing self respect

Loss of a dear one, health concerns, careers, etc are many other worries that Indian people worry about. However, 75% people worry about relationships – To make or to keep intact or stop from breaking!!!

Well, here’s answer to Stop Worrying and stop – think – save Relationships. Stop taking the drastic step of the most unwanted word ‘Divorce’ because it can never bring in happiness but add to the stress and worries. Instead, it is more wise to compromise, adjust, let go, forgive and forget. Relationships are Hard but Ego is harder. The ego has to be trained to dissociate itself from whatever ideas of attachment come into the mind. Discovery of self is important and once, either of the couple understand their ego and shrugg off to accept self and remove negativity from within, there comes understanding – accepting each other as they are and improve upon their mistakes, believe in each other and live happily.

A few tips with identified Emotional Intelligence facets might help all :

Optimism : Consider what is positive and right – be optimistic
Assertiveness : Saying what one thinks. Confront – telling what your wants. Exercise power and opening up. Sometimes silence don’t speak words, it makes one suffer.
Emotional energy: cope with frustration, anger, conflict or pressure. This emotional energy need to be charged.
Self esteem: Value self and be self accepting.
Courage : Face challenging situation and take action that is right
Self Direction : Make decisions, set goals. Keep family alive.
Tolerance : Be tolerant, patient, accepting and cooperating – This is a major part where people fail and relationships go haywire
Consideration for others : This is being considerate, helpful, being honest and responsible. Most of the time, when responsibilities are overlooked, ego issues pop in and distances are broadened.
Sociability : Enjoying company of all. If isolation finds way, frustrations, stress pave in way to break up souls, for sure.

International Family day and all I could think was writing on Family and relationship. So, here I hope this post article might give an insight to stop the Family from Pressure – the involvement is whole family – Parents, grandparents, couple and even people around them. After all, who loves broken marriages?

- ilaxi patel

Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/

Newspaper for Kids

Learning to write poetry or a story in few sessions is not a miracle!

2010-05-12T00:43:00.000-07:00

Edward Lear, an English writer and artist, became famous for his humorous poems for children. Born in London on May 12 1812, Lear's first book of poems, "A Book of Nonsense" (1846) ranks as a masterpiece of children's literature. His best known "The owl and the Pussy-cat" became a classic too.

That old man of Melrose
Who walked on tip of his toes
But they said it ain't pleasant
To see u at present
You stupid old man of Melrose

Well, Limericks is a form of humorous verse. It takes it's name from the city of Limerick, Ireland. No one knows how or where the form originated. It became known after Edward Lear made the form popular with his first "A Book of Nonsense (1846). The Limerick is a poem of five lines, with strong beat and rough anapaestic rhythm (i.e. de-de-DUMM). It is written in Poulter's measure, a Folk Metre that consists of 13 beats. The first two lines rhyme with the fifth, the third line rhymes with the fourth.

Parents often come to me and request that their kids learn to write poetry - Just because their poetry need to be selected and they have to recite at a Recitation competition or get it printed in the school magazine.

Learning to write poetry in two to four sessions is not a miracle. Kidsfreesouls suggest Poetry Soup Ideas and here's some simple steps:

1. Build Vocabulary - two-three-four-five-six letter words - Be familiar with words and just words
2. Rhyme words - Find all rhyming words and make a list
3. Select topics from Poetry Soup - Write on school, hobby, animals, etc.
4. Say some Tongue Twisters - To get familiar with rhyming words with pleasure when you say "Betty bought some butter, but the butter was bitter, so betty bought some better butter, to make the bitter butter, better."
5. Let imagination swirl - Write down all your great ideas.

Now, when I talk of Rhymes, words rhyming together give a musical chime of sound and this is the reason why rhyme is so much used. I am fond of rhyming words and I think, Internal rhymes also add music. For eg.

"The Ice was here and the Ice was there,
The Ice was all around;
It cracked and growled, and roared and howled,
Like noises in a sound!"

Vowel and Consonant sound words like long open vowels and soft consonants like l, m, n, v, w, z, etc produce sweet, soft, soothing music. Alliteration is yet another way to add zing to poetry. Repetition of words and phrases in poetry not only emphasize the meaning but often give musical effect to the poem.

For eg. "In ever climbing up a climbing wave" (Tennyson) or "The western tide crept up along the sand, And o'er and o'er the sand, And round and round the sand" (Kingsley)
Another thing I observed while writing Poetry. Poets have three ways of making us see mental pictures as we let our Imagination soar higher to pen down:

1. By Description : Describing a scene, character, real or ideal, in words. Eg. Henry Longfellow's 'Rain in Summer' (Search in Google Here)
2. By Figures of Speech : Such as simple, metaphor and personification. Compare one thing with another.
3. By Picturesque way : A poet can call up for a picturesque image with descriptive words like, eg. "All in a hot and copper sky, The bloody sun, at noon" (Coleridge)

Imagination and Emotions - two things to blend for an appeal. And which other poetry can go best than 'Daffodils' by William Wordsworth (Search in Google Here) - It touches the heart as we recite to end up,

"...They flash upon that inward eye, Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils."

Well, here is Edward Lear's Profile (Born on 12th May) and Limericks by Edward Lear.Also find Poetry Learning Pages and My Poetry here. Enjoy!

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids

Cop 15 failure and future progress on climate - transforming cultures

2010-05-04T09:14:00.000-07:00

I was just reading the Environment column that I placed on Kidsfreesouls and my attention was here on the words of Chris Flavin of the U.S.-based Worldwatch Institute. He believes that future progress on climate “will be driven more by domestic economics and politics rather than the international negotiating process.” It is suggested that the future UN climate talks should focus not on overarching agreements but on practical goals like providing funding for poor countries to mitigate and adapt to climate change, accelerating international cooperation on technology, and coordinating a global effort to protect the world’s remaining forests given their capacity to store large amounts of carbon.

Thoughtful view and I completely agree that nations do need to adopt policies and technologies to keep carbon footprints in check and transform cultures. Here is a ppt on what you can do for the community and why culture change is so important. Here is a copy of the State of the World 2010: a preview - Stay tuned to Kidsfreesouls for Environment column and Watch this space for World watch Institute - a vision for sustainable world. Also interesting is the Life cycle studies section.

Parents and teachers may take a look into the Environment section and maybe you find some worksheets to chart out for kids and even come for better summer activity planning activities on environment.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/

Newspaper for kids

International Dance Day : Sun sign Dancing

2010-04-29T04:20:00.000-07:00

International Dance Day (World Dance Day) has been celebrated on April 29 through promotion by the International Dance Council (CID), an umbrella organization within UNESCO for all kinds of dance.The holiday was introduced in 1982 by the International Dance Committee of the UNESCO International Theatre Institute. The date was suggested by Pyotr Gusev to commemorate the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre.

Well, Dancing is the most common entertaining, relaxing and creative activity that fascinates all ages. It is the easiest way to road ahead for social contacts & grace, thorough way for exercising, co-ordination, builds self confidence, encourage good posture and cheapest entertainment that can be enjoyed at any age lifetime. Find More on Dance Steps and as per your sun sign, I recommend 'What's the perfect dance for you'. Enjoy!

- ilaxi

Shakespeare - World Book Day

2010-04-21T01:15:00.000-07:00

April 23 we recall Shakespeare Literature as we observe World Book and Copyright Day. This day, Unesco seeks to promote reading, publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright. On 23rd April, great personalities, Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. It is also the date of birth or death of other prominent authors such as Maurice Druon, K.Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo. The idea for this celebration originated in Catalonia where on 23 April, Saint George's Day, a rose is traditionally given as a gift for each book sold.

Shakespeare occupies a unique position in world literature. His works include 37 plays, including comedy, Tragedy and Historical along with Poems, sonnets. Shakespeare is astonishingly clever with words and images, so that his mental energy, when applied to intelligible human situations, finds full and memorable expression, convincing and imaginatively stimulating and to read his stuff is a rich experience for a life time. It has ever been great to read 'Romeo & Juliet', Hamlet, Midsummer Night's dream, Tempest, As you Like It, Merchant of Venice, King Lear and all the stuff that we taught in Literature Lessons at School.

To mark the World Book and Copyright Day celebrations, every year, we have 'Archies Day' and Reading session - open for all children at Swagat to promote Reading activities and enhance literacy skills. However, this year, as the Library is under rennovation, we encourage children to visit Archie Website to find Characters, games, fun stuff, etc. and also follow online Projects.

This World Book Day, grab a book, share a book and I am sure, you will love to be literature savvy at Kidsfreesouls as I keep adding more profiles to the Literature Index. Read my Amazon.com Reviews and buy great books too. Enjoy.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids

Friedrich Froebel's system of Education - Kindergarten

2010-04-16T01:07:00.000-07:00

Friedrich Froebel, (1782-1852) - the German founder of Kindergarten system was born in April 1782. He changed the way we think about early childhood education. Friedrich started a Play and Activity Institute which featured games, play, songs, stories, and crafts to stimulate imagination and develop physical and motor skills. He designed balls, wooden blocks, tiles, sticks and rings to demonstrate that children learn by playing. These objects were important part of child's life as these gifts will teach the child to use his environment as an educational aid, give a child an indication between human life and nature and create a bond between the adult and the child.

The word 'Kindergarten' mean, kinder + garten = Infant garden - garden for children in tune to nature where they can grow in free atmosphere in open surroundings. When Friedrich Froebel flourished the Kindergarten, he thought of kids to be tiny flowers who need the care and flower.

The kindergarten was essentially based on:

- toys for sedentary creative play
- games and dances for healthy activity
- observing and nurturing plants in a garden for stimulating awareness of the natural world.

His philosophy of education rested on four basic components:
- Free self-activity
- Creativity
- Social participation
- Motor expression

Froebel developed a specific set of 20 ‘gifts’ - physical objects such as balls, blocks, and sticks - for children to use in the kindergarten. Froebel carefully designed these gifts to help children recognize and appreciate the common patterns and forms found in nature. Froebel’s gifts were eventually distributed throughout the world, deeply influencing the development of generations of young children. First, a ball, second - a sphere and a cube and third, a wooden cube, divided once in each direction to create eight smaller cubes. You can read more on this in detailed blog of Mike Pegg - 3 tips of understanding Friedrich Froebel's work on strength.

Today's times are changing. Children need to compete with their peers and with the technology booming in, computers and mobiles have found way to the smaller kids who just pick up the gadgets and find way to communicate. Moreover, closed activities indoors need a break for a changeover to view the outside world - into gardens, parks and places of kids interest like the zoo, picnic spots, etc. Kids learn faster in open spaces and like we have the system of 'Shantiniketan' in India (started by Rabindranath Tagore) - studying in open skies in a garden, under the shade of trees is a unique way of learning. A balance with indoor and outdoor activity is just the need of the hour.

To sum up, a Kindergarten should be in a free atmosphere based on Swagat Children Library environment which follow the principles :

An environment of Kindergarten/Play or Activity center which :

• is physically safe but intellectually challenging, promoting curiosity, enquiry, sensory stimulation and aesthetic awareness
• demonstrates the unity of indoors and outdoors, of the cultural and the natural
• allows free access to a rich range of materials that promote open atmosphere for opportunities for play and creativity
• entails the nursery, working in close partnership with parents and other skilled adults
• is educative rather than merely time pass, keeping busy schedule
• promotes interdependence as well as independence, community as well as individuality and responsibility - free atmosphere.

Btw, here is a book 'A Child's Play by Joachim Liebschner' - An important study of the continuing debate over methods of primary education and of the conflict between child-centred and more traditional education; concern about the role of the teacher; and the renewed challenge of 'play' as a tool of education. Froebel wrote, 'Play is a mirror of life', providing the means of intellectual, social, emotional and physical development, and self-discipline and social behaviour.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for kids

Health concerns on World Health Day

2010-04-08T04:30:00.000-07:00

On World Health Day this year, check my current post here.

World Health Day - Salads - They make your Day!

A past note from my Health Blog on Austin Statesman Blog below:

- In Editor's Blog

A past note from my Health Blog on Austin Statesman Blog below:

This World Health day, make it a concern to count on those calories and set a fitness regime. Working to fitness can be made a routine as you set the schedule and supplement your life with the techniques of Yoga - the Sudarshan Kriya (Art of Living healing breadth techniques) and Pranayama.

The main purpose of Meditation, pranayama and other related practises is that they increase 'prana' - you handle the breath and the body gains good health. The patterns of breadth reveal the toxins inn the body and when we are sick, our breadth is hot, quivery, shaky and not straight. Now, how many times do we breathe in a minute? Ever imagined? Breathing is the first important thing to survive. Since we start breathing till we stop, we breathe round the clock. Amazingly, we use only 30 percent of our lung capacity and we are not breathing enough. In one minute, we breathe nearly 16 to 17 times. If upset, it goes upto 20. If angry, more upwards. But, if calm and happy, the breathing is too normal to 10 times.

We get our energy from food, sleep and energy through breadth and exercise. However, the technique of Sudarshan kriya and pranayam with meditation are the best techniques for mind, body and soul.

Professionals do not need to do something overwhelmingly different but what one needs is to discipline the mind in an undisciplined lifestyle. How?

1. It's time to Move the body with brisk walk every day for at least 20 minutes. Up and down the corridor or in walking lanes or jogger parks.
2. Go for short breaks to stretch at the desk that stops you to be stiff muscled. Give space to yourself or just close your eyes for few minutes and take deep breadth.
3. Feel fresh - go out for fresh air and do not stay behind the doors. Mornings are ever fresh that can bring in sunshine to life too.
4. Don't be a junk eater as obesity can knock the door. Binge on low calorie snacks. Whole grain or fibre rich diet gives nutrition. Avoid cold and vending machine stuff.
5. Check on the EQ and SQ - Emotional Quotient and Spiritual Quotient. All time need of the hour.
6. Change Attitude - It counts. Be positive and possess spiritual outlook.

Above all, supplement life with all those 8 glasses of water and more. Whatever the researchers say, drinking water do take care of skin and stop dehydration especially in Summer. Daily vitamins are required and so, go for the right fruit and vegetable diets - Avoid pills instead eat 'Raw and Fresh fruits' (check my note on this in earlier post)

Change Life - the Power is within You!

Sources to surf:Sri Sri Ravishankerji's website
Meditation Yoga-change4life
World Health Day - In archive

Check for the widget and I am sure, the Health blog notes will benefit parents and teachers to a happy healthy way of living and to pass on to younger generation.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/

Newspaper for kids

Dare to Dream, you reach the stars if not the Moon!

2010-04-05T23:02:00.000-07:00

True North: Peary, Cook, and the Race to the Pole

Robert Peary realized his dream of reaching the North Pole on 7th April 1909. As a child, he use to go for long expeditions and when young, went for hikes for 25 miles every week. When he made his first attempt to reach North Pole, he faced darkness and minus Fahrenheit temperatures upto 63 degrees. He learnt how to build igloo, drive dog sled and keep warm with animal clothings. With several more attempts, in his eighth attempt, Robert Peary raised finance and saw his dream come true. However, a Fredrick Cook claimed that he had reached before Peary. Here's a past NYT article 'In Triumph or not, In Cook they Trust' . The press demanded both the men provided evidence but Peary had stronger financial backers and he won the battle.

Read more on the Blog Archive. Btw, its always 'Failure' and it gives the opportunity to begin again - more wisely! If you dare to dream, you can do it and so did the North Pole be conquered - whoever did this. I would sum up:

Dare to think - dare to try
Dare to fail - Dare to succeed.

The mind of a person is capable of anything because everything is in it, past as well as the future.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids

Childhood stories - Hans Christian Andersen

2010-04-03T00:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Hans Christian Anderson birthday - born on April 2, 1805, a shoe-maker's son who became Denmark's famous author. Anderson wrote around 350 stories. Even after his death Hans Christian Anderson is still remembered today. Hans Anderson died on August 4, 1875. Denmark's people always celebrate his birthday with a party called "Odin Story Day". The Anderson home in Odense is now a museum, and thousand of people visit it every year. Anderson's stories are too popular and with a touch of humor as well as kind feeling for the poor, his own childhood experiences reflects in his tales.

Hans stories are 'Classic of the classics' coz the beautiful stories lets your imagination go surfing on 'cloud nine' and these tales conveys moralistic message. The Princess and the Pea is my fav' story and so is the 'Emperor's clothes' - Totally, an amazing fairy tales of Hans Anderson that grips you delightfully reading even as an adult.

Find Hans Christian Andersen's Profile in Literature pages. His home in Odense is now a museum and his birthday is celebrated as International children's Day - I guess a great idea to read out Hans stories to children and go for Projects too.

In the Pacific Story Section, you can read a few online stories of Hans Anderson. Review of Hans Anderson book can be found on Kids Read pages. And here's Fairy land pages - with more Stories coming soon.

Btw, watch for Summer Reads - Book Recommendations for Kids - Coming soon!

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for kids

Read Gujarat - Cultivate Reading Habits

2010-03-31T08:27:00.000-07:00

Some time ago, I referred to Encourage reading , Trouble shoot areas, choosing Books and reading aloud.

As summer time will be a 'Read Gujarat' Initiative by CM Narendra Modi, some thoughts on reading as you encourage and motivate kids to form the habit of reading.

I find many parents who approached me for Library class, want their children to form the reading habit and have mentioned that they have laid rules for reading and television viewing.

I think, Reading should not be a forced activity but made interesting by narrating, communicating, expressing and showing pictures in the book. Discovering books in a Library or at a store should be a routine. Encourage children by talking 'just books' with added Scrap book fun. Children love to draw and add color while they write a review or part of the story. Even games are fun while reading. Making spelling games, board games, cards and so on. Reading should never be serious and this is no learning. Let kids lighten up. Stories and comics are meant to be fun together. Some kids love fiction, some like poetry whereas some like non fiction. Let the child make his choice.

The most important factor is setting priorities and setting example. If a parent or a teacher is not into the habit of reading, they fail to make it 'fun reading' and even make boring sessions for the kids. Children who see the adults reading follow the footsteps as they are prone to imitate elders. Setting reading priority is even more essential part because reading habits are formed through setting of routine reading sessions. It can be once a week, two hours of every day, half an hour to two.

Moreover, We need to encourage children to write 'Weekly review Journal' of stories they've read with a simple jot down in the scrap like: (It can be a daily review too)

Name of the Book
Name of the Characters in the Book
Best Part I like
Hard Words in the Book
My Opinion or Moral of the story
Lastly, Sign of the Student and Teacher's sign.

Once a week, one review writing and you have 52 reviews ready in a year. Even if the child skips writing, at least there will be 25 book reviews written - five may be beginning efforts but the remaining will be written properly with a little bit of help from the parent or teacher. I have students who've submitted 40 reviews + in a year. In the process, the child improves on reading, narrating and even sharpen language skills and handwriting. If a student dislike review writing, there should be an option to write a letter to a friend telling about the story. Here's Swagat Page with list of students who've read +25 and +40 reviews. You can submit reviews to Kidsfreesouls and get into Global List of Readers on Kidsfreesouls.

Engage kids for creativity with many related activities as reading alone is not enough and it may end up a boring activity. Let the creative juices flow and gradually, the habit of reading is developed! Another idea is for Literature reads. Explore the Literature section of Kidsfreesouls and follow the tips here. Kidsfreesouls has conducted Literature Projects and Fairyland Projects - creative ideas always do help.

Btw, here's a video on Choosing Books and Reading aloud in Kidsfreesouls You Tube.

As most of the children appear for exams in April, here's wishing all the best luck and meanwhile, I chart out all the book recommendations, drop in back to read more on the blog.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for kids
Guardian of Angels: A Practical Guide to Joyful Parenting

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The Woods are Lovely, dark and deep, And I have promises to keep....

2010-03-22T00:48:00.000-07:00

"The woods are lovely dark and deep,
And I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep"
- Robert Frost

Robert Frost, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, was born on 26th March 1874 in San Francisco, California, USA. The U.S. Congress voted Frost a gold medal "in recognition of his poetry which has enriched the culture of the United States and the philosophy of the world". (Read more here)

Btw, did you know, Robert Frost wrote a new poem entitled "Dedication" for delivery at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy in 1961, but never read it, because the sun's glare upon the snow blinded Frost from seeing the text. Instead, he recited "The Gift Outright" from memory.

I guess, poets are born and totally, a game of word play, rhyme and reason. When I started writing poetry, I referred a lot of poetry books in my Library and later, set to make my own creation which sometimes took an hour or two to pen down a few lines!!! It had to be original, it had to have rhyme schemes, it had to convey a message because when a poet writes, the thoughts flow in those lines. Knowingly or unknowingly, while people write poetry on the web, I have noticed that many of them reveal their inner mind and psychology is all that works to find the character behind those thoughtful revelations.

You can find my Poetry pages and Poetry learning (More will be added soon) and even teach kids on 'How to write Poetry'. If you have written a poetry and wondering what to do (even after putting on Facebook or sending thru mails) - here's Kidsfreesouls 'Your Poetry' Pages for you. Maybe, be an Inspirational Poet too:-)

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids

This week in environment: Healthy snacks for kids & ewaste of electronics

2010-03-19T02:42:00.000-07:00

The recent Earth Talk Question-Answers :

I see a lot of “healthy snacks” being marketed for kids that list “natural flavors” but don’t identify them. Should I use these products?- John Stein, Methuen, MA

"Christine Steendahl of Kid Approved Meals stresses the importance of teaching kids which snacks to eat and which to avoid early in life so that they can sidestep obesity and other health problems altogether. Fruits, nuts and dry cereals, for example, are good alternatives to chips and other junk food."

I work for an office equipment company selling copiers, fax machines, computers and printers. Each year new models come out making old ones obsolete. As a result, we have loads of trade-ins with nowhere to go. What can we do with this old equipment? -- Jeff P., Worcester, MA

"The Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition reports that 70 percent of the heavy metals in U.S. landfills are from discarded electronics. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that Americans trash two million tons of unwanted electronics each year - six times the amount they recycle.

- In English In Spanish

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/

Newspaper for Kids

In Environment:Plug in Prius and on Snow removal

2010-03-11T23:51:00.000-08:00

The Environment Weekly column, here's this week's two questions in case you missed reading on Kidsfreesouls.

When the plug-in Prius is released, how much electricity will it use? Will my electric bill double if my Prius is plugged in each night? Or will the increase be minimal? Also, will all this recharging put a strain on the existing electricity grid? -- G.C. Marx, Colorado Springs, CO

"According to the blog Futurewheels.com, electric cars and plug-in hybrids (those that have been converted by owners) currently average about two cents per mile to recharge, while gasoline-only cars average about 10 cents per mile to refuel. Pictured: a Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid demonstration program vehicle at the 2010 Washington, DC Auto Show."

What are the environmental impacts of all the de-icing and snow removal taking place on roads everywhere in the wake of all the recent storms? -- Benjamin P Sander, via e-mail

"Besides salt, removed snow contains accumulated amounts of antifreeze, engine oil, rubber and metal deposits from tire wear, and heaps of plastic litter, cigarette butts and other waste -- all poisonous to local ecosystems no matter where it ends up."

Read the detail answers In English In Spanish

Mistakes and they're apt to happen when we work on deadlines! The last post spoke on different category which do not fall under this blog - hence the delete. You can find the same here.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids

Women's day - Equal rights, equal opportunities, Progress for All

2010-03-07T22:20:00.000-08:00

International Women’s Day is observed on 8 March. The theme of the 2009 observance was “Women and men united to end violence against women and girls." This year, the theme for 2010 is, "Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all" - This year marks the 15th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the outcome of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995. In recognition of this important anniversary, the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day – which is observed worldwide on 8 March – is "Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All". says Ban Ki-moon, UN Secreatary General in the recent video on You Tube . It inspires to women to strive for equality and opportunity. It reminds of the rights to women.

In India, women are more likely to get educated with the 'Education for all' and the 'Save girl child' campaign doing its social cause to balance the ratio of girls and boys apart from providing rights to girls to be born and see a beautiful world. Death in childbirth is a common problem all over the world. Violence against women remains a shameful deed and crime is on a rise with abuse power taking its toll on women. The need of the hour is to focus on Security and build peace, sustainability and development.

The decision power of women is sort for as women are more involved in outer issues than home alone. 33% of women will hold place in Indian Parliament as Women's Reservation Bill is to be declared on Women's Day. For more on this, find on Google Search. I am hopeful that India will celebrate an exclusive women's day this year with the passing of the Bill. This day, reminds me of my first media article on Woman, published in print newspapers - Sambhaav and The Times of India. Also, memories of the two Awards that I received to honor me as Outstanding Journalist and Outstanding Personality. Here's International Women's Day page on Kidsfreesouls.

- ilaxi patel

Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/

Newspaper for kids

Author of Guardian of Angels

Dr Seuss 'Cat in the Hat'

2010-03-03T06:56:00.000-08:00

On March 2, 2010, Fans of rhyming and poetic Author paid tribute to the classic works - Dr. Seuss, a children' author and pop culture icon of all times who would have been 97 years on 2nd March 2010, if he was alive today. Theodor (Ted) Seuss Geisel, has over 60 children's books to his pen name. Sixteen of Seuss' works appeared on the 2000 Publisher's Weekly list of bestselling children's books of all time.

He has written and illustrated popular books such as "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas", "One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish", Green Eggs and Ham", "Oh the Places You'll Go" and "Cat in the Hat". The Cat in the Hat catapulted him from pioneer in children's literature to definitive children's book author illustrator, a position he has held unofficially for many decades since.

Students in classroom enjoy the English text lessons especially "Cat in the Hat" and "The Grinch who stole Christmas."

Dr. Seuss' works have become so popular that they've become theatrical adaptations for both screen and stage, including the "Cat in the Hat" movie starring Mike Myers, the "Grinch" movie with Jim Carrey and a plethora of TV cartoon versions.

Btw, First Lady Michelle Obama celebrated Dr. Seuss Birthday by reading 'The Cat in the Hat' to over 200 local elementary school students at Library of Congress.

- Read more on Editor's Desk (Blog) at Kidsfreesouls. Watch the video as Michelle Obama reads to school children and You tube video and links to March Calendar and Projects.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids

Code Red - Holi is shrugging off evil....

2010-03-01T03:03:00.000-08:00

Holi mein tum karo total masti, Aur tumko mile sabka pyar aur dosti...Khushiya ho overflow, fun kabhi na ho low....That's wishing a splashing Holi with colors of love, colors of life.

Have a 'Code Red' or Code color Party. Wear Red. Decorations be red, appetizers be red with Tomato juice, food be red like pastas, pizzas, chinese cabbage, fruit be red like apple or strawberry and music too - All red like 'Code Red, Bad Boys Red, and a music score dancing tune be red like 'Red Red wine by UB40'

Whatever the theme, it's never ever late for a colorful Holi festival as it continues hours of celebrations. Apart from other tales than King Hiranyakashya and Prahlad, Holi is also associated with Dol yatra, rocking image of Krishna-radha and in UP, the legendery home of Radha, women go to Nandgaon, home of Krishna and challenge men to throw colours on them. Radha was a great devotee of Krishna. Some mock at the Radha Krishna affair which is total ignorance of their beliefs and misinterpretation, making them see the materialistic world instead of a divine submission to the godhead.

Here's Radhe Krishna pages and at a time when Holi celebrations is held, it is not all about materialistic world but merge into love to shrug off evil, banish hate and spread happiness around.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/

Newspaper for kids

203rd Birthday of Henry Longfellow followed by Holi celebrations...

2010-02-27T05:24:00.000-08:00

Did you know? It's 203rd Birthday of Longfellow on 27th February 2010. My fav line and even a friend had given me an autographs with words 'Lives of great men...." and the most memoral piece. Many of the lines of Longfellow is so familiar to us and quoted as inspirations, he is the best loved and popular American Poet in the world. Easy to understand, his poems touches our hearts as he had the rhythm and beauty of a song, optimistic vision and extreme faith in goodness of life and living. He was greatly influenced by the book of Washington Irving's 'Sketch Book' apart from 'Don Quixote' which was his favorite read. In Hiawatha, the long poem begins with Gitche Matino, the Great Spirit, commanding his people to live in peace and tells how Hiawatha is born. It ends with the coming of the white man and Hiawatha's death. The publication of 'Hiawatha' caused the greatest excitement. For the first time in American literature, Indian themes gained recognition as sources of imagination, power, and originality. The appeal of 'Hiawatha' for generations of children and young people gives it an enduring place in world literature.

Read more and find Worksheet link on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow page in Literature.

Btw, it's Holi Celebrations on 28-29th.Colours of Love, Colours of Life!

It's Holi Festival on 28-29th February and we fill our lives with the colors – Colors of Love, colors of life. Colors fill our world with beauty. We mix and blend our life with colors in various ways.

What’s Your Favorite color? Check out your own personality with FS cool wise wisdom predictions forecasting your character like your sun signs. So, next time if someone happens to ask you ‘What is your favorite color?’ Be Alert – You are somewhere revealing your own self, exposing your personality and character traits undoubtedly with your color choice.

ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for kids

Climate Change

2010-02-25T02:29:00.000-08:00

Recently, Polar explorer Paul Rose was in town to attend the climate talk on 'The Global Meltdown - What's really happenning with our Climate" organised by British Council in association with CEE at its auditorium. He mentioned that the world leaders lack climate change leaders but in future, youth from developing nations who have access to internet has opened a world of imagination, encouraging them to come up with innovative change ideas. Humans are responsible and they will have to do what it takes to set things right.

Paul addressed the following issues:

- Can we drastically slow down the human effects on our climate and make sensible, sustainable adaptations to the changes that are happening now?
- Can we reduce our rate of population growth to sustainable levels?
- Can we protect our ecosystems and biodiversity?

With the Climate Change Department, first in the country, we now have the Gujarat Government's State Awareness Campaign on Climate Change. Launched on Tuesday, 23rd february - The Gujarat Ecology Commission under the State Department of Forests and Environment has been made the nodal agency for the campaign. Educating masses and that is the need of the hour (Read in Kidsfreesouls News)

Btw, Gujarat's low lying coastal regions in the Gulf of Kutch and the Gulf of Khambhat may face erosions as seas have risen. This means, Projects in this regions will need to be planned on the basis of the studies and risk management exercise need to be taken. Human population may be affected by this coastal erosion. I gather, a workshop organised on Climate change by State Forest and Environment Department, Isro and Bisag was held when experts opined their concerns.

Well, here's this week's Earth Talk Questions:

Dear EarthTalk: If the ice caps are melting, what is happening to the salt content of the oceans? And might this contribute to weather patterns or cause other environmental problems? - George Boyer, via e-mail

"The melting of the polar ice caps is sending large amounts of fresh water into the world’s oceans. Many climate scientists fear that if the climate heats up fast enough and melts off the remaining polar ice rapidly, the influx of fresh water could stall out the Gulf Stream and rob the northeastern U.S. and northwestern Europe of their natural heating source, plunging the two continents into a cold snap that could last decades or longer."

Dear EarthTalk: Where do I recycle old ski boots (hard plastic)? My recycling center does not take hard plastic. - Beth Fitzpatrick, Stamford, CT

"Americans recycle more plastic than ever these days, but there are still plenty of items that are not accepted by municipalities, including many hard plastic items like ski boots."

Find In English In Spanish

Wondering what's in for kids here? Well, log on to Kids News section and the news for the day can be read in classroom sessions (many teachers call for news read out in the class) or gather the information in their Project Books.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Kids Newspaper
Author of Guardian of Angels: A practical guide to Joyful Parenting

Make your child Stress Free - Parent Stress,Kids Stress

2010-02-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

Recently, Kidsfreesouls Counsellor Expert Dr.P.V.Vaidyanathan launched the Marathi version of his English book 'Make your Child Stress Free' - The event was held at Crossword Book Store at their Linking Road, Bandra West outlet, at 4.30 pm on Saturday, the 20th of February, 2010. The English version has been published by Ameya Prakashan originally in June 2007 which is now translated into Marathi by Mrs. Ashwini Latkar and released on 20th Feb.

Chief Guest, Priya Dutt graced the event and launched the book. She spoke about her own motherhood, upbringing a two year and four year old children. She felt the importance of balancing work and her family and inspite of being born to celebrity parents (Sunil Dutt and Nargis), she led a simple childhood with nurtured care of her parents. Her father, Sunil Dutt was quite strict, but her mother used to cushion the children from their father's strictness. Priya Dutt lamented how today's life and society has become materialistic, with people only worrying about how to buy a better mobile, a bigger car or a bigger house. This places a burden on the parents which in turn is passed on to the children. She asked parents to prioritise their lives so that they can lead a more balanced life.

Dr. Vaidyanathan narrated his experience while he wrote on Why children feel the stress and what could be the possible solutions to help them grow 'stress free.' He asserted, how things changed in last three or four decades. Pushy parents have led kids to go for more activities. As a result, they are stressed as they do not get enough sleep, enough rest, have irregular meals and are on the edge, running from one class to another. He said, "Parents too are not always around to help children. Children can take pressure from one direction, but not from both sides. Parents, apart from providing the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter should enhance their child's good points and support the bad ones. They should act as a cushion for the children's emotional problems. The desire to acquire more---more of everything-----and where the more is never a destination only a journey, never to be reached, is making both adults and children stressed out. Nowadays, children are forced to develop their own mechanisms of stress release and to combat stress."

Kidsfreesouls Moms Zone has articles for Parents and Teachers. I do feel 'Parents Stress, Kids stress' - Alarming figures are on a rise with internal and external factors responsible for the cause. Multiple complications have arisen for health and psychological well being of not only children but parent too. It is a high alert and need of the hour to think, understand and act.

Grab the copy of Dr. Vaidyanathan's books 'Make your Child Stress Free' (In English and Marathi) and 'Managing The Unmanageable Child' - available on all leading Bookstores and online stores. Find his column here Kidsfreesouls Counsellor Expert Dr.P.V.Vaidyanathan

About the Book: Make Your Child Stress Free by Dr. Vaidyanathan

Is your child suffering from stress? This book is an handbook & guide for parents having children of ages from early childhood to teenage, giving the causes and remedies for stress.

The book highlights the need for parent education. Questions related to identifying if your son / daughter is under stress is handled with ease in the book. The book also discussed how the situation should be handled. The author guides you on how a parent can understand and reduce the stress in a child's life and make him more relaxed and balanced minded.

You can even pick up 'Guardian of Angels' which cover 'Problem Solving' - 'Temperament and Values' chapters that cover up 'thought provoking' articles on parenting.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids
Author of Guardian of Angels: A Practical Guide to Joyful Parenting

Traffic Congestion

2010-02-20T03:27:00.000-08:00

While I recently got an opportunity to talk to Mr. J P Gupta, Transport Commissioner (person behind City Disaster management), he has a vision to work out disaster traffic congestion on Ahmedabad roads. Always concerned and a keen listener, the team is all set up to minimise traffic issues.

Traffic will be a part of school curriculum from next year beginning from class IV as per the Government decision. You can read more on this on Kidsfreesouls earlier news.

With the following Question on Traffic Congestion in US, I think, ideas need to be implemented. Traffic congestion pricing is a good idea as, if the toll is higher, the drivers will cancel the trips which are unnecessary rides. Carpooling is a nice idea too and students can sort for such practices. Even Corporates can provide 'by bus' facility to its employees. A vigil check on teenager rides without licence and most of, three track lanes to be implemented for different 2-3-4 wheelers - a biggest hurdle in creating traffic congestion where everybody wants to overtake the other.

Much more suggestions and if you facing traffic problem in town, do drop in your suggestions too...they're heard!

Children 5-15 years can draw-color to project their Traffic congestion ideas and even be encouraged to point their suggestions in ten simple points.

So, lessons to learn with the answers...Environment Questions for this week:

Short of massive efforts to build a public transportation infrastructure, which doesn’t appear likely anytime soon, what is being done to address traffic congestion, which is reaching absurd levels almost everywhere? - John Daniels, Baltimore, MD

I have a new linoleum floor, which I chose partly for its eco-friendliness. How do I clean and maintain it without using harsh or toxic chemicals? -- A.J. Maimbourg, via e-mail

- In English In Spanish

- ilaxi patel
Newspaper for Kids
www.kidsfreesouls.com

That's what friends are for, In good times, In bad times...

2010-02-17T04:09:00.000-08:00

A recent Question popped up in Counselling Section:

"I am a 13 year old boy studying in a reputed school of Mumbai. I have a difficulty making friends and fitting into groups. I don’t talk too much and brag too much like the other popular boys. My parents have always taught me good values and I think I am a good person but looks like no one wants me as their friend. That makes me sad. I don’t know what to do. Can you help me?" (Find the Counselling zone answer here)

Parents are the ones to instill good values but having no friends and not mixing up isn't a good idea either. You can't expect all friends to be good as some may be nasty. Neither, bragging or blowing trumpet is necessary to impress someone. I always feel that's the other way round sometimes. Friendship is natural and it comes along well with positive conversations and mutual interests. It is not forceful neither prolonged if your ideas don't match the other.

I believe,One thing really important for a child is Making connections and parents should encourage children to choose them when they are younger kids. Children do make friends on their own but yet, a parental guiding help can add to his positive friendship :

1. Help the child to be friendly. Simply listening or talking, sharing and appreciating the other and even sharing alikeness - for a video game or a even an activity in class.
2. Help the child to compete - In the sense, master the skills the others have and admire. Be it playing a keyboard or guitar, playing sports or arts.
3. Avoid being negative and impulsive. Listen to the child on what he has to say of his friends rather than stop him and showing your distaste of his friend. He may strong feel of his friend that you don't, maybe.
4. Help the child to solve conflicts. Social skills are necessary as they can learn to settle themselves at times of disputes with others.
5. Don't involve in small arguments of children. If they go physical, take your stand. Let the kids work out on their own.
6. Let the kids practice co-operation and understand feelings of others.
7. Help the kids to share, care and be kind and gentle with friends.
8. Know your child's friends. Invite them for play, birthday celebrations, etc.

This way, a parent can know of how well your child's friends are and also learn from their positive ways to help your child set example. If your child has a bad friendship, it makes you alert to guide.

In friendship groups, you children are apt to have friends with good or bad habits. Parents should always guide on how to handle nasty friends. This necessary do not mean ditching them but either guide them to be better or keep distance.

If your child has no friends, it is a signal to be alert as social skills are lacking and in such situations, he becomes a loner and all work, no play makes Jack always a dull boy!

Check in to Counselling zone and explore for more such answers.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids
Author of Guardian of Angels

Sidney Sheldon - How he met his wife

2010-02-14T04:20:00.001-08:00

I have ever been a Sidney Sheldon Die-hard Fan and have almost read and lended books that were never returned! Sid's Books are Interesting Reads that glues from start to finish read. His novels are royal touch that walks one mentally through the series of events that are emotional, sensational, touchy, investigative, gripping. Till the end, Sid keeps mystery and thats the charm of his novels.

In an Interview, he asked a reporter, “Do you know why is it simply impossible to put down a Sidney Sheldon book?” The reporter had many answers on my mind: “Because he is a maestro, a genius...” But before he was able to say anything, Sheldon “revealed the secret”: “It’s because the publisher puts glue on the cover.”

So very true! Born on 17th February 1917 and even died in February, the Author met his wife in a very strange manner. He said, “One stormy night I was in my kitchen and suddenly I heard a noise outside the door. A gorgeous woman was holding a puppy in her arms. The dog was cold and wet, so I wanted to bring the puppy in, and I had to bring Alexandra in, too. And I liked the dog, so I decided to keep them both.”

Hmm...Thank the dog, Alexandra was lucky. Well, we all are lucky some way to meet our mates in some or the other fashion....

Well, Find the Sidney Sheldon Profile page on Kidsfreesouls and explore my Google Buzz too. Enjoy.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids
Author of Guardian of Angels: A practical guide to Joyful Parenting

Valentine's day - explore....

2010-02-13T03:28:00.000-08:00

It's only words and words are all I have, to take your heart away.....
Come Valentine and love is all around....

A teenager said today, 'I've nothing to do with the Valentine's day' and it surprized me when most of the teenagers celebrate the day by sharing chocolates, giving away cards and hanging around for pizzas and burgers.

Well, for children and especially teenagers, we have the Valentine theme Projects on Kidsfreesouls. Awareness is one thing that we always need to create and children are no exceptions as today's savvy kids almost knows all.

You can find my Best Valentine Song Pics on my Playlists on You Tube and these are the best everlasting songs that we all love to listen and gift a CD pack to our loved ones. Also find the Valentine pages and it will give an insight to What is Love, What is Crush, stories, myths, flowers and birds....A lot more to explore my one time hobby of writing shayaris and poems too.

For children, find Valentine Projects and download sheet to stick on bedroom wall.

Happy Valentine's Day - Enjoy.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids

'Just Like Abraham Lincoln' - Book for kids

2010-02-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

Abraham Lincoln was born in a one room log cabin on Nolin creek in Kentucky on 12th February 1809. On November 6, 1860 - Abraham Lincoln is elected as 16th U.S. president and the first Republican.

Here's the review of a book 'Just Like Abraham Lincoln' written and illustrated by Bernard Waber and published by Scholastic (1964). Waber has created a wonderful book that introduces this famous president to young children. He begins his story by introducing a modern-day little boy who has a next door neighbor that looks just like Lincoln. This man not only looks like Lincoln, but he has many of the same likes and habits that our famous president had. Waber has made a connection for our young readers from the familiar to the more abstract.

Threaded throughout his book are well-known facts about President Lincoln: his outdoor pioneer heritage, his love of books, and his occupation before he became president are just a few of these facts included in this book.

As the review reflects on this site, you can conduct a classroom session with the facts, quizzes and resources here. Here's a quick quiz on Lincoln that you would like to conduct in classrooms after you check out the Lincoln Timeline.

Lincoln was shot in the head by John Wilkes Booth while Lincoln watched a play 'Our American Cousin'. He never regained consciousness and died on 15th April 1865.

Well, while you find the Lincoln worksheet interesting as much as I enjoyed doing the quiz, here are easier quick help yourself worksheets for classroom in Grammar Fun section in case you have not visited. And, for February Projects, visit the Projects page. Also find Literature section here on Kidsfreesouls. Enjoy.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids
Author of Guardian of Angels: A practical guide to Joyful Parenting

BT Brinjal and Env concerns on food thrown away in US.

2010-02-07T02:52:00.000-08:00

Bt cotton was the first transgenic crop to be released in India in the year 2002. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding Bt cotton. Its performance, impact on the environment, biodiversity and health of cattle has been widely debated.

Now comes BT Brinjal - the genetically modified crops in India with the controversy. If cleared for human consumption, Bt-brinjal will be the first GM vegetable crop approved for cultivation anywhere in the world. However, how safe is it? Controversial debates and decisions yet to be taken, prime concern is health of humans and the food that we eat is almost getting adulterated and harmful. Public health and potential benefit to farmers with pro and anti opinions stirring in with verdict to comeon 10th February.

Well, I read a comment somewhere "we must educate the public never to eat it and will arrange to distribute traditional brinjal plants to save the seeds for next generations through terace cultivation etc where cross polination from bt can be avoided." - thoughtful, eh!

10 States Govternments say 'No' to BT Brinjal and have decided not to allow in their states. I guess, the Gandhian philosophy of 'home made - Swadeshi' is being revived some way.

Well, this week's Environment question related to US :

What are the environmental implications of all the food we throw away here in the United States? - Mike Schiller, Cambridge, MA

"According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Loss Project, Americans throw away more than 25 percent - some 25.9 million tons - of all the food we produce for domestic sale and consumption."

A fisherman friend of mine told me that trout populations in the Interior West of the U.S. are already shrinking due to global warming. Is this true? And what is the long term prognosis for the trout? - Jon Klein, Portsmouth, NH

- Read in English In Spanish

I wonder, how much Indians worry about the food waste at the major marriage functions with multiple cuisines and the genetically to modify products like BT Brinjal?

How much do we educate our children on food and their eating habits? Rather a concerned topic and almost overlooked!

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/

Newspaper for Kids

Charles Dickens, a journalist

2010-02-05T02:33:00.000-08:00

Charles John Huffham Dickens, the famous Novelist was born on 7 February. It might surprise some that he was a Journalist. Charles became a reporter on the Parliamentary newspaper 'True Sun', where his natural talent for reporting and keen observation was first recognized. He taught himself shorthand and, on the Mirror of Parliament, and then the Morning Chronicle, he was soon acknowledged as the best Parliamentary Reporter of the age. Later, he started a daily Newspaper, the 'Daily News' and a weekly Magazine, Household Words.

Each one of us have read Oliver Twist and David Copperfield for Literature Supplements in school. Oliver Twist is the most widely read of all Charles Dickens Reads and this Book has been the second Novel of CD after the Fun and humour of The Pickwick Papers. This book added to reputation of Charles. The story says of a boy's journey from hell to heaven. The end is winning edge `Good over evil'.

Whenever we select Classic books for reads in the class, it is very important to note that the book is well and thorough read. For the February Projects, children can study the characters of Oliver Twist and make profile sketch. A man of tremendous energy, Dickens had spent hours a day walking the London streets from which his characters and scenes came. Kids can list out all Charles Dicken's books and a classroom session / individual child session can be held on which story of Charles Dickens they like the most and why. Here is Sparknotes with Analysis of major Characters in Oliver Twist which might be helpful for the project.

Find February Calendar events and Projects for February. As I add more to Literature in Classics Corner of Kidsfreesouls, stay tuned for Book Kids Read section to find reviews on Charles Dickens Books. Enjoy.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids

Author of Guardian of Angels

Kids Book Recommendations and more on Books

2010-02-02T05:17:00.000-08:00

Books and they are always the windows through which the soul peeps out. I have always been an ardent reader through years as I possess a wonderful Library - Shelves with books on Parenting and Child Care, Fiction & Romance, Management, Children's Books, Spiritual, Cooking, Art & Beauty, Health & Fitness, Music, War & Political ...Endless reading and it's always an ocean of knowledge. "Children who formed the habit of reading at Swagat Children Library are never alone" quips a student's mother whose son stepped to Swagat world and is now a business man. Books have remained his constant companion while travelling too, she says.

Reading workshop every Saturday is a routine at Swagat Children Library . During this time, students are reading self-selected books independently. However, guided, they choose the books from library and it is important to make sure that the same is “just right” level based selection. While students are reading their books, I am conferring with individual students, conducting guided reading groups or strategy lessons, facilitating project ideas, etc. For this reason, it is important that I have clear routines and procedures in place to keep my independent readers on task and truly engaged in their reading.

Keeping Book logs is encouraged where students must record ALL Books they read throughout the year in their Reader’s Log. This reflect on their own reading habits, set monthly reading goals, and also helps to assess their reading progress.

Well, my fix routines of reading books landed me up to amazon books and I started reviewing all books that I have read and can recommend to others. You can find my Amazon Reviews Page on Kidsfreesouls and for now, here is the new page of Kid Book Recommendations.

Every week, I plan to present a book recommendation+review and apart from kid books, I also plan to add books from other categories too. Slow but steady, its always winning a race. If you are a teacher or a parent, help kids to make Reviews Project and encourage them to read books/stories and write reviews to add to the project. An example is Shril's Blog with Story Board. Even send across to kidsfreesouls to place on Kids Reviews Blog (coming soon).

Click to read more on Kidsfreesouls.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for kids
Author of Guardian of Angels

Mind is a thought factory - We are prisoners of our thoughts

2010-02-01T03:17:00.000-08:00

Too many things at a time and you are apt to make mistakes! This happened to me while with the posting of the weekly environment column today. The other day, the whole house was on fire when my hubby misplaced his purse! And maybe, this calls for being more organized and even not losing patience!

Such things occur maybe due to slip of mind and our mind is a storehouse of thoughts. It is in continuous process of thinking - a thought factory which produces ideas. However, sometimes we need to meditate. We are all prisoners of our thoughts. Here is where we need to take a break from the routines, sit and relax. Close our eyes and go blank.

How much of us do this, I wonder. But sure, when children make mistakes, many parents make the mistake of losing patience. While anxiety mounts, the child ends up with fear complex. Mistakes are a part of learning; being aware; being conscious and cautious. There is endless growing gracefully as we cuddle our child with love, fill her world with wonders and above all, step aside and watch her grow with your loving care. Let the steps be small but firm, positive and strong - losing patience to her mistakes is no way to get irritated.

Well, till I get to frame a new Parenting blog note, here is this week's Environment Question and Answers:

What are the primary environmental concerns in the aftermath of the big earthquake in Haiti?- Frank Dover, Portland, OR

We’ve all heard about the abysmal food served in prison, as well as the economical, nutritional and even therapeutic value of growing one’s own food. Are there any agricultural programs or garden projects in U.S. prisons? -- Jerry Mullins, Tennessee Colony, TX

Read the answers in Environment column on Kidsfreesouls : In English In Spanish

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for kids
Author of Guardian of Angels: A practical guide to Joyful Parenting

Managing a good Classroom - child

2010-01-29T05:38:00.000-08:00

Managing a good classroom is always the pride of a teacher. If ever a good class turns nasty, the reason could be mis-managing the class children! It often happens that the mainstream schooling comes with discipline - the rules and regulations. Yet, the class is with roars and uproars when the teacher fails to maintain the silence. Children often giggle and find the freedom to find pleasures in small little things. Their imagination soar to heights especially when they have to attend busy sessions of study in classroom. A spark triggers from a child and the fire catches with the whole lot which we all know, becomes unmanageable.

Read more on this on my experience while I managed a Big Classroom which is cut down to size with reading on backseat as in comes the latest gadgets, video games, computers, Internet and Social Networks. Above all, Happy go lucky attitude of parents and children.

Managing a classroom isn't an easy task as parents put the blame on teachers and vice versa, teachers blaming the parents for spoiling kids. Today's kids are smart and know all that they want to know.

Maybe my tips might help some... Also find sources to Brat Kids and How to discipline kids.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for kids
Author of Guardian of Angels

Alice in Wonderland : Literature Projects

2010-01-27T01:20:00.000-08:00

Often wonder why do I specifically celebrate birthdays of Literature profiles? The reason is Projects in classrooms. Once we had a random session of knowing Authors and Poets. In came the idea to go for Literature Projects. Children have an option to select one Literature profile they like best and jot down their bio, pieces and pictures. They even ended up making collage work with their best language phrases and poetic rhymes. Five in a group, their project turned to be quite unique with a sharing and reading each other's work.

The best or you can call it, the worst part was that I decided to give an Achievement prize for presenting the best project. The idea behind was to encourage them to make a nice presentation, neat handwritten stuff and best information they can extract from Swagat Library. However, it was quite difficult to give a prize coz each one had the best to present. And, finally, when one was chosen, there was an explanation to give why her project was best which in turn, became a lesson in progress for all on how to improve and make a nice presentation.

This reminds me, one of the students wanted to make a project on my profile - as an author! She quipped, "Aunty, you are an Author and why can't we have your profile." Ugh, the thought never occurred to me to make my own profile but maybe, Kidsfreesouls is one big profile and a project too.

Well, I presume you all have read once 'Alice in Wonderland' or even got a lesson in class text book. Lewis Carroll is best known as the creator of the classic children's novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. This classic novel is at once a social satire and a whimsical fairy tale, and can be appreciated by both adults and children. Born on 27th January, it is a day for me to remember the most as I have some attachments to it too.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids
Author of Guardian of Angels: A practical guide to Joyful Parenting

Do nitrogent enriched gasoline create additional pollution?

2010-01-27T00:58:00.000-08:00

Environment column - this week's questions:

How does growing human population, and its resultant landscape changes, affect the flight paths of migratory birds that might carry diseases? - Ronnie Washines, Toppenish, WA

Since nitrogen oxide compounds are components of smog and are common water pollutants, does nitrogen-enriched gasoline create additional pollution?
- Rick Oestrike, Poughkeepsie, NY

Find answers in Environment column - In English and Spanish on Kidsfreesouls. You can find more in Archives of past years and Archive of current year 2010.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids

Robert Burns and the new year song Auld Lang Syne

2010-01-24T03:05:00.000-08:00

Robert Burns, or Rabbie as he was known, was the son of a farmer, born in Alloway,a village on the River Doon, Ayrshire, in the southwest of Scotland on January 25, 1759. He is famous for his poetry and his songs, some of which are: Auld Lang Syne; Comin’ Thro the Rye; Sweet Afton; Scots Wha Hae; Green Grow the Rashes; and A Red, Red, Rose which are all songs as well.

His song 'Auld Lang syne - a new year song - In scottish dialect means 'old long since, or days gone by. Burns had heard an old man sing the song and he wrote down the words and Burns has been given the credit for writing the song.

You are seeing the Cottage in which Robert Burns lived in Ayrshire at Alloway, 3 miles away. The cottage was built by William Burnes, Robert's father. Visited by people from all over the world, Robert Burns lived only upto the age of 37! Click here to find Burns Cottage and places to visit in Aryshire.

Listen to his song and find profile in Literature - Add to your or your Child's Literature file. Find Project Ideas for kids here. Enjoy.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for kids

Creative sundays, better mondays!

2010-01-22T04:25:00.000-08:00

Are you fond of dolls and looking for a place for safe, moderated community for kids to develop their imagination through role playing games? Create a room, adopt a pet, build network of friends and even blog or just dress up Dolls - the place is for children who love Dolls.

If you wish that kids don't hang on to friends on chats, provide creative platform on which to write original stories, create art projects, and make friends around imaginative activites. Dolls Emporiums is a place where they can sharpen their talents and let flow the creative juices within.

Kids often find an activity boring after engaging for some time. So, here's more in the resources column where you can keep finding an add on as and when I come across an interesting surf. You can even log in to find the Grammar worksheets and free download them to keep their Sunday mornings busy with activity. A wordsearch fun or maybe a comprehension or doing Projects will keep them creatively involved and have fun.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for kis

Haiti Earthquake Aftermath

2010-01-19T00:53:00.001-08:00

Our hearts pray for the victims as Aftermath Earthquake continues ... Obama Government denies occupying Haiti, Doctors fear of disease risk. Check for more Kidsfreesouls Blog - http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/blog.htm

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids

The fear phobia in kids - Aftermath Earthquake

2010-01-19T00:39:00.000-08:00

On January 12, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti. As Haiti devastation take its toll, our hearts cry for a million of people affected by the massive earthquake. The nation has faced the fury of nature. And, its unfathomable on how much people could endure. The immediate response for a ray of hope for many and I hope relief continues in the aftermath of this catastrophic happenning.

Google has taken the initiative to date $ 1 Million to help organizations provide relife. You can Join Google mission to help disaster victims rebuild their lives and their communities.

The memories liven up of Gujarat Earthquake on 26th January 2001. Fear gripped aftermath when children shuddered to think of the calamity. My class kids spoke with grief and were frightened to narrate the incidents they saw in real or viewed on television. Each child was hyper and aggressively narrated with sparks of fear gripping them frenzy.

Read more on Kidsfreesouls Blog and find Earthquake resources for classrooms.

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids

Green clean vehicle

2010-01-17T03:55:00.000-08:00

This week's Environment Question is on Green clean vehicle use. I wonder, how much concerned are the car users who take care of vehicles and keep their family our of harm's way. Doityourselfers almost dump in waste waters any where. One got to use wash and wax products that don’t contain harsh chemical surfactants—and as such don’t require water-wasting, polluting rinses. Well, read on....

Are there green detailers out there, or products that I could use myself to keep my vehicle clean and my family out of harm’s way?

"Traditional auto detailing employs a range of not-so-eco-friendly products. But the industry is starting to examine its environmental footprint and some shops have a decidedly green bent. There are also now many do-it-yourself green detailing products and kits out there, easily found through an Internet search."

Read the Environment Column on Kidsfreesouls : In English In Spanish

- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids