Stage Fright and you act simply Stupid!

Stage fright or performance anxiety is something that is very common among all of us and even children. Often, in school you may be asked to come up on stage and give a short speech or be a part in the debating team. But, if you find nervousness creeping in you, your hands would shake, voice falter and heart keeps pounding - chances are that you have a Stage Fright. Anyone who is participating in an activity that will bring them into close or direct contact with a small or large audience can experience stage fright. Often it happens, you are told to give a speech and words either roll out which goes out of topic sometimes or it's just you start fumbling for words.

May be, you are not scared of the Stage but it's a speech faltering. Whatever, the stage performance weakens.

A common phobia when most of the children have to perform on stage. All are not bold nor savvy to take control of the mind. And, there is the 'Stage Fright' - fear phobia and the mind goes blank making kids to forget what they have to speak or act! A shaky trembling and anxiety overcomes. Speech falters and words are at a loss. It is almost embarassing situation and it lets down with lower self esteem. The child often acts foolishly on the stage.

If you find yourself in such situation, never try and shun public performances altogether. This is a mistake. Stage fright is something that you need to overcome. But how? So, here we go:

More on Amazon 'Guardian of Angels' Blog

On Stage Fright

Walt Whitman and simple steps to teach poetry to kids

Poetry writing and it's not an easy task. Some School projects call for poetry writing assignment and parents end up trying to help the kids to create a poem! 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.

Btw, 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. The Poet was born on 31st May and sure will give you an insight to his poetry style of writing. Whitman said,

“I exist as I am, that is enough,
If no other in the world be aware I sit content,
And if each and all be aware I sit content.
One world is aware, and by the far the largest to me, and that is myself,
And whether I come to my own today or in ten thousand or ten million years,
I can cheerfully take it now, or with equal cheerfulness, I can wait.”
― Walt Whitman

And here's in memory of this great poet as Kidsfreesouls explore the Literature pages. You too, join me in my quest of knowledge. Enjoy.

- ilaxi patel

Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com 

Cartoon Fun in classroom

Earlier, 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.


This year, children at Swagat are all enjoying their vacations. However, I will be having a second session of Cartoon Learning and actually help the children to draw the cartoon faces and supportively, focus on communicating their ideas through art pictures and cartoons. Follow the tips online for Cartoon project. Also follow Cartoons in Classroom Slideshare and Cartoon Fun page for kids.     


- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com 

Kids learnt How to write a Poem

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. We have a forthcoming Story telling sessions at Swagat. You can participate by sending your child's paintings/Posters related to stories like Hansel Gretel, Red Riding Hood, etc. for Pasteboard on Kidsfreesouls. Also find Story Projects at Fairyland and await a surprize for a new story coming soon on these pages ! Help children to read a story every day on Kidsfreesouls and encourage to write a review or just narrate the story. Here's on  How to write a Story

Btw, last 21st April, we had a Poetry session in the classroom. Tulsa wrote a wonderful poetry and wrote her blog here.

You can find Krishna's Poetry below. Krishna is in third class and was inspired to write a poem after learning How to write a Poem. Her mom Shridevi Harikrishnan writes, "Sending you a poetry that Krishna wrote after getting inspired of the poetry session at her all time favorite “Saturday Class”… I am feeling very very happy that my daughter is trying to write poems. The title also seems very wonderful…she was in fact sitting in the kitchen and near the exhaust fan, she saw two birds building a nest and she wrote an instant poem.. I don’t know what went through her mind.. Just felt like sharing it with you. I should say that I envy these kids as we never got a chance to go to such wonderful classes."

Here's Krishna's Poetry. I am sure, you will enjoy reading this:-)

The Bird Flies frrrrrrrrrr……….By Krishna

One day when I was sitting in my kitchen, getting bored,

I looked up and down, left and right,

I saw a bird building its nest…

Oh! I thought if I were a bird to fly fly fly up in the sky

Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! I thank you God for making me a girl

Though sometimes I feel if I were a bird….

Would I be happy or sad…. 

Archie Day - Last saturday in April

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.

To mark the World Book and Copyright Day celebrations, every year, we have 'Archies Day' and Reading session (last saturday in April)  - open for all children at Swagat Children Library to promote Reading activities and enhance literacy skills. Here is How to write Poetry and How to write a Story and children can be encouraged to write on these lines as kids can be motivated to write Short Stories. Click for Projects on Literature and log on to Reading and Fairyland. Here are some Tips to Literature Learning too.


Follow my Book Guardian of Angels: A Practical Guide to Joyful Parenting. 


- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com

Literacy and Creativity - in Summer Vacation

Literacy and Creativity - in Summer Vacation

Pic copyright : Kidsfreesouls.com (Kids Painting:Color Paste section)

Literacy in Summer Vacation can be a source of enjoyment. Parents and teachers often pester kids for ‘Reading’ as strong language and literacy skills are essential for children’s success in school and in life. Those parents who fail to encourage kids for reading and writing, often end up failure in school by the end of the primary grades. If the base is strong, the senior schooling finds way to effective learning and children can easier imbibe the notes with quality educative learning skills.

Swagat Children Library  introduces to creative, slow and steady progress with the required components of language and literacy that finds way with enhanced development as home-schooling finds way for motivation.

- Read more on Blog on Literacy and Creativity during Summer Vacation RELATED : Tips for Parents / Teachers to Help a child on How to be Creative

Also Swagat Children Library Page)

- ilaxi patel

Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com

Director - Swagat Children Library

Author of Guardian of Angels

Carry a Poem in your Pocket (Bag)

April is National Poetry Month 2012 - Time for 'Learning How to write a Poem and Tips to Memorize and recite a Poem' at Swagat Children Library.

Last year, children had a group session on jotting down all the rhyming words and had brilliant ideas to select their poetry writing subject. Each one came up with their own creation and 'carried a poetry in their pocket (bag)' to share with their parents and friends. Once again, the session 'Carry a Poetry in Your Pocket' is announced for 21st April followed by 'Archie Day' on the last Saturday of the month at Swagat Children Library. Children online can participate by sending your original poetry and follow the Poetry Learning Pages and How to write a Poem.  Also Follow Tips to Memorize and recite a Poem' and findInspirational Poets - The chosen ones on Kidsfreesouls.

Carry a Poetry in your Pocket (bag) and share your creations. You can even draw and paint your poem or pin up on your softboard - Sure, it will be fun as nothing ever is so exciting than imagination and when you write your poetry, your own wonderful creation will make them excited - Summer time is fun time and just as the school ends, here's creativity to flourish  the best. Kids can blog their poetry like Tulsa has done and here's Kids blogs with more poetry from their scrap books.

-ilaxi patel

Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com

Author of Guardian of Angels:A practical guide to Joyful Parenting

Follow my Poetry Page : http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/poetries.htm 

Best of Luck - Examinations are here...!

Most of my students are currently appearing for school exams and some of them will have their exams at the end of March and first week of April. So, here's wishing all 'Best of Luck' and Enjoy:-) 

Fight the battle strong if you have the Examination Blues. The celebrations with the dance parties and uttarayan, holi etc.festivals are soon forgotten with a long drawn face buried in books as last minute preparations demands concentration. No more telephonic calls of friends or music and fun, television or just freaking out! Serious studies are in and extra curricular activities are just ‘Out’ for a while. But than, its Recognizing values. Exams bring about seriousness towards your goals. They measure your learning abilities and capabilities to understand the knowledge books. Exams bring out the hidden potentialities and reveal your memorization skills. To chase away the butterflies and quell away the blues, students need to have healthy attitudes. Kids Free souls Attitude make a big difference, check it out!

The learning experience is the best experience in life. One faces ‘Examination’ at every step ahead towards a reach and one has to face the trials on every walk of life. So, be prepared and ‘Get-Set-Right’ for the ‘Right Attitude’. Here’s wishing all Students ‘Best of Luck’

Read Blog Note on Examination Tips | More on Healthy Attitude Guide

- ilaxi patel

Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com

Newspaper for Kids 

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

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!

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

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

November - Geography Awareness Month and Fairyland Project

November - a Geography Awareness Month and it can be quick to find Kidsfreesouls on the Googlemap 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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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