Saturday, January 01, 2011

1.1.11 - Happy New Year

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

Thursday, December 30, 2010

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

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

Thursday, December 16, 2010

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

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



Saturday, December 11, 2010

World of Literature

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

Newspaper for Kids
Author of Guardian of Angels

Monday, November 22, 2010

Thank You for passing by Kidsfreesouls.com

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

Saturday, November 20, 2010

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

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

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Tolerance - on the Back Seat???

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

Monday, October 25, 2010

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

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

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

e bike lanes - concerns for safety

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

Monday, October 11, 2010

Festival of overcoming spiritual obstacle:Navratri

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

Tuesday, October 05, 2010

Green Investing - Learning about Investments that help environment

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

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Saturday, October 02, 2010

Mahatma's Ideology on Education

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

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Banned Books Week

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




Monday, September 27, 2010

Kidsfreesouls Google Personalized news

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

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Green Notes - Ozone Day

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

Monday, September 13, 2010

Environment friendly Cars : Diesel fuel?

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

Thursday, September 09, 2010

Festive season!

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

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Freesouls Tips to develop Art of Forgiveness - Paryushan festival

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

Saturday, September 04, 2010

Happy Teachers' Day - 5th September

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

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Krishna - Janmashtmi festival

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