Earth Hour - Every day, any place, any time...

Take the lead on Climate Change. Kidsfreesouls joins the movement by WWF 'Earth Hour 2009' by switching off the light and lighting a candle of peace and hope. You too can Vote and join the world in making a statement against Global Warming to help nature conservation and environmental protection.

Earth Hour aims to reach over 1000 cities and a billion people round the world in the world in 2009. Make Earth Hour happen. Turn off your lights for an hour, record your vote and spread the message.

In India, WWF-India is one of country’s largest non-governmental organization working towards the conservation of biodiversity and natural habitats. The organisation works through a network of 60 state, field and divisional offices with approximately 300 staff working across the country to implement its mission and work. The secretariat is based in New Delhi and the organization is a part of the WWF International network, with its headquarters located in Gland, Switzerland.

This year 2009, India joins Earth Hour for the first time. New Delhi and Mumbai are among 825 cities across 80 countries and territories that have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009. This number is growing everyday. Noted film actor Aamir Khan is leading the campaign in India. Many companies such as HP, HSBC and Wipro are also supporting the campaign. Read further in Google News here - Vote for the future of your kids.

WWF is urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.

You can take a Photo, upload a video, blog or Twitter. List your ideas on how you will spread the word and join the movement. Switch of the lights, light a candle, organise seminars/group talks or even get children to make Projects on Earth Hour by lighting candles and helping them understand climate and global warming. Watch and share this You Tube video with children and explain them on global warming and the impacts of climate change.

Join Kidsfreesouls to show you care here and log on to WWF 'Earth Hour 2009' to switch off the light and join the movement.

Btw, Gujarat Government, Indian State, is the first in Asia to set up Global Warming and Climate Department, details of the news can be found in Kidsfreesouls News page.
Join me at Facebook and use the Earth hour application

Join Kidsfreesouls. Take the Lead. Light a Candle for an Hour or just Switch off the lights. Make a Difference!

Earth Hour cannot be for an hour! Switch off and join the movement any time, any day, any place, anywhere...check on the first news appearing on Google search and also find more here and on Kidsfreesouls Search.

- Ilaxi Patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com
Newspaper for Kids

Search for keywords 'earth hour' 'WWF' 'global warming' 'environment' 'light a candle' 'save earth' 'global warming department in gujarat' 'facebook profile of ilaxi on earth hour' in kidsfreesouls Search here

"The Twitter Song" (Do the Twitter Dance) by Chris Thompson

Love Music? Love Twitter? Than here's your chance to FOLLOW ME - http://tinyurl.com/5roann and even visit Kidsfreesouls http://tinyurl.com/2z6env

Watch the Twitter Song and even the Twitter show link here :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN2HAroA12w

Btw, Life is 'Twouble with Twitters' and even 'Trouble without Tweeting' in real life and I even hear children for Reading, writing and rithmetic and Twitter! Educators in Britain are mulling proposed changes to educate children on modern web based application, communication and information. If approved, the applications will be added to school curriculum instead of teaching children on 'Wars'.

Kids will learn 'Twitter' and how to tweet along with phonics, maths, arts and more. Children will learn to write in 140 characters - this means, kids will have option of writing short and sweet instead of the long boring texts! Even, the modern habit of texting messages and web habits would enhance - skill to computing. Twitter is an Interesting choice. However, writing journals may end up with short texts and web based language too.

Check for more in Kidsfreesouls Google News here http://tinyurl.com/b4h3x9

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

How to make children survive a loss in the family..Life goes on....

I never thought of a subject like 'How to make children survive a loss in the family.' Life is sometimes too cruel and death comes in chariot and takes away the soul, some say. In Gita, we have the 12th and 15th Lesson based on this being read during rituals of person no more. It's the hindu tradition and rituals we follow but when emotions are concerned, teenagers and children in the family are the most that I saw were affected who have to face a grief. Sorrow of losing a mother, grand-mother or an aunt.

Children and teenagers are old enough to grieve as they feel the sadness and yearning after the loss of a family member. As adults, parents face sadness to cope with their own grief but at the same time, children need support, love and care in such bad times. Like the book of Harold Khushner 'Why Bad Things Happen to Good People', it is here to understand the way of life and whatever happens, always do happen for good as god has fashioned life and destined. While coping our own loss, we need to support the younger ones in the family.

Some insight here while at a loss:

1. Young minds are often anxious and frightened as they find unusual and do not understand. Explain the word 'death' in simple way. Why a person will no longer walk, eat, drink - breathe life.

2. Help them cope up. Help them understand the feelings of sadness and anger which are just a normal. Help them express their feelings in acceptable ways.

3. Children are sensitive to your moods and behavior. Help them be with you as much as they need you. Children and teens are not likely to open up or vent their anger/anxious feelings and they sense your emotion and keep their feelings inside.

Children and teenagers follow the grievance process in many ways as :

Physical : restlessness, irritant, weakness, change in sleep patterns and even appetite
Social : They shun talking to people, feel awkward and become more dependent on parents or caregivers
Emotional and mental stability: Feeling alone, scared, numb or hard stare, flat expressions and confused. They are in disbelief. Some teenagers have forgetfulness and lack of concentration as they get more focused on the loss of a person.
Blame Game: Many children and teenagers, blame god. They vent their anger and stop the faith. They lose hope and lose faith in future and wish to die or get lost in thoughts as to what is life.

It is in our hands to support and stand by children in our grief period. Forgive, forget and take charge of own thoughts by not blaming family, social happenings related to the person. Nor blame god, curse heavens or get emotionally weakened. The time soon pass away. Recognize and support child/teenager's pace through grief and include them in remembrance rituals or comfort in thoughts on spirituality, questions related to heavenly abode or saying prayers.

Life goes on...It's only getting involved in your 'Karma' that remains with us and Knowing Nothing is yours.....

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

2 sms I had received this week:
Rivers don't drink water, they carry itTrees
don't eat fruits, they bear itClouds don't bath, they showerSo be involved in
your KARMA - Knowing 'Nothing is Yours'

We think there is enough time to live,
but we never know which moment might be our last, So, share, care, love and
celebrate each moment of life.

World Water Day - Every Day 'Save Water'

International World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day.Each year, World Water Day highlights a specific aspect of freshwater. On this page, you will find a brief overview of the different themes that have been the focus of World Water Day celebrations.

Many countries are already facing increased scarcity of water. It is expected 1800 million people will be living in countries or regions with water scarcity and two third of the world's population would be under Stress. As population and economy grows, demand of water is on a rise. Globally, an estimated 125 million children under the age of five live in households without access to a safe drinking-water source. Special focus this year is laid on Transboundary waters. The 2009 Theme is "Shared Water-Shared Opportunities." Last year, 2008 was 'Sanitation' theme. You can find India Events and more Information on this page too.

Science City in Ahmedabad has organised a 4 Day event from 20-24th March as a part of this campaign on World Water Day. Children and visitors will get an insight on Sun, Earth, Water, Climate and importance of forests and trees.

Btw, here's kids page of UN website. Also play a Game by Unicef and be informed with Water Alert. Unicef provides clean water and sanitation in over 90 countries and here's the Tap Project site with World Water Week from 22-28, 2009 in US cities. Watch this video on Tap Project too.

21st March is set for World Poetry Day and as Water is the main source of living, why not encourage kids to write a poem on Water? As teachers or parents, try writing a Poetry yourself and even participate here on William Waterway's 'Water Poetry Contest - Water voices from around the World' - Organize Water Day and find ways to conserve Water.





Add your picture to Photo Gallery or Watch the Best of the Photos
http://www.worldwaterday09.info/



- ilaxi patel
Editor, www.kidsfreesouls.com

Search for keywords 'world water day' 'water day events' 'water games for kids' 'water projects for kids' 'articles for kids' 'newspaper articles on water' in kidsfreesouls Search here

Examination Tips

Examination fever grips young minds and a mind boggling course to complete in too short a time. It so happens, stress takes it toll with Panic Signs - just battling for the boards or appearing for final exams. Stress symptoms vary in children as:

Irritated nature
frustration and nervousness
disinterest in studies
glued to television
sleep for longer hours
lack of concentration
loss of memory
aloneness, anxious attitude

Though we find a lot of counsellors trying to solve the problems of children and parents, it often happens, assistance is just soothing layer when the problem need to be identified months earlier before the exam. Coping with Homework Hassles from the start is important and so is, Setting Goals.

Parents and teachers should take care to identify the weaker areas and help kids to make timely study plans during examination with following tips:

1. Boost confidence : Often the child loses confidence and is confused whether she can do better or not. Build the confidence level by saying 'You can Do It' and encourage to engross in lessons

2. Don't let your Anxiety transferred: Give emotional support. Do not transfer your anxiety to the child. This will only make the child anxious too and often irritated

3. Share smiles : Humour relieves stress. Exams often bring stress to parents and parents stress is kids stress too. Instead, spread smiles, share a joke, soften the atmosphere to wipe off tension.

4. Manage Time : Plan schedule. Time frame each subject lesson and follow time table. Organize the routine to add more hours for study.

5. Capacity of Child : Do not overburden the child during exam time. Identify the capacity of the child and chart out jointly what lessons need to be covered up. Give priorities to what he do not know.

6. Keep the calm : Family conflicts need to be avoided as anxiety over exams cause stress and this leads to verbal wars between the parents due to the child's exams. Hence, keep a calm as this phase will pass soon.

7. Inspire and encourage : Talk about your experiences during exams. How you coped up and let the child feel at ease. Show him your tricks of learning and how to shrug off the panic at the last moment.

8. Feed Well, sleep well : Cook healthy meals as per the choice of the child. Do not stuff too much nor starve. A calm sleep is equally necessary to feed the brain.

Here are move Examination Tips from the Counselling Column. Here's on Stress, coping methods and relaxation. You can find some more Examination Tips here.

Handwriting is also equally important while appearing for exams. As Gandhiji Quoted, "Bad Handwriting is the sign of incomplete Education". Hence, here are rules for Better Handwriting. Examination time is to get rid of unreasonable fear as it is a stepping stone to reach goals. Follow a Healthy Attitude guide and Examination Tips While examinations are on.

It's role of a parent to allow children to live a carefree childhood and focus more on their morals, knowledge and spiritual development. However, important is that children should not be over burden nor over stuffed - either with anything, education or food.

Here's wishing Happy Learning and Best of Luck! Keep the Faith.

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

Search for keywords 'examination tips' 'setting goals' 'handwriting tips' 'exams for kids in India' 'articles for kids' 'newspaper articles on examination for kids' in kidsfreesouls Search here

Gandhiji's Salt Satyagraha and 12th March!

12th March 1930, Gandhiji in his boldest act of civil disobedience against British rule, began a long march to the sea in protest of the British salt tax. Gandhi and his followers eventually reached the Arabian Sea, where they made their own salt by evaporating sea water. The march, which resulted in the arrest of Gandhi and 60,000 others, earned new international respect and support for the leader and his movement. Gandhi's nonviolent methods, including dramatic hunger strikes, eventually did bring great results to his goal of Indian independence in 1947.

In the land of the Mahatma, on the Ashram road, there are about seven bridges among which the Ellis bridge was the first to be constructed way back in the year 1869. But, before that there was the Dandi bridge which was actually not a bridge but an embankment which used to get washed over during heavy rains. As till date, this wooden embankment, which saw history in the making when Mahatma Gandhi walked across and started his famous salt march to the gulf of cambay in the year 1930 is almost neglected.

I hear about the revival of this famous Dandi Bridge. The bridge will now be access to riverfront. A special promenade will link Dandi bridge to the river front. Keeping in mind the aim of the Ashram, every piece of architecture will symbolise peace, tranquillity and encourage introspection.

Well, 12th March is ever been my Dad's birthday and the birthday of Sambhaav too. It's just going back, down the memory lane and thank all the people who inspire us to scale higher in life.

Btw, Gandhiji's Profile on Kidsfreesouls is a highly surfed page and I am sure, teachers and parents will like to bookmark the same and use the information for making Projects. Gandhiji wrote a Constructive Programme Plan in 1941 but times have changed now. In today’s Technology Age, Can one follow the simple basic Gandhian Ideology and if so, to what extent?

Frame your own ‘Student Constructive Plan’ to follow the footprints of the great and find the difference. You can find more Projects here esp. March Project and children can explore Kidsfreesouls while following NIE Tips too.

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

Barbie's Birthday Celebration

Children in cyber world creating imaginary places and spaces with their fondest activities is no new now with the already popular Club Penquin, Disney, spozgirl, Barbie and many more.

As Barbie's Birthday is celebrated on 9th March, it's a celebration that took place of 50 legendary years as children's favorite icon - fashion icon, pop culture princess and an inspiration. She has been outfitted for 108 careers - an Astronaut and White House Candidate as well. A new bathing suit Barbie released to mark of her birthday and she gets a facelift as Mattel celebrates at Barbie Malibu Dream house.

Well, click to the Resources page and you find more links here apart from Barbie website. Play Games, watch videos hang out or just about engage into activities you like.

Girls in Ahmedabad are fond of Barbie kits and reading books. Ask a Carmelite and she would be visiting Crosswords but books is just fun glance while Barbie is in-thing. I had students who talked about their Game n things and they love to dress up and even act like Barbie. They are fascinated with everything about Barbie. Children love to have a Barbie Theme Party and a Barbie Dress Up, Barbie Tea and Cake, Barbie and Ken Dance Party, etc. are some of the theme choice. You can find some here on Birthday Party Ideas.

Are you a fan of Barbie? Here's a record collection of Barbie Dolls by a Fan Bettina Dorfmann who has Guiness World Record. She owns 6000 Barbie Dolls, a display of 1500 in an exclusive room and 1000 in other rooms in her house with 500 more in boxes in the Cellar. She intends to collect 10,000 Barbie Dolls. Now, this is a Record, isn't it? Find more on this here.

Well, Barbie is the best doll ever and I hope, she wouldn't have had a break up with Ken coz I like the Character as well. Here's an Interesting site exclusively for Parents and Teachers (though a media center) and I am sure, you will like to read all on Barbie and go back memory lane to your very own childhood days. Just as much as I remember my days with the dolls and games of yester years. Enjoy!

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids with resources for parents and teachers

International Women's Day:Award on IWD - TV9 Live Interview

WOMAN - THE QUEEN OF THE CASTLE
Wherever she is, there is Eden.....

On International Women's Day, I am honoured this year with an Award for 'Outstanding Personality' by Ahmedabad Medical Association, Women's Wing. Earlier, it was 'Outstanding Journalist', an award conferred upon me by Kadva Patel community in 2005.

This year, Ahmedabad Medical Association Women's wing organized a special Program to honour 5 Outstanding Personalities on 7th March at Ahd.Medical Association Hall. Apart from me, other winners were Dr. Maya Kodnani, Minister of Women and Child Welfare, Guj; Dr. Varsha Sagdeo, MBBS and Incharge of Cancer Care Unit, Dr. Radhakrishna Hospital and Research Centre, etc.

Due to IWD ocassion, Dr. Varsha Sagdeo gave an insightful Presentation on Stress Management. She explained why Stress Management is necessary in today's fast paced life which affects our body and mind. She said, "Remember, our heart and head are always at loggerhead with each other" and this is the main hurdle that affects our body, mind, behavior and actions, reactions.

Started in 1966, the Women's Wing is currently managed by it's President Dr. Jayshree K. Soni, who is an MBBS, DGO and Art of Living Organizer and Healer. AMA Women's wing is active in Ahmedabad with various activities like social service, medicine and health awareness, women's development programs, environmental themes, child development, caring for Old People, etc.Most of the members are Doctors and Doctor wives who take out time from their busy schedules.

I am happy to be honored by them who recognize the spirit of women and here's my page on Women and Awards too.

Btw, I also appeared for an Exclusive Coverage on TV9 on ocassion of IWD and shared the platform with Paru Jaykrishna and achor Kalgi Thakar at the live show. The Event is also covered on IWD Website. Find more details on Women's page on Kidsfreesouls.

I thank all my readers and well wishers online and without your regular visits, it would be an empty space for me. So, stay tuned....

- ilaxi patel
Editor, http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/
Newspaper for Kids with resources for Parents and Teachers

Michelangelo - Pasteboard

Here is Michelangelo's Profile as this artist was born on 7th March. Son of a Government agent, Michelangelo made marble statues and paintings. Most of his work is found in Sistine chapel where we find the Painting of Ancestors of Jesus and The Last Judgment. He also painted prophets seated on thrones, who are believed to have foretold the coming of Messiah, scenes from book of Genesis – Creation of universe, Adam & Eve and illustrating the story of Noah.

Being an artist is really interesting for kids as they love to hold the brush and paint their imagination on the canvass. Children at Swagat Library submit their paintings to clip up. They even have fun drawing me and clip it on the board.

As I took a lot of competitions earlier, I found children drawing and coloring on various themes. This gave a rise to a thought of organizing a Poster Competition. All children can not excel in drawing or coloring. Like some are not good in singing or playing piano! So, we took a unique Poster competition and allowed kids to draw, color and even paste stickers. This resulted into children creating a unique Poster with their imagination and those kids who were not good in drawing and painting, were happy to participate and came out with unique ideas. If you have got your piece of art and wondering what to do, send to kidsfreesouls to paste on color paste board on kidsfreesouls.

Btw, here's Kidsfreesouls Poet (ess) of the year 2008 and Josie's Corner with Poems. Explore.

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

Literature Profiles and Mount Carmel Ex Student meet

Lives of all great men remind us, We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing leave behind us,
Footprints on the Sands of time......

Last week of February, we had two Authors featuring on Kidsfreesouls Literature Profiles - Victor Hugo and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. And, I am sure, many of the students are quite familiar with these two as they are taught in every school texts. I remember, we use to write the above lines in Autograph books while we had our last days of the school before we became Ex-students.

On the School soft-board at Mt. Carmel
Life sure trails on a faster pace and we really miss on a lot more things on Internet as we sure enjoy more in real life. Life itself is a celebration especially when we are in a most developing state like Gujarat. I missed on adding a blog note with the Happy Hours of week-ends and getting into much lively living. I even had a chance of meeting all Ex-Students of my School at Mount Carmel meet. Nothing changes and the memories stay alive in our hearts especially when you are a Carmelite. Everything comes back to memory lane - the classrooms, friends, teachers, canteens and yes, the Hall, the Library and of course, the church where we prayed, day in and out!

On the School soft-board at Mt. Carmel
Well, you can find Mount Carmel School song ("A Happy Band, from far and near....") that we sang years ago and still, hopefully, girls are singing the same....You can also find 'Swagat Song' that I composed for my classroom here. Enjoy.





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

Grimms - Amazon reviews; added Links Page

The Grimm's Fairy Tales are all *Five* Favourite Stars in my Read and Make Read collection in my Library. Children love to read and listen. Even write reviews. Grimms Fairy tales are famous collection of German Folk Tales by two brothers Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm. The first volume contained 86 tales and the second 70 and the last around 210 tales. The translations are perfect in this book and and took minute care to language details. The Grimms had taken pains to collect the tales mainly from friends and acquaintances who lived in and around a place called kassel in Germany and printed as expression of the spirit of german people. These retold stories with their own versions, the brothers have come out to suit public taste and their ideas about telling tales effectively. The translator Ralph Manheim has taken pains equally in translations! Grimm Brothers made the tales softer as children loved to read them. National Geographic serves up an adventure into Grimm fairy tales, some of which include Audio. Click on the Treasure box for a Biography, resource links, and a kid's activity page.



Here are two Reviews from my Amazon Reviews List: (My Amazon Profile + Reviews + My Book (Bibliography) + My Author Blog + Listmania + Wish List + Guides + Friends & Interesting People + Customer Tags....)

Red Riding Hood
Grimms had a superb storyline but the version of Red Riding Hood by Trina Schart Hyman is a Perfect Example for the kids to follow in their day to day life. Red Riding Hood is a sweet innocent girl who in her childishness, does not obey her mom nor keeps her promise. She lacks in her manners but is a friendly, social girl who loves animals and nature. This version has minimum violence illustration. It sets a perfect example to the child with moral values to be good, obedient, careful, keep to promises and the sort. Good for classrooms or parental teach. A child centered tale, the book offers fun and entertaining with a moral in a renewed way and is a good collection of these series of stories in the library. A good Buy and gift for kids.

Hansel and Gretel
Hansel and Gretel is my fav fairy tales. Almost all stories of Grimm have moral values and this one is no exception. Fairy tales were told as form of entertainment too. They show the kids the right way to behave. However, If pondered over, Hansel and Gretel is one fairy tale with Biblical resemblance. The kids view their parents house as a place of security. The two children are wandering through the woods and are hungry, tired and alone. This closely resembles the passage where Jesus wandered through the desert for forty days. He too was tired and hungry and completely alone. During this time, Satan tried to tempt Jesus with food. Satan told Him that if He were the Son of God, then He should turn a stone into bread for food (Luke 4:3). Jesus did not get tempted but here in the story, the children saw the gingerbread house and ate parts of it until they were full. The children continued to eat pieces of it even after they were full, which is gluttony. And Gluttony is one topic in Bible is seen as one of the seven deadly sins, if I am not mistaken. Than the final part, Gretel traps the witch inside her own oven, right before she was getting ready to cook Hansel. The witch is burnt up. This resembles the story of Satan. At the end of Satan's reign over earth, the Christians will be saved from the fire and Satan will be thrown into the fiery pit of Hell, where he will be tortured forever. In end, there is rejoicing; very similiar when the satan (witch) dies,the children reap the rewards and rejoice to 'live happily ever after' Moreover, the tale show abandonment, hunger, fear,friendly sibling example, family unity - issues that startles kids minds to pause and think. It makes the kids dive into imagination and with the very good illustrations and very well re-told classic, this book is a wonderful Pick for all Children - Best of the Best Fairy tale to read and instill moral values in kids.

You can find more Profiles in Literature and hang on to Fairyland for stories to make Projects. Find more on Encourage Kids for Reading here with tips for developing reading habits. Also find Links to Stories in newly made Links Pages and more in Resources. Enjoy.

You can find more Profiles in Literature and hang on to Fairyland for stories to make Projects. Find more on Encourage Kids for Reading here with tips for developing reading habits. Also find Links to Stories in newly made Links Pages and more in Resources. Enjoy.

- ilaxi patelEditor, www.kidsfreesouls.com

Literature Learning: Profiles and Project tips

A Pulitzer Prize Winner Pulitzer Prize for his book length poem The age of anxiety,: A baroque eclogue - A U Auden was born in the month of February (20th February). Check the profile of this remarkable Author who has written best ballads, blues, limericks, sonnets, nonsense verse, oratorios, free verse, librettos (words) for operas and dramas.

Known by the name Wystan Hugh Auden, the Author published about 400 poems, modernised poetry to traditional ballads and limericks. A U Auden's one of the Poetry was taken in Four Weddings and a Funeral Movie. You can find the Poetry here on the Author's Profile and a You Tube clip of the movie with the poetry recitation at the Funeral in the movie.

Even Sidney Sheldon is another Author who had significance to the February month. In fact, he died on 6th February 2007 at the age of 89 due to Pneumonia. A highly read US Author in India, Sidney Sheldon's books shine in my library collection. Being a great fan of Sid, I have almost re-read all his books from time to time. His first book Naked Face was acclaimed by the New York Times as 'the Best first mystery novel of the year'. Sidney Sheldon's many books like Rage of Angels, Master of the Game, Windmills of the Gods and Memories of Midnight have been made into highly successful television mini series too. He has written the screenplays for twenty three motion pictures. Here's Sidney Sheldon's profile for Children'sLiterature Scrap Book. (Book Reviews Here )

Literature gives order to human experience. It demands an emotional response from the reader. As you read through the pages of Literature, it takes you on a journey of exploring on the higher planes of information and language. Next comes, Technology learning Initiatives. Any Teacher or a Parent need to explore Literature zones on the web and we find immense knowledge to share with children.

Here are some Kidsfreesouls Tips to respond to Literature Learning:

1. Make a Literature File

2. Select five Literature Characters from Kidsfreesouls Literature Index

3. Copy+Paste the Profile and take the print. Add to the file.

4. Make a Poster with one of the Poems of the Literature character. Add to the file

5. Write Author quotes with colorful pens and add the sheet to the file.

6. Make the kids write an imaginary letter to the Profile character.

7. Encourage children to write a poetry on their own

8. Make the children stage act the literary characters of the Author's book or recite the poetry of the Poet

9. Conduct group discussions about the Author's story. Eg. Cinderella or Snow White. Verbal reviews of the book helps. Later, they can write down

10. Let children enjoy a class of Technology learning - finding Literature characters, classic Literature websites, Quotes, etc.

11. Give them a Bag and add story books, poetry books and scrap book. Let them write reviews and poetry in the scrap book with supportive drawing and coloring fun.

10. Organize Literary parties. Children are excited to do something new on their birthdays. Let the birthday girl make a Literature Project along with five friends prior to the birthday. On the great day, let there be Literature Theme Party. Hang posters of characters, poems, quotes. Arrange a Stage and let these prepared children show their Projects and talk about the characters to the invitee kids. A 20-30 minute presentation followed by poetry recitations and singing rhymes. Kids can later enjoy Literature theme food like cakes, burgers, sandwiches - maybe what the Literature story characters ate.

There are various Literature websites and Guides on the web. You may also find books on Literature in the Library or book stores. Classic Literature for kids and Children's Literature need to be appropriately selected and should be made fun and learn. Often, an illustrated Literature is enjoyable and you can find Popular Contributions to Children's Literature as per the Wiki. Find Dr. Seuss in Resources section and For Kids. Enjoy.
Find more such Profiles in Literature

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

Search for keywords in 'W H Auden' 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' 'Literature profiles' 'Limericks' 'Authors on Kidsfreesouls' 'Kids newspaper' 'newspaper for children with Literature - In kidsfreesouls Search here

Top Blogs on web - If My Blog died today..what would you remember about it?

"If your Blog died today...What would it be remembered for?" Asks Darren Rowse and I wonder whether I would be Alive after 10 years from now! Now, it's an amazing thought what the future could behold 10 years from now or writing obituary for the Blog it stands today!

This will be a motivating exercise for me as I have never taken Blogging seriously but had words and only words to pen down everywhere on the web as writing is my passion. You can call me, 'Jack of all trades, Master of all.'

Well, You can find a List of my Blogs now featured on my Home page. And it's so very true - most of the Bloggers have not Achieved what they want to Achieve with their Blogs. Sometimes, Blogging is a commitment to self and a self responsibility to offer something good to society. Blogging is endless and we leave our footprints on the web as we spread the message of love, faith, peace and joy among human beings.

Well, since you are Kidsfreesouls reader, I guess three questions can have your answers as you are the best judge. (These questions appear here)

1. What would they say about it? (What do you think about my Blogs and Kidsfreesouls?)
2. What would people miss about it? (What will you miss that you would look for updates)
3. How has it fulfilled a need or service in people’s lives. (You may let me know please. I know my mission but would like you to give bouquets or brickbats.

I look forward for your emails here. Here's on "Magic of thinking Big" and sure, we can dream Big, think and act.

Btw, here's Top Blogs 2009 - A post on my Tech Briefs blog. Here's what I say:

Andrew Sullivan's Daily Dish is a lovely meal and as Time says, can be appointed as 'Country's Blogger in Chief.' The Daily Dish sub head says, 'No Party, no clique'. Andrew's post on 'Why Blog' pose as an Inspiration to many a souls like me and nevertheless, I agree to what he says. "We blog as news reaches us, as facts emerge." For Bloggers, deadline is always now - spontaneous and just not like the Reporters or the Novelist who can pick time and wait for final selection. Blogging is more a free form, you even end up writing personal or share, speak loud your ideas and opinions - no barriers but dedicated daily journal posts and committed to self. Read the post and maybe you are inspired to Blog if you're not doing so. A blogger has no limits - you Blog or enjoy real life - no hassles. - From Tech Briefs by Ilaxi Patel

I randomly visit some of the Blogs while I create space in-between my workload. Blogs related to Tech are on my top list, followed by Politics and related to my Blog posts.

Find the Time Magazine's 25 Best Blogs 2009. I am surprized I cannot find ProBlogger and I would add this to Best Blog on the web too! You can find the list of the 2008 Top Web Log Awards on Best Parenting: Top Blogs here.

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

Search for keywords in 'Top Blogs' 'Top Bloggers' 'Problogger' 'Kidsfreesouls' 'Why Blog' 'Best Parenting Blogs' 'Kids newspaper' 'newspaper for children with Blogs' - In kidsfreesouls Search here

Act of Kindness - Randomly

February 11-17 is 'Random Act of Kindness Day'. However, I am not sure of the date and you can search here in Google to find. I think, any date is great to have Kindness Day. I was wondering, why 'Random' but I guess children can well define 'act' and 'kindness' but 'random' is just casual - Children need to know this word 'random' and understand the phrase fully.

Kindness in the Classroom (Home) and Good Manners session are very important to build strong pillars of Character. These simple 'Random' Acts of Kindness are sometimes overlooked. They can build Confidence and boost the self esteem of kids. Kids' acts are worthy a praise so much as we take pride when they excel in academics or sports. Developing a culture of Kindness by way of Projects do promote social-moral values that comes with an attitude to be kind. The emotional quotient misses a pitch for being social as early schooling is more focused on just the cognitive skills of reading and writing. Hence, it is important to nurture non-cognitive skills - social, emotional and behavioral competencies that lead to success in later life.

It is pertinent to build a culture for kindness - from the very start when children are climbing their first steps to school. Here are ethical Kidsfreesouls steps in Behavior Development and always wear the Kindness Badge and sing along "When you Give Love, you Receive Love".

1. Be Kind - As parents-teachers or kids. Just Act, do it. Adults need to inspire and play role their act showing Kindness with their words and act. Identiy ways to be kind and share with children. Interact and engage them while you follow a kind act.

2. Be a good listener - Listen to children and kindly answer their small questions. They turn to listen too. Treat them nice with no spanking or punishment.

3. Catch Kindness - Give stars for being good and no stars for not being kind. Place a chart and have fun together. You can give stars for the kind act to the child and tell him to do the same for you. Reward for kindness when the Kindness Chart reaches set stars. i.e. for 25 kindness acts, give them a reward.

4. Gift Books - Gift books on Kindness and even get books on kindness for yourself. Books like Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is a classic that sets good example.



5. Participate in Group Activity - Involve in activities, social causes, group walks or charity - any activity that calls for social cause and being kind and helpful to others. Organize drawing and coloring sessions, music or crafts sessions for the deaf and dumb, blind children or the orphans - this will fill their world with joy. Teach your children - How to Tithe (give) and these tips may help too. Giving is a responsibility and a source of satisfaction. There is always time in life to help others. You can give without loving and you can't love without giving.

6.Engage them in daily chores - Indulge kids in helping around - at home and school. This will make them more responsible, organized and also feel self worth of job well done. Get them do things they like - planting or watering plants, cutting vegetables, set up menu for lunch or dinner, spread bed sheets, whatever they like to do. Self indulged activities often have a calm effect and peace of mind.

7. Make Friends - Friendship itself has the kindness factor. Showing love, caring for the other and sharing. Get kids to do crafts - make beautiful friendship bands, car hangings, pencil tops or pen stands. Let them gift to their friends. Maybe, paint t-shirts and gift on birthday. Kindness comes in prompt with love and feelings for a friend.

8. Mind Language - A very important factor to remember is 'words'. What you demonstrate, kids follow. Children pick faster what you say and do.

9. I believe : Believe in God and make kids say 'I believe' - When you pray to god for help and guidance, children follow your spirituality and can see your day to day relationship with god through prayers. God hears prayers and it's faith that makes better souls.

As such Emotions are the wild cards in human intelligence They fit into are thinking as emotions create thoughts and thoughts create actions. So, jumpstart to create a Culture of Kindness and let peace be at your doorstep.

Btw, here's Random Act of Kindness Foundation website - A resource for people committed to spreading kindness. It provides a wide variety of materials, including activity ideas, lesson plans, project plans and much more. You can find the Kindness dates, calendar, create a website, share kindness experiences, find e-cards and get free stuff. Be Inspired or just Be kind.
Spread Kindness - Spread sunshine. God Bless.

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

Search for keywords 'random act of kindness' 'character building books' 'examples of random act of kindness' 'kindness' 'kindness lyrics' 'kindness poems' 'human kindness' 'compassion' in kidsfreesouls Search here

Explore Valentine Pages - Kids Valentine Project

Come February and it's ever the month of Love - Valentine's Day. Ask kids and they love to sing "Papa, He Loves Mama, Mama, she Loves Papa" and ask about Valentine, I often found children shying away yet happy to say, "Happy Valentine' to teachers, friends or anybody who they are fond of. As teachers and parents, we fail to define the word 'Love' and elaborately explain to kids what these 4 letters mean or what it means to say the wonder three words 'I Love You' and really mean it.

Here's Kids Free souls eight ways the Sternberg psychological way to find what is Love! We all know what it's like to get "butterflies" when someone we are attracted to walks into a room, but how do we know when it's love and not simply an infatuation? Is it Crush? Infatuation? Love? Anyway, its definitely 'Mind Boggling or Mind Blowing'. We need to identify our weaker or sharp intuitions especially when it comes to loving people - our family, children and most important 'love of our life'. All one need to remember is ‘Smooth sailing Relationship’ with soft hearts but no broken relations if one got to stay happy, make happy, stay cool.

Surfing on the Internet highways, times are no longer as they use to be some few years ago. The ICQ, chat rooms, messengers etc. are more interactive and meaningful as people have now realized not to live in dream worlds. I did come across people who had crushes and love bytes out of the blue and ended up in few seconds or couple of days. It is here to know how to deal with situations and take control of Emotional Swich board.

Children are no exceptions. Especially, the teenagers. With safe Social networking places like Glubble and Habbo, children can now socially interact, have own family page, share photos, music and much more. What parents or teachers need is to guide them to know what is right and wrong - Teach them on topics like Valentine in a fun learning way and what Love means to different people in different ways and why it is important to understand feelings and relationships.

Surf the Valentine Pages and guide Children 'Learn and Fun' way on Valentine. Make them do simple Projects as listed here on the Projects Page - Drawing, coloring and making Posters is always Fun and they can simply let their heart flutter with joy. You can print the Valentine Project Poster and let this be their Cover page for the Project or even Pin Up in the classroom while conducting the Valentine session. It can be exciting and entertaining as children love hearts and sure, we can win their hearts much better and easier than any other, Isn't it? Enjoy and "Happy Valentine!"

Search for keywords 'Valentine day' 'valentine for kids' in kidsfreesouls Search here

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

Internet Bus Project and Doodle 4 Google

India Internet Bus Project of Google Rolls on...

Making Life Simple and Easy to know the World wide web.The Internet-enabled bus will focus on the four themes - education, information, communication and entertainment. The Bus will be mobile in Tamil Nadu over the next month and a half to demonstrate how the Internet can make everyday tasks simple with tools like Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps and more. Here's the Map on the Internet Bus Project page.

Btw, Is your child a good artist and live in US? Here's the chance to enter into a Google Doodle 4 Google contest in the U.S. Google doodles are the special "dressed-up" logos that Google run on their homepage for holidays and other events, and Doodle 4 Google is an opportunity for one child to have his/her artwork displayed on their homepage as a doodle for hundreds of millions of people to see. This year's theme is "What I Wish for the World," and tap into not only children's creativity but also what they want their future to look like.

Find more details on Google Official Competition website. Even if your children cannot participate if they're in India, let them Wish for a Better World - Get them to write or paint and pin up in your School/home/club paste boards. Even you can send to Kidsfreesouls to add to Paste Board section.

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

Watch the Last Year's Award ceremony:

Dental Hygiene Month - Calendar and Projects for February

February month is the month of Venus and Mars. Month of Valentine. It is also American Heart Month, Children Dental Health Month and Love your Pet Day and more on Literature profiles. Find the February event Calendar and Projects for kids here on Kidsfreesouls.

Pic - Getty Images in Kidsfreesouls Environment
As february is Dental Hygiene month, here's my permalink on Health Blog. I wonder, how can the younger kids and adults face the trauma of Dentist treatment? One culprit in food is Sugar to be blamed as far as eating habits are concerned. Other than sugar too, there are factors responsible.

When children are younger, early visit to the dentist is a good way to learn proper oral hygiene at an early age, including avoiding nighttime bottles or cups of formula or juice, proper tooth-brushing, and a diet that promotes good dental health. Normally, a child diet is overlooked as we pamper our kids and stuff them with a lot of binge food and the chocolates n cakes n all the sugary n creamy stuff.

I would recommend simple steps for kids :

1. Know your mouth - teeth are vulnerable to acid attacks and we need to limit the amount of time teeth is exposed to the acid produced by the bacteria in the mouth. Hence, keep teeth clean, eat less of the foods that bacteria proliferate and get to eat more food that has positive effects.

2. Right Food: I said sugar but than sugar alone is not the culprit too. Carbohydrated food forms acids which sets the scene for decay. Hence, to make neutral - bad to good - is to finish a carbohydrate rich food with piece of cheese or keep sugar free gums.

3. Good Dental care: major problem with children is brushing the teeth. Twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. It's necessary to clean between the teeth with dental floss once a day. No eating before bedtime as salivary flow decreases as we sleep. And visiting a dentist on regular intervals.

4. Eating habits: Frequency of eating should be reduced. We find children nibbling a snack or sipping a drink and parents providing all they can. Time between meals should be allowed for saliva to neutralize acids and repair the teeth. Even one need to avoid brushing teeth immediately ater acidic food like citrus fruits, etc. to allow time for remineralisation to occur.

5. Remember the plus and minus food: The moderate intake of cheese as cheedar and swiss cheese is fine. The neutral one's are protein foods as eggs, fish but the bad food for teeth are sweets, cookies, pasta - any form of sugar, even honey. Dried and canned fruit and juices and cold drinks with sugar contents are all no good for teeth. If taken, you need to care for oral health after consuming.

All is the need of the hour, is to take care of good care of teeth right from the younger age. Minimize the risk of Dental trauma and believe me, for kids, it's a 'Nightmare' just as adults face the pain.

You can find the Smile Calendar for February and more from ADA or even Download February Pet animal theme Calendar as 21st February is Pet Animal Day. Find the Calendar Events and Projects that kids may enjoy.

Btw, do you have Genius child and face Counselling issue with the child's attitude and behavior? Find Kidsfreesouls Team Crew answer in Counselling column and even read 'Create a Genius in your Child' in Mom Zone section.

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

Stuttering/Stammering

Have you ever found yourself or people around you with Stuttering? A communication disorder with flow of speech broken with repetitions or prolongations. (eg. he-he-he said or thaaat way). Sometimes, there is a gap in-between words. Stuttering referred as Stammering is occurred due to varied reasons. Either Stuttering is in the family genetics, delayed development in childhood, brain deficiency or neurophysiology, fear complex and high lifestyles.

As researchers say, For 70 per cent left handers, the left hemisphere controls speech, just as it does in all but a few right handers. But for 15 percent of left handed persons, the right half of the brain controls speech. For the remaining 15 percent, speech is controlled by both right and left hemispheres. Stuttering may be more common among left handed males. One theory on a cause of stuttering is that in some left handed persons, the two hemispheres of the brain compete for control of speech. Also high testosterone levels in the male make boys react more strongly than girls to stress and perhaps causes the greater aggressiveness and hyper active at an early age. This can also be a factor in a greater frequency of left handedness, dyslexia and stuttering in boys.

It is learnt over 3 million Americans Stutter with majority in males. Most of them have the fillers like 'um' - 'er' - 'uh' thought sometimes, this is fashionable as style speech. In fact, dis-fluency includes hesitancy. We often find children in our classrooms with stressed facial muscles, struggling to narrate a story of while talking, repeating words or trying to find words and as we prompt them to speak, they find way to finish the sentence. The voice pitch raises or gets dim. Even fear grips them and they miss on words. Sometimes, parents or teachers lose the patience if stuttering increase and repeatedly and the child keeps on making efforts in vain.
Well, so what will you do to help your kids in classrooms or at home. Especially, with those children who are stuttering and have a fear syndrome with inferiority complex. Maybe, Kidsfreesouls tips may help:

1. First and foremost, slow and relax your own speech. Speak mild, polite and do not hurry with your own fluency. The child may fail to pick up faster what you say, as you think.

2. Dis-fluency is the result of stuttering. Give time. Give words. Give comfort. Give support.

3. Build the confidence. Encourage the child and stand by while he tries to speak - narrate the story or an incident. Get classroom debate and increase space. Get children involved and speak their mind, their way.

4. Build Self Esteem. Reassure and let the child reframe words. Show empathy, give hope. Instead of spanking or nagging, says words like 'I know you are trying..go on..Even I get stuck up with words'

5. Calm down expectations. Boys are boys and girls are girls. There is difference in brain connections. Seek new ways of seeing the brain.

6. Calm down Kid Stress. We often admit that kids too have stress. Too much of lessons to learn in class rooms, homework, peer group pressures, extra activities - all weigh stress for the mind to work faster round the clock. Let music fill their small world and paint their dreams at intervals. Children will respond faster when they are happy.

7. Finally, give them a cozy family lifestyle and a friendly classroom. Raised voices, fighting and bickering will fill them with fright and stuttering follows due to unhealthy environment.

Well, Artie Knapp, our Kidsfreesouls Children's Story Author (Fairyland), has launched his latest book 'Stuttering Stan Takes a Stand' - Stanley is like most squirrels: he loves nuts, climbing trees and playing with friends. But Stanley feels different from the other animals in his neighborhood, because he has a problem with words. Teased and bullied about his stuttering, Stanley refuses to let on that his feelings are being hurt, until one day he learns an important lesson from a new friend. Stuttering Stan Takes a Stand is published by the Division of Speech Pathology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, which is the largest pediatric speech pathology program in the United States. You can read Author Artie Knapp's Interview on Speechpathology here.

Find Artie Knapp's stories here for classroom Projects here. Grab a copy of the book here:




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

'Abide with me' - Beating Retreat and Martyr's Day

The Republic day celebrations (26th Jan) are spectacular with ‘Beating Retreat’ at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi three days later on 29th January. The notes of ‘Abide with me’, favourite of Mahatma Gandhi is played by mass bands of armed forces with final retreat marking the end of Republic day celebrations. The bands of Army, Navy and Air Force play the traditional marching tunes.

Unfortunately, this year the Beating Retreat was cancelled due to the death of former President R Venkatraman. In 2001, due to Gujarat Earthquake, Beating Retreat was cancelled too.
Well, if you missed the notes of 'Abide with me', here's the lyrics and song to download. The song is written by Henry Lyte, a vicar who lived in the fishing village of Brixham Devon. He was dying of Tuberclosis and as he walked by the sea and heard the ebb and the flow of the tide and for the last time there, he watched the sun, he wrote the touching song.

Btw, 30th January is 'Martyr's Day' and on the occasion of Gandhi Nirman divas (Gandhiji's death day), Gujarat Vidhyapith students, staff and others have hosted a silent rally (Shantiyatra) from Gujarat Vidhyapith to Kocharab Ashram. Gujarat Philatelists Association is also hosting a three day All India Collectors Exhibition with special collection of stamps on Mahatma Gandhi. At the Sabarmati Ashram on 30th Jan evening, 'Prophet and the Poet play will be held which is about the exchange of letters between Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore.
Mahatma Gandhi lived at Gandhi Ashram from 1918 to 1930. He left with a pledge that we would not return till India became independent. On his return from South Africa, his first Ashram was established in Kochrab, Paldi in May 1915. Later shifted in June 1917 to open land on the banks of Sabarmati.

Till I update the news column, find Mahatma's Gandhi's page in Literature Profiles.

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

Listen to Aishwarya - Allah tero Naam Lyrics

Aishwarya Majmudar singing at a show 'Chote Ustad'. You can even find more songs of this young Artist in You Tube. The fairy girl has a voice of a nightingale. Winning the 'Chote Ustad' competition was one of the most memorable moments of her life, and she told in an interview, "Amitabhji referred me as his ‘bahu’, was like an icing on the cake". Watch her sing and listen to her on You Tube.

Btw, here is the lyrics of the Prayer song 'Allah tero naam, Ishwar tero naam' - a Prayer song she sang at the opening function which I referred earlier.

allah tero naam ishwar tero naam (2)
sab ko sannmati de bhagwaan (2)
allah tero naamaa

aa aa....aa aa aa...aa aa aa

maangon ka sindoor na chhoote (2)
maa bahenon ki aas na toote (2)
deh binaadeh binaa bhatake na paran
sab ko sannmati de bhagwaanallah tero naamoh saare jag ke rakhwaale (2)
nirbal ko bal dene waale (2)
balwaanon kobalwaanon ko de de gynaansab ko sannmati de bhagwaanallah tero naam ishwar tero naam (2)
allah tero naam

Find the song on You Tube here. A song from the movie 'Hum Dono', the meaningful words request god to give light to mankind. At a time, when the world wants peace, faith can move mountains and so it should! . Let there be no killings nor war, Let there be no crime. Stop Crime, Stop children to be criminals - Build the Pillars of Character.

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