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NORTHERN NEW YORK’S FUN FAMILY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2011 More fun at www.kidsvillenews.com/northernny

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The Treats with Truman Winner for April!!!

I received an AMAZING letter from Grace Smith a Fourth Grade student from Flanders Elementary School!

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We Had an GREAT time dancing to Michael Jackson’s “Thirller” if you want to watch a video go to www.kidsvillenews.com/northernny and click on watch Flanders’ fourth grade dance!!

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Conservation o r n e r Celebrate Earth Day Every Day!

Former Governor Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin was the father of Earth Day. In 1969, while he was a U.S. Senator, Nelson came up with the idea for a “teach-in” on environmental issues. The idea caught on, and the first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970.

Through the joint efforts of the U.S. government, organizations and citizens, what started as a day of national environmental recognition has evolved into a world-wide campaign to protect our global environment.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, we are making a difference. In fact, the nation’s air is much cleaner today than it was in 1970. The EPA has a special website just for students and kids, with lots of neat projects and information. Visit www.epa.gov/students or www.epa.gov/kids for fun activities just for you.

You and your family can make a difference. As we celebrate Earth Day, ask your self these questions and find out the answers to celebrate Earth Day every day!

• What and where can I recycle?

• How can I reduce the amount of garbage I generate? (Hint: RRR) • How can I care for my lawn and yard?

• How can I make my home more energy efficient?

The EPA offers you information on which products you can recycle, which help prevent waste and reduce consumption and ways to reuse dozens of items on its website: www.epa.gov/ earthday/home.htm.

Sources: Environmental Protection Agency and The Wilderness Society.

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APRIL 2011

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Serving Clinton, Essex and Warren Counties PUBLISHER GayleAlexander gayle@denpubs.com 518-873-6368 Ext. 207 GENERALMANAGER Allen K. Dunham aldunham@denpubs.com 518-570-7248 TRUMAN ASSISTANT/GRAPHIC DESIGNER LaurieGoff graphics@denpubs.com ILLUSTRATOR Cover & Truman • DanNelson MARKETING BrianGay Brian@denpubs.com 518-873-6368 Ext. 207 NATIONAL EDITOR Joy G. Kirkpatrick kvnews@kidsvillenews.com Kidsville News, Inc. BillBowman President For Sponsorship Opportunities Please Call: 518-873-6368 P.O. Box 338, 14 Hand Avenue, Elizabethtown, NY 12932 Published Locally By Denton Publications, Inc.

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Kidsville News! Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork or other material. Children’s submissions should include name, address, telephone number, and permission to publish signed by a parent or guardian.

Dear Kids, Spring-and bees-in the air, Flowers are popping up everywhere.

Dusting off my bike, ball and bat, Glove, Frisbee® and baseball hat.

I’m running further everyday Preparing for the sports I’ll play!

Truman@denpubs.com EMAIL ME, I LOVE MAIL!

Ahhh, don’t you just love my poetry? April is National Poetry Month, so I thought I would share! Why don’t you try writing a poem and send it to me? Maybe you would like to write about spring, Easter or your favorite sport.

It’s National Youth Sports Safety Month. I like to play sports, but I know it’s smart to prepare by training properly, using safety equipment and following the rules. National Library Week is also in April, so you might want to visit your school or community library to read up on Earth Day or Arbor Day. Be sure to say “Thank You” to your librarian!

I can’t wait to read your poem! Be sure to visit the Kidsville News! website at www.kidsvillenews.com/ northernny for fun and games. Have an awesome April!

Your friend,

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It’s Sports Safety Month: Play It Safe!

The weather is warming up, and kids all over the country are signing up for spring sports. Whether it is baseball or soccer, tennis or kayaking, it is important to put safety first while you are having fun.

The month of April has been proclaimed National Youth Sports Safety Month. This national health event was initiated by the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, Inc., in 1993 to promote safety in sports participation.

More than 60 national medical and sports organizations support National Youth Sports Safety Month. They include the American College of Sports Medicine, The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and The United States Olympic Committee. Here are a few tips to stay safe while you are playing your favorite sport.

• The most important thing is to Have Fun! • Remember, youth sports are only a game designed for your enjoyment. Play to please yourself and have a good time.

• Learning how to play the game is more important than winning and losing. Ask your coach for pointers if you are having difficulty with something.

• Some children grow faster than others, and some have better coordination earlier than others. Everyone catches up eventually. Be patient.

• Who you are as a person does not depend on your wins and losses. Sometimes this idea is even hard for grown-ups and parents.

They always want you to do your best, but sometimes the other team is just better. And that’s ok.

• Treat other athletes and your coaches with respect.

Everyone is trying his or her hardest.

• Honor the rules of the game. Learn and follow the safety rules for your sport.

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• Be a good sport. No matter who wins, treat the other team with respect and be a good sport.

• Support your teammates. Everyone makes mistakes. If someone on your team makes a mistake, let him or her know that it’s okay. And, be sure to congratulate them when they do well!

• Make sure you have — and use — the proper gear for your sport. If your sport recommends a mouthguard, for instance, make sure you use it!

• Warm-up exercises make the body’s tissues warmer and more flexible.

Warm up with stretches and light jogging to help prevent muscle strains.

• A cool-down period helps loosen muscles that have tightened while exercising. Warm ups and cool downs are important to do before and after sports practices and games.

• Stay hydrated. Heat-related injuries like dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are dangerous, and can even be fatal.

It’s important to drink water regularly while you are exercising or playing. If you are too hot, take a break.

• Be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin from the sun.

If you do get hurt playing a sport, remember to stay calm. Find an adult to help you. How you treat sports-related injuries varies depending on the injury.

For bruises, sprains, strains or bone injuries, the first steps to take are easy to remember. RICE. This stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation and can help with pain and swelling. For instance, if you sprain your ankle, rest (get off your feet!), put ice on it (use an ice pack for 10-20 minutes at a time), apply compression (use an elastic bandage and wrap the area) and elevate it (lie down and prop your ankle up on pillows).

Sources: National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, www.nyssf.org; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, www.niams.nih.gov.

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APRIL 2011

Where in the World Is ...

Japan?

It’s time to get out your globe! You need to know about the imaginary lines on globes and maps. These lines are called lines of latitude and longitude, and they tell a pilot or ship’s captain exactly where in the world a certain place is located. Basically, latitude lines (also called parallels) are the horizontal lines on your map. Lines of longitude (also called meridians) are the vertical lines that run from the North Pole to the South Pole. This mapping system is written in degrees and uses the symbol °.

Get ready to travel the world!

You are probably hearing a lot about Japan on the news lately. In March, the country suffered a severe earthquake and tsunami. Thousands of people have died, and the whole country is struggling. Where is Japan? On your globe, find longitude of 138ºE and latitude of 36ºN, and you'll find Japan.

Japan is located in Eastern Asia and is a little smaller than our state of California. Japan is made up of a chain of islands between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. The islands are bordered by many different bodies of water, including the Sea of Japan, La Perouse Strait, the Sea of Okhotsk, the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea. The islands are to the east of the Korean Peninsula. This string of islands stretches for approximately 1,500 miles through the western Pacific Ocean. The country's four main islands are, from north to south, Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu.

Honshu is the largest of the four islands. There are many smaller islands that are part of Japan.

The capital of Japan is Tokyo, one of the world's most populated cities. The climate of Japan is tropical in the south and cool in the north. The land is very rugged and mountainous.

Where in the World There are many volcanoes in Japan, including Mount Fuji, which is Japan's highest mountain.

Word The population of Japan is over 126 million. Education is very important to the people of Japan. As a result, Japan is prefecture [pri-fek-cher] one of the world's most literate countries. Japan is an ally of the United States. Our country, and other countries around Japan has 47 prefectures; the world, have offered support to help them get through this tragedy. Perhaps you participated in helping the people of they are territories that are similar to states. They Japan by sending needed items through your school, scouts or other organization. It will take many years to repair and are bigger than cities, and rebuild the areas damaged by these natural disasters.

Sources: The World Factbook prepared by the Central Intelligence Agency; Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Japan," each has a governor. www.britannica.com/eb/article-9106451.

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Thank Goodness the Sun is Single It’s a good thing the Sun is single. It could easily be otherwise. About two-thirds of nearby sun-like stars are not. They and a companion star orbit each other like dancers doing a waltz.

Sun-like stars in close double-star systems — called binary systems — can be okay for a few billion years. But then they go bad. Very bad.

How bad? According to data from NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope, close binary stars can destroy their planets along with any life.

Some sun-like binary stars orbit each other only a few million miles apart. That is close — so close that the strong pull of the gravity of each star distorts the shape of the other. Normally, stars spin independently of one Planetary collisions, such as shown in this another (our sun artist’s rendering, could be quite common in rotates once every binary star systems where the stars are very close.

26 days), but the change in shape of close binary stars changes their spin. The two stars stop rotating independently, and they just keep one face locked toward the other, as the Moon does toward Earth.

Such a close binary is a built-in time bomb. The two stars spiral inward, orbiting each other closer and closer, faster and faster. When they get close enough, the two stars rotate as a single star in just three or four days.

Then, watch out! Such fast spinning makes each star’s magnetic field field get much stronger. The stars’ violent magnetic interactions can shoot out monster flares. flares. These flares can bathe a planet in massive amounts of ultraviolet light (like a very, very bad sunburn) and destroy any life on the surface.

Worst of all, as the two stars grow closer, the gravitational forces throughout the star system begin to change, disturbing the orbits of any planets. Sometimes the planets are nudged right into oncoming traffic! traffic! As the planets slam into each other, they shatter into red-hot asteroid-sized bodies. Such violence is certainly not good for any life trying to take root on the planet.

Finally, the planets are broken up into nothing but a ring of warm dust. It is this dust that Spitzer is so good at detecting.

See other fascinating images from the Spitzer Space Telescope by playing Spitzer Concentration at http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/spitzer/concentration.

This article was written by Trudy E. Bell and Diane K. Fisher.

It was provided by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

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APRIL 2011

W HAT’S I T LI K E TO B E? A CH I LD ENT R E P R EN E U R? Last month, we talked with two great young people who are living their dream of being recording artists. This month, we talked to another great kid who has put his creative ideas to work and become a child entrepreneur.

An entrepreneur is a person that owns or manages a business and has taken initiative and risk to start it. Ethan Fisher is only 8-years-old and is the original creator of the wearable clip. His idea of bending paper clips into shapes and then wearing them has really taken off and turned into his own business, SillyClipz™. Keep reading to find out more about this inventive kid!

TRUMAN: What does it take to become a child entrepreneur?

ETHAN: Well, a lot of work, you know like in Star Wars, becoming a Jedi is pretty hard. Well, that is what it is like to be an entrepreneur.

You have to work every day at achieving your goals. You have to work to get your ideas, then work to get your ideas running. The hardest part of all, I think, is once something big comes in, you will have to do a million times more work than you did, and you already did a lot of work. I can tell you that because that is what is happening with SillyClipz. SillyClipz is getting bigger and going pretty far.

TRUMAN: How did you come up with the idea for SillyClipz?

ETHAN: I was playing with my Silly Bandz® (rubber band bracelets), and there were some colored paperclips beside me, and I started bending them and trying to make an airplane design. I started getting Above: Ethan Fisher pretty excited. I then clipped the on the job at a photo airplane design I had made from the shoot for SillyClipz. paper clip onto my mom’s shirt, and Right: Ethan on the we all thought it was an awesome set of The Ellen idea, and SillyClipz was born!

DeGeneres Show.

TRUMAN: What do you do?

Describe a typical day on the “job” with your new SillyClipz business.

ETHAN: We usually start with a family meeting, and then I help in the areas that I am needed in or interested in. I like coming up with new SillyClipz Theme Packs, designs, logos and other creative ideas. I also have my school work, play time, time with friends, time outside and family time together.

TRUMAN: What’s the hardest part of your job as an entrepreneur?

ETHAN: Doing the work that you don’t want to do but that essentially has to get done.

TRUMAN: What’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?

ETHAN: I like having ideas that are “floating around” (in my head) and doing them. Then when you are done with all that hard work, you can take time to do the things that you like to do.

TRUMAN: What has been the most exciting thing since starting SillyClipz?

ETHAN: Getting a call from the producers of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, talking with them on the phone and then being flown out to Los Angeles, California, to be on the Ellen show! It was fun on the plane flying there, it was cool in California and meeting Ellen was pretty awesome! Our whole

APRIL 2011

family had a great time (view the Ellen clip at www.SillyClipz.com).

TRUMAN: What is your favorite SillyClipz shape?

ETHAN: Our new Unicorn SillyClipz from our Myth Clipz™ Pack.

I’m excited about the Myth Clipz the most but am excited about all the new Theme Packs coming out.

TRUMAN: What are your favorite hobbies?

ETHAN: I like to: program (computer programming), create and play with Legos®, write books, make movies, come up with new ideas (I have lots of ideas everyday!), play with my friends, canoe and hike, ski, read with my family, watch movies as a family, and much, much more!

TRUMAN: How does your business make money?

ETHAN: We make money by selling SillyClipz! We sell them online at www.SillyClipz.com, and soon we will be in stores nationwide!

Check to find a store close to your house to buy them from. You can also become a fan on FaceBook at www.facebook.com/ SillyClipz.

TRUMAN: Do you have other ideas that you want to turn into real products?

ETHAN: Yes, I am working on those, too!

TRUMAN: What advice would you give to kids who are interested in getting their idea or invention produced?

ETHAN: Well, first come up with the idea. Then come up with the logo. Then come up with how you are going to sell your product and then take action to all those things. Basically, do that all the way through with all the steps involved in the process. Making your company bigger and bigger is something to always think about, how to sell your product to people, and how to sell your product to big companies. You know what kind of lags your business down or your ideas is that maybe one person is not fired up, and then the next person is not fired up, and then another person is not fired up. And somebody has to step up and get everybody fired up, and then everybody’s fired up and then you are going great. My parents have been a big help in this part of the business, and I am learning a lot by being involved. If your parents are not able to help with your idea, ask some of your friends, or relatives, or find a mentor or anything. If you really believe in your idea, keep going until you find someone that can help you.

TRUMAN: Wow! Thanks for sharing with us what it’s like to be a child entrepreneur. It sounds like a lot of work and a lot of fun all at the same time! Best of luck to you. I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!

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Adirondack for Kids is a foundation established by the Adirondack Family of businesses to offer grants to nonprofit organizations supporting youth activities in the areas where Adirondack operates.

20612

North Country Regional Traumatic Brain Injury Center tells us all, “Use Your Head to Protect Your Head” Because I am so tall I often bump my head on stuff but today I want to talk to you about a time when you might really hit your head hard.

Have you ever hit your head as a result of a fall or a car crash, that left you feeling “just not right” afterwards? After a few days you felt pretty good, but, you kept getting a headache, were sensitive to noise, and had more trouble than usual concentrating or remembering things. Does this sound familiar? Every year, more than 400,000 kids are sent to the emergency department for serious brain injuries. Injuries from car crashes, playgrounds, or sports are the most common ways that kids get concussions.

It’s called a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and it’s caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. This sudden movement can literally cause our brain to bounce around or twist in our head, and that can damage brain cells and create chemical changes in our brains. This can happen so easily, to avoid a head injury, always wear helmets or headgear and other safety equipment when biking, riding motorized bikes or vehicles, skateboarding, riding your scooter, playing contact sports like football, skiing, and always, always, ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT. Look at the great info I found about sports concussions.

During Brain Injury Awareness Month the North Country Regional Traumatic Brain Injury Center wants all of us to help spread the word about TBI prevention, recognition, and response so we all know about this important public health problem. If someone has had a TBI they would be referred to the Neuro Psychological Clinic at NCRTBI at SUNY Plattsburgh by their pediatrician, neurologist or even by their school psychologist for evaluation. At the evaluation they test a wide range of topics and come up with a good picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the person. If there is a problem then a Service Coordinator will meet with the family and discuss all the programs that are available to help. These programs can be either community based or private services. The Service Coordinator will also act

a go-between (called a liaison) between the kid, his family and the school so that everyone is working together and the kid gets the help he needs to succeed.

Some of these symptoms may appear right away, while others may not be noticed for days or months after the injury, or until the person starts resuming their everyday life and more demands are placed upon them.

It is very important to be seen by a health care professional.

They will know what to do. Getting help soon after the injury by trained specialists may speed recovery when you are hurt really badly. Rest is very important after a TBI because it helps the brain to heal. Ignoring your symptoms and trying to “tough it out” often makes symptoms worse. Be patient because healing takes time. Only go back to your regular activities when your Doctor says it’s OK. North Country Regional TBI helps all of us deal with concussion and more serious TBIs. They provide information and put people in touch with local resources, such as support groups, rehabilitation services, and a variety of health care professionals. Part of their funding comes from the United Way, those funds help them run some of these programs, and as we have talked in the last few articles it is our job to GIVE, ADVOCATE AND VOLUNTEER. Remember Safety is No Accident: Live Injury-free and LIVE UNITED. Your Friend,

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APRIL 2011

COME OUT & COME OUT AND PLAY!

PLAY

Biking & Skateboarding Biking & Skateboarding Safely!

Riding bikes and skateboarding are two of the most popular ways for kids to get around in the neighborhood. It’s good exercise, and it’s FUN! Since it’s National Youth Sports Safety Month, here are a few tips to keep you safe while you have fun.

Buying the right bicycle: • It is important to ride a bike that is the right size.

• The bicycle should not be too big or complicated.

• You should be able to place the balls of your feet on the ground when sitting on the seat.

• The bicycle should have a bell or horn.

Buying the right helmet: Although helmets can cost between $13 and $50, they can save money by possibly preventing a visit to the emergency room. When shopping for a helmet, make sure it meets the following requirements: • The helmet should be approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Approved helmets meet stringent safety standards.

• The helmet should fit your head so that when the straps are snug, the helmet does not move around on the head.

• The front edge of the helmet should be two finger widths above the eyebrows.

Safety!

• Front and back straps of the helmet should form a V just below the ear.

• The chin strap should be snug when you open your mouth (one finger should fit between the chin and chin strap when the mouth is closed).

• Some helmets are multi-sport and can be used for in-line-skating, skateboarding, bicycling or other wheel sports. Helmets specifically called “bicycle helmets” are designed only for that sport.

Skateboards: • Wear protective gear, such as helmets, padding and closed-toe and slip-resistant shoes.

• Check the skateboard for wear and tear.

• Allow only one person per skateboard.

• Do not hitch rides from bicycles, cars or other vehicles.

Even experienced skateboarders can fall, so learning how to fall safely can help reduce the risk of severe injuries. The following are recommendations from the National Safety Council about how to fall correctly: • When losing your balance, crouch down on the skateboard so your fall is short.

• Try to land on fleshy parts of your body when falling.

• Try to roll as you fall, which prevents your arms from absorbing all the force.

• Try to relax, rather than remaining stiff when falling.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, one of the leading pediatric healthcare systems in the country, is pleased to offer health and safety tips for parents and children. Visit our website at www.choa.org to learn more about Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and www.choa.org/healthandsafetytips for more information on our expert tips.

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What’s the Difference?

Sports Safety Month Sports Safety Month

April AprilisisNational NationalSports SportsSafety SafetyMonth.

Month.Find Find the the hidden words in hidden words in the puzzle that relate to sports! the puzzle that relate to sports.

BASEBALL CYCLING FOOTBALL HELMET

C Y C L I N G I Z D C Y O O L

D V G O M U E E R M K B Q R L

Q T X X O A B A X R W W W N A

MOUTHGUARD REFEREE RULES SAFETY

U L G S F V U A S R Y W L O B

R C P K T G N I M K F L S I T

U I V I H R N P B T A R P A O

D O B T I N E W D B A Y O U O

B Z U S E X Y T E G R K R Z F

E O P T P S Q S C H U W T H Y

M E O R W Y A T I H G U S R L

R L R K K B N X R E C C O S S

SOCCER SPORTS STRETCH TENNIS

U K J E P D V T E M L E H L K

L J N T F Y T E F A S I J K R

E Y B L M E C D U B B G C C X

S Y N U S B R W P Q Q R K G L

Visit our wibsite www.Kidsvillenews.com/northerny for more fun & games all year long!

JOKES g owers brin h s il r p A : Q at s, then wh r e w lo f y a m ers bring? do mayflow s!!!

A: Pilgrim

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Q: Why was 6 afraid of 7?

A: Because 7 8 (ate) 9!

the Q: Why didn’t the road? skeleton cross didn’t A: Because he ! have the guts

Q: What happen ed when the dog went to the flea circus?

A: He stole the show!

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ocean so Q: Why is the friendly? gives out A: Because it BIG waves!

APRIL 2011

Rhinoceros

The rhinoceros — or rhino — is an endangered animal from Asia and Africa. But its name is Greek. Rhino means nose, and ceros means horn. The horn on its nose is one of the rhino’s most recognizable features.

The rhino is a very large animal. It has a huge body on short stumpy legs. They are usually a grey or brownish color, but they like to wallow in the mud, so they may appear brown.

Kingdom: Animalia There are five species of rhino. Two are found in Africa, and three species are found in Asia. Very Phylum: Chordata few rhinos live outside of national parks or preserves. Most rhino species are listed as endangered or Class: Mammalia critically endangered. One Order: Perissodactyla subspecies, the western black Family: Rhinocerotidae rhino, is thought to be extinct. The southern white rhino is the only species that is not endangered, but is still threatened. The white rhinos have almost no hair and have two horns. The males can weigh up to 3.6 tons — that’s almost 8,000 pounds!

Rhinos are usually active in early mornings and during the evening. Rhinos are herbivores, meaning they eat only plants. They eat grass and leaves from trees and bushes. They might look dangerous with their big horn, but they are not aggressive. And if they do charge, they don’t have very good aim because they have very poor eyesight. Rhinos do have a great sense of smell and hearing. They can sleep standing up or lying on the ground.

Sources: World Wildlife Fund, www.wwf.org. Photo: Joy G. Crowe.

AR T GALLERY

Art Gallery

Thomas Hart Benton: Ordinary People, Bigger than Life painting. In 1924, Thomas returned to Missouri to visit his sick father. During the Thomas Hart Benton was an important American trip, he became even more excited about painting regular people doing regular painter. He is best known for the large murals he painted things. He wanted to capture ordinary American life, particularly in the Midwest. of ordinary Americans in factories, on farms and in big With this, he helped launch a new art movement called Regionalism. cities.

American Regionalism looked at the lives of ordinary Americans. As a Thomas Hart Benton was born on April 15, 1889, Regionalist artist, Thomas spent many years traveling around the United States, in Neosho, Missouri. Thomas spent his first years in drawing pictures of people working in steel factories, coal mines, cotton fields, Missouri before moving to Washington, D.C., after his logging camps and other places. He used his drawings to create paintings and large father became a congressman when Thomas was six years murals that helped bring attention to the problems between wealthy Americans and old. From the time he was very young, Thomas loved the working-class poor. Although not everybody art, and Washington, D.C., is a place liked Thomas’ paintings, many organizations hired full of public art. Thomas especially him to create large murals where people could loved going to the Library of Congress, study them in public places. Some of these murals where he could look at the beautiare in places like the Missouri State Capitol ful murals painted there. Although building, Indiana University and the Country Thomas’ father wanted him to be a Music Hall of Fame. politician, his mother encouraged her Thomas moved to Kansas City, Missouri, in the son’s love of art. With her approval, mid-1930s. There, he lived and worked as an artist Thomas copied the cartoons he saw in and teacher until his death on January 19, 1975. the newspaper, and his talent improved.

Two years later, his home and studio became a In 1904, Thomas and his family Missouri State Historic Site, where people can still moved back to Missouri. As a teenager, Thomas worked as a cartoon artist, drawing cartoons for a local newspaper in Joplin, go to look at his artwork and learn about his life.

Written by Tamar Burris, a former elementary Missouri. After finishing high school, he moved to Illinois to Benton’s “Cut the Line” (1944), depicting the school teacher who now works as a freelance writer attend the Art Institute of Chicago. But, what he really wanted launch of a U.S. Navy Tank Landing Ship. and curriculum developer for PBS, the Discovery to do was study art in Europe! So, in 1908, Thomas moved to Paris, France, to take art classes. In France, Thomas spent a lot of time painting real Channel and other education-related companies. Sources: Famous Missourians: Thomas Hart Benton, http://shs.umsystem.edu/famousmissourians/artists/benton/benton.shtml; people in their everyday lives. As his artistic skills developed, he found that he loved Thomas Benton (USA) 1889-1975, http://www.paletaworld.org/artist.asp?id=2167; bright colors and really liked painting regular folks doing regular things.

Thomas Hart Benton (painter) on Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Hart_ After a few years in Europe, Thomas moved to New York City and continued Benton (painter).

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SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

AH MAR ONE P P AL CHIA , Grade 4 0 1 e Ag nac Sara ntary e Elem

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Find-ARainbow Day

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National Sibling Day

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THURSDAY H NOA S UE Q C A J ade 2 8, Gr ne g A tow beth Eliza School s Lewi

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National Read a Road Map Day

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North Pole Discovered In 1898.

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No Housework Day

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

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World Health Day

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14 15

Income Tax Day

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Encourage a Young Writer Day

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Paul Revere’s Famous Ride, 1775

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Passover Begins at Sundown Humorous Day

20 21 22

Pet Owner’s Day

24 25 26 27 World Penguin Day

Hug a Friend Day

National Pretzel Day

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Tell a Story Day

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International Sing Out Day

28 29 30 Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day

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Arbor Day

Zipper Day

National Honesty Day George Washington

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AR UND THE W RLD Netherlands

April 30 is Queen’s Day, or Koninginnedag, in the Netherlands. This is a national holiday celebrating the birthday of former Queen Juliana. It is the Dutch National Day. The whole country spends the night before having a carnival-like party with parades, music and dancing. The following day, Queen’s Day, they have free markets, or vrijmarkt, where people sell and trade things from their homes that they no longer need or want, for things that they do want. It’s a huge yard sale! Orange is the color for Queen’s Day, and people dress in orange, have orange foods and drinks and sometimes even dye the fountains orange!

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Italy

Scoppio del Carro, or Explosion of the Cart, is a tradition that takes place in Italy on Easter Sunday. On April 24, people in Piazza del Dumo will ignite a cart full of fireworks and watch it explode. The tradition is said to date back to the First Crusades, and the fire is started with pieces of flint from holy relics.

This explosion of the cart is thought to bring good luck to the city for its harvests.

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Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, April 13 and 14 will be celebrated as the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. The New Year’s festival marks the end of harvest season. It is celebrated with religious activities, firecrackers, games and special foods. The people will dress in new clothes in lucky colors.

APRIL 2011

Curious Questions About Easter Traditions What is the history of Easter? Where does it come from?

Today’s Easter is derived from the ancient Jewish and Christian religions. Christians have celebrated the Resurrection (the day Jesus arose from the dead) around the time of the spring equinox for many centuries. It technically falls on the first Sunday after the Paschall Full Moon, anywhere between March 22 and April 25. This year Easter is a little later than usual and falls on April 24.

The Christian celebration of Easter is linked to the Jewish celebration of the Passover. Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were observed by the ancient Israelites early in the new year.

The Jewish people started each year with the spring equinox, around March 21. The name Passover comes from the Bible story of the angel that passed over the homes of the Jews. The Feast of Unleavened Bread was at the start of the barley harvest, the first crop of the year. Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread occurred at about the same time each year, so they were both combined for a two-day celebration.

How did Easter get its name?

Some believe it was the name given to Jesus’s resurrection (when he rose from the dead) by the Frankish (French) church and comes from the Latin word alba which means white because people wore white robes when they celebrated the resurrection.

But alba also means sunrise, so when the name of the feast was translated into German, the sunrise meaning was picked instead of the white meaning. In old German, the word for sunrise was ostern, which became Easter, or the feast of the Lord’s Resurrection.

Some scholars believe the name Easter came from the Scandinavian Ostra and the Teutonic Ostern or Eastre, both goddesses of mythology signifying spring and fertility, whose festival was celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox. Equinox means equal night.

That’s the day when the night and day are of equal length, 12 hours each.

What do Lent, ash and palms have to do with Easter?

Lent is a time during which the Christians prepare for Easter. It includes fasting, penance and prayer. Among Roman Catholics, Lent lasts for six and a half weeks before Easter, excluding Sundays. Among the Eastern Orthodox churches, it is a full eight weeks because Saturdays and Sundays are not included.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. Holy Week is the week before Easter Sunday. Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter Sunday. It is called Palm Sunday because it is the day when Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. As he entered the city, people waved palm

APRIL 2011

branches and laid them before him as a symbol honoring him.

Holy Thursday commemorates (remembers) the Last Supper, the last meal that Jesus shared with some of his followers before his death on the cross. The meal they were eating was in celebration of Passover because Jesus and his friends were Jewish.

After supper, Jesus was arrested while he prayed in a garden called Gethsemane. The next day, called Good Friday, Jesus died on the cross.

So why call it good? Some people think it originally meant God’s Friday. Others claim that good refers to the blessings received as a result of Jesus’s death.

Holy Saturday is the last day of Holy Week and of Lent. Easter Sunday commemorates Jesus’s Resurrection.

Christians believe that Jesus arose from the dead on Easter Sunday. What Jesus taught us forms the foundation of the largest religion in the world. Today, about one third of the world’s population is Christian.

So what about the Easter Bunny and colored eggs?

In pagan times, before there was Christianity or other organized religion, the Easter hare came to be.

This was no normal hare (which is similar to a rabbit but larger). The Easter Hare was thought to be a sacred companion of the goddess of spring, Eostre. The hare and the rabbit were the most fertile animals known (this means they have lots of babies!), and they served as symbols of the new life during the spring season. Since long before Jesus Christ was born, parents told their children that the magic hare would bring them presents at the spring festival. The presents were often painted eggs, as these represented the new life starting at this time of year.

Some accounts say that during the 4th century, consuming eggs during Lent was taboo (or forbidden). Since spring is the peak egg-laying time for hens, people began to cook eggs in their shells to preserve them.

Eventually people began decorating and hiding them for children to find during Easter, which gave birth to the Easter Egg Hunt.

It is believed that the Chinese are the first people who painted eggs.

During spring festivals almost 3,000 years ago, they exchanged red eggs as part of their celebration.

Whether you celebrate the religious part of Easter or just enjoy the Easter Egg hunts and the legend of the Easter Bunny, the Easter holiday is a wonderful part of springtime.

Compiled by Joy Crowe and Jim Vanore for Kidsville News!

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EGG DECORATING Food Coloring Dye • • • • •

Food coloring Hot water White vinegar Small bowls or cups Slotted spoon

Waxed Eggs • Wax crayons • Paper towels • Egg dyes in different colors • Slotted spoon

For each color measure 1/4 tsp. food coloring in small bowl. Add 3/4 cup hot water and 1 tbsp. white vinegar to each color. Add eggs and allow to sit until they are the desired color. Remove with slotted spoon. Polish dry eggs with small amount of cooking oil and soft cloth.

Draw a heavy crayon pattern on hard boiled egg.

Dip egg in egg dye preferably a dark color. Leave in dye until desired color is reached. Remove with slotted spoon and place in 200 degree F oven for a few minutes until wax is melted. Wipe with paper towel and dip again in lighter dye to fill in pattern where wax was. Polish finished eggs with cooking oil and soft cloth.

Grate peeled crayons over waxed paper.

Fill jar with very hot water. Drop bits of grated crayon into water. Add hard boiled egg as soon as crayon begins to melt.

Twirl egg in water with spoon. The wax should make a design on the egg.

Carefully remove egg and set upside-down in egg carton to dry.

Place hard boiled eggs in egg cups.

Sponge Painted Eggs P a r t i a l l y f i l l p a p e r c u p s w i t h d i f f e r e n t c o l• Liquid acrylic paint ors of paint. Clip a piece of sponge to a • Paper cups (for each color) • Small pieces of foam or sponge clothes pin and dip into paper cups, use • Clothes pins (for each color) the clothes pin as a handle. Lightly dab the sponge over the top half of the egg. Let • Egg cups dry. Turn egg over and repeat procedure.

Marble Eggs • • • • • •

Large glass jar Crayon stubs Vegetable grater Hot water Waxed paper or newspaper Empty egg carton

Across 3. What is in your savings account after you deposit or withdraw money.

4. Abbreviation for Certificate of Deposit 7. The money borrowed from a lender to buy a house.

9. An amount of money parents give kids to help them learn to manage money 10. An electronic banking station that enables you to bank 24/7 11. A person that buys or sells investments for you.

Down 1. Earned Income is ______ paid in exchange for work.

2. Money or goods you owe 3. A plan you create for controlling spending and encouraging saving.

5. Money that is lent, usually with the understanding that it will be paid back, usually with interest.

6. A plastic card that looks like a credit card, but it is used to withdraw money from a savings or checking account 8. Income Tax is the ______ that wage earners pay the government to run the country

EASTER JOKES

Q. What is the Easter Bunny’s favorite state capital?

A. Albunny, New York!

Q. Why did the Easter Bunny have to fire the duck?

A. Because he kept quacking all the eggs!

Q. What happened to the egg when he was tickled too much?

A. He cracked up.

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Q. A man wanted an Easter pet for his daughter. He looked at a baby chick and a baby duck.

They were both very cute, but he decided to buy the baby chick.

Do you know why?

A. The baby chick was a little cheeper!

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P ARENTOWN’S K ID S HAPE Sticking Together When Times Get Tough Times are tough: The economy is faltering, jobs are less secure and prices are high. The stress of dealing with these issues doesn’t affect just you. Your child is likely to notice your increased stress level, as well as any changes to your family’s routine.

The news is not all bad: These tough times provide a great opportunity to teach your child about money basics and a chance to reconnect as a family over some fun but inexpensive activities. Sticking together during tough times will ultimately help you emerge as a stronger family when the economy does rebound.

How Stress Affects Families What your kids want most is your attention.

Unfortunately, your own stress can affect the interactions you have with your child. It might come in the form of a snippy answer to a question, in putting aside play time or maybe in an urge to lash out to those closest to you. If you are feeling stressed out, step back and take a deep breath.

Pause before you react to your child so that your reaction can be a calm one. If you need a break, take one. If you need a helping hand, ask for it.

Talking to Kids about the Economy Your child probably notices your stress even if you are trying to hide it. Be careful not to make overly dramatic statements like, “We have no money!” To you, that may mean a month without eating out, but your child may interpret it to mean that the family is in danger. You can explain your situation to children in age-appropriate and reassuring terms. For example: Mommy is not going to work right now because there was a change at her company. But, don’t worry; I’ll go back to work soon.

Right now, things are more expensive, so it is important for us to spend money only when we really need to.

Teaching Kids about Money Tough economic times provide an opportunity to teach your child important lessons about money and spending. Teach your child the difference between a need and a want. Pencils and paper for school are needs; a new lunchbox or cool new jeans are wants. Teach your child about making choices with money, and allow your child to help with those choices when appropriate. Say, for example: We have enough money in our fun budget to go see a movie or go out for pizza. Which would you like to do?

Letting your child earn an allowance through chores helps teach the connection between work, money and saving. These basic lessons will help you explain to your child why you need to make certain choices when it comes to the family budget.

Inexpensive – or Free – Fun! The tough economy provides a great opportunity to reconnect with your child and focus on fun family activities.

Local parks and school playgrounds are great places to spend an afternoon playing and getting important stress-reducing exercise. Visit your local library for reading time or to check out books to take home; most libraries also offer free children’s activities. Board games, coloring time and even games your child makes up offer low-cost fun at home.

Remember, time together is one of the most valuable things you can give your child.

April is National Prevent Child Abuse Month. This article is courtesy of Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina, 222.preventchildabusenc.org. Additional info can be found at www.preventchildabuse.org.

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Our mission is to create a fun, engaging, educational newspaper and web site for all elementary age children, their parents & teachers, that encourages reading as a lifelong habit and promotes literacy & education. When it comes to literacy & child development, if we are to help develop a child’s habits, truly affect the way they think and act, to help develop their minds, we must start at a young age. We hope that you will consider partnering with us too! Together we can take childhood learning to the next level and have a positive impact on our community and our future leaders. 34128

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Did you know that April is National Kite Month, and you can make your own kite? You can find plans for an easy-to-make kite, the Boka Boka kite, at www.nationalkitemonth.org.

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National Library Week is April 10-16, 2011, and April is School Library Month. Did you know there are over 122,000 libraries of all kinds in the United States? And, we spend almost 400 hours per person, per year, reading books, newspapers and magazines!

That’s a lot of reading!

LET’S LEARN FINANCE Crossword Puzzle Answers: Across 3. Balance 4. CD 7. Mortgage 9. Allowance 10. ATM 11. Broker Down 1. Wages 2. Debt 3. Budget 5. Loan 6. Debit 8. Money

Sports Safety Month

April is National Sports Safety Month. Find the hidden words in the puzzle that relate to sports.

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APRIL 2011

Earthquake in Japan On March 11, 2011 a major earthquake off the coast of Japan damaged buildings throughout the nation and caused a tsunami that brought about even more destruction and loss of life. quakes Measuring Earth

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YOU CAN HELP!

How do earthquakes happen?

When you crack the shell of a haed-boiled egg, you get a lot of separate pieces or plates of shell. The crust of the earth is like the shell of a hardboild egg. It is broken up into plates, too.

But, unlike the pieces of hard-boild egg the plates of the earth’s crust move

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P ARENTOWN’S K ID S HAPE Benefits of Camp Last a Lifetime It’s never too early to begin thinking about summer camp. The experience is guaranteed to bring children lifelong benefits. Camp builds several crucial traits and has myriad benefits: Self-confidence: Having to tackle the day-today routine of camp without relying on a parent’s intervention affords the child an opportunity for intense self-growth. Shouldering responsibility increases a child’s self-esteem.

Confidence is gained with each added success.

Independence: Being away from a parent can be a good thing when the child is in an environment that fosters growth and learning opportunities. Being with other peers in an unfamiliar setting can create leadership chances.

Cooperation: Group living is a part of summer camp. Learning how to give and take is a crucial part of youth development. Improved social skills are a huge benefit of camp.

Skills: While most camps offer a variety of activities, there are many camps that focus on a specific area, such as sports or the arts.

Either way, your child will be learning valuable skills at camp. Whether it’s working on passing skills at soccer camp or doing arts and crafts, boating or swimming at a general overnight camp, practicing important

skills — or learning a new one — will be a great experience for your child.

Friendship: There’s nothing that speeds up the familiarity factor as quickly as becoming bunkmates with kids of the same age. Because of the commonality of the camp experience, campers form bonds that far outlast the short time at camp. Many of these friendships last a lifetime.

Appreciation for the natural environment: Whether it is hiking, swimming, boating, roasting s’mores or camping in a tent, summer camps embrace the outdoor environment. They teach responsibility for our surroundings and appreciation for nature.

Play and Physical Activity: While camps are definitely learning environments, they are also a source of playtime. The American Academy of Pediatrics said, “Play is essential to development as it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being of children and youth.” Camps encourage play and physical activity. Getting kids moving, instead of having a sedentary summer in front of the TV, will keep them healthy and happy.

Investigate the local camps in your area and begin making your plans for summer break. Talk with the camps about the particular benefits their camp offers. Many camps fill up quickly, so start now to find the best fit for your child.

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Hey Kids! Truman wants your original artwork, letters, poems, and stories! He may want to print them in an upcoming issue of Kidsvil e News! or put them up on the website. Just have your parents fil Hint: Send your work in out this form and send it along with your work.

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AT THE MOVIES Hop (In Theaters: April 1) E.B. (voiced by Russell Brand) is a teenage slacker of a rabbit. He also happens to be the son of the Easter Bunny. Pops (voiced by Hugh Laurie) expects E.B. to take over the 4000-yearold family business, but E.B. wants to play drums in a rock band. E.B.’s not a bad drummer. So the little brown rabbit sets off for Hollywood to follow his dream. A run-in (that’s more of a “run-over”) in Los Angeles with an unemployed human named Fred (played by James Marsden) promises to open up all sorts of opportunities.

David Hasselfhoff, Hank Azaria and Chelsea Handler also star in this live-action blend of animated hijinks. Rated PG for some mild rude humor. (Universal Studios) Rio (In (In Theaters: Theaters: April April 15) 15) Rio From Carlos Saldanha, the director of of the the Ice Ice Age Age films, films, comes comes the the story story of of From Carlos Saldanha, the director a ffriendly Blu ((voiced Eisenberg).

Blu hhas spentt a very i dl parrott name Bl i d bby JJesse Ei b ) Bl comfortable life with his master Linda in her live-in bookstore in a small town in Minnesota. It turns out that Blu is a rare Macaw whose fathering duties are needed in his faraway native country of Brazil. Linda and Blu set off for Rio de Janeiro for Blu to meet a female blue Macaw named Jewel (Anne Hathaway) to see if there might be a romantic connection. Culture shock isn’t the only kind of surprise Linda and Blu get once they arrive in Brazil. Although Jewel and Blu are birds of a feather, they couldn’t be more different. Jewel is confident about everything she does. Blu is just plain nervous. It turns out that Blu doesn’t even know how to fly. It’s a good thing there’s a friendly Toucan named Rafael (voiced by George Lopez) who wants to help teach Blu how to use his wings. Peppy samba music accompanies this visually enticing 3D-animated adventure story. Rated PG for mild off-color humor. (20th Century Fox) Cole Smithey, also known as “the smartest film critic in the world,” has been a film critic for 11 years and writes for over 50 publications, in print and on-line. Truman loves to watch movies and has the highest appreciation for great popcorn.

African Cats (In Theaters: April 22) April 22 is Earth Day. African Cats is the next great Earth Day movie adventure.

A family of cheetahs and their rivals, a family of lions, struggle to make a home in the harsh conditions of Africa’s wild Savanna. Mara is a small lion cub trying to grow up under her mother’s care. Sita is a single mother cheetah raising her five newborn cubs. The same filmmakers who made Earth (Keith Scholey and Alastair Fothergill) bring this priceless look into the day-to-day existence of African cats. Alligators, zebras, buffalos and elephants are some of the other animals that share the Savanna with these kings and queens of the jungle.

Rated G. (Disneynature) Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil (In Theaters: April 29) Hayden Panettiere takes over as the voice of Red in this animated sequel to the 2005 comedy Hoodwinked! Since then, Red has been busy training with an elite security team known as the Happily Ever Agency. Two babies named Hansel (voiced by Bill Hader) and Gretel (voiced by Amy Poehler) are kidnapped by an evil witch who goes by the name Verushka (voiced by Joan Cusack). Red and her crew get called upon to go on a mission to rescue the little ones. Their mission leader frog Nicky Flippers (David Ogden Stiers) calls the shots for Granny (Glenn Close), the Big Bad Wolf (Patrick Warburton) and Twitchy (Corey Edwards) to help Red get the babies away from Verushka. There’s even a four-armed giant in this colorful animated 3D adventure. Great comedians like Martin Short and Andy Dick contribute their funniest voices to the antics. Rated PG for some mild rude humor, language and action. (The Weinstein Company) MOVIES ON DVD Bambi: Two-disc Diamond Edition (Available April 19) Walt Disney’s 1942 classic Bambi is one of the most famous and highly revered animated movies of all time. The story follows a year in the life of a young whitetailed boy deer named Bambi. Bambi meets up with a friendly rabbit named Thumper and a skunk named Flower. Bambi is filled with many unforgettable scenes. Bambi sliding on ice during the winter is a moment that stands out for its charming depiction of youthful animal clumsiness. The movie is based on Felix Aalten’s environmental novel Bambi, A Life in the Woods. The movie’s deeper meanings about protecting our ecology are at the heart of this amazing children’s masterpiece. Rated G. 70 mins. (Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment)

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Dear Moms and Dads, Aunts and Uncles, Teachers, Librarians and good friends of children everywhere, READKIDDOREAD’s KIDDOS award program invited all of you to let your voices be heard — to select the best books of 2010 for getting kids hooked on reading. The finalists (in each age category) were announced just before Thanksgiving — in plenty of time for holiday giving. The winners — the books you love best — were announced just after Valentine’s Day. You can’t go wrong giving a child you love one of these KIDDOS 2011 winners.

ILLUSTRATED BOOKS: (AGES 0-8)

PETE THE CAT: I Love My White Shoes

by Eric Litvin; illustrated by James Dean Pete the Cat, a lanky, skinny-tailed, indigo-hued kitty is sauntering down the street in his brand-new lace-up sneakers, singing, “I love my white shoes, I love my white shoes.” Oh no! Pete steps into a hill of strawberries.

“What color did it turn his shoes?”

Everyone will shout out “RED!” Turn the page and there’s Pete’s foot, clad in its now-red shoe. “Did Pete cry? Goodness, no!” In fact, Pete just changes the lyrics a bit and sings, “I love my red shoes ...” as he continues on his laidback, mellow stroll. Pete steps next in a pile of blueberries and then a large puddle of mud. When unflappable Pete steps into a bucket of water that washes the colors away, he ambles along, singing, “I love my wet shoes ...” The moral of his story? “No matter what you step in, keep walking along and singing your song.”

Meet Eric Litwin and James Dean and listen to them sing their own song at READKIDDOREAD.COM. TRANSITIONAL BOOKS: (AGES 6 & UP)

HENRY AARON’S DREAM

by Matt Tavares Every kid has a wish, a dream for his or her own future. Henry Aaron was no exception. He wanted to play baseball — professional baseball — when he grew up. But baseball stadiums in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama in the 1940s were for “WHITES ONLY.” After high school, Aaron played in the Negro Leagues and then, when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in major-league baseball in 1947, Aaron began to dream again.

It took perseverance, enormous talent and courage for Henry Aaron not only to hold onto his vision, but also to make it a reality. Matt Tavares explores all three of these qualities in a handsome picture-book biography

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that is part history, part inspiration, part sports story all mixed together with a touch of folklore hero. Kids need their dreams — and they need heroes to be their examples. Henry Aaron’s Dream offers both.

Matt Tavares talks about creating Henry Aaron’s Dream at READKIDDOREAD.COM. PAGETURNERS: (AGES 8 & UP)

BIG NATE IN A CLASS BY HIMSELF

by Lincoln Peirce Often compared with Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid for its ability to make kids fall off the bed in hysterics, this first book in a series delivers its own fresh dose of cringe-worthy comics and comedy. Nate Wright may look like an average sixth grader, but he just knows he is destined for greatness.

He keeps an illustrated list on his closet door of his special talents, which include soccer (he’s the middle school team goalie), music (he says his band for which he is the drummer, ROCKS!), cartooning (he specializes in teacher caricatures) and table football (“…it might be a tough way to make a living”).

Nate’s cocky ruminations are buttressed with cartoon panels, spot art, sidebars, and occasional full-page cartoons drawn on lined notebook paper. Based on the author’s popular syndicated comic, this side-splitting graphic novel can’t miss. See Lincoln Peirce in a KIDDOS video at READKIDDOREAD.COM. ADVANCED READS: (AGES 10 & UP)

THE LOST HERO The Heroes of Olympus, Book One

by Rick Riordan Fans of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians series (and there are plenty of them!) won’t have to mope around because that series has ended. Their favorite author returns to Camp Half-Blood in the first book o The Heroes of Olympus series.

Three teens — Jason, his girlfriend Piper, and his best friend Leo — in a fantastic and fast-paced sequence of events, discover that they are demigods. Now, they must learn how to use their unique talents and extraordinary powers to accomplish a mighty mission: save Hera before evil forces destroy Olympus. And the clock is ticking.

The teens face formidable enemies as they race across the USA. But these kids are determined to prevail. And every reader will cheer them on.

Rick Riordan accepts his KIDDOS award at READKIDDOREAD.COM. For other books that can’t miss pleasing the kiddos in your life, go to READKIDDOREAD.COM.

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APRIL 2011

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Wellness Center 2885 Essex Rd Essex, NY 12936 (518) 963-8800 Ask about our sliding fee program for the

Accepting New Patients At All Locations!

JAMmin’ Minute

®®

Workout Routine: Standing Exercises 10 Pretend jump rope 10 Jump while turning around in a circle 10 Hands together over head, slowly lower and raise body 10 Lift right knee waist-high and balance on left foot 10 Lift left knee waist-high and balance on right foot ®®

Health-E-tip

HHearts earts & BBodies odies

G etgeu p t m ov in g

get he alt hy What You Need to Try Yoga

Make this year about being the best you can be.

Kids Yoga Pose Downward Facing Dog To do this pose, stand with shoulder width distance between your feet. Keep your feet firmly on the ground. Slowly start bending down at the waist, till the hands reach the ground or are close to the ground. Now lean your body back slightly, so as to resemble an upside down V. You will need to hold in the position for 10 to 15 seconds, before you release the pose.

H ealthy Healthy

Anytime you start a new exercise routine, it’s a good idea to check with a parent. A yoga class can be a great way to get started because the instructor can teach you how to get into the poses.

Find a large-enough space with few distractions.

No TV or people, if possible. Wear comfortable workout clothes and no shoes or socks. A yoga mat can be helpful because it cushions a bit and keeps your feet from slipping. Yoga should not hurt, so go slow and ease into position. Go only as far as you comfortably can.

B re a t h De e p l y

On one hand, you already know how to breathe. You’re doing it right now! But learning how to breathe in yoga practice can help you notice how your breathing changes when you’re anxious or upset. Often, when you start to feel nervous or uncomfortable, your breathing may get faster and you might not breathe as deeply. Once you tune in to your breath, you can try belly breathing.

Belly breathing is easy. Just pretend your belly is a balloon. When you breathe in through your nose you want to feel your belly and your chest expand like a balloon does when you blow it up. Then purse your lips and slowly breathe out all the air through your mouth. Inhale to a count of five, gently hold, and then release the breath to a count of five. Repeat this a few times and when you are practicing your yoga poses.

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KIDSVILLE KITCHEN Together Time — Ask an adult for help with projects!

A Bunny-licious Idea!

It’s April, and spring is here! Easter is coming up, too. Hop on over to the kitchen to prepare these cute-as-can-be cupcakes, perfect for spring celebrations, Easter and birthday parties.

BUNNY CUPCAKES Makes 12 (1 cupcake) servings.

Prep Time: 30 minutes WHAT YOU NEED: • 1 container (16 ounces) vanilla frosting • McCormick® Assorted Food Colors and Egg Dye • McCormick® Assorted NEON! Food Colors and Egg Dye • 2 cups flaked coconut • 12 unfrosted cupcakes • 12 plain donut holes •12 large marshmallows • 6 pink jelly beans, halved crosswise • Chocolate sprinkles • Miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips HOW TO MAKE IT: 1. Tint frosting pink or blue, using 4 drops red or 4 drops NEON blue food color. Place coconut in resealable plastic bag.

Add 4 drops red or 4 drops NEON blue food color to coconut in bag; shake until coconut is evenly tinted.

2. Spread top of each cupcake with tinted frosting. Press each cupcake into tinted coconut to cover top completely. Spread donut holes with remaining frosting.

Press a donut hole into top of each cupcake to form the bunny’s head.

3. For the ears, cut a 1/4-inch slice off the flat ends of each marshmallow to make 24 slices. Dip cut sides of the marshmallow slices into the coconut until completely covered. (Reserve remaining marshmallow pieces.) Attach 2 marshmallow slices to the head of each bunny with frosting to create ears.

4. Press a jelly bean half into the face for the nose and sprinkles for the whiskers. Use the chocolate chips for the eyes. Press the plain marshmallow pieces into the cupcakes for the belly.

For more fun recipes and tips for decorating with kids, visit McCormick.com. Recipe courtesy of McCormick and Family Features.

“I really like my new Pediatrician, Dr. Celotti.

He really knows how to care for North Country Kids.

That’s because he used to be one!”

A ccepting new patients.Call for an appointm ent.

Elizabethtown Community Health Center 66 Park Street, Elizabethtown, NY 12932 518-873-6896 • www.ech.org 34230

APRIL 2011

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APRIL 2011