April 2019

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I S S U E 4 0 | A P RIL 2 01 9

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P

Creative

Expressions Motivate. Activate. Celebrate.

F E AT U R E

Index:

Creative Expressions

Feature..................................................2 Editorial Calendar...............................3 Self-Expression....................................4 Fiction...................................................7 Poetry..................................................10 Art........................................................13 My Creativity.....................................14 Music...................................................15 Art........................................................15 Narratives...........................................18 Educators ...........................................21 MSU.....................................................22 Parent’s Corner..................................23 Volunteer opportunity is available for students and adults.

Contact us info@kidsstandard.com Let us know if your school wants to partner with us.

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Dear Readers,

W

hen people think about ‘creative expression,’ they often think in terms of the end result: a painting, a story, a sculpture, a song, a dance, a craft, or a performance. Yet, creative expression is not about the destination; it is more about the journey.

Creativity gives us freedom. It is the purest form of self-expression.

The ability to express ourselves openly, without judgment, leads us to the most fulfilling and joyous moments in life, in the place, where time doesn’t exist.

This opportunity to enter the place of no time is perhaps the most amazing and rewarding gift of the creative process. When we are lost in the flow of creativity, our brain reaches an ideal state of consciousness - a state of ultimate peace and well-being. Our attention is so concentrated that everything else disappears as we lose our sense of time and self. We truly live in the moment.

Living in the moment helps us connect to our true selves and get a greater appreciation of life around us.

It helps us listen to our inner voices

Arina Bokas

Kids’ Standard Editor & Author of Building Powerful Learning Environments: From Schools to Communities

and figure out our deeper needs. It puts pressures and noises on hold. In fact, creativity delivers the same kind of benefits as meditation: practicing mindfulness and decreasing anxiety.

For our April issue, Creative Expressions, we asked our young writers to share with us their creative experiences as well as the outcomes.

Enjoy this creative flow!

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Disclaimer: All editorial and advertising material submitted to Kids Standard becomes the property of Kids Standard to be reproduced as seen fit. It will not be returned unless by prior arrangement. Submitted material includes advertising artwork and editorial content (including but not limited to: articles and images, art work and creative writing). All the designs remain the copyright of Kids Standard. Kids Standard welcomes comments and suggestions, as well as information about errors that call for corrections. Kids Standard is committed to presenting information fairly and accurately.

Feedback: info@kidsstandard.org

College Admission Essay and SAT Coaching • • • • •

College Common Application Essay Supplemental College Essay Scholarship Application Essay SAT Essay Preparation SAT Reading and Writing Preparation

Writing Coaching • Resume and Cover Letter • General Writing Tutoring

Arina Bokas, Ph.D.

ADVERTISE IN KIDS STANDARD...

We’re reaching more and more people every day! Call now and find out how to advertise in a new target market!

Email: advertising@kidsstandard.org Phone: 248-410-3976

Ø Author, college writing instructor, editor Ø Frequent contributor to national publications and instructional blogs – ASCD, International Literacy Association, NCTE, Harvard University’s Good Project and Out of Eden.

For more information or scheduling: arinabokas@aol.com

Phone: 248-330-2408 www.KidsStandard.org

E DFIETAT O RUI R AE L CALENDAR

2018-2019 Editorial Calendar

Motivate. Activate. Celebrate May 2019

This issue is dedicated to Michigan Youth Project 1st annual Project for Youth: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE. Through the 2019 academic year students from public schools will be mentored by information specialists, designers, engineers, teachers, and university students to understand their city, County or State rich history, complex contemporary as well as create the vision of their successful future.

Participating students will first learn how to research historical information and summarize their findings.

Then, they will learn from their community and peers, through guided conversation, about their city or county, even State as it stands today. And lastly, student teams will work to envision the future—supported by all their prior work—and create an output to represent their ideas (e.g. video, models, drawings, creative writing, the actual prototype, etc.).

June 2019

How Kids’ Standard Helped Me Grow Video Contest Each Kids’ Standard club is invited to work as a team to create a video of team members’ experiences with Kids’ Standard. Students will write a script, assume various roles in video preparation, and put together a short 4-5 minute video. Creators of the best-voted video will receive cash prizes.

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Moving, Reading, Writing,

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Science , Math, and Maker projects

Kids’ Standard’s Camp “ Writing, Math, Science with Fun, Learning experiences” Using critical thinking, Problem solving, collaboration, creativity and communication.

Choose from the following locations & dates: Going Grade level: 4th-8th Camp Location

1): Oakland University Mon-Tues, Wed, Thursday 9-2 2): Clarkston United Methodist Church Time : 9AM-2PM

Days: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs

THERE IS NOTHING LIKE OUR CAMP

3): Pontiac (1 S Saginaw st, Pontiac) Monday to Fri day 9-5 -F-Option) A) June 17, 18, 19, 20

$125.00/WEEK

B) June 24, 25, 26, 27 C) July 15, 16, 17, 18

$ 450/ 4 WEEKS

LIMITED SPOTS LEFT

$ 550/ 5 WEEKS

D) July 29, 30, 31, Aug 1st E) Aug 19, 20, 21, 22

F) June 1- Aug 23 ($80/day

OR $350/week from 9-5)

F -option is only available in Pontiac Location

Our Camps aren't just like any other camps. Students Read, Research, Write, Make garden, Stem, Wood working, Design, Movement activities and entrepreneurship that keeps them energized. Our Camps are designed for students to excel in learning while having fun!

Which sessions and location are you choosing ( Please write one Or all): _______________________________ Students Name: ______________________________ Grade (going to): ___________ School Attending: ________________________ Guardian: ____________________________ (relation) ___________________ Contact telephone number:________________________ Email Address: ________________________ Person will be picking up the child (If it’s different from the above person): ________________________ ________________

Please make the payment online at

https://www.kidsstandard.org/academia/ For more information, contact Maggie@kidsstandard.org or call 248-410-3976

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SELF-EXPRESSION

Love of Animals

Love for Laughter

By: Jacqueline Ng, 4th grade, Deerfield Elementary, Rochester Hills

I By: Amy Surowiec, 3rd grade, Deerfield Elementary, Rochester Hills

I

love that we can always trust animals not to tell others a secret we may have shared with them. It helps us express ourselves

in the ways that feel comfortable.

Some of the most trustworthy animals that I know are fish, dogs, cats, and some birds. Animals also can snuggle with you to make you feel comfortable. Animals are amazing, and that’s why I love them so much!

LOVE to make my sister laugh! Every single day I think of another way to make her laugh. If I do the same thing twice to make her laugh, she may laugh so hard that I cannot help but laugh with her! There are many different jokes to use on my sister; she laughs at all the funny ones. Sometimes my sister thinks of new jokes for me. Some jokes are the similar, and it still will make my sister laugh. She is very funny!

In this picture you see me acting like a baby and my little sister laughing. .

Gymnastics

My Day By: Justin Guo, 2nd grade, Doherty Elementary, West Bloomfield

O

nce I was in my parents’ room watching Spongebob Squarepants. It was very funny. Then I had a snack. I had some juicy red watermelon, red apple, and a drink of fresh water. Next, I played on my Nintendo Switch. I played Mario Party. It was really fun.

It had different sections. Then my dad called loudly, “Come down and do your 4th grade workbooks!”After I finished, I asked, “Can I go playground?” And my dad answered, “Yes.” So I got my grandma to take me to the playground.

I played with the kids there. Then I rode on my bicycle back home. Once I got home, I drawed a penguin, a flower, a bluebird, and a rainbow heart. Then I played on my iPad until dinner.

This was my day.

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By: Kristina Schneider, 4th grade, Deerfield Elementary, Rochester Hills

O

nce upon time, there were two girls named Miss Jess and Miss Kristina. Kristina is me, and at that time, I was 8. I was in gymnastic, and I was scared to do a back hip circle. My friend, Jess, helped me overcome my fear. I did it, and I am proud of myself for doing what I believed in.

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SELF-EXPRESSION

Expressing Myself

My Activities By: Lourdes Shaman,

T

1st grade, Doherty Elementary, West Bloomfield

his is me playing ball outside, playing gymnastic, and playing piano. My favorite is playing on my iPad because it has Roblox.

By: Zoey Spearman, 1st grade, Doherty Elementary, West Bloomfield

I

like to express myself by playing piano, and sometimes, I like to express myself doing artwork, drawing, and coloring.

Home By: Emmanuel Johnson, 1st grade, Deerfield Elementary, Rochester Hills

W

hen I think of what expresses me best, I think of my home. I have a big large brown home on a busy road. I like to ride my bike on sunny warm days! On the patio, I have an awning, an umbrella and two chairs, and an American flag!

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SELF-EXPRESSION

CRAFTING By: Lillian Lynch, 2nd grade, Bailey Lake Elementary, Clarkston

I

like to make things out of paper. My favorite thing to make is flowers that I give to my mom and my dad. You can also make 3D pictures out of paper, such as a butterfly or the sun.

There are different colors of paper that you can use. When I am mad, I use red; when I am sad, I use blue; when I am happy, I use yellow.

Another thing is different colors of markers that you can use on paper. I like this because I get to use a variety of colors on my crafts.

Sometime I also use paint on my paper flowers because it adds more color, just like the markers. I like to draw red roses because my middle name is Rose and because I like the way they look.

Drawing By: Ella Lynch, 2nd grade, Bailey Lake Elementary, Clarkston

I

like to draw because it is relaxing. Sometimes, I like to draw when I am excited. One thing I draw to show I am happy is rainbows.

Another reason I like to draw is because drawing shows how much I love animals. My favorite animals to draw are giraffes and elephants. I like to color them with yellow and blue markers. I always see giraffes and elephants at the zoo with my family.

Finally, I like to draw because I can draw whatever I want. I can draw people, nature, and places to show how I am feeling.

It is important to practice drawing. I practice drawing on the weekends.

Discover with a Naturalist Oakland County Parks and Recreation Nature Centers Red Oaks Nature Center Madison Heights 248-585-0100

Lewis E. Wint Nature Center Clarkston 248-625-6473

• Public Nature Programs • Scout Badge Days • “Wild” Birthday Parties • Starlab (portable planetarium) • Field Trips for all ages - including pre-school

Visit the nature centers or let us bring the programs to you.

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FICTION

Break The Leg!

By: Alyssa Johnson, 4th grade, Paint Creek Elementary, Lake Orion

M

y name is Alex. I am now in 6th grade, and I am a competitive dancer. Every time I compete, I hear people say “Break the Leg!” wishing me success. A couple of years ago, I think I took it a bit too literally.

One nice weekend in summer, I was getting ready for my National dance

Waluigi By: Kamy Shushtari, 3rd grade, Springfield Plains Elementary, Clarkston

W

aluigi’s time to go on a aventure. Where is Mario?

Waluigi explains what happened to Mario: He got kidnapped by this ghost from the spooky house. I will find him wherever it takes me,

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competition. I was competing in jazz, ballet, and lyrical, representing a studio, called Dance Academy. A night before the event, I practiced one more time before competition. I was determined.

It was 8:00 pm, when I was done. I got home, ate my dinner, and got a good night sleep.

I woke up at 5:00 am next morning.

The competition began at 9 am with the

even if I have to fight!

So he went to look for Mario.

Waluigi went to jungles and deserts.

Warrio got in his way. Waluigi ran so fast that Warrio could not see him.

He was thirsty and hungry; he did not have anything to drink or eat. So he ate a cactus that was spiny, and it got on Waluigi’s face. Ouch! That was hurting so badly that he had to pick it out of his face!

When Waluigi got the the spooky house, there were guards. So he had to figure out the way to knock

lyrical dance. “Break the leg!” I heard my Mom say before I went on stage. I smiled to myself, knowing that we would sure do that.

I got on stage, took my pose, and when the music started playing, we started dancing. We were halfway through the dance, when I had to be picked up in the air. We had done this many times!

Suddenly, something didn’t feel right.

My body seemed unbalanced, leaning to one side as I was becoming airborne.

Then, I heard a loud smack as my leg exploded with pain. The music stopped.

Everything was blurry from this point on. Someone called 911, and instead of the podium, I found myself at the hospital with a broken leg! The doctors said it would be eight weeks till my leg healed.

The next day at school I went to my locker; my friends Marry, Pam, and Angela came over to me. They were seeing if I was okay. I said, “Yeah! I REALLY broke the leg!” At lunch, I got spaghetti and meatballs and sat by my friends; we talked mostly about what happened during the competition.

It was eight weeks later, when I got to get my cast off. I waited a few days for it to get used to walking and dancing.

Then we had to finish the competition; it was 2 hours long. Then, it was my favorite part ever: awards! We won the first place for everything; I was happy and proud. I broke the leg again, but this time in a much better way!

them out. After they were down, he opened the gate and found the spooky house. It had an electric fence.

It was fight time!

There were bombs and soldiers.

Waluigi had to fight tons of the bad side. Then Waluigi saw Mario in the spooky house! He broke the glass and untied Mario. Now they were a team.

Mario used his power that made them disappear.

Mario thanked Waluigi for saving him. They escaped from the bad guys.

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FICTION

Moo Moo the Pig’s Water Fight!

BLOSSOM’S DIARY By: Mackenzie Harrison, 3rd grade, Springfield Plains Elementary, Clarkston

M

By: Max Shaw, 3rd grade, Springfield Plains Elementary, Clarkston

Y

awn,” said Moo Moo. “Today's my amazing water fight! OH NO! It's Derpy Heart!”

Derpy Heart is a villain who tries to get rid of Moo Moo and the Three Hills because Moo Moo ruins his plans! He thinks the Three Hills is a bad place.

So he crashes through Moo Moo’s window! The fight is on… Moo Moo and his friends are heroes because they are out to fight bad guys. The Three Hills started in 1906 and is a beautiful place! The Three Hills is sand and grassland. It is alway misty, sunny, and windy.

Moo Moo quickly grabs his water gun. Sploosh! Derpy Heart is too fast. Moo Moo misses!

Could this be the end? NO! It is not the end yet. Moo Moo sneaks to his desk and grabs his speed shoes. He 8

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runs down to his friends.

“Oink Oink the Steer! Quack Quack the Bunny! You need to come here!”

They are there in a flash!

They all have their water guns.

“Quick, we need to go to Derpy Heart’s base!!!”

When they get there, their shoes are filled with sweat!

They dump it all out and go to the lab, where Dro and Derpy Heart are planning a mission to destroy the Three Hills!!! Dro is Derpy Heart’s robot-dragon sidekick.

Moo Moo and his friends know that they have to put a stop to this mess! Moo Moo runs across the lab. Quack Quack jumps onto Dro, and Moo Moo and Oink Oink take care of Derpy Heart.

They are no match for Moo Moo and his friends. The bad guys’ plans were ruined!

From that day on, the Three Hills are never touched again. The heroes are still here today fighting crime and conflicts!

y name is Blossom. I am a narwal. I am a famous horn ball player - that is when you throw a ring to your playmates and try to make the hoop.

I like being famous, but sometimes it gets annoying. I also like to be creative all the time. I am great at being creative, and I also love to write in my diary, because it is very helpful.

June 6

I had a big and fun day yesterday. I went to a big park, where you could do anything you wanted to do. In fact, I played horn ball with my mates on my team that day. I was better than the last time I played.

All my mates said this about me.

June 10

I have a friend that lives in the ocean. I am going to meet her today in the cafe off the East Coast. That is where I used to live. That is one of the nicest cafes there. I lived there five years ago, and she is still one of my best friends. We meet once a month.

June 12

I had so much fun! I‘d like to stay there for one year, because I am so happy with my friend. But there is a problem - I am a

professional, and I either have to quit or to continue my life away from the sea.

June 13

I want to do all of it but I know I can’t. I need to pick, I need to think, think, think. I am having a really hard time. Do I want to be really sad or stay underwater and see if there is something new and fun? I think the last thing is what I am going to do because it sounds like a win-win to me.

June 14

I am going to quit my horn ball career. I am sad, but I will still be remembered as the best girl horn ball player in history.

June 20

And now, I am all moved into my fancy, new, and big house underwater. I am going to get a tour of the sea because I have not been here in five years. There are so many new things that happened; I need to catch up. Either way, I am living next door to my best friend!

June 25

Surprisingly, I want to be a professional underwater horn ball player again! I am SO happy that I can do both. I am going to start in a month, so before I start, I need to know where everything is. I feel like I am at home already. www.KidsStandard.org

FICTION

The Boy and the Scribble King

By: Dominic Mauti, 4th grade, Stadium Drive Elementary, Lake Orion

O

nce there was a kid who loved to draw. One day he got sucked in his drawings! His drawings stretched for miles. He could see drawings from the time when he was two years old all the way till now! With his pencil in hand, he walked into the distance.

He walked past buildings, cows, digging elephants; you name it, it was there, literally! Then he found some of his favorite drawings. But they were moving! They ran over to him. They started talking.

“You are our only hope,” said one.

“But he is just a kid,” said another.

“Who cares!” interrupted the third one.

“I care!” stated the second one.

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They did this for quite a while, back and forth. All the boy could understand was that he would not survive the Scribble Monster.

He got frightened and ran behind a near tree. The drawings were yelling at each other too much to notice him slip away. Still listening to the Scribble Monster argument, the kid needed a plan, if he was going to fight him. But all he had was a useless pencil! Then it came to him...

He was in a piece of paper. Right. He had a pencil. Right!

So, he could draw his way out!

The boy drew a stick in the air, and it fell to the ground! He drew some armor; when it fell, he put it on.

He drew a sword and picked it up. He drew a pocket, put it on his pants, and put his pencil in his pocket. He was ready!

He walked slowly around the tree.

“There he is,” said one of the drawings.

“He is already suited,” said a second drawing.

“Let's go!” said one.

“Yes!” said another.

And they set off! Soon, he and the drawings were in front of a cave. The boy was puzzled; he did not remember drawing such a cave. It was a mess, and it was made by attached hopes. But worst of all, there was a beast made by hopes, and it was sitting right inside the cave, right next to him!!!

“Go ahead” said the goblin.

“And do what?” ask the kid.

“And slay the beast!” said box man.

“Are you crazy?!” screeched the kid!

Grrrr! came a noise from behind them.

The beast had woken up! “ Hi-ya!” screamed the kid. He lifted his sword and split the beast in two!

“Ya!” shouted the crowd. “You saved us from the Scribble Monster! Thank you! ” The kid now lives in his drawings to this day.

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POETRY

August 25

Sorry Li’l Boat but you’re too small

you’re chest be

By: Jackson Lyons,

Try to compare to big boats and you lose all

Poppin’ straight out your chest like confetti

Clarkston High School

You let the gas go, call it cruise control

I feel sorry for these rappers and they mindsets

August 25th I was born

Making deals with the devil and lose your soul

Cause they soft, they use drugs, hide behind it, get addicted, then they lose it and can’t find it

12th grade

Momma told the doctor that she got herself a king All you other rappers have been warned

I had a dream one day That I would be on stage

It’s almost sad, but it’s like we’re getting used to this

If you wanna have a fight you can meet me in the ring

Cause we’re driven by habit and our influences

Cause I’ll be the greatest rapper in the rap game I hate y’all other rappers

Other rappers don’t know what they should do with this M-I-C

When I hear y’all I know raps changed Posting dirty pictures in a foreign Got your hair dyed red so they think that you ain’t boring

You just wanna seem cool with it

I know that you really are a fruit

So while you brag off to your friends

Cause I seen all of y’all rappers in a box of fruity loops

You got money now

I’m just sitting back up in the coop Till I see you fall off we gone really know the truth

Or overdose after they lose their minds

You would hear me tell my story

All the kids that are fans turn to druggies now

And you gone see me poppin’ of the roof

Let me flip my page to this chapter in my life, to my history

You’re a bunch of li’l men that just only love to do

I don’t wanna lose the game I want victory

A bunch of drugs, coming out of high school

I’m viscously, ambitiously, relentlessly Hitting all these rappers artificially

After all the competition we can hug it out

My momma told me don’t play with my food

I’m animated always stretchy with my words

Hope you find another way to get a buzz without

So I guess that means I won’t play with you

If they catch me off guard then I might see birds

Using drugs enough to be a clutter mouth

These rappers always trynna grab attention

So I never let another person catch me

TMZ got you all up as the cover now

When I’m famous you won’t even get a mention

You can call me “The Great One” like my name’s Wayne Gretzky

Maybe we can ease out all the tension

Don’t ever judge me you never met me

I’m sure that you are really gonna make your mother proud

But just know I’m like you

Or I’ll cross you up like Kyrie and end you with a hessi

They gone call me terrorist when I blow up

Cause you know you other rappers don’t impress me

You’re an actor so get ready for your closeup

I’m 17 But I’m the rapper that’s better, that you have never seen Cause I rap like J.Cole and you’re like greenland and you won’t have green then; you’re never green

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Hope you got a vest on Cause it’s gone get messy Cause I’m making bullet holes where

They wanna imitate the big dogs like puppies now But I’m the shark in this sea, you’re a guppy now

So it’s cool if you wanna be a cover child

This competition so there is no love Until it’s over then that’s when I’m gonna show love

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POETRY

Moving Towards Music By: Tyson Rothrock, 12th grade, Clarkston High School

Music has couple things that you need to do before playing.

First you need to set up your section depends on which instruments.

If you are using the snare drum then you will need a pair of drumsticks.

So you can hear the correct noise by using the rhythm of the notes.

That is with the folder on the stand.

Once you did all of that first then now you can start your song and play.

The one that you chose only in the percussion section of the band instruments.

If you are in the percussion section then that means that certain instruments needs certain pair of sticks.

That is chosen for the music sheet.

One of the things that you need is a music stand.

Some songs can have many music sheets.

The stand can help you hold your folders and music sheets.

When using the drums if you choose it which requires drumsticks.

Now you can play your favorite songs of your choice by following the notes.

You can choose any sizes and set your way for which instruments.

To start the song you need to learn the pattern of the notes.

By using only the instruments that you choose to play.

The songs by only sight reading the music sheets.

If you are good with the instruments.

By putting the folder right in front of you on the stand.

But you have to use the instruments from the percussion section only and need certain type of sticks.

Uni By: Audrey Esbrook, 3rd grade, Springfield Plains Elementary, Clarkston

Uni was a unicorn Uni had a long horn It was so big and bright, it gave the other unicorns a fright!

Uni was so sad, she went to get plastic surgery!

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That only works for you to know the rhythm and letters of the notes.

Once you learn the notes and rhythm then you can start playing.

The song that you chose on the music stand.

Some songs might have lots of paper to put on your stand.

Which could mess up your songs if you don’t label the music sheets.

Some songs maybe hard for you to play.

But sometimes it can be easy to do it on drums because its only have one note that you can hit just in the same spot with drumsticks.

So that means that all you have to do is listen for the rhythm of the notes.

While using any type of drums as an instruments.

Certain types of drums have to be perfect enough for you to play the instruments.

Which one thing that is good to notice that you can make sure that your height is a little bigger than the stands.

So you can read and play the notes.

That is on the paper that you chose for music sheets.

Make sure that your arms and hands are in a perfect position so that your drumsticks.

Can create the noise/sound even better for you to play.

Before you start playing.

Your song you need to make sure that you are in a good position for your drumsticks.

And be able to see and listen for the rhythm off of your music sheets.

It was very normal now, but she felt bad.

It made her different from others!

So she got it back!

Now she felt like herself again!

She did not mind not having friends, All that mattered was that she was that she was herself again!

She learned to keep the brightness down and she was making friends!

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POETRY

Song of Peace By: Olivia Warrington,

The Beach, A place to Imagine

12th grade, Clarkston High School

By: Olivia Spitznas,

Peace, the song that is sung by the trees

5th grade, Springfield Plains Elementary

Is it the only song that speaks to me

The beach, a place to dream.

The branches swaying, the leaves laying, all untouched by man

Appear in any land,

I can feel the calm My breathing is light The soft noises are clear I listen to what they say Peace, the song with the delicate sound Nowhere near a battleground The sounds will play, for days and days, and I will always be listening My mind is clear No one around I have no stress No worries at all My body tells me to stay forever But back home, I have other endeavors.

I love the air, sweet, fresh, and fair, please don’t take me away.

This is where the river flows Also where the leaves sing

At the beach, You feel the warm sand.

A place to relax and think, Swimming and swimming, You try not to sink.

Not to drown in your own thoughts, In all the long time that you bought.

You are just like the ocean, A single ripple can cause a commotion.

You feel the warm sun glow, At the beach, The tide waves To say “Hello” You calm and you feel safe, The ocean, the beach Is a very nice place.

A place to wonder It glistens and gleams.

It’s a place to hope, It’s a place to dream.

The create harmony together This is the song of peace

Making Art By: Addie Rayment, 2nd grade, Andersonville Elementary, Davisburg

Art can inspire you to try hard and think of the good things in life.

I makes me think about the fun places I have been to.

Whenever I see cardboard or wood, I would make into something.

Art can help you concentrate and think of what you can do.

I use cardboard,paint, paper,tape and popsicle sticks To make art.

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A RT

All-Around Art By: Alexa Davis, 5th grade, Stadium Drive Elementary, Lake Orion

I

like art because it expresses me and because I've been doing it since I was little. I like all types of art, including painting, music, and all-around art. I have always wanted to be an artist, since I knew what it was. My favorite artists are those who draw differently than others, because they inspire me to draw uniquely, too.

Art means to be creative or show what your inner side is, because art comes from your mind. Even if you're doing what everybody else is doing, you can still make it your own. Messing up something in art is nothing. I know it won’t look the way it is supposed to, but it's still art.

The special kind of art is love. It is a kind of art, where your family can join in. Love is art that will give you a good feeling. Love is an art that helps you connect with other people. Love is

a connection. Love is a family project.

It’s a “masterpiece,” when you hug or

when you celebrate with someone; love is when someone cares for you.

Amazing Art By: Kelley Kavouras, 5th grade, Andersonville Elementary, Davisburg

T

o me, art is making something with you hands or with different tools. For example, some people use paper, paintbrushes, or clay. That's just some of the ways that people make art. Art means different things to other people. For some people, art is a way to escape something or a way to express themselves.

Art is important because without art life would be pretty boring.

Have you ever seen a plain shirt?

It is pretty boring. When you see a shirt with a design on it, that's

APRIL 2019

considered art. Art isn't just about drawing or painting, it's about doing something that makes you happy and proud. When you look at a shirt

with a design, it can inspire you to make your own art. That’s what a lot of people do when they are stuck.

When you look at a plain shirt, it just can’t make you inspired the same way the designed shirt can.

When I make art, I make art by baking. When I bake, I first prepare my pan by spraying it, so the cake doesn’t stick to the pan. Then I pour the batter into the pan. Next, I put it in the oven to bake. When it’s done, I take out the cake. Lastly, I frost my cake. When I’m frosting my cake, I like to put on music. I like to make different types of lines and flowers. When I make art, it makes me feel happy. I feel this way because I enjoy baking.

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M Y C R E AT I V I T Y

Making Crafts By: Luna Weisbart, Kindergarten, Andersonville Elementary, Davisburg

A

rt is important because you can make creative expressions. When I make art, it makes me happy.

I made a picture of two girl hearts, because I like girls. Girls RULE! My picture is also a crown and a spy glass. My picture makes me feel really happy, because it’s pink and I love the color pink. I drew them smiling, because I’m happy. I always draw girl hearts, because I have a heart and I am a girl.

My Pinewood Derby Car

Creativity By: Natasha Khan, 2nd grade, Bailey Lake Elementary, Clarkston

By: Joey Rickard, 2nd Grade, Andersonville Elementary, Davisburg

A

rt is very important in your life because it lets you make projects that make you feel happy and help you express yourself. Some day, everyone will make cool projects. I, personally, go to the recycling bin and grab some stuff and put it together all the time. It is a good thing in your life to have art.

I spend a lot of time working on my projects. One creative project I really enjoy is making a Pinewood Derby car. I work with cardboard, jars and cans because they can make great Pinewood Derby cars. It is very important to me and my future. First, I make plans and then paint the car. After painting it and putting it together, I finish by putting stickers on it the way I want. Doing this makes me feel like I did something all by myself. I like being able to build things with my own hands; that allows me to have fun!

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M

y favorite thing to do is crafting.

It’s my favorite because I can use my imagination and it helps me relax.

Sometimes I make things too big, and they take up too

much room, and my dad has to throw them away. But it’s okay because the part I enjoy is making the crafts.

The most fun thing to make is a boat out of cardboard boxes. You can attach a lot of things you really like.

In my opinion, the best relaxation strategy is making crafts. I also think it helps you be more creative.

www.KidsStandard.org

MUSIC

Singing Expresses Me

By Zoey Davis, 3rd grade, Stadium Drive Elementary,

M

Lake Orion

y favorite song is Life of The Party. I like that song because I think of myself as the life of the party. I’m flexible, I’m fun, I’m energetic, and I’m funny. I like to sing, because there are so many different moods and tones; singing just takes me away to my happy place.

Singing can also help express feelings and emotions. If you’re sad, you can sing in a sad tone or sing a sad

song, if you’re happy, you can sing in a happy-like mood. If you’re excited about something, then you might even want to create a dance to go with your song, and if you’re mad or angry, you can always show it in your voice! Sometimes, I even like to sing and dance on the couch in my living room!

Sometimes, my next-door neighbor and I like to sing to songs on the radio together in the car!

Once I was on my computer watching America's Got Talent videos, when I saw a video about Grace Vander Waals’ audition. Once I saw the video, I clicked on it.

I watched the whole video and thought that I wanted to be like her someday!

One thing that Grace and I have in common is that we both play an instrument!

She plays the ukulele, and I play the guitar! Another thing we have in common is that we both started singing very shyly, but then we both got braver and braver and more confident. We both have a big sister.

There are so many cool things that you can do with your voice. You could sing in high pitch or different tones. You can sing in different moods. It's a great way to express your feelings and emotions.

A RT

Art of Drawing By: Simra Khan, 5th grade, Bailey Lake Elementary , Clarkston

A

s an artist, I like a lot of things like crafts, painting, and clay. But what I like the most about art is drawing. The reasons that I like art is because I am creating my own technique of drawing; it allows me to show what kind of an artist I am. It can be unique or artificial, and it can show others what kind of a person I am.

I look at art as something that helps me find out what kind of an artist the person is. For example, one artist that I know is Daieny Schuttz. Even though she draws simple drawings, they are very cute.

When you look at drawings, the first thing you notice is how different they are. If you compare my drawings to Daieny Schuttz, they are very different. Through many years of drawing eyes, I have seen many different types of eyes that people have drawn.

I also really like to copy drawings. That is where I get my ideas of what to draw; most of the time, it helps me pass the time or make my own style of how to draw. This is why I like to draw.

APRIL 2019

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N A R R AT I V E S

Soccer By: Julia Donnelly, 4th grade, Paint Creek Elementary, Lake Orion

O

n a hot summer morning, I was playing at the World Cup. I had to win. I'd played soccer for my whole life, since I was one. The game was in Brazil, playing against the Palmira - an 8-time winner of this competition. My family rented an apartment so I could be close to the field. I had to wake up super early at 4:00 am to practice for the big game coming up that day.

I packed my bag with my cleats, shin guards, and socks. I was wearing my lucky shorts; I can never win without these shorts! I also had to wear a t-shirt because coach said he's going to give us new jerseys for the game. So, when my alarm woke me up at 4:00am, I took a shower, got dressed, and ate breakfast.

“Mom when are we leaving?” I asked.

“In a couple of minutes!” my mom responded.

I went outside and did some drills

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like coach taught us, and I did some juggling with the soccer ball. Finally, I heard a yell from my mom.

“Let's get in the car before we are late!” my mom shouted.

I ran straight to the car my bag was already there.

“Buckle up!” my mom yelled.

I was already buckled. I was so excited that I yelled all the way there.

Finally, we were there.

“It's so big!” my mom exclaimed.

I just ran inside without even answering my mom, but then I heard another yell.

“Come say goodbye to me, little missy!”

I ran back ,and my mom said, “I'll watch your game, so you'll see me, and don’t forget that I love you.”

I gave her a kiss on the cheek and ran straight in the building. My coach and my teammates were there. I sat down, and he talked about where we needed to be on field and when to use the drills.

“Girls, you have worked so hard for this day. You deserve to win.

Now, I have a surprise for you; we’ve got our jerseys!” my coach said.

Everyone jumped up and shouted with joy; we lined up to get our

jerseys. We went in our locker room, put on our cleats, shin guards, and our socks. Then coach said that we had to practice outside.

“Time for lunch!” my coach yelled after a few hours of practice. We went inside to the buffet; I had spaghetti and an apple for lunch. When I was done eating, everybody was now ready. The world cup was starting, and we had to go to the opening.

“Everyone, do your best; win that trophy; play hard!” We all shouted our team’s name out: “Go Dragons!”

Then we heard the speaker say, “Here come the Mighty Dragons!” We ran out, and everyone was cheering.

I was forward. When the referee said “Go!” I ran across the field to be open for the pass.

“Pass!” I yelled as loudly as I could.

The ball was finally passed to me, and I scored a goal. The crowd was cheering! After the halftime, I was defense.

The ball came flying at me. “Pass!” one of my teammates yelled. I passed the ball, with only one more minute to play. My friend was running across the field; she kicked as hard as she could, and we scored a goal! A minute later we won the trophy! I knew we could win!

www.KidsStandard.org

N A R R AT I V E S

The Secret Spills By: Rickey Miller, 6th grade, Avondale Middle School

P

erfect! I told to myself, as I added some light blue paint onto the character I was painting in art class on my colorful background of a rectangular piece of wood. I was hunched over a lonely table, away from my chatty peers that were painting together in groups. Not me! My painting was private. I thought if kids saw it, they would laugh at my painting and humiliate me.

Oh great, I groaned to myself. I’ve ran out of light blue paint. I got up from my lonely table and headed off to the art teacher to ask her to make some more.

She was sitting at her desk, like she normally was.

“Um, excuse me, I was painting and have I run out of light blue paint. Could you make some more, please?” I asked.

“May I see your painting?” she asked.

“Sure,” I replied.

I pulled out my piece of wood that I was holding tightly next to my waist and showed it to her.

“Wow!” she exclaimed. “That’s really good!”

“Thank you!” I felt happy inside.

Then all of a sudden, a boy, who overheard the art teacher complimenting my work, quickly came up to us.

“Can I see?” he pleaded.

“Sure,” I responded. It’s just one classmate; no one else is going to see.

“Dang! Dang!” He repeated slowly like a broken record. I couldn’t tell if he was trying to be rude or nice. Out of the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of the other curious peers; they were looking towards us. I began walking away from the boy back to my lonely table, but I was stopped as nearly EVERYONE of my classmates cut me off .

“Let me see!” “Can I see?” they

APRIL 2019

demanded.

“It’s private,” I replied quietly.

Some of my peers respected that, but some did not. One boy ignored my wish and went right behind me and looked at my painting. Then he chuckled. I wasn't expecting that because he was my friend.

“Why does he get to see?” roared a girl.

“Because I am his friend,” he responded “I didn’t want you to see,” I hissed.

After that students were still demanding to see my painting, and I felt I was being cornered into a wall, like dog in an alley about to be taken to the pound by dog catchers. It was too much for me to take. I didn’t want others laughing at me and making me feel small. Suddenly, I felt tiny drops of water rolling down my checks. I wasn’t bawling, just little tears.

There was silences for a few seconds, then came the whispers. “He’s crying.”

“What is he crying for?”

“Is he really crying over that?”

The art teacher saw what was

happening and began to calm the situation. Everyone finally began to back away from me. She gave me the paint I asked for and I went back to my lonely table. I added the final touches and put my bumpy wood on the drying rack.

When I got back to my table, some of my peers came over to me. They told me that they liked my painting and that I shouldn’t be crying over something I like.

After that I felt stupid, stupid for making a big deal out of nothing. I thought I would be the laugh of the class, because in the past, when I was open about it, I was made fun of, but the others (except for that one boy) respected my painting and what I liked.

Sometimes, you need that one moment to break out of your comfort zone and open up about what you want to be kept hidden. It’s not the end of the world and who knows, others might even respect you for it or even have the same liking as you. That’s what I learned when I painted Thomas the Tank Engine.

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ON RE SR KEI D DU S CCAT OR

The Importance of Self-Expression

Courtney E. Ackerman is a researcher and author. She has a master’s degree in positive organizational psychology and evaluation from Claremont Graduate University in California.

The Importance of Self-Expression Related to our discussion above, the importance of self-expression will vary depending on your location and the culture you are steeped in. As the World Values Survey showed, individualism is not highly valued in many countries.

This fact makes the sentence below—a pretty tame idea by Western standards— anything from mildly strange to outright laughable in another context.

“The journey of self-discovery is the most important journey we can take” (De la Huerta, 2014).

In many cultures, a journey of selfdiscovery would be considered odd, unusual, selfish, a waste of time, or even selfish; the people might say something like, “Why spend your time and effort on getting to know yourself? Just ask your family—they’ll tell you exactly who you are!”

However, given the largely Western audience of positive psychology, we’ll focus on the importance of self-expression in this context.

De la Huerta’s (2014) article provides a good brief overview of why self-expression is so important in our society. She argues that self-expression is a vital piece 20

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of the puzzle that is fulfillment in life; it allows us to be our best selves, reach our full potential, and make valuable contributions to the world we live in. Authentic self-expression is how we embrace who we are, all the way from the positive traits and acts we keep on the surface to the darker and less valued pieces of ourselves that we bury deep down.

“Neuroscience is teaching us that ‘selfexpression’ might be one – if not the most important ways for people to connect, navigate and grow with each other.” – Judith Glaser Research Judith Glaser agrees on the importance of self-expression; she notes that authentic self-expression not only encourages us to be the best we can be, it allows us to work effectively with others. When we open up and express ourselves, we move from what she calls a state of protection (coddling our ego and manning our inner walls to protect ourselves) to a state of partnering (being open to sharing yourself with others and vice versa).

According to Glaser, this state is where we get our best and most innovative work done. Acting in alignment with our authentic selves activates our prefrontal cortex, giving us greater access to our higher-order abilities like creative and innovative thinking, problem-solving, and planning.

Two artists and educators, Jay M. Hanes and Eleanor Weisman, agree that self-expression is not only important for our relationship with ourselves and our relationships with others, it’s also vital for our work. They propose that we learn about ourselves through expressing ourselves, reflecting on our core self and engaging in creative learning that will benefit us in all walks of life and all disciplines and industries (Hanes & Weisman, 2016).

How to Improve Self-Expression Skills As with most skills, the best way to improve your self-expression skills is

to practice them! Self-expression skills include—but are not limited to—the following: • Speaking • Writing • Body language • Artistic endeavors (creating music, dancing, etc.)

Author and student learning guru John Ramos agrees; in an answer to the question and answer forum Quora, he provides the following pieces of advice (2016):

1.

2.

3.

4.

Write (almost) everyday… It forces you to find the right words and expressions to convey your message.

Emulate your favorite authors’ styles. (Note: you could also emulate your favorite poets, dancers, orators, musicians, etc.).

Never lose a chance to speak in public.

Apply winning formulas (particularly for public speaking, as there are many tricks and “secret weapons” to help you succeed).

All of the exercises, techniques, activities, and strategies listed below will give you great opportunities to practice your own self-expression skills!

Techniques for Developing Self-Expression If you’re looking for ways to boost children’s self-expression skills, there are a lot of engaging and seemingly indirect ways to familiarize themselves with expressing themselves and understanding others.

Peggy Schmidt from Scholastic Parents proposes the following 7 strategies (and www.KidsStandard.org

E D U C AT O R S several techniques to implement these strategies) to encourage a child to build their self-expression skills: 1. Teach your child to interpret spoken and body language. a. Look at photographs of people expressing different emotions and discuss them. b. Cut out a cardboard frame to act as a “mirror” and have your child(ren) mimic your expression and identify it. c. Use everyday situations in your home to reinforce these lessons. d. Make a game of identifying the emotions that go with a particular tone of voice.

2.

Reinforce the concept of “personal space” by encouraging your child to: a. Stay at arm’s length when he or she is talking to someone. b. Make sure there’s space between him or her and other children when sitting together. c. Avoid hugging someone he or she doesn’t know well. d. Refrain from intruding on another child’s space by touching, pinching, or physically annoying him or her.

3.

Explain the meaning of idiomatic expressions (explain jokes, idioms, puns, “turns of phrases,” etc.).

4. Work on the art of conversation. a. Initiate conversations with your child, particularly when there are no salient distractions around. b. When you don’t understand something your child says, ask your child what he or she means. c. Encourage your child to ask you questions and respond attentively to them. d. Make good eye contact and ask your child to do the same. e. Encourage your child to stay in control of his or her body when he is talking—no fidgeting or squirming! f. Work at having successively longer conversations as he or she gets better at self-expression. g. Have conversations with your child about things beyond routine, everyday stuff.

5. Model behavior that teaches the

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smart way to ask for help or a favor. a. Explain what the favor is. b. Rehearse what you’re going to say when you ask for the favor. c.

Have your child listen to your conversation.

6. Demonstrate the power of “please” and “thank you” as more than just good manners, but excellent tools.

7. Teach your child how to listen and follow directions. a. Get his or her attention through touch as well as your voice. b. Be specific about what you want him or her to do. c. Check for understanding when you ask your child to do something. d. Compliment your child on following the directions and successfully completing the task (Schmidt, 2001).

With pre-teens and teens, you may want to upgrade your techniques and make things more organic. Follow these 10 tips from the Scholastic Parents Staff to encourage self-expression in your preteens and teens: 1. Encourage your child to dance to express him- or herself (a dancefocused video game might be helpful here).

2. Help your child design a website or

blog to share his or her thoughts and feelings with family and friends, or include your child in the process of writing a family newsletter.

3. Do a creative and expressive craft with your child, like creating jewelry or painting something without any constraints.

4.

Celebrate your child’s style by allowing him or her to dress however they’d like (given that it’s age-appropriate).

5. Support your child engaging in sports, whether solo sports, team sports, or both.

6. Encourage your child to mentor younger children to practice their own skills and do a good deed.

7. Give your child a camera and let him or her snap away!

8. Get outdoors and do a nature-oriented activity together (e.g., take a walk, go for a hike, do some gardening).

9.

Ask your child to take you on a guided tour of his or her classroom, the library, or somewhere else he or she spends a lot of time.

10. Help your child make a video documentary about him- or herself, including their current likes and dislikes, strengths, interests, and passions (Eulberg, n.d.).

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MSU

Fun and Inexpensive Summer Ideas Author: DaVante Montgomery, Financial Educator

S

ummer is coming! With summer break right around the corner, now is a great time to start planning. During the long break, things can get pretty expensive when trying to keep busy. Try doing something new, exciting, and inexpensive. We have some fun, frugal ways for you to have fun this summer.

Community recreation centers Community centers are a great resource. The center may have beginner sports teams that you can be a part of. It could also give you the opportunity to make more friends. Because community centers are often put in place as a hub for the neighborhood, they typically offer low to no cost activities. If there is one in your neighborhood, go and check it out!

State parks

by the State of Michigan. Many of them have activities within them that can keep you busy for an entire day. In the metroDetroit area, there is Belle Isle, which is a large park that is situated on an island. The park has a ton of fun places to visit such as a museum, nature center, conservatory, and even an aquarium. There is a fee of $11 to obtain a recreational pass for admission into all of the state parks in Michigan. The pass is valid for the calendar year in which you purchase it.

Home Depot’s Workshops Home Depot offers a variety of free workshops for children and adults. The kids’ workshop classes focus on building things like birdhouses and different pieces of art. The adult workshops are geared toward DIY projects. Just visit your local Home Depot or go online to register for a class.

Facility tours

State parks are operated and funded

The Sanders Candy Company offers

free tours of their chocolate factory. It is a guided tour around the facility and you get free chocolate samples! Want to know what goes on inside of the Federal Reserve Bank? They also offer free tours.

You get the opportunity to hear from professionals and get a direct view into the cash department. There are many more tours that are offered around the state that are usually free or cheap. Most require that a reservation is made, so make sure to do your research.

Start your own small business Have crafts that you like to make?

Think you have a winning lemonade recipe? If you have something that you can sell or a service that you can offer, then you can possibly start a small business. Though this isn’t always cheap, starting a business can teach invaluable entrepreneurship skills. You can also find creative ways to raise money to start your business.

Summer is a time to have fun, make friends, and enjoy the weather. You can take advantage of all of those opportunities and not spend a lot of money.

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Expressive Manifestation

A

Maggie Razdar Publisher/Founder

APRIL 2019

n expression is a physical form that we give to a part of ourselves, and it’s ultimately what connects us to the outer world.

In a normal daily routine, when we are timed on everything we do, it is easy to forget that our rigid life style is not normal; the society conditions us that way.

Inspiration has two phases: the first one is the creation of action, when we actually sit down to produce something, like a piece of writing or a piece of music. The second one, that fuels the first, is born out of our motivation for liberty and exploration in a nonlinear way.

Inspiration is an expressive manifestation of freedom, and it’s not found in

places with walls. The modern world has a bias towards structure, which does carry some value, but for that structure to produce something of quality, it needs to fuel in pockets of undefined space.

The act of expressing yourself is an act of differentiation, and people at different skill and competence levels differentiate themselves in unique ways that don’t work for everyone.

According to Zat Rana, whether it’s in art or in a conversation, expression is a two-person game. There is the person expressing him- or herself, and then, there is the receiver, who also has an important part of giving some feedback or response.

Good, productive criticism, of course, is vital for feedback and improvement, but only if it’s coming from someone who actually understands what we are trying to do. If we are not even on the same wave length, then it’s not worth agonizing over what someone thinks.

Any time we embody a part of ourselves into physical form via expression, we’re opening ourselves up to both connection and miscommunication. And there’s an important distinction.

The best we can do is to direct our experience towards immoderation, rather than getting stuck in a place where we cannot contribute or grow.

All and all, every action we take is a form of expression. It takes cloudy reflections of experiences that we have accumulated in our minds and transforms them into concrete forms in the world around us.

People use all kinds of words and labels to describe who they think they are, but the only real evidence of that can be found in what they express when they interact with the surrounding world.

Any movement in itself is an expression, and in every moment, it creates something of value in the eyes of beholders.

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