Counting in the Crazy Garden was recently honored with an iParenting Media Award.  iParenting is a Disney-owned media internet property that, among other things, helps parents find the best products for their kids.  We are thrilled to be included in the list of winners.

The Cybil Awards–bloggers’ top picks for kid lit–have just announced their finalists.  Counting in the Crazy Garden was nominated, but didn’t make the short list.  Alas, we can’t win everything, so a big congratulations to the finalists in the contest!  Refresh the post each to see a different nominated book in the widget below.

Julian Kreusser could probably tell Arnold Chipper a thing or two about how to cook real food.  According to Oregon Live, Julian is the five-year-old host of Big Kitchen with Food, a local TV program that airs on Portland Community Media.  In each episode, Chef Julian talks about such culinary concepts as how to mix smoothies, fry eggs, and master the chocolate chip zucchini muffin.  Wonder if he’d be interested in featuring a Chipper Kids Sweet Bread Treats recipe?

This is a lively podcast for the preschool set.

Arnold Chipper says he thinks a thunderstorm is coming, and that frightens his little brother, Albert. What will happen during the storm? Will Albert’s big brother protect him? This funny, descriptive picture book tale follows Albert Chipper as he faces his fear of the unknown.  Click here to listen.

Chipper Kids and the Thunderstorm

by Margarette Burnette

Arnold Chipper and his little brother Albert were playing catch one evening when
they looked up and saw big gray clouds gathering.

“It looks like a storm’s coming, let’s go inside,” said Arnold.

“I’m scared!” said Albert. “I heard that big green monsters come and
eat you when it storms!”

“No big green monsters come after you when it storms,” said Arnold. “There’s no reason to be scared.”

“Well, tell me what does happen when there’s a storm,” said Albert.

“Okay,” said his brother, as a he paused to think.

“First, big fluffy clouds move in the sky,” said Arnold.

“Shhhh Shhhh Shhhh.

Next, a whiny wailing wind starts to blow.

Whoooo Whoooo Whooo.

The wind makes the leaves fall from the trees.

Rustle Rattle Drop.

Next, fast drippy raindrops fall on the ground.

Pitter Patter Plop.”

Albert looked up at the gray sky again. “This is getting scary,” he
said. “The monsters probably come next.”

“No, they don’t,” said Arnold. “Next, big streaks of lightning glow
in the sky.

Blink Blink Flash.

And finally, the thunder comes,

Rumble, Tumble, Boom, BOOM!

Rumble, Tumble, Boom, BOOM!”

“No!” screamed Albert, looking up at the gray clouds. “I don’t want the storm to come!” And he ran
inside the house. Arnold followed him. It was just about bedtime anyway.

Albert didn’t want to sleep in his own bed that night, but his parents made
him. He shared a room with his brother, who hopped into bed as if there was no problem at all.

Albert pulled his blanket close, kept his eyes open, and waited for the storm (and those big green monsters) to come. But all was quiet outside.
Albert soon fell asleep.

He was still asleep later that night, so he didn’t hear the Whooo
Whooo outside his window,

or the Rustle Rattle Drop, or the Pitter Patter Plop.

He didn’t see the Blink Blink Flash,

and he was snoring too loudly to hear the Rumble Tumble Boom BOOM that shook his room.

The next morning, sunshine streamed through Arnold’s window. He woke up and heard his parents talking.

“That was some storm last night,” said his mom. “I’m surprised Albert slept through it all.”

“I know,” said his dad. “I only wish Arnold could have slept through it, too.”

The storm came last night, thought Albert. He looked for his big brother, but Arnold wasn’t in the room.

Albert checked under his bed and in his closet to see if any monsters were hiding, but there was no sign that any had been in the room. His big brother was right! He didn’t have
to be scared.

Arnold is so brave, thought Albert. I’m going to be just like him, and I won’t be afraid of any thunderstorms anymore!

With that, he got dressed and went outside to play.

The End

Copyright 2008, JenPrint Publications, LLC

Tradition lends us to the routine of reading to our children before bed.  It is beneficial from both an eduactional and emotional standpoint.  The consistent routine is a source of comfort and stability; while the actual act aids in language and speech development, vocabulary, pronunciation, and preparing for school.  As parents we often think of our children much more than ourselves.  Just as it is beneficial for them to read a bedtime story, reading before bed is also great for us.  It’s a healthy habit that can more, better sleep–something all of us could use.

Reading before bed is a great way to wind down and end the day.  It’s a low-key activity that provides you with tranquil, alone-time.  The bonding tha occurs while reading to your children is a great way to transition into a nice bath (or shower) and a great book.  As you gear down for the day, you will also be stimulating your cognitive development.  You may not be learning as fast, but just like your children, you’ll wake up rested and a little smarter

Nicole

Tradition lends us to the routine of reading to our children before bed.  It is beneficial from both an eduactional and emotional standpoint.  The consistent routine is a source of comfort and stability; while the actual act aids in language and speech development, vocabulary, pronunciation, and preparing for school.  As parents we often think of our children much more than ourselves.  Just as it is beneficial for them to read a bedtime story, reading before bed is also great for us.  It’s a healthy habit that can more, better sleep–something all of us could use.

Reading before bed is a great way to wind down and end the day.  It’s a low-key activity that provides you with tranquil, alone-time.  The bonding tha occurs while reading to your children is a great way to transition into a nice bath (or shower) and a great book.  As you gear down for the day, you will also be stimulating your cognitive development.  You may not be learning as fast, but just like your children, you’ll wake up rested and a little smarter

Nicole

This simple podcast reviews numbers from one through ten.  In November, we will offer a DVD to go with this audio.  Click here to listen.

This simple podcast reviews numbers from one through ten.  In November, we will offer a DVD to go with this audio.  Click here to listen.

I always know when it’s “cooking day” in my son’s kindergarten class, because he comes home excited about a yummy treat he’s made.  It makes me happy, too, because I know that the theme is reinforcing the current school lesson.  I’d like to duplicate that success, so I’m going to be digging out some fun recipes, and I’ll be sharing them with you.  This first recipe goes in the “dessert” category, but I’ll be following up with many more that are nutritious, easy and fun.  Enjoy!

Sweet Bread Treats

Ingredients:

1. 1 stick of melted butter
2. 2 Tbs. of cinnamon
3. 3/4 cup of sugar
4. 2 canned biscuits cans (large)
5. powdered sugar  (to sprinkle on top)

Directions:

1. Melt butter and pour into mixing bowl.
2. Mix cinnamon and sugar together.
3. Open the cans of biscuits and tear each biscuit apart.
4. Roll biscuit dough into the cinnamon and sugar.
5. Place the rolls in a baking pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.
6. When finished, lightly sprinkle powdered sugar on top.

Reminder:  Never do a recipe without adult supervision, and only grown-ups should handle tough tasks like baking!

I always know when it’s “cooking day” in my son’s kindergarten class, because he comes home excited about a yummy treat he’s made.  It makes me happy, too, because I know that the theme is reinforcing the current school lesson.  I’d like to duplicate that success, so I’m going to be digging out some fun recipes, and I’ll be sharing them with you.  This first recipe goes in the “dessert” category, but I’ll be following up with many more that are nutritious, easy and fun.  Enjoy!

Sweet Bread Treats

Ingredients:

1. 1 stick of melted butter
2. 2 Tbs. of cinnamon
3. 3/4 cup of sugar
4. 2 canned biscuits cans (large)
5. powdered sugar  (to sprinkle on top)

Directions:

1. Melt butter and pour into mixing bowl.
2. Mix cinnamon and sugar together.
3. Open the cans of biscuits and tear each biscuit apart.
4. Roll biscuit dough into the cinnamon and sugar.
5. Place the rolls in a baking pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.
6. When finished, lightly sprinkle powdered sugar on top.

Reminder:  Never do a recipe without adult supervision, and only grown-ups should handle tough tasks like baking!

Traditionally, parents help their young ones dress up as pumpkins and M&M’s on the sugar-filled day we call Halloween. Aside from dressing up, trick-or-treating is the most anticipated part of the day for children.  Unfortunately, trick-or-treating in 2008 is not the same as trick-or-treating in 1998 or 1988.  As parents we must be sure to play a key role in this experience, protecting and educating.  Below are five important ways to stay safe on this night of fun.

1.  Children of all ages should always go trick-or-treating in groups with adult supervision.

2.  Plan the entire route.  Draw a map and make sure another parent or friend has a copy.

3.  Never eat candy that is unwrapped or torn.  Throw away any items that cannot be wrapped, such as homemade candy apples. Homemade items are suspect during this time.  Parents should check all of the candy before it is eaten.

4.  Only visit homes with the lights on and never go inside.  Treats should only be accepted at the doorway.

5.   Be sure your child is wearing some form of identification and knows their full name and how to dial 911.

If you’re like me and you’d prefer other methods of fun on Halloween, here are some suggestions:

1. Check with your local church to see if they are hosting an events for children.  In order to allow for those who do not celebrate the traditional beliefs behind Halloween to dress up and have fun, many churchs host small fairs and festivals that provide the opportunity for children to dress up and enjoy the night in a controlled environment.

2.  Host a party for your children and their friends and create a scavenger hunt that mimicks trick-or-treating.

3.  Visit a local themepark.  They typically have activities and characters based upon the season and time of year.

Be safe and have a Happy Halloween!

Nicole

Crisp mornings, falling leaves, holiday hustle–oh, the feel of fall.  While the summer is great for beach vacations and trips to the pool, fall opens the door intimate, traditional family fun.  Fall is a time for tradition, honoring old ones and creating the new. It is important that your children have special times to look forward to during this season as it is centered around family.  Excursions that may seem so simple (or boring) can be so much fun.  We often have fun with our families when and where it is least expected.

There’s nothing like a warm apple pie to warm the heart.  How much more heart warming is a pie made with love?  Several apple orchards throughout the country open to the public in the fall.  Sometimes for free or just a small fee (about $5 per person), you and your family can go pick fresh apples. Visit www.pickyourown.org to find a farm near you.  Top off the day by making an apple pie together when you return home.  Grab a fun CD, crank the tunes, delegate the tasks and enjoy the fun.  If all goes well, you may walk away with great dessert and a new family tradition.

For recipes, click here.

Don’t forget the ice cream!

Happy fall,

Nicole

Crisp mornings, falling leaves, holiday hustle–oh, the feel of fall.  While the summer is great for beach vacations and trips to the pool, fall opens the door intimate, traditional family fun.  Fall is a time for tradition, honoring old ones and creating the new. It is important that your children have special times to look forward to during this season as it is centered around family.  Excursions that may seem so simple (or boring) can be so much fun.  We often have fun with our families when and where it is least expected.

There’s nothing like a warm apple pie to warm the heart.  How much more heart warming is a pie made with love?  Several apple orchards throughout the country open to the public in the fall.  Sometimes for free or just a small fee (about $5 per person), you and your family can go pick fresh apples. Visit www.pickyourown.org to find a farm near you.  Top off the day by making an apple pie together when you return home.  Grab a fun CD, crank the tunes, delegate the tasks and enjoy the fun.  If all goes well, you may walk away with great dessert and a new family tradition.

For recipes, click here.

Don’t forget the ice cream!

Happy fall,

Nicole

This is a guest post from Nicole:

Crisp mornings, falling leaves, holiday hustle–oh, the feel of fall.  While the summer is great for beach vacations and trips to the pool, fall opens the door for intimate, traditional family fun.  Fall is a time for tradition, honoring old ones and creating the new. It is important that your children have special times to look forward to during this season as it is centered around family.  Excursions that may seem so simple (or boring) can be so much fun.  We often have fun with our families when and where it is least expected.

There’s nothing like a warm apple pie to warm the heart.  How much more heart warming is a pie made with love?  Several apple orchards throughout the country open to the public in the fall.  Sometimes for free or just a small fee (about $5 per person), you and your family can go pick fresh apples. Visit www.pickyourown.org to find a farm near you.  Top off the day by making an apple pie together when you return home.  Grab a fun CD, crank the tunes, delegate the tasks and enjoy the fun.  If all goes well, you may walk away with great dessert and a new family tradition.

For recipes, click here.

Don’t forget the ice cream!

Happy fall,

Nicole

Parents everywhere are looking for ways to get their children to eat healthy foods, and Autumn is a great time to do this by discussing farm harvests and gardening with preschoolers and elementary-age students.

Here are my top four suggestions for using Autumn to teach healthy eating habits to young children.

1. Visit a local farm to pick a pumpkin

If there’s a farm in your area, schedule a trip to help your child pick a pumpkin themselves.  Many farms have organized activities for children, including hayrides and farm animal sight-seeing.

2. Make healthy treats

When you get home, make a healthy but fun treat with your child, using the produce you just picked.  Have a conversation about how this is the season for harvesting.

3. Create a “Top Ten” book with your child

Let your child draw their ten favorite Fall pictures.  They could paint a bright orange pumpkin, color a tree with changing leaves, or paste a picture of a cup of hot apple cider from a magazine.  Help your child number the drawings one to ten, if necessary. 

4. Go to the library and pick out Fall books

With a library book and your imagination, your family can travel all across the country without leaving home.

Parents everywhere are looking for ways to get their children to eat healthy foods, and Autumn is a great time to do this by discussing farm harvests and gardening with preschoolers and elementary-age students.

Here are my top four suggestions for using Autumn to teach healthy eating habits to young children.

1. Visit a local farm to pick a pumpkin

If there’s a farm in your area, schedule a trip to help your child pick a pumpkin themselves.  Many farms have organized activities for children, including hayrides and farm animal sight-seeing.

2. Make healthy treats

When you get home, make a healthy but fun treat with your child, using the produce you just picked.  Have a conversation about how this is the season for harvesting.

3. Create a “Top Ten” book with your child

Let your child draw their ten favorite Fall pictures.  They could paint a bright orange pumpkin, color a tree with changing leaves, or paste a picture of a cup of hot apple cider from a magazine.  Help your child number the drawings one to ten, if necessary. 

4. Go to the library and pick out Fall books

With a library book and your imagination, your family can travel all across the country without leaving home.

Parents everywhere are looking for ways to get their children to eat healthy foods, and Autumn is a great time to do this by discussing farm harvests and gardening with preschoolers and elementary-age students.

Here are my top four suggestions for using Autumn to teach healthy eating habits to young children.

1. Visit a local farm to pick a pumpkin

If there’s a farm in your area, schedule a trip to help your child pick a pumpkin themselves.  Many farms have organized activities for children, including hayrides and farm animal sight-seeing.

2. Make healthy treats

When you get home, make a healthy but fun treat with your child, using the produce you just picked.  Have a conversation about how this is the season for harvesting.

3. Create a “Top Ten” book with your child

Let your child draw their ten favorite Fall pictures.  They could paint a bright orange pumpkin, color a tree with changing leaves, or paste a picture of a cup of hot apple cider from a magazine.  Help your child number the drawings one to ten, if necessary. 

4. Go to the library and pick out Fall books

With a library book and your imagination, your family can travel all across the country without leaving home.

As I rushed to Target last weekend to buy Sex and the City, I couldn’t help but stop by the row of children’s books in the next aisle.  In my quest to stack my son’s library with timeless classics such as Goodnight Gorilla and the Very Hungry Caterpillar, I am always on the lookout for children’s book.  Wal-Mart has great discounts so I figured maybe I could find a few good deals at Target also.  I didn’t find any deals, but the book I found was well worth the $8.

My Book About Me by Dr. Seuss is one of the most clever children’s books written.  It combines both writing and reading and the book is all about the child.  What child doesn’t want to read and write a book about themself?  It’s a great beginner book that develops multiple skills at once. I highly recommend this book for anyone who doesn’t already have it.  It’s no more than $8 and I’m sure you may be able to find it for less.

It’s all about reading and fun and what better fun than to read about yourself!

Nicole

As I rushed to Target last weekend to buy Sex and the City, I couldn’t help but stop by the row of children’s books in the next aisle.  In my quest to stack my son’s library with timeless classics such as Goodnight Gorilla and the Very Hungry Caterpillar, I am always on the lookout for children’s book.  Wal-Mart has great discounts so I figured maybe I could find a few good deals at Target also.  I didn’t find any deals, but the book I found was well worth the $8.

My Book About Me by Dr. Seuss is one of the most clever children’s books written.  It combines both writing and reading and the book is all about the child.  What child doesn’t want to read and write a book about themself?  It’s a great beginner book that develops multiple skills at once. I highly recommend this book for anyone who doesn’t already have it.  It’s no more than $8 and I’m sure you may be able to find it for less.

It’s all about reading and fun and what better fun than to read about yourself!

Nicole

This is a guest post from Nicole:

As I rushed to Target last weekend to buy Sex and the City, I couldn’t help but stop by the row of children’s books in the next aisle.  In my quest to stack my son’s library with timeless classics such as Goodnight Gorilla and the Very Hungry Caterpillar, I am always on the lookout for children’s book.  Wal-Mart has great discounts so I figured maybe I could find a few good deals at Target also.  I didn’t find any deals, but the book I found was well worth the $8.

My Book About Me by Dr. Seuss is one of the most clever children’s books written.  It combines both writing and reading and the book is all about the child.  What child doesn’t want to read and write a book about themself?  It’s a great beginner book that develops multiple skills at once. I highly recommend this book for anyone who doesn’t already have it.  It’s no more than $8 and I’m sure you may be able to find it for less.

It’s all about reading and fun and what better fun than to read about yourself!

Nicole

My family is composed of three children.  I am the oldest and I have a younger sister and brother. When my sister was in elementary school she acquired a great love for reading.  First in line at every book fair, she read each and every book my parents ever purchased from cover to cover.  In third grade she graduated from the Bernstein Bears and Arthur to chapter books like James and the Giant Peach and Where the Red Fern Grows.  Amazingly she would finish them in less than a week.  I wondered how she read so fast, especially when I was four years older and it took me more than a week to read my books.  As I was in the works of launching an investigation, my father discovered her secret.

Prior to bedtime she would place her book and a flashlight between the boxspring and mattress.  When everyone had gone to their rooms for the night she would take out the book and flashlight and begin reading.  One night I guess she got a little overanxious and began reading before my parents went to sleep.  During my father’s final scan of the house, he caught her with the flashlight.  I am sure you are wondering if he was upset and the answer is no.  How could he be upset with her for reading?  I think they were more surprised (and impressed) than anything, especially since my brother and I would never do such a thing.  If we stayed up it would’ve been to watch TV.  She risked getting in trouble to do something intellectually productive.

Unlike other things, reading time should be limitless.  Motivating children to read is hard enough with some many other forms of entertainment readily available.  So if a child finds joy and excitement in a good book, let them read as much as they like.  Her rebellion led to advanced reading skills and the ability to read at an eighth grade level as a fifth grader.

Nicole

My family is composed of three children.  I am the oldest and I have a younger sister and brother. When my sister was in elementary school she acquired a great love for reading.  First in line at every book fair, she read each and every book my parents ever purchased from cover to cover.  In third grade she graduated from the Bernstein Bears and Arthur to chapter books like James and the Giant Peach and Where the Red Fern Grows.  Amazingly she would finish them in less than a week.  I wondered how she read so fast, especially when I was four years older and it took me more than a week to read my books.  As I was in the works of launching an investigation, my father discovered her secret.

Prior to bedtime she would place her book and a flashlight between the boxspring and mattress.  When everyone had gone to their rooms for the night she would take out the book and flashlight and begin reading.  One night I guess she got a little overanxious and began reading before my parents went to sleep.  During my father’s final scan of the house, he caught her with the flashlight.  I am sure you are wondering if he was upset and the answer is no.  How could he be upset with her for reading?  I think they were more surprised (and impressed) than anything, especially since my brother and I would never do such a thing.  If we stayed up it would’ve been to watch TV.  She risked getting in trouble to do something intellectually productive.

Unlike other things, reading time should be limitless.  Motivating children to read is hard enough with some many other forms of entertainment readily available.  So if a child finds joy and excitement in a good book, let them read as much as they like.  Her rebellion led to advanced reading skills and the ability to read at an eighth grade level as a fifth grader.

Nicole

This is a guest post from Nicole:

My family is composed of three children.  I am the oldest and I have a younger sister and brother. When my sister was in elementary school she acquired a great love for reading.  First in line at every book fair, she read each and every book my parents ever purchased from cover to cover.  In third grade she graduated from the Bernstein Bears and Arthur to chapter books like James and the Giant Peach and Where the Red Fern Grows.  Amazingly she would finish them in less than a week.  I wondered how she read so fast, especially when I was four years older and it took me more than a week to read my books.  As I was in the works of launching an investigation, my father discovered her secret.

Prior to bedtime she would place her book and a flashlight between the boxspring and mattress.  When everyone had gone to their rooms for the night she would take out the book and flashlight and begin reading.  One night I guess she got a little overanxious and began reading before my parents went to sleep.  During my father’s final scan of the house, he caught her with the flashlight.  I am sure you are wondering if he was upset and the answer is no.  How could he be upset with her for reading?  I think they were more surprised (and impressed) than anything, especially since my brother and I would never do such a thing.  If we stayed up it would’ve been to watch TV.  She risked getting in trouble to do something intellectually productive.

Unlike other things, reading time should be limitless.  Motivating children to read is hard enough with some many other forms of entertainment readily available.  So if a child finds joy and excitement in a good book, let them read as much as they like.  Her rebellion led to advanced reading skills and the ability to read at an eighth grade level as a fifth grader.

Nicole

As standards for academic achievement continue to rise, many parents are demanding more of their children at earlier ages.  My mother-in-law insists that my son will be reading by age two.  I learned to read very well prior to entering kindergarten, but that was considered accelerated development during the early 90s.  Now, students are expected to read before entering kindergarten as if every child is academically “gifted,” which is not the case.

In the WebMD feature When Should Kids Learn to Read, Write, and Do Math?, education consultant, former teacher, and author of Building the Reading Brain, Pat Wolfe noted that you can tell whether or not a child will encounter difficulty reading by kindergarten-age (not preschool).  Parents should look for pre-reading skills such as letter recognition, connecting letters with sounds, and catching on to rhyming patterns.  Between the ages of four and five children learn to, at the very least, write a few words and pronounce simple words. By first grade your child should be reading simple books and know about 100 common words.

As with all developmental milestones, some children will be ahead of the curve and some a little behind.  If you feel like your child’s skills are not up to par try some different learning tactics.  Maybe your child learns better through song or dance or drawing pictures that match the words she’s learning.  It can be just as frustrating for a child struggling as the parent.  Remember that keeping the child motivated is key and motivation for children comes through fun.  Make reading fun and customize learning for your child’s needs.  Unless there is a real problem, your child’s reading skills will be improving in no time.

Nicole

As standards for academic achievement continue to rise, many parents are demanding more of their children at earlier ages.  My mother-in-law insists that my son will be reading by age two.  I learned to read very well prior to entering kindergarten, but that was considered accelerated development during the early 90s.  Now, students are expected to read before entering kindergarten as if every child is academically “gifted,” which is not the case.

In the WebMD feature When Should Kids Learn to Read, Write, and Do Math?, education consultant, former teacher, and author of Building the Reading Brain, Pat Wolfe noted that you can tell whether or not a child will encounter difficulty reading by kindergarten-age (not preschool).  Parents should look for pre-reading skills such as letter recognition, connecting letters with sounds, and catching on to rhyming patterns.  Between the ages of four and five children learn to, at the very least, write a few words and pronounce simple words. By first grade your child should be reading simple books and know about 100 common words.

As with all developmental milestones, some children will be ahead of the curve and some a little behind.  If you feel like your child’s skills are not up to par try some different learning tactics.  Maybe your child learns better through song or dance or drawing pictures that match the words she’s learning.  It can be just as frustrating for a child struggling as the parent.  Remember that keeping the child motivated is key and motivation for children comes through fun.  Make reading fun and customize learning for your child’s needs.  Unless there is a real problem, your child’s reading skills will be improving in no time.

Nicole