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Aspire: Discovering Your Purpose Through the Power of Words by Kevin Hall

I didn't know what to expect when I ordered this book. It was recommended reading for a homeschool retreat, so I ordered it only knowing the info you see on the cover.

Surprisingly powerful and engaging, Aspire turned out to be a 5 Star read.

Kevin Hall discusses the power of words. As a book-lover and aspiring writer, you might think I had already grasped that concept, but this book has a different angle than you might expect. Hall talks about the original meanings behind words, helping us to grasp a much fuller understanding of the words and concepts.

I found myself highlighting many parts, but I was particularly interested in the original meanings of the words. The first word Kevin Hall discusses is Ganshai. While this word is not a familiar one to English speakers (It's actually an ancient Hindi word.), the meaning is powerful. "Genshai means that you never treat anyone small--and that includes yourself...If I were to walk by a beggar in the street and casually toss him a coin, I would not be practicing Genshai. But if I knelt down on my knees and looked him in the eye when I placed that coin in his hand, that coin became love. Then and only then, after I had exhibited pure, unconditional brotherly love, would I become a true practitioner of Genshai."

Other words discussed include: Pathfinder (leader), Namaste, Passion, Sapere Vedere, Humility, Inspire, Empathy, Coach, Ollin, and Integrity, among others.

Listen to this: "Originating with the Greeks, 'enthusiasm' means God within or God's gifts within. Enthusiasm, he went on to explain, is the fuel of happiness and bliss. It refers to the divine light that shines within each of us." Do you see how just understanding where the words came from can open our eyes to a deeper understanding and a new commitment to live well?

I was drawn to concepts that I could apply to myself as a mother and teacher of my children. "To inspire to breathe into. The Master of Words explained that when we breathe life into another, we inspire their hopes, goals, and dreams...When you 'encourage', you add to some-one's heart. And when you 'discourage,' you take away from someone's heart."

And I loved this: "Originally crafted for aristocracy, coaches carried important people to their desired destinations in luxury and ease...Over time, other forms of transportation adopted the term "coach"...But however far-reaching and prevalent the word has become since the first coach rolled out of production in Kocs, the meaning has not changed. A "coach" remains something, or someone, who carries a valued person from where they are to where they want to be."

I recommend this book for people who want to increase their understanding of language and aim for self-improvement.

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Parents often ask, how old do my kids need to be before I can stop reading aloud with them?  Looks like they are never too old! The Forum on Child and Family Statistics recently published America’s Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2011,  a summary of national indicators of children’s well-being and monitors changes in those indicators. One key indicator is the family reading to young children at home.  It is linked to reading development and later on,  achievement in reading comprehension and overall success in school. This study was a feature article in the recent issue of Reading Today, the International Reading Association’s bimonthly newspaper.The Florida Center for Reading Research lends support to this indicator and has made available to families recommendations to help families promote literacy development at home. Here at Sts. Peter and Paul Salesian School, our K-5 reading program– Houghton Mifflin’s The Nation’s Choice, recently upgraded to the Medallion Edition, provides recommended leveled reading lists for students (easy, on level, challenge), independent readers, and for read alouds for students in K-5.  You might want to check the lists out here, and then get the books at the public library.  Nothing like a good story to get the imagination running, dendrites clicking, and getting ready for school!

Graphic courtesy of The Eagle’s Eye

0 Comments on Reading With Our Children as of 1/1/1900

How about "Phonological Awareness"? This is a wonderfully geeky way of saying your child can hear the different parts of a word - that "dog" sounds like "duh aw guh" Children usually start with hearing the beginning sounds of words most easily. That's why babies will babble "duh duh duh" for a dog - or a duck. They probably don't hear the difference between the "g" and the "k" at the end. That comes later.

Scientists (or "They") say that learning nursery rhymes as little tots helps with phonological awareness. All that Hickory, Dickory Dock and Eensy Weensy Spider really does make a difference! When those rhymes and songs with nonsense words and silly patterns are repeated over and over, the syllables and sounds imprint in their brains and help them hear the parts of words. This is an important pre-reading skill. Children need to be able to hear the three sounds of the word "dog" before they can know which letter goes with which sound.

So keep coming to Storytime! Bring your little ones as early as you can! Even if your child just sits on your lap and watches, it's all sinking in.

Now can you make your toddler say "Phonological Awareness"?

by Gary Clay

The development of language skills begins soon after birth, as babies listen and learn the various sounds of their native tongue. Soon babies will begin to utter short syllables, progressing to their first word.

Toddlers are expanding their vocabulary and gaining an understanding of conversation as well as print. By the preschool years, most children have a large vocabulary and speak in complete sentences. Preschoolers are also developing early language skills that will help them read and write. Providing your child with a variety of traditional toys throughout early childhood will encourage the development of these skills.

The absolute best traditional toys that enhance language development are books. Reading to your child helps him not only understand language in print, it also allows him to see and hear common patterns in word and sentence structure. Aside from setting aside a daily time to read with your child, you should also provide him with books to explore on his own. Fabric books are best for babies and board books are designed to withstand abuse from toddlers. Preschoolers should be ready for traditional books with paper pages and should have books from a variety of genres.

Language skills are also developed through social play, especially imaginative or dramatic play. Traditional toys, like dress-up clothes and props for pretend play, encourage children to talk, expanding their vocabulary and conversational skills. Pretend play also helps children develop storytelling skills as they create their own scenarios for play. Provide your child with open-ended traditional toys that invite him to think and play creatively to enhance these skills.

Imaginative play with traditional toys like blocks and dolls can also help your child develop language skills. Generally, children talk and build storylines as they play with these toys too. You can enhance language development as your child plays with building toys, dollhouses, or other traditional toys that stimulate the imagination by asking him questions about what he’s creating and what is happening in his scenario.

Puppets can be made at home from something as simple as a sock or paper bag or they can be purchased in a variety of styles and designs. These simple traditional toys are another terrific way to develop language skills with your child. Act out your child’ favorite story together with puppets and try to create your own stories together as well. Playing with puppets can enhance oral language and conversation skills, expand vocabulary, and help to develop the skills needed for creative writing.

Language development is not limited to speech and oral language. Pre-reading and pre-writing skills are also a vital part of language development. Traditional toys like crayons and coloring books can help young children develop early writing skills. Classic memory style games and picture matching games are other traditional toys that help children develop vocabulary as well as early reading skills.

The development of language skills early in childhood is essential to healthy growth and development in the future. Talk to your child and listen when he talks to you. Encourage his early attempts by repeating and expanding on what he says. Ask open-ended questions, especially questions that require your child to think creatively, and provide him with a variety of traditional toys that enhance language development.

Gary Clay is an expert on traditional toys and runs the stylish kids toy shop Monkeyshine, the UK’s traditional toy shop.

Article Source: ezinearticles.com

Here are some tips to help children develop a strong vocabulary.1. Don't talk to kids like they're babies (even if they are babies). I mean, coo at them all you want, but also speak to them about politics, life, books, whatever interests you.2. When you run out of things to say, read ketchup bottles aloud or describe a picture in your house. I'm not kidding. I do this...and I've been reading