Fun Reading Games

Fun reading games can play an important role in your child's education. It's true that some students just love to read from the very start. They don't have to be prompted to read. They have their nose in a book every chance they get.

But then there are other students, those who find reading dull and/or difficult. For those students, fun reading games can be just the spark they need to get on track with reading practice and skill development.

Here is one simple, goofy idea that can work well with elementary students, both at school and at home. In this game, students are asked to read simple information on food packages, write it down, and then read another student's answers.

Funny Food

This game is for 3-4 players, in grades 3-5. You'll need at least one empty food package. Try to choose packages from foods with short lists of simple ingredients. You'll also need a list of questions for each player. Your questions can include:

1) What's the name of the food?

2) What is it mostly made of?

3) Does it have to be cooked?

If so, for how long?

4) How many servings are in this package?

To play, each student chooses one food package. He reads the package to find the answers to the questions. He writes these answers on his paper. When all the players have finished, they place their papers in a pile, mix them up and then take another player's papers.

Now comes the really fun part! Each player takes a turn reading the questions and answers someone else wrote, as if the answers were for her own package. For instance, Jada might have a package of instant mashed potatoes. Her actual ingredients are dried potatoes, salt, and flavoring. But she might end up with the paper written by someone who had a box of chocolate breakfast cereal. Then she will read that her potatoes are made mostly of chocolate, wheat and sugar.

The game can be played several times as long as there are a variety of food packages from which to choose.

You can see how such a simple game idea, using everyday products, can indeed be a fun reading game!

As you teach your students and parent your children, be on the lookout for more fun reading game ideas of your own. You'll be surprised at how many good ideas you'll find!

Planning For the One Sure Thing

117 people dead in Bellview plane crash in Nigeria. The crash site is littered with bits of metal that used to be a plane and strips of fabric and charred body bits and pieces. It is a sad and sobering scene - the piteous wailing of spouses, children, parents, friends. How to console them? No one can.

The crash brought home to me the fact that though death is the one sure thing in this existence of ours, it is the one thing we are always the least prepared for - be it our death or the death of someone close to us. As a people, we refuse to plan our funeral services, the way and the how of our burial, because we think it's morbid. But is it really? Is it morbid to plan for the one, sure and inevitable event of our lives? After all, we plan for "expected" events and for "eventualities" - both of these types of occurrences may or may not occur - yet we expend a reasonable amount of resources planning them.

I have decided to get down to the business of planning the how and the way I am buried, assuming my body is available for burial! If it is lost or not available, for some reason, then I shall plan for that eventuality too.

I would prefer to be cremated but each time I say that, my husband gets quite upset so I have set that particular wish aside. I would also like my body parts donated to save a life if possible but that is dependent on if I'm at a 'usable' state and age when I die! This wish also gives my husband grief but I am not ready to back down on that since I am of the belief that if I can help someone live by my death, then I would have done at least one good thing on this earth. Surely, that will mitigate punishment for my sins?

Back to the way I am to be buried - if I donate my body parts, then what will be left for burial? Not very much, and that brings me back to cremation. In my opinion, it is the most practical way to deal with the shell that is left when the spirit departs. I have no moral or religious objections to that particular mode of disposal. My Christian brethren feel that the body should be buried so that it is available for the "final resurrection" that is spoken of in the Bible. That, in my humble opinion, belittles God's power and awesomeness and, more importantly, is a total loss of the true meaning of that resurrection. It is a resurrection of souls and not of physical bodies. And, if it were physical bodies, God is able to create those from nothing - after all, He created the world from the void, did He not? What are your objections to cremation?

Funeral services make me cry, and it does not matter that I never knew the soul for whom it is being held. They remind me that no longer will their loved ones be able to see or touch them, converse with them, hear their voice - all physical manifestations of the way we communicate as humans. And that is what makes death so painful, this loss of physical manifestations of communication. If we were still able to do even one, we would not mourn so much; if only the departed ones could tell us, in some way that they were okay in their new abode, we'd grieve less; if we could only tell them, and be sure they hear, that we love them so and that the harsh and/or nasty words uttered at the last quarrel/misunderstanding we had meant nothing and all is forgiven we'd feel less guilty.
I have totally digressed! I was simply planning my funeral service (or farewell service should there be nothing to bury!) and the way my last remains should be disposed of. I want Mass said for me, for I am Catholic (probably will always be, no matter the number of Pentecostal services I attend). A short Mass with a sermon lasting all of 5 minutes, after which my remains are disposed of in the manner my husband or children or siblings choose (obviously, my husband will choose a normal burial - all body parts intact!). Thereafter, a reception where people can talk about me and reminisce - recalling the things they liked and did not like about me. I would like to think I would be remembered with tremendous love and affection by those I will leave behind, old and young alike. I would want them to be able to laugh through their tears at their memories of me. I have tried to live my life in a manner that I am remembered with affection and amusement by those I have come in contact with or whose lives I have touched in some way. I can safely say that there are few who dislike or hate me - my personality is not such that elicits such strong negative feelings! Or is it? What do you think? I have been described as "sweet", "nice" adjectives which I find quite dull and uninspiring. I would like to be described as "inspirational" or "amazing" or something equally great! Oh, well, a person can hope, can they not?

When I die and I meet my maker, God probably will not tell me 'well done' because I know that His gifts to me have not been properly used by me, but He will be able to say 'at least you tried!"
For me, that will be enough.

Fun Reading Games

Fun reading games can play an important role in your child's education. It's true that some students just love to read from the very start. They don't have to be prompted to read. They have their nose in a book every chance they get.

But then there are other students, those who find reading dull and/or difficult. For those students, fun reading games can be just the spark they need to get on track with reading practice and skill development.

Here is one simple, goofy idea that has a way with elementary students, both at school and at home. In this game, students are encouraged to read simple information on food packages, write it down and then read another student's answers.

Funny Food

This game is for 3-4 players of grade 3-5. You must be an empty package of food. Try to choose the packages of foods with short lists of simple ingredients. It should also include a list of questions for each player. Your questions may be:

1)What's the name of the food?

2) What is it mostly made of?

3) Does it have to be cooked?

If so, for how long?

4) How many servings are in this package?

To play, each student chooses one food package. He reads the package to find the answers to the questions. He writes these answers on his paper. When all the players have finished, they place their papers in a pile, mix them up and then take another player's papers.

Now comes the really fun part! Each player takes a turn reading the questions and answers someone else wrote, as if the answers were for her own package. For instance, Jada might have a package of instant mashed potatoes. Her actual ingredients are dried potatoes, salt, and flavoring. But she might end up with the paper written by someone who had a box of chocolate breakfast cereal. Then she will read that her potatoes are made mostly of chocolate, wheat and sugar.

The game can be played several times as long as there are a Variety of food packages to choose from.

You can see how a simple idea can with products for daily needs is indeed a pleasure to read his game!

How do you teach your students and parents their children are looking for more fun reading the game ideas. You'll be amazed how many good ideas you'll be surprised!

How Do I Start a Christian Home Based Business?

Many people - men and women alike - are looking for ways to start their own home based business in an effort to help them earn some extra money in a trying economic condition. This is especially frustrating for people who are practicing Christians.

There are so many home based businesses out there that it's hard to find a niche that matches their values and beliefs. With plenty of patience and a little bit of research throughout the many different Christian networks that are on the Internet, you can easily find something that will work for you.

Of course you do not need to set up a home based Christian business based on some niche. Instead, contemplate on your unique talents. What are you good at? Do you enjoy writing? Consider putting together some children's books based on the Bible and scripture. Do you like to solve puzzles? Try putting together some crossword or word search puzzles that are based on the books of the Bible or people in it.

Are you able to motivate other people in a positive manner? Write some inspirational stories that you can share with other people that can earn money through Google AdWords. Knowing what you want to do is the first step towards developing your home based business.

Deciding what you want to do to earn extra money in a home based business is actually one of the harder aspects of setting it up. Once you have decided what you want to do you should draw up a business It covers the budget you have available to start and what are your goals.

If you have never put together a business plan, there are many commercial websites that can tell you how it goes. Note that you want to take your Christian values in your company, so as not to compromise to get started. It 'better to go step by step and take your time, then the next step when you are ready.

Your Christian home business based notto be Internet based, but if you want to promote it to other Christians on the Internet, you can set up a simple website that tells others who share your beliefs about your venture. You can download easy website templates that allow you to simply add your text and graphics to it without having to worry about complicated HTML coding.

If you are conversant with coding, then you can easily create your own web site. As a matter of fact, you could offer your services as a Christian web site designer to other Christians looking to do the same thing as you.

The biggest difference between setting up a Christian home based business as compared to a non-denominational business is your beliefs and convictions. You know that your business will be honest, reliable, and true to the word of God.

Once you have decided on your business and have set up a website to help promote it, join a network of Christian based businesses to help spread the word.

Why Use Spelling Games for Kids?

Spelling games for kids can be an important part of your language arts program. Since spelling is a crucial skill for elementary students to acquire, you'll agree that we need to find as many ways as possible to teach and reinforce it.

The normal weekly routine in spelling class goes something like this: Take a pretest on the new spelling words, write the new words 10 times each, write the definition for each word, use each word in a sentence, take a post test, and so on. If that gets a bit dull for you as the teacher, think how much more boring it must be for your students.

Adding spelling games for kids just two or three times a month is a great way to add some pizzazz to your spelling program AND to motivate your students. We all know that some students are just great spellers. Others struggle with spelling and don't seem to care if they improve or note. And others can learn and will improve when given enough practice and motivation.

Most spelling games require students to work in teams and to spell words in front of other students. What kids don't want to shine and succeed in front of their peers? By planning spelling games from time to time, many students will want to do well to help their team and to be seen as successful in front of others.

With all that said, here are some important tips for using spelling games for kids in your classroom:

1. Always announce when you're going to play spelling games, at least a few days in advance. This builds excitement and motivation to learn.

2. Tell your students which words you'll be using. After all, the goal is not to trick your kids, but to teach them to spell and to give them lots of great practice learning important words.

3. Use different kinds of spelling games. Spelling bees are great, but there are lots of other fun formats, too.

4. Use games in which students can compete individually, in pairs and in teams. Generally speaking, the more students in a group that participates less per person. When children compete in the smallest unit of the team, are more practical.

5. Watch the games that work best for you. Write down what you play you will be improved with the spelling units, strengths and opportunities of the Games, the games can be used. Do not be afraid to make your own games or variations.

6. Share your best game ideas with colleagues. Exchange of ideas for your students to play spelling games with family members inhome.

7. Remember the ultimate goal of all your spelling games for kids is to reinforce spelling skills.

Public Speaking for Shy or Private People

Learning public speaking is like learning to ride a bike. All you need is some initial courage and a sense of balance. Then you have to change gear as appropriate. Once you've progressed that far you simply learn when to put on the brakes.

Most of us have suffered from listening to poor public speakers. We've squirmed as they've gone on endlessly saying the same thing in a dozen boring ways. Most of us too have admired brilliant speakers and wished we too could captivate an audience. At the very least most of us would like to express our views in public without losing our courage not to mention our voices.

The thing most public speakers have in common is simply a fear of making fools of themselves. They may be college students who have to study rhetoric as part of their schooling. In adult life those who attend may be budding politicians, trade union activists or aspiring business people. There may also usually be a few shy singles and some married couples sharing a new experience in communications. However interesting the mix they don't usually expect to start the class with breathing exercises.

Teachers will explain that these exercises will help pupils relax. The truth is that when you see others puffing and blowing you have to laugh. You simply can't take yourself too seriously when you are bent double swinging your arms energetically. In the context of all this merriment it is usually a only a short matter of time before you all introduce yourselves and explain why you are taking public speaking classes.

You first challenge is that you have to get used to speaking aloud. So many teachers provide poems and tongue twisters, even bits from the Bible for you to try. You may be asked to bring in your favourite book and read it to the class. You will discover that they quietest person in the class probably loves gruesome tales of the supernatural while the strongest looking footballer loves lyrical poetry. Once you have got used to the sound of your own voice you progress to speaking about everything under the face of the sun.

One week you may rivet your class with your speech about spies. The next week you will find yourself giving your views on the political system or the World Cup. A good teacher will help you to expand your mind and broaden your interests. You may find yourself in the public library swotting up on a totally new subject and actually enjoying it as you visualise yourself impressing your classmates. It doesn't take long before you are hooked on the challenge of captivating your audience. It won't matter to you whether they are classmates, members of the local chamber of commerce or even the world synod of bishops.

That's fine when you can prepare your speech days in advance. Speaking off the cuff is a totally different but part of public speaking is teaching you to think on your feet. So try to imagine what you would say about forks, Santa or the sky at night without any time to prepare. A simple one-minute off the cuff talk can seem like endless torture. Eventually though you master the idea of making a riveting start, interesting context and a thought-provoking conclusion, even if you don't know the first thing about the subject. You are on your way to being a competent public speaker. Obviously though you will speak with more passion and zeal when you are inspired by the topic. So if you love sport you will find that your sports speeches will have that extra something and that's good.

All through your life this skill it will be an asset to you. You may have to speak on graduation day, at the office party, when your best friend celebrates his birthday or even at your daughter's wedding. Your audience may be schoolmates, the local historical society, a computer convention or simply the parish youth committee.

You learn to use a microphone so that it doesn't catch the knocking of your knees. You will have learnt how to emphasise a point, how to use notes, how to chair a meeting. You master nervous habits such as hand twisting or foot tapping. Most importantly, you learn to write to be said aloud rather than read. You will find yourself listening critically to other speakers whether they are on radio or television or in a local club. You will start saying to yourself, "he never mentioned X" or "He should have said something about Y". You become, In fact, the original armchair critic. Above all though you will learn that public speaking is great fun.

Public speaking is a very personal thing. It gives you confidence and it makes you more articulate. It teaches you how to put your ideas in sequence. It also helps you to make new friends. Many public speakers join groups such as Toastmasters and make it a lifelong hobby. Others are simply satisfied to be able to give their viewpoint at a local meeting. If you are really lucky you might even find yourself being paid to lecture on a pet subject!

Being able to speak well in public helps your self-esteem. You may find you are welcomed to parties, invited to functions and it might even help you to impress your boss. Certainly it will expose you to lots of new ideas you hadn't considered before. You might, like one speaker, learn to think of income tax as today's equivalent to the tithes once paid to the church to support the poor. Now that's what's called a persuasive speech!

Some people of course are naturals and can address any audience anywhere with enthusiasm and ease. Most of us though consider public speaking as a fate worse than death, until we learn to master it. The problem then is that by then it will be like the weekly crossword, you'll just have to keep at it until you get it right.

There is absolutely no feeling like that of holding an audience in the palm of your hand. So go on grab their attention, entertain and inform them and send them away with your words ringing in their ears.

Whether you call it oratory, rhetoric or public speaking it will enhance your life and help you to make lots of new friends. Like learning to ride a bike it is a skill, once learned, that you never forget.

You may wobble a bit if you get out of practise but soon all the skills you have learnt will soon come back. Then you'll be freewheeling all the way and your audience will be delighted to come along for the ride!

Learning is Forever and Ever!

Who is the oldest primary school pupil in the world?

That's a trick question. You see, the person who used to claim that honor died in August 2009. Most likely, none of us in the United States knew him, and, in fact, most people in his own country-Kenya-didn't know him either. His village, however, was well aware of his student status at the local school, and they admired his love of learning.

Guinness World Record-Holder

The oldest officially recognized pupil was 90 years old. His name was Kimani Nganga Maruge, a great-grandfather who had never had the opportunity to attend school in his poverty-stricken village...until he reached the age of 84. At that time, Kenya instituted free schooling in primary schools, according to BBC News, and Kimani was anxious to learn how to read and do math, so he could read the Bible and keep track of his small pension. He became the oldest person ever to enroll in a primary school.

He did so at Kapkenduywa, where he maintained a stellar attendance record as he worked toward his dream of being a veterinarian someday. Nothing could keep Kimani away from learning. Not the fire that destroyed his home, causing him to be relocated to the city. Not the violence that sometimes shattered the peace of his homeland. Not the cancer that was discovered months before his death.

Kimani believed that, "It's never too late." Never too late to achieve a dream. Never too late to challenge yourself beyond your comfort zone to force you to stretch yourself and learn marvelous new things. Never too late to commit yourself to the pursuit of learning, as Kimani did through home studying when he was stricken with his fatal illness. He was two years away from completing elementary school when he died.

Meet Another 90-Something Who Won't Quit

She's not a Latina, but she's powerful, and she represents what we can all become as we age: a vibrant, lifelong learner whose life is never dull because learning never stops. Meet 94-year-old Dr. Marion Downs, who learned skiing at the age of 51, tennis at the age of 68, and skydiving at the age of 90, according to Marion, who is the author of Shut Up and Live!

She exercises her brain as well as her body, and the zest in her long life is a testament to the power of learning forever and ever, whether it's through her crossword puzzles, playing bridge, or not saying no to new experiences. Though we may not be as intrepid as she is with physical activities, may we all share Marion's determination to keep learning today and as the years pass!

Various Reasons for Continued Learning

Lifelong learning-currently referred to as "LLL"-is the consistent, dedicated pursuit of knowledge throughout our lives, no matter the field or intensity of the learning.

We engage in LLL for various reasons: to update our professional job skills; to pursue higher education for career advancement; to switch careers and go into a totally different field, as the current economy is forcing many people to do; to keep our minds sharp, so as to ward off dementia and other physical weaknesses that come with aging.

My favorite reasons for LLL, however, are inherent curiosity about life and people, linked to the best reason of all for learning: It is a source of joy and personal fulfillment.

Our global, interconnected society has imbued our lives with so much diversity in all arenas: social, economic, political, artistic. What we used to know for daily living purposes changes rapidly. On a simple level, think about warnings doctors have given us through the years about our diet: caffeine is bad, but now it's good; alcohol is bad, but wine in moderation is now good; chocolate is bad, but dark chocolate is now good for the heart.

Doctors contradict one another as more and more knowledge, through research and new technologies, floods our airwaves, bookstores, TV news, newspapers, and-an immense driver of the need for LLL-the internet! Simply to know what foods and drinks to consume and what to avoid requires that we constantly learn about new revelations.

The Bottom Line: LLL Enhances the Quality of Life

If even for helping us understand what's best for our health, LLL has been linked to a higher quality of life by many experts. In addition, according to "The Top 10 Benefits of Lifelong Learning" (based on scientific research since the 1990's), LLL helps us fully develop our raw talents; opens our minds to better understanding of different ideas; makes us desire further learning; strengthens our wisdom and perspectives on life; stimulate us to be more aware of and involved in our communities; helps us adapt to change, find meaning in our lives, and feel self-fulfilled.

Clearly, lifelong learning enriches our lives and consequently helps us to enrich the lives of others.