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"Nebel's Elementary Education"
A Complete
Guide for an entire K-5 curriculum
by Bernard Nebel, Ph.D.
hosted by Joe Spataro
  Dr. Nebel has a new book which is an easy-to-read,
one-stop resource providing both subject material and methods of presentation to help
guide children (K-5) to superior levels of achievement. In this interview, he tells us a
bit about how he developed this book which is filled with hundreds of hands-on exercises,
logically compiled and integrated in a thematic manner. In an excerpt from his book he
describes four basic methods of teaching, which may help you to structure your own
program. Best of all, he will be available to answer questions that you may have on our
discussion groups.
"Sing With Me A-B-C"
by Bente
Martinsen and Solveig Pedersen
hosted by Joe Spataro
featuring FREE samples of her program
  "Sing
With Me ABC" works with basic letter recognition, phonemic awareness, and also with
numbers and rhythm and rhyme. The books supplement any reading and music curriculum for
pre-school and kindergarten. In this interview with author Bente Martinsen, she discusses
how music is such a valuable part of the learning process, how the program was developed,
her perspectives from Europe compared to the US, how the collaboration began with her
co-author Solveig Pedersen; and FREE samples of how the program works with the letters A,
N, P & the whole alphabet. If you have a question about the program, you are welcome
to participate in our discussion group and ask a question.
Being in Control:
The Role of
Biofeedback in Controlling ADD naturally
by Jason Alster MSc
  Ritalin,
the brand name for methylphenidate, is a central nervous system stimulant that produces
pharmacological effects similar to those of cocaine and amphetamines. While many in the
medical establishment consider the drug an effective way to control ADHD, others maintain
that long-term medication is not the right approach to treating the condition. Jason
Alster has been treating attention deficit disorder, with or without hyperactivity with a
drug-free method which he calls "Being in Control." He has written a book by the
same name which gives you natural techniques for increasing your child's potential and
creativity and for improving concentration and learning - all without the use of drugs.
Jason offers us an essay where he describes how he came to develop this technique using
his experience as a biofeedback therapist.
The Rulers of the House
  Sharon from Ohio says,
"Here are the babies and the rulers of our house. Desi is a chocolate Lab who is 4
years old.Woody is a 6 month old Basset and learning quite a
few tricks from his brother. They are joys to have around and give us lots of love..I
couldn't live without them." See our other pictures of Labs and Bassets and try our
coloring sheet too!!
"Environmental Sensitivity in the Gifted"
by Renita Smith
  As parents of gifted children, we are all too familiar with the
intense - even volatile -- reactions of our children. Most of us have never heard that
extreme physical sensitivity is "normal" in gifted children. One typically finds
in gifted individuals an extreme sensitivity-- to emotions, sounds, touch, taste, etc.
Find out more about this and how to identify, understand and cope with these challenges in
our children.
10 Tips for Finding Perfect Childcare
by Emily Rachelle
Bridges
 Perfect childcare does exist, though you couldn’t have
convinced me of that when I surrendered my career as a pediatric nurse to stay home with
my children. I soon realized that I wasn’t alone and opened the doors to my own
family home daycare. Let me tell you the ten tips for finding perfect childcare, along
with my "safety checklist" to help you be sure that your child is safe. Print it
out and take a copy with you to the next daycare you visit!!
Toilet Training: Tips & Tricks
by Elizabeth Pantley
author of "Perfect Parenting"
  No matter how much you want your child to be potty trained, it won’t
happen until he’s ready. When you feel your child is physically and emotionally ready
to be toilet trained, present the idea as an exciting opportunity to do something very
grown up. Your idea will be much better received than if you indicate that this is
something you want him, or need him, to do. Find out more tricks and tips.
Serving Gifted Children
by Beth Bruno
 "Giftedness often surfaces as early as two or three years of
age, long before the schools formally identify it. Even when children are identified as
"gifted," most states do not fund special programs for them. That leaves the
responsibility for the education of gifted children, for the most part, in the hands of
teachers and parents." In this article, Beth Bruno, author of "Wild Tulips:
Raising Parents in a Complex World," talks about the characteristics of gifted
children and special programs that can be of help.
Waiting for Unschooling to Work
by Shay Seaborne
 Unschooling is a process, and I'm still working on
setting myself free from the ideas ingrained through my years of public school education.
It has been difficult to un-learn what I was taught about education. Remarkably, the best
homeschooling advice I received came when my first child was a baby. I've finally stopped
expecting my children's interests to take hold according to my objectives. It has taken a
great amount of patience, this waiting for unschooling to work.
Kathy's Paper Plate Stain Glass Window
 This
is a simple idea that comes from Kathy Fogarty in San
Diego. It is an easy craft that is perfect for little
hands and can be adapted for holiday crafts.
She says, "I have used this idea with my three year old daughter and it went really
well. The paper plate (stained glass) craft came from a sample someone had made."
"Circumcision: Yes or
No?"
 There is
a swirl of controversy surrounding the age old practice of circumcision. For generations
of newborn boys this has been a widely accepted and performed surgical procedure. Today
there are concerns from parents and doctors alike about the benefits of circumcision.
Learn about the pros and cons of this procedure and decide for yourself.
"The First Year of Homeschooling Your Child"
Your Complete Guide
to Getting Off to the Right Start
by Linda Dobson
  Are you considering homeschooling for your family? Linda Dobson
has created a comprehensive guide which will help you determine the appropriate first
steps, build your own educational philosophy, and discover the best ways to cater to your
child’s specific learning style. In this interview with Linda, we had the opportunity
of chatting about: why her homeschooling book helps parents with the "grand educational experiment" of
first year; picking the right curriculum;
can parents be good homeschooling
"teachers"; the most
important thing that a beginning homeschooler needs to know; finally she
shares with us a FREE excerpt of her book where she shatters a myth of homeschooling, "Myth #4: You Need Teacher Training,
Dearie!" I hope you enjoy reading the interview as much as we did doing
it. Also, if you have any questions for Linda, please send them to us.
Reading Rescue 1 - 2 - 3
Raise Your
Child's Reading Level 2 Grades
with This Easy 3-Step Program
Interview with Peggy M. Wilber, M.Ed.
hosted by Joe Spataro
  Peggy Wilber is
the cofounder of the Pikes Peak One+One Reading Tutoring Program and teaches parents,
grandparents, tutors and educators how to help children improve their reading skills. She
says, "Research has shown that children who don’t read well become better
readers when they receive auditory training." Find out more about her system, how it
relates to dyslexia and ADD/ADHD, and get some practical tips to help your child learn to
read better.
Find out more
Joanne's Movie Reviews:
"Cats
and Dogs"
by Joanne
Spataro
Charlotte Observer Movie Critic
 movie review
  "Cat
and Dogs" is a parody on the eternal struggle between dogs and cats. The Brody family
doesn’t know that they are under siege by mischievous cats. The cats are planning to
scratch out humans and dogs so they can rule the world. "Cats and Dogs" has
something for everyone. There’s slapstick humor for kids, including dogs and cats
comically crashing into trees. Find out more and see a trailer of the movie as well as the
official website which is a lot of fun, too!!
Life's Little
Lessons
"The Grey Knit Vest"
by Linda Caroll
 Grandpapa always read to me....
It is my sincere hope that sharing this story with you will inspire you to share something
of yourself. How wise the words, "Sharing makes everything better." The need to
reach out to another human being is instinctive, and as necessary as the air that we
breathe.
Please read on 
Bosco's Coloring
Pages:
"Puppy Summer" & "Birdhouse"
  Take a look at our latest coloring pages which
feature a coloring page with a cute puppy playing ball
at the beach and a lovely
birdhouse that you can print out and color. Better yet, print it twice and
color your copy along with your child. It's a great way to spend a little quality time.
Don't forget to check out our collection
of birdhouses which you can make as well as our breed profiles,
pet recipes
and pet author interviews.
Stuttering Can
Make You Miserable
by Mary
Joe Clendenin
 A picture comes to mind of an embarrassed, long-legged, knot-kneed,
girl squirming in her school desk at school, third grade, I think. I know the feeling of
the little girl because it was that silly Fitzgerald. In my memory, I was in the primary
room of the three-room Lone Oak school. Mrs. McCarty had asked a question and I wanted to
answer it—but I knew I couldn’t. I knew I couldn’t because the words
wouldn’t come out.
Find out more about stuttering
Different People Envelope Puzzle
  This week's Craft of the Week is
brought to us by the popular craft book author Kathy Ross. Her latest book Crafts to
Celebrate God's Creations is a terrific collection of delightful crafts
and activities to help children become more aware of God's amazing creations. Along with
her new book Crafts to Celebrate God's Creation Kathy has written dozens of wonderful
craft books spanning every category. Kathy's craft from Crafts to Celebrate God's
Creation, Different People Envelope Puzzle, is a great way for children to learn and
celebrate people's differences.
Shelly Eggs
 
This craft features a fun Easter craft for all kids in kindergarten and up. Shelly Eggs is
also an good opportunity for younger children to develop their fine motor skills and
become more facile with spatial relationships.
Are Head Lice Bugging You?
 by
Sue Spataro, RN, BSN
If your child attends daycare or goes to school outside of the home, then head
lice maybe a concern for you. Head lice is very easily transmitted from person to person
through direct head contact. Sharing personal items such as brushes, combs, and linens can
help in passing head lice from one person to another.
Find out more
Bipolar Disorder in
Children
Who has it
and what you can do
By Martha Hellander, J.D.
  Bipolar disorder (also known as "bipolar
illness" or "manic-depressive illness") is a treatable neurobiological
brain disorder believed to occur in at least 1-2 percent of the adolescent and adult
population. As many as one million or more children under 18 in the U.S. may have bipolar
disorder (mostly undiagnosed and untreated). Children with bipolar disorder are at risk
for school failure, substance abuse, and suicide. Children as young as 3 may talk of
wanting to "make myself dead." What are the signs and symptoms of this problem
and what can you do about it? Find out more.
Meet the Author
Jackie Silberg
"300 Three Minute Games
Interview & FREE excerpt: "Book Games"
hosted by Joe Spataro
  Jackie Silberg presents concerts, workshops and keynote address at early
childhood conferences all over the United States. She holds an M.S. degree in Early
Childhood Education from Emporia State University in Kansas where she is a Distinguished
Alumna. She is the early childhood leader of the Education Forum on Compuserve online
service. She is the author of numerous early childhood books. Find out more.
Texture Books
These books are super because your child can
help you create them and will help tactile development. Scrap material can be used to make
these books. use bright colors that your child enjoys. It is important to create a book
that is both strong and attractive.
Meet the Author
Linda Dobson
"Homeschooling: The Early Years"
Your Complete Guide to Successfully Homeschooling the
3- to 8- Year-Old Child
  FREE Excerpt:
The Early Years
Emergency Resource
Starter Kit
The formative years are the most critical to a
child's education. They lay the foundation for developing learning skills that last a
lifetime. For that reason, homeschooling during those early years takes on considerable
importance to parents dissatisfied with traditional schools. Stop by and find out more
 Now out on Video
Joanne's Movie Reviews:
"Thomas
& the Magic Railroad"
by Joanne
Spataro
Charlotte Observer Movie Critic
movie review
 "Thomas and the
Magic Railroad," based on the popular children’s television show, is generously
sprinkled with trainloads of fun. The movie stars that lovable steam engine, Thomas, and
his friends Gordon, Percy, Henry, and James. Kids will love it, and parents will like it,
too. The movie will keep kids’ happy in many ways. It has lots of fun musical
numbers, and keeps the talking trains chugging along. The scenery is bright and cheery, as
was Alec Baldwin’s performance. So come "all aboard" and see more about
Thomas & his friends.
 Joanne's
Movie Reviews:
"102
Dalmatians"
hosted by Joanne
Spataro
Charlotte Observer Movie Critic
 "102 Dalmatians" is a double
dose of family fun! A sequel to "101 Dalmatians," this new Disney flick will
have parents and children howling with laughter. Glenn Close returns as the deliciously
evil Cruella De Vil. "102" starts where the last movie left off. This is the
perfect movie for the whole family. It has enough excitement and humor for adults and
children to enjoy alike. See more about this film along with pictures and other fun ideas
for the kids.
 Now out on Video
Joanne's Movie Reviews:
"Chicken Run"
hosted by Joanne Spataro
Charlotte Observer Movie Critic
 "Chicken Run," with its refreshing wit
and action-packed fun, will delight audiences of all ages. Produced by Aardman Studios,
who specialize in "clay-mated" features, succeed with its exceptional story set
on a chicken farm in England. It is well-written and sophisticated. It’s a real treat
for the whole family. Its dryly witty script keeps the film energized the whole way
through. The movie returns to the basics; a good plot, excellent characters and a
beautifully-crafted story. Find out more.
Bedwetting
by Elizabeth Pantley
This behavior is purely a symptom of an immature bladder system, and for most
children, the problem will disappear when they get a little older. The following ideas may
help speed the process along. Find out more.
Meet the Author
Jill Dunford
author of: "Teach Me Mommy"
hosted by Sue Spataro
interview
& FREE excerpt
  Teach Me
Mommy is a step by step themed book that gives parents lessons that will teach their
preschoolers in a fun and relaxed way. The book is simple to use and includes
crafts, book recommends and topics to cover that are perfect for the preschooler. In the
interview with author Jill Dunford, she describes how to set up your own nursery school
complete with activities along with a FREE excerpt to help you see how this is done.
Meet the Author
June Oberlander
"Slow and Steady, Get Me Ready"
The How to Book That Grows with Your Child
hosted by Joe Spataro
interview with FREE excerpts
 
She is a retired Kindergarten teacher who taught kindergarten for 19 years in Fairfax
County Public Schools in Virginia. Her book gives a step-by-step approach on what you
should do for your child during the first five years of life. Included in the interview
are several excerpts reprinted from the book.
Lactose Intolerance
The "Bad
Breath" Connection
by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN
 Lactose
intolerance is the inability to digest foods that contain lactose, the main sugar of milk
and other dairy products. The signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance mainly involve the
digestion system. However, bad breath is much more than "morning breath". It is
powerfully strong and people can sense it from feet away. Others may think the
person has poor oral hygiene when in reality they are lactose intolerant. The oral
hygiene has nothing to do with their bad breath. Find out more about this and what you can
do to make your breath better and also feel better.
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