RESOURCES & REVIEWS

CONSULTANT RESOURCES
These people "have expertise; will travel."

Betty McLeod, PhD.
Not only does she have great credentials; she has lots of real, hands on field experience and expertise in infant/toddler and preschool programs, curriculum and staff development, and CDA training.   
3523 Dartmoor Lane, Olney MD 20832  301-570-3578  mcleodphd@aol.com

Winona Sample
Multicultural Curriculum Development and Training. Respected and well known early childhood consultant with over 45 years of experience. She is also an Ojibway Elder.
2812 Forbes, Santa Clara CA 95051. Call 408-248-2370

Roy L. Pierson
Management, Program Design, and Fiscal specialist with over 30 years of experience in directing and/or consulting with non profit organizations and Head Start.
8314 S. Langley, Chicago IL 60619. Call 773-846-7919

Mary Maples
A specialist in home based programs which work with parents through home visits. An expert on parent involvement.
138 Jamesville Ave., Apt. D3, Syracuse NY 13210

Ella Jenkins
An expert on teaching anti bias and multicultural awareness through music. Famous for records, tapes and workshops for children and adults.
1844 N. Mohawk, Chicago IL 60614 or call 313-337-5014

Mile Peyla
A disabilities specialist who works with programs and companies wishing to improve their opportunities for challenged children and adults. Broad base of experience.
Email Mike in Minneapolis at ubinc@worldnet.att.net or call 612-653-5101.

Dianna S. Troxell, LSW, MAE
A specialist in Program Design/Management and Parent Involvement including the Head Start Performance Standards. An early childhood consultant with over 16 years of experience working and/or consulting with Head Start programs.
608 Rainbow Circle, Kokomo, IN   46902 or online at Dssolitude@aol.com

ARTICLES

"Individualizing for Every Child...Can We do It?"
Teachers who are trying to individualize for every child in the classroom and document it should read Evelyn's Oct. 1998 feature in "Children and Families" magazine, the journal of the National Head Start Assn. "Individualizing for Every Child...Can We do It?" explains the whys and hows of individualized teaching for young children and presents a simple system of tracking. The regular "Ask Evelyn" Q&A department contains interesting questions and practical answers. Email mkarwowski@nhsa.org for information and to request an application for NHSA so you can receive the "Children and Families" magazine FREE.

"Finding Purpose in Paint Puddles"
Email See Evelyn's July 1998 column on creative thinking and art, called "Finding Purpose in Paint Puddles" in the summer issue of "Children and Families," the National Head Start Journal, Vol. XVII, No. 3. Call 703-739-7563 for information. Tells what you want to know about the creative art process and why we don't recommend using dittos and coloring books with young children.

"Developmentally Appropriate Practices Cause Social Harm??" is an excellent article to revisit and use as ammunition if you are an advocate dealing with the "uninformed," particularly with government legislators. In this article, found in the spring 1997 MI AEYC newsletter, the Beacon, Sue Bredekamp debunks some commonly misunderstood concepts, and clarifies DAP. Request a copy by writing MI AEYC, Beacon Place, 45725 Hagadorn Rd. Suite 1-D, East Lansing MI 48823-5385.

"Play and the Arts: The Importance of the "Unimportant" by Eva Balke, former world president of OMEP, can be found in the Journal of the Assn. for Childhood Education International, Vol. 73, No. 6, which was an international focus issue on educating through the arts. An excellent and smoothly written feature reminding all of us of the importance of spontaneous, exploratory play and its impact on learning and learning styles.

"Benefits of Play"
Take a look at Ev's article, "Benefits of Play" in "Children and Families" Winter 1998 issue of the journal of the National Head Start Association. Call 703-739-7552. This article explains exactly how play in young children helps develop both life skills and learning skills, as well as how play creates bonds between parents and children.

"Developing Multiple Intellegences in Young Learners"
by Connie Hine (Early Childhood News, vol 8, issue 6)
Excellent article on multiple intellegences - learning styles with accompanying teaching strategies.

For those who wonder what it is all about, and to understand why one hour of uninterrupted free choice time is important, read an article on "Free Choice Time" which was in NHSA's "Children and Families" in Summer 1997

BOOK REVIEWS

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"Perfect Parenting: The Dictionary of 1000 Parenting Tips 
by Elizabeth Pantley, (Contemporary Books, 14.95) 
A neat little resource, with a rather "tongue in cheek" approach.  Parenting topics are listed in A to Z order and easy to find.  Advice is not "in depth" but is concise and very practical.  more about this book and ordering

"In Their Own Way:  Discovering and Encouraging Your Child's Multiple Intelligences" 
by Thomas Armstrong, (Penguin, 14.95)
A new book by the author, who has promoted an understanding of children's learning styles for many years.  Sheds new light and insights on the 8 kinds of multiple intelligences.  more about this book and ordering

"Special Kids Problem Solver" 
by Kenneth Shore, (Prentice Hall 19.95)
Contains practical, succinct advice and ready-to-use interventions for all students who have academic, behavioral or physical problems.  This is a great book for teachers who are responsible to teach children (usually in crowded classrooms) with a diversity of skill levels and special needs.  Great practical advice, and proven strategies for dealing positively with problems.  Every teacher needs this book.  more about this book and ordering 

Raising a Thinking Preteen" 
by Myrna Shure, (Henry Holt, 23.00)
Another positive and practical book by Myrna Shure, who wrote "Raising a Thinking Child".  This is the "I Can Problem Solve" method for 8-12 year olds.  Conflict resolution made easy!

Raising a Thinking Child Workbook"
by Myrna Shure (Henry Holt, $14.95)
Based on Shure's book "Raising a Thinking Child". This workbook follows up on the successful problem solving techniques presented in the original book, but it is even more practical and useful to parents and teachers. Filled with games and activities that teach problem solving skills in enjoyable ways. You will love it!   More about this book and ordering

"Smooth Moves" more about this book and ordering
by Ellen Carlisle, (Teacup Press 12.95)
Great handbook for any family that is contemplating a move or in the process of moving. 
Great ideas cover ALL the bases, from old and new house issues to how to help children from toddlers to teens adjust to the move.

"8 Weeks to a Well-Behaved Child" by James Windell  more info & ordering for paperback, for hardcover
"Children Who Say No When You Want Them to Say Yes" by James Windell  more info & ordering
"Discipline: A Sourcebook of 50 Failsafe Techniques for Parents" by James Windell  more info & ordering
"What You Need to Know About Ritalin" more info & ordering
All of James Windell's books are extremely sensible and practical. They are easy to read, (conversational, not jargon-filled) well organized and very complete. Whether your goal is to resolve problems or prevent them, here are "can do" solutions for every situation and every age group, based on real life situations with parents and children. Add these to your guidance/discipline resources.

"I Hate School" more about this book and ordering
"Rentention and its Prevention" more about this book and ordering
"Developmental Education in an Era of High Standards" (the newest one,   in an easy to read Q & A format)  more about this book and ordering
all 3 by Jim Grant (Modern Learning Press)
I like all his books because they are about important eduational issues that teachers and parents need to understand.  It is obvious he writes them because he cares about kids and education.  Also, I especially appreciate the candid, straighforward writing....not wordy and academic.  Practical and informative.

"Real Boys: Rescuing our Sons from the Myths of Boyhood" more about this book and ordering
by William Pollack (Random House; $24).
This book clearly debunks myths like ``Boys will be boys,`` or the commonly held belief that boys are born ``macho`` and uncaring.
The author helps parents see the huge challenges faced by today`s adolescent boys, trying to find their identities in a mixed message filled world. This book provides assistance in dealing with the largely silent signs of loneliness, confusion, and disconnectedness; it helps parents to improve communication and use discipline techniques that do not involve shame.

"Always Accept Me for Who I Am:  Instructions from Teenagers on Raising the Perfect Parent"
by J.S. Salt (Three Rivers Press)
I am very impressed with this book that just came out about teenagers. It was actually written by the author with 147 teenagers who really do tell it like it is. It is funny and touching and wise, and may give you some new insights on how to improve your communication with your teenager. Be sure you leave the book lying about in the house while you are reading it.

"The Single Parent Resource"
by Brook Noel with Art Klein (Champion Press, $13.95)
A great book, not only for single parents, but full of practical ideas any parent can use. Shows real understanding of the challenges single parents face daily, and is based on questions and interviews with 500 single parents.
more about this book and ordering

"Life Balance"
by Linda and Richard Eyre, the best selling authors of Teaching your Children Values. (Fireside, $11.00)
Great ideas for balancing quality time between work or careers and family. A book that reassures the reader and gives confidence as well as practical advice.

"Learn and Play in the Garden"
by Meg Herd (Barron's, $9.95)
Chock full of games, crafts and activities to help children enjoy and learn from gardening experiences. Highly recommended.

"Reinventing Childhood: Raising and Educating Children in a Changing World"
(Modern Learning Press, $9.95)
NEW from early childhood expert David Elkind, who brought us such insight in "The Hurried Child"

"The Woman's Hands on Home Repair Guide"
Storey Publishing $17.95
Here is a really great new book form moms, and especially single moms. Easy to read directions and good pictures/diagrams that make the instructions for home repairs easy to follow. Gives a woman confidence in taking charge of things that are usually seen as guy stuff. Everything you have to deal with in a home is here...from plumbing and electrical to appliances and furniture. Includes a glossary and index. (My husband even borrows it!) more about this book and ordering

"Kindergarten Survival Book: the Before School Checklist Guide for Parents"
by Allana Elovson$12.95
Real practical ideas, games and activities parents can do to prepare their child for Kindergarten. Call or fax 310-458-9758
More about this book and ordering

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK

WHAT TEACHERS MAKE
The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.

One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education.
He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best
option in life was to become a teacher?"

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers:
"Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach."

To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Rosemary.
Be honest. What do you make?"

Rosemary, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied,
"You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)
"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.
I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't
make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental..
You want to know what I make?" (She paused again and looked at each an d
every person at the table.)
I make kids wonder.
I make them question.
I make them criticize.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.
I teach them to write and then I make them write.
I make them read, read, read.
I make them show all their work in math.
I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know
in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.
I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.
I make my students stand to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag,
because we live in the United States of America.
Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given,
work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Rosemary paused one last time and then continued.)
"Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head up
high and pay no attention because they are ignorant...
You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make?"

THIS IS WORTH SENDING TO EVERY TEACHER YOU KNOW. (And everyone on your
mailing list, for that matter).
THERE IS MUCH TRUTH IN THIS STATEMENT: "Teachers make every other
profession! "

ADVICE ON CHOOSING GIFTS

TO MY READERS

Here is something new in askevelyn.  I will be placing ADVICE ON CHOOSING GIFTS in this space, based on The National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval pages at TNPC.com  The Seal of Approval comes out four times a year. 

Take a look at The National Parenting Center’s “Seal of Approval” pages.  You’ll find tons of very interesting games, crafts, toys and other activities that have already been thoroughly tested by children and parents and found to be excellent.  These activities or products are arranged in categories and each one gives a suggested age level and a detailed description and review.  I think you’ll find just the right ideas for each child in the current Spring 2003 Seal Of Approval pages.  Here’s what to do:

Go to the home page of tnpc.com.  Click on the “Seal of Approval Report” for Spring 2003.  These are quarterly reports; you can read about previous winners in the old reports too.  Look at the frame on the left and click on the category you want to explore…books, videos, software, educational products, games, dolls, toys, kits and crafts, video games and web sites.  There are many excellent activities to choose from, no matter what the interests or ages of your children

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