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Showing posts with label Children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Children. Show all posts

Monday, February 6, 2012

Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass


I am in love with this book,Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass.
Our  third grader has a poster report this month. It was not easy to find a non-fiction story at his ready level. We were in the library for 3 hours!!! We picked  books on Gandhi and Einstein  because let's be honest, I did not want to go there...I really tried to avoid slavery!!However this book is so well written and the illustrations are amazing. The author and illustrator did perfectly delivered this story with grace, compassion and pride.
So we  really loved  the story of young Frederick Douglas. First, it is a true and beautiful story.  Second,  it  did encourage our son to write and believe that "words can set him free". Finally,  as parents we had to confront our discomforts about slavery and race discrimination. I wished we had access to story like that when I was a kid...
I also love this story because it is an eloquent and subtle way to teach children that nothing in life comes easily. Finally, it is encouraging me to write children books one day about being immigrant, specially when our son asks if he is African, African American, or French American or just American...
Thousands of thanks to the author Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrator James E Ransome for this book.
Thank you!!!
It is a perfect gift for African American History Month...
Same Moonlight for our Dreams

Thursday, July 14, 2011

White Lion by Michael Swan

This was our evening movie last night. It is a feel good movie for children. However, it is an amazing movie. The scenes are beautifully filmed. Each scene is filled with endless metaphors. They are powerful and so real. It was a perfect way to discuss confidence, strength, weakness, fear, and life with our 8 years old.  The metamorphosis of a fragile awkward cub into a fierce lion king is fantastic.  I just found the entire movie on YouTube so I had to share!!!Thank you  Michael Swan!! Enjoy!




"When a rare white lion is born to a pride in an African valley, a Shangaan boy named Gisani (Thabo Malema) believes it his is responsibility to protect the cub, which he names Letsatsi. Tribal beliefs dictate that the lion is a messenger of the gods. But Letsatsi breaks free of his pride and must learn to survive on his own. Meanwhile, Gisani learns that a trophy hunter wishes to track Letsatsi down and kill him."

Monday, February 28, 2011

Teri MOISE : Je serai là

Here Terri Moise again signing "Je serai là".
To my little "beast" with all my love.
Forever and never, no matter what!

       
Teri MOISE : Je serai là - MYTARATATA.COM
TARATATA N°162 (Tour. 12/03/97 - Dif. 01/05/97)
   
   
        Video de mytaratata   

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

In memory of Haiti earthquake


All my respects to Children of Haiti !!!
Same Moonlight for our Dreams...

A beautiful retro Zouk song, in homage of Haiti!


“Yon ti GESTE pou YO. Yon chapo pou yo.!!!! Nou gen lontan nap tann solèy leve. Bon DIEU tanpri, yon ti di yon parol pou yo!"

Friday, January 7, 2011

The number Seven

Lucky or not, seven is my favorite number.
Here a great link about  seven in this seventh day of 2011.
My ultimate  favorite  is the visible spectrum defined by Issac Newton's 7 colors of the rainbow.
Happy Friday!!!

"Seven A mystic or sacred number. It is composed of four and three, which, among the Pythagoreans, were, and from time immemorial have been, accounted lucky numbers. Among the Babylonians, Egyptians, and other ancient peoples, there were seven sacred planets. The Hebrew verb for "to swear" means literally to come under the influence of seven things; thus, seven ewe lambs figure in the oath between Abraham and Abimelech at Beersheba (Gen. 21:28); and Herodotus describes an Arabian oath in which seven stones are smeared with blood. There are seven days in Creation, seven days in the week, seven graces, seven deadly sins, seven divisions in the Lord's Prayer, and seven ages in the life of man; climacteric years are seven and nine with their multiples by odd numbers; and the seventh son of a seventh son was held noble. Among the Hebrews, every seventh year was sabbatical, and seven times seven years was the jubilee. The three great Jewish feasts lasted seven days; and between the first and second were seven weeks. Levitical purifications lasted seven days; Balaam would have seven alters, and sacrificed on them seven bullocks and seven rams; Naaman was commanded to dip seven times in Jordan; Elijah sent his servant seven times to look out for rain; ten times seven Israelites went to Egypt, the exile lasted the same number of years, and there were ten times seven elders. Pharaoh in his dream saw seven years for each of his wives; seven priests with seven trumpets marched round Jericho once every day, but seven times on the seventh day. Samson's wedding feast lasted seven days; on the seventh he told his bride the riddle, he was bound with seven withes [sic], and seven locks of his hair were cut off. Nebuchadnezzar was a beast for seven years. In the Apocalypse, there are seven churches of Asia, seven candlesticks, seven stars, seven trumpets, seven spirits before the throne of God, seven horns, seven vials, seven plagues, a seven-headed monster, and the Lamb with seven eyes. The old astrologers and alchemists recognized seven so-called planets. According to the Muslims, there are seven heavens. Benét's Reader's Encyclopedia (Siepmann, 1987)"

Friday, December 24, 2010

Quote from Oogway in Kun Fu Panda

This is the movie of our winter break.  Funny as always and we love the message.
The secret is there is no secret!!! Priceless wisdom!!  Enjoy our present!

"Quit, don't quit? Noodles, don't noodles? You are too concerned about what was and what will be. There is a saying: yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the "present." Oogway





Thursday, December 2, 2010

Using Clone troopers to explain slavery

Few months ago, my seven years old asked if all blacks were slave in ancient time!!!I was surprised. I did manage to explain the concept of servitude and greed, using "Star wars". He loves clone troopers. So I took the clones for example. Clone troopers are used as slaves, because their only purpose is to fight to death for someone else. I told him that slavery always existed among humans, from Europe to Asia, Africa,and to America. The clones were created by Palpatine. He was greedy and immoral. He wanted power at any cost. Clones are humans not machines. Slavery is what happened when people pretend that the others are machines not humans.

All humans desire freedom regardless of  skin color. I pointed out that he loves Captain Rex, and Commander Cody because they think freely. They are free even if they are serving the republic.By thinking freely and having the respect of the Jedi, Rex and Cody are not slaves. However, they are still in servitude.The Jedi do not like the situation of the clone Army. The Jedi hope that by winning the war.The clones will be free.

Today, we also have clone troopers, Jedi and Sith. Some people are still treated like slaves or servants. Blacks were slaves as well as other races. And he should not worry because they are Jedi in every race!!So everybody will win. My young padawan did listen. He was relieved that all blacks were not slaves!
Here

Here a quote from a slavery Timeline.
 "Before 1400: Slavery had existed in Europe from Classical times and did not disappear with the collapse of the Roman Empire. Slaves remained common in Europe throughout the early medieval period. However, slavery of the Classical type became increasingly uncommon in Northern Europe and, by the 11th and 12th centuries, had been effectively abolished in the North. Nevertheless, forms of unfree labour, such as villeinage and serfdom, persisted in the north well into the early modern period. In Southern and Eastern Europe, Classical-style slavery remained a normal part of the society and economy and trade across the Mediterranean and the Atlantic seaboard meant that African slaves began to appear in Italy, Spain, Southern France, and Portugal well before the discovery of the New World in 1492. From about the 8th century onwards, an Arab-run slave trade also flourished, with much of this activity taking place in East Africa, Arabia, and the Indian Ocean. In addition, many African societies themselves had forms of slavery, although these differed considerably, both from each other and from the European and Arabic forms. Although various forms of unfree labour were prevalent in Europe throughout its history, historians refer to 'Chattel Slavery', in which slaves are commodities to be bought and sold, rather than domestic servants or agricultural worker."

Monday, November 29, 2010

Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Art of the Animated Series by Dark Horse

I love comics from Dark Horse!!!I am also a fan of Avatar:The last Airbender. I guess that Shyamalan and Paramount Pictures Studio did their best in the movie!! However the "Art" behind this animated series is the "soul" of the story. Thank you to the authors and artists: Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante Dimartino for this masterpiece! This book is on our wish list.



"Since its debut in 2005, Avatar: The Last Airbender has remained one of Nickelodeon's most talked about and highest-rated animated series to date, and it's not too hard to see why . . . Not only does it offer an epic storyline, engaging characters, action, adventure, and a powerful message about the importance of hope in a world long-besieged by war, all the while serving up top-notch entertainment. It's also beautifully executed, a stunning masterpiece of animated storytelling that harmonizes Western influences with aesthetic inspiration drawn from a diverse array of cultures, including those of China, Japan, India, and the Inuit.
An unprecedented look at the concept, design, and production art behind this smash-hit series, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Art of the Animated Series chronicles the show's development -- from the very first sketch through to the series finale and beyond!"

Foundation of the week- International Children's Digital Library

International Children's Digital Library Foundation is a non profit!!! 
It is exactly what I was looking for. I love that you can search books by countries. It did find books in Kinyarwanda and Swahili!! Maybe I will find something in Kirundi and Shikomor. I am a child of immigrants as well as my own child. Multiculturalism and multilingualism is inherited. As beautiful as diversity can be, children must have access to their family’s heritage and “native” language. According to UNESCO’s paper published in 2005, "Denial to access to information in one's mother tongue is equivalent to a denial of a human right."
Do not give up! There are resources out there…
Same Moonlight for our Dreams.

International Children's Digital Library





Monday, November 22, 2010

The parent, a samurai in this global economic hardship



This Economic hardship hurts companies, businesses, employees, homeowners, marriages, families, students, everyone in between and of course our children. The lack of job, loss of job, expensive education and reduced opportunities exacerbate the stress for everyone.

It is a global  economic hardship, even if we only see our side of the garden. In our mind the grass is always greener the other side. Our realities or struggles are blessings and successes for someone somewhere else.  Of course we must have the “audacity to hope”. Besides we must be active because audacity is not enough for our children. They need our legacy, to think of audacity , to hope and dream of better. 

            My word today is parent. A parent has to be loving, ferocious, and rebel to protect, feed, love, and educate children. In this global community, all parents face the same struggles and fears. We all want to achieve something and nurture our children to be strong individuals that will benefit to the world. And secretly we want them to simply enjoy life and cherish their childhood.


















Saturday, November 20, 2010

Les Mystérieuses Cités d’or (太陽の子エステバン, Taiyō no ko Esteban-The Mysterious Cities of Gold

“Les Mystérieuses Cités d'Or” is Japanese-French animated series. It was on TV in the late 80’s when we moved to France. It is a fabulous journey set in 1532.  The series describe the adventures of Esteban, a young Spanish boy who travels to the New World in search of the lost Cities of Gold and his father. I introduced them to our son this weekend as  “a super cool cartoon in French”.

However, the truth is that I want him to learn about the Mayan, Inca, and Olmecs. This cartoon perfectly mixes archaeology, lost technological wonders and science fiction. I want him to be exposed to another version of “the story” about Native Indians and Native Americans Indians. It is an attempt to expand his view on “Thanksgiving” without feeding prejudices or stereotypes. Esteban was Spanish and he befriended Zia (an Incan girl) and Tao (the last descendant of the sunken empire of Mu). Well check it out, DVDs were released in North America on April 7, 2009. According to rumors: “ A film version of the story is to be produced by the Movie Plus Group. On Chibi Japan Expo in Paris, Jean Chalopin announced that three new seasons of 26 episodes are planned with a release starting in 2011.” Legends or not, there are many stories!! I hope that our son will remember that every culture is wealthier than “ the seven cities of Gold”. 

This is my “Culturally Relevant Teaching" of the weekend!
Education is a collective rebellion against the status quo.
We are all distant relatives. Thanks to you all…
Same Moonlight for our dreams.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Gilbert, the Surfer Dude by Diane Degroat (Author, Illustrator)

I really want to thank Diane Degroat for this book!!! We are working on reading fluency with out loud reading. While reading this book my second grader was happy and laughing.Priceless...
His verdict: "Awesome!! Reading is so fun!"
Yeah....Yeah..Mission accomplished.
Thank you Diane Degroat for "Gilbert,the Surfer Dude"
Even at the age of DS,XBOX and Ipod, nothing can replace a good book.

"This I Can Read Book in the Gilbert and Friends series does its job. It’s short, amusing, and will keep kids reading. Gilbert and family are on their way to the beach when Gilbert remembers that he forgot something—his bathing suit. He insists on wearing his new trunks that say Surfer Dude, even though they’re too big. Surfing and oversize trunks can only lead to one thing. Adults will see it coming, but new readers probably won’t. They’ll enjoy looking at the seaside doings in the friendly art while they sharpen their reading skills. Grades K-2."

Monday, November 15, 2010

FreeReading: an open source reading program

I like this website. I love it!!! It is simple and clear. It is used by educators in all 50 states and in over 160 countries.It is a blessing for English as a Second Language Parents.We are on board!! Yes we can. It is free. It is FREE!
"FreeReading Intervention A is the first open-source instructional program to be approved through an official state adoption. The state of Florida recently approved FreeReading as a supplemental reading program that state schools may use during the 2008-2009 school year. To learn more about FreeReading and the advantages of the program, click here."


Sunday, November 14, 2010

Reading fluency norms for linguistically diverse

  Once again it is about the struggle between "diversity", "norms" and "standards". It is obvious that  linguistic diversity  impacts the practice of speech ,articulation, language, and fluency. While I was reading on "linguistically diverse populations". I finally understood why, US born children can be labeled as English Language Learners(ELL)!!!Well here it is: "Frequently linguistically diverse individuals/public school students are classified or referred to as “Limited English Proficient”(LEP)/English Language Learners (ELL). These are individuals who are learning or have learned to speak, understand, read, and/or write English as a second or other language, even though they may have spent a number of years in an English speaking environment."  here.  So your LEP child is a ELL only when you disclose that he has learned to speak and understand another language.Voila..disclosing or not a reading gap will expose any exposure to foreign languages. And it is emotional for every children, LEP or ELL...

As a current simultaneous, sequential bilingual parent and  ELLish/LEPish student; I understand the pain  that comes with  non-fluency  and fluency norms. I was that child that would stare and just do instead of talking. I was that child  mixing languages and dialects while reciting a poem in front of the class. I would fight by not answering in the correct language to my parents so they would understand my pain. Linguistically diversity is a blessing that comes with a curse at the beginning!! Fluency building strategies are out there but the secret is patience. Be patient, everybody makes it  regardless of the norms.Here a comforting article for bringing up bilingual children.

Bilingualism is normal. Millions of children are growing with more than one language.However having to perform accordingly to the norm is not normal for linguistically diverse. It is normally intimidating. We are reading slow but reading, and speed will come along. Diversity is good, fluent or not.
Below the famous chart...so fluid...oh yeah...Reading is fun!

2006 Hasbrouck & Tindal Oral Reading Fluency Data
Grade
Percentile
Fall WCPM*
Winter WCPM*
Spring WCPM*
Avg. Weekly
Improvement**
1
90
75
81
47
111
82
1.9
2.2
50
23
53
1.9
25
10
12
6
28
15
1.0
0.6
2
90
75
106
79
125
100
142
117
1.1
1.2
50
51
72
89
1.2
25
10
25
11
42
18
61
31
1.1
0.6
3
90
75
128
99
146
120
162
137
1.1
1.2
50
71
92
107
1.1
25
10
44
21
62
36
78
48
1.1
0.8
4
90
75
145
119
166
139
180
152
1.1
1.0
50
94
112
123
0.9
25
10
68
45
87
61
98
72
0.9
0.8
5
90
75
166
139
182
156
194
168
0.9
0.9
50
110
127
139
0.9
25
10
85
61
99
74
109
83
0.8
0.7
6
90
75
177
153
195
167
204
177
0.8
0.8
50
127
140
150
0.7
25
10
98
68
111
82
122
93
0.8
0.8
7
90
75
180
156
195
165
202
177
0.7
0.7
50
128
136
150
0.7
25
10
102
79
109
88
123
98
0.7
0.6
8
90
75
185
161
199
177
199
177
0.4
0.5
50
133
151
151
0.6
25
10
106
77
124
97
124
97
0.6
0.6

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

“Taking pictures with our eyes”

(This one was posted on June 21,2010)
Yesterday, it was World Refugee Day! I am the child of refugees. So I grew up with an unspoken consent that I could not complain because I was safe and alive. Our parents always reminded us that everything is relative. That we needed to know what is real. And focus on what matters. Life is a precious gift and you can lose everything in an instant.Consequently super expensive accessories, gadgets, or any overpriced clothes are unnecessary. They often reminded us that at the end, all you have it is your family and friends. And their care and love are priceless. In real time of need, money is useful but worthless. In such time you will crave a reassuring smile, and genuine compassion.

We were lucky to inherent their urgency to strive for better. Our mother did teach us to “take pictures with our eyes” and save them in our hearts. She told us that each time we are experiencing happiness; we should take a good look and save it in our hearts. And in dark days we could go back to such memories to lift our spirit and feel like home.  In my heart, I am wealthy with millions of priceless happiness tags. They often make me laugh or cry of happiness. I also did teach my child to “take pictures with his eyes”. Thank you Maman!!!

Same moonlight for our dreams

 Comoros Beach  Uploaded on April 27, 2006 by little geoff

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Allegory of Plato's cave -Animated version

This is a perfect animation for children. Oh yes, a little philosophy will not hurt!!!Use a little Starwars' analogy with Luke Skywalker learning about the force from Obi won Kenobi. Luke's knowledge of the force did forever change his knowledge of the world. Do not forget to mention that members of the republic, the senate and even the Jedi order are only looking forward at the shadows on the cave walls while Palpatine “Darth Sidious” manipulates the shadows. And of course the Siths are people driven  by desires of power rather than reason!!To conclude bad guys are immoral because they are ignorant and do not see beyond the force..That will be enough. If you need more quote Master Yoda's wisdom!



Monday, October 4, 2010

Nelson Mandela: The Authorized Comic Book

Perfect for a second grader and up!!
Written by The Nelson Mandela Foundation. Art by Umlando Wezithombe. Here
Yes...The drawings are ok not great but the message is grandiose!!!
"Like most graphic novels produced with educational intent, the art takes a far second to the didactic text in this graphic biography of the South African icon. It's tough to criticize a book created to contribute to the ongoing canonization of the still-living Mandela. The intent is clear from the lack of individual creator credits, since who actually wrote these words and drew these pictures isn't important to the Mandela Foundation; what matters is that this is an authorized, approved biography created in a format to attract the attention of younger people, those who might not have been alive during the decade when Free Nelson Mandela was a politically important chant....Mandela was born in 1918, and the book will be released on his 91st birthday. "

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Le Voyage De Plume/ Little Polar Bear by Hans de Beer

“Plume or Feather” is a cute little polar bear. This story puts the child in the little polar bear perspective. It is about the discovery of new world from his native land to Africa. From his beloved all white world, the little polar bear find out that other colors do exist.In his journey he befriends a hippopotamus. With his help he will go back home. It is a beautiful story.  It is a cute story and also a powerful message of solidarity and friendship.
Another A+ from us.


Wednesday, September 1, 2010

My "green" urban patio garden


It is the result of our summer project. We did buy plants from a farmer market at one dollar each or two for a dollar. Then to keep this project on the frugalicious side, we used old storage boxes and plastic bags for potting. And voili, voilà...we have one bell pepper and tomatoes. For a first timer, patio gardening is fun, relaxing, and calming. However, I have to perfect many skills  by next summer to have a composed salad and strawberries for dessert! In this current gardening revolution, patio gardening is not impossible. Only if you are ready to commit and invest more than 15 dollars. Even if you do not feast on your garden. You can at least enjoy the gardening and  gaze at the beauty of growing vegetables, blossoming flowers and visiting insects. Besides, according to Voltaire,"we must cultivate our garden"!!  I see my gardening as my attempt to connect with nature and slow down.  At the end, I deeply appreciate the work of farmers around the world. Thank you!!!
Until next time, keep on cultivating...

Monday, August 30, 2010

Koi and the Kola Nuts : A Tale from Liberia by Verna Aardema

We did love this book! The story is everything my mother did teach us about being kind to everyone because life is mysterious. Besides the illustrations from Joe Cepeda are amazing!! It is a great read, funny and cute. A perfect book to read aloud. And it is even better if you play the african accents!!! Definitively A+ from us.

"Koi returned late from his hunting trip and learned that his father, Chief Ogumefu had died. What's more, the village Wise Man had divided the royal possessions among Koi's brothers. All that was left for Koi was a kola tree. Koi picked the nuts and set out to explore the world. Along the way he met a snake, some ants and a crocodile all of whom ask for his help which he gladly gave. Koi then met Chief Fulikolli who told Koi he could marry his daughter and gain half his chiefdom if he could succeed in three challenges. While at first they seemed impossible, those he helped along the way help him in return. Aardema has enhanced this Liberian tale she first published in Tales from the Story Hat (1960) with ideophones (words that mimic the actual sounds)."

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