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International Women’s Day is observed on 8 March.  The theme of the 2009 observance was “Women and men united to end violence against women and girls." This year, the theme for 2010 is, "Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all" - This year marks the 15th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the outcome of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995. In recognition of this important anniversary, the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day – which is observed worldwide on 8 March – is "Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All". says Ban Ki-moon, UN Secreatary General in the recent video on You Tube . It inspires to women to strive for  equality and opportunity. It reminds of the rights to women.

In India, women are more likely to get educated with the 'Education for all' and the 'Save girl child' campaign doing its social cause to balance the ratio of girls and boys apart from providing rights to girls to be born and see a beautiful world. Death in childbirth is a common problem all over the world. Violence against women remains a shameful deed and crime is on a rise with abuse power taking its toll on women. The need of the hour is to focus on Security and build peace, sustainability and development.

The decision power of women is sort for as women are more involved in outer issues than home alone. 33% of women will hold place in Indian Parliament as Women's Reservation Bill is to be declared on Women's Day. For more on this, find on Google Search. I am hopeful that India will celebrate an exclusive women's day this year with the passing of the Bill. This day, reminds me of my first media article on Woman, published in print newspapers - Sambhaav and The Times of India. Also, memories of  the two Awards that I received to honor me as Outstanding Journalist and Outstanding Personality.  Here's International Women's Day page on Kidsfreesouls.

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- ilaxi patel
Editor, Kidsfreesouls.com
Author of Guardian of Angels: A practical guide to Joyful Parenting

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On March 2, 2010, Fans of rhyming and poetic Author paid tribute to the classic works - Dr. Seuss, a children' author and pop culture icon of all times who would have been 97 years on 2nd March 2010, if he was alive today. Theodor (Ted) Seuss Geisel, has over 60 children's books to his pen name. Sixteen of Seuss' works appeared on the 2000 Publisher's Weekly list of bestselling children's books of all time.

He has written and illustrated popular books such as "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas", "One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish", Green Eggs and Ham", "Oh the Places You'll Go" and "Cat in the Hat". The Cat in the Hat catapulted him from pioneer in children's literature to definitive children's book author illustrator, a position he has held unofficially for many decades since.

Students in classroom enjoy the English text lessons especially "Cat in the Hat" and "The Grinch who stole Christmas."

Dr. Seuss' works have become so popular that they've become theatrical adaptations for both screen and stage, including the "Cat in the Hat" movie starring Mike Myers, the "Grinch" movie with Jim Carrey and a plethora of TV cartoon versions.

When asked, Dr. Seuss often remarked with a twinkle in his eye—that he never really learned to draw! His school notebooks often included bizarre creatures that framed sporadic notes he had taken in class. His illustrations were referred to as "whimsical." He loved to paint and it relaxed him. He would create vivid scenes with skewed, nonsensical perspectives and images. He would often contrast bright colors against a much darker background, creating an illusion of the subject popping out of the painting. While he longed for critical recognition that he was an artist, Ted would not sell his paintings out of fear of critics' rejection.

Dr.Seuss also published books for adults which include the popular graduation gift "Oh the Places You'll Go" as well as a book entitled "You're Only Old Once" which is a satire about clinics for the elderly.

At the time Dr. Seuss died at the age of 87 on 24th September 1991, 200 million copies of his books, translated into 15 languages reached homes and hearts of people around the world. His works were posthumously produced and his wife promoted his works and copyrighted through Dr. Seuss Enterprise (DSE) and promotes all projects adopting technology too. 

Here's a You Tube video "The Cat in the Hat"  an animated musical television special first aired on CBS on March 10, 1971, based on the 1957 Dr. Seuss' children's book of the same name.

Here's Suessville Playground for children and story maker, Print and play activities etc. You can find more in Resources page. Also find the March Projects and activities for children.

Btw, First Lady Michelle Obama celebrated Dr. Seuss Birthday by reading 'The Cat in the Hat' to over 200 local elementary school students at Library of Congress. After she finished, the students all took a pledge to read more: “I promise to read, each day and each night. I know it’s the key to growing up right. I’ll read to myself, I’ll read to a crowd. It makes no difference if it’s silent or loud,” they recited in unison. Watch the video here and I am sure, all Teachers or Parents can encourage children for reading. As a Seuss Quote says, "“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

We can follow Dr. Seuss quote “Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way.”


Recently, Kidsfreesouls Counsellor Expert Dr.P.V.Vaidyanathan launched the Marathi version of his English book 'Make your Child Stress Free' - The event was held at Crossword Book Store at their Linking Road, Bandra West outlet, at 4.30 pm on Saturday, the 20th of February, 2010. The English version has been published by Ameya Prakashan originally in June 2007 which is now translated into Marathi by Mrs. Ashwini Latkar and released on 20th Feb.

Chief Guest, Priya Dutt graced the event and launched the book. She spoke about her own motherhood, upbringing a two year and four year old children. She felt the importance of balancing work and her family and inspite of being born to celebrity parents (Sunil Dutt and Nargis), she led a simple childhood with nurtured care of her parents.
Her father, Sunil Dutt was quite strict, but her mother used to cushion the children from their father's strictness. Priya Dutt lamented how today's life and society has become materialistic, with people only worrying about how to buy a better mobile, a bigger car or a bigger house. This places a burden on the parents which in turn is passed on to the children. She asked parents to prioritise their lives so that they can lead a more balanced life.

Dr. Vaidyanathan narrated his experience while he wrote on Why children feel the stress and what could be the possible solutions to help them grow 'stress free.' He asserted, how things changed in last three or four decades. Pushy parents have led kids to go for more activities. As a result, they are stressed as they do not get enough sleep, enough rest, have irregular meals and are on the edge, running from one class to another. He said, "Parents too are not always around to help children. Children can take pressure from one direction, but not from both sides. Parents, apart from providing the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter should enhance their child's good points and support the bad ones. They should act as a cushion for the children's emotional problems. The desire to acquire more---more of everything-----and where the more is never a destination only a journey, never to be reached, is making both adults and children stressed out. Nowadays, children are forced to develop their own mechanisms of stress release and to combat stress."

Kidsfreesouls Moms Zone has articles for Parents and Teachers. I do feel 'Parents Stress, Kids stress' - Alarming figures are on a rise with internal and external factors responsible for the cause. Multiple complications have arisen for health and psychological well being of not only children but parent too. It is a high alert and need of the hour to think, understand and act.

Grab the copy of Dr. Vaidyanathan's books 'Make your Child Stress Free' (In English and Marathi) and 'Managing The Unmanageable Child' - available on all leading Bookstores and online stores. Find his column here Kidsfreesouls Counsellor Expert Dr.P.V.Vaidyanathan
 
About the Book: Make Your Child Stress Free by Dr. Vaidyanathan

Is your child suffering from stress? This book is an handbook & guide for parents having children of ages from early childhood to teenage, giving the causes and remedies for stress.

The book highlights the need for parent education. Questions related to identifying if your son / daughter is under stress is handled with ease in the book. The book also discussed how the situation should be handled. The author guides you on how a parent can understand and reduce the stress in a child's life and make him more relaxed and balanced minded.

You can even pick up 'Guardian of Angels' which cover 'Problem Solving' - 'Temperament and Values' chapters that cover up 'thought provoking' articles on parenting.


I am a 13 year old boy studying in a reputed school of Mumbai. I have a difficulty making friends and fitting into groups. I don’t talk too much and brag too much like the other popular boys. My parents have always taught me good values and I think I am a good person but looks like no one wants me as their friend. That makes me sad. I don’t know what to do. Can you help me?

- Read the answer in Counselling Column
and let us have your thoughts on this

- Guide children to make friends:That's what friends are for, in good times, in bad times...



February 15-21 is 'Random Act of Kindness Day' as observed on Acts of Kindness Website.  I think, any date is great to have Kindness Day. I was wondering, why 'Random' but I guess children can well define 'act' and 'kindness' but 'random' is just casual - Children need to know this word 'random' and understand the phrase fully.

Kindness in the Classroom (Home) and Good Manners session are very important to build strong pillars of Character. These simple 'Random' Acts of Kindness are sometimes overlooked. They can build Confidence and boost the self esteem of kids. Kids' acts are worthy a praise so much as we take pride when they excel in academics or sports. Developing a culture of Kindness by way of Projects do promote social-moral values that comes with an attitude to be kind. The emotional quotient misses a pitch for being social as early schooling is more focused on just the cognitive skills of reading and writing. Hence, it is important to nurture non-cognitive skills - social, emotional and behavioral competencies that lead to success in later life.

It is pertinent to build a culture for kindness - from the very start when children are climbing their first steps to school.
Here are ethical Kidsfreesouls steps in Behavior Development and always wear the Kindness Badge and sing along "When you Give Love, you Receive Love".

1.
Be Kind - As parents-teachers or kids. Just Act, do it. Adults need to inspire and play role their act showing Kindness with their words and act. Identiy ways to be kind and share with children. Interact and engage them while you follow a kind act.

2. Be a good listener - Listen to children and kindly answer their small questions. They turn to listen too. Treat them nice with no spanking or punishment.

3.
Catch Kindness - Give stars for being good and no stars for not being kind. Place a chart and have fun together. You can give stars for the kind act to the child and tell him to do the same for you. Reward for kindness when the Kindness Chart reaches set stars. i.e. for 25 kindness acts, give them a reward.

4.
Gift Books - Gift books on Kindness and even get books on kindness for yourself. Books like Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is a classic that sets good example.

5.
Participate in Group Activity - Involve in activities, social causes, group walks or charity - any activity that calls for social cause and being kind and helpful to others. Organize drawing and coloring sessions, music or crafts sessions for the deaf and dumb, blind children or the orphans - this will fill their world with joy. Teach your children - How to Tithe (give) and these tips may help too. Giving is a responsibility and a source of satisfaction. There is always time in life to help others. You can give without loving and you can't love without giving.

6.Engage them in daily chores - Indulge kids in helping around - at home and school. This will make them more responsible, organized and also feel self worth of job well done. Get them do things they like - planting or watering plants, cutting vegetables, set up menu for lunch or dinner, spread bed sheets, whatever they like to do. Self indulged activities often have a calm effect and peace of mind.

7.
Make Friends - Friendship itself has the kindness factor. Showing love, caring for the other and sharing. Get kids to do crafts - make beautiful friendship bands, car hangings, pencil tops or pen stands. Let them gift to their friends. Maybe, paint t-shirts and gift on birthday. Kindness comes in prompt with love and feelings for a friend.

8.
Mind Language - A very important factor to remember is 'words'. What you demonstrate, kids follow. Children pick faster what you say and do.

9.
I believe : Believe in God and make kids say 'I believe' - When you pray to god for help and guidance, children follow your spirituality and can see your day to day relationship with god through prayers. God hears prayers and it's faith that makes better souls.

As such Emotions are the wild cards in human intelligence They fit into are thinking as emotions create thoughts and thoughts create actions. So, jumpstart to create a Culture of Kindness and let peace be at your doorstep.



Btw, here's Random Act of Kindness Foundation website - A resource for people committed to spreading kindness. It provides a wide variety of materials, including activity ideas, lesson plans, project plans and much more. You can find the Kindness dates, calendar, create a website, share kindness experiences, find e-cards and get free stuff. Be Inspired or just Be kind.


Spread Kindness - Spread sunshine. God Bless.

Permalink: Acts of Kindness - Randomly


Abraham Lincoln was born in a one room log cabin on Nolin creek in Kentucky on 12th February 1809. On November 6, 1860 - Abraham Lincoln is elected as 16th U.S. president and the first Republican.

Here's the review of a book 'Just Like Abraham Lincoln' written and illustrated by Bernard Waber and published by Scholastic (1964). Waber has created a wonderful book that introduces this famous president to young children. He begins his story by introducing a modern-day little boy who has a next door neighbor that looks just like Lincoln. This man not only looks like Lincoln, but he has many of the same likes and habits that our famous president had. Waber has made a connection for our young readers from the familiar to the more abstract.



Threaded throughout his book are well-known facts about President Lincoln: his outdoor pioneer heritage, his love of books, and his occupation before he became president are just a few of these facts included in this book.

As the review reflects on this site, you can conduct a classroom session with the facts, quizzes and resources here. Here's a quick quiz on Lincoln that you would like to conduct in classrooms after you check out the Lincoln Timeline.

Lincoln was shot in the head by John Wilkes Booth while Lincoln watched a play 'Our American Cousin'. He never regained consciousness and died on 15th April 1865.

Well, while you find the Lincoln worksheet interesting as much as I enjoyed doing the quiz, here are easier quick help yourself worksheets for classroom in Grammar Fun section in case you have not visited. And, for February Projects, visit the Projects page. Also find Literature section here on Kidsfreesouls. Enjoy.


Charles John Huffham Dickens, the famous Novelist was born on 7 February. It might surprise some that he was a Journalist. Charles became a reporter on the Parliamentary newspaper 'True Sun', where his natural talent for reporting and keen observation was first recognized. He taught himself shorthand and, on the Mirror of Parliament, and then the Morning Chronicle, he was soon acknowledged as the best Parliamentary Reporter of the age. Later, he started a daily Newspaper, the 'Daily News' and a weekly Magazine, Household Words.

Each one of us have read Oliver Twist and David Copperfield for Literature Supplements in school. Oliver Twist is the most widely read of all Charles Dickens Reads and this Book has been the second Novel of CD after the Fun and humour of The Pickwick Papers. This book added to reputation of Charles. The story says of a boy's journey from hell to heaven. The end is winning edge `Good over evil'.

Whenever we select Classic books for reads in the class, it is very important to note that the book is well and thorough read. For the February Projects, children can study the characters of Oliver Twist and make profile sketch. A man of tremendous energy, Dickens had spent hours a day walking the London streets from which his characters and scenes came. Kids can list out all Charles Dicken's books and a classroom session / individual child session can be held on which story of Charles Dickens they like the most and why. Here is Sparknotes with Analysis of major Characters in Oliver Twist which might be helpful for the project.

Find February Calendar events and Projects for February.  As I add more to Literature in Classics Corner of Kidsfreesouls, stay tuned for Book Kids Read section to find reviews on Charles Dickens Books. Enjoy.


2010

March

Code Red - Holi is shrugging off evil....

February

203rd Birthday of Henry Longfellow followed by Hol...
Climate Change
Make your child Stress Free - Parent Stress,Kids S...

Traffic Congestion
That's what friends are for, In good times, In bad...
Sidney Sheldon - How he met his wife
Valentine's day - explore....
Acts of Kindness - Randomly
'Just Like Abraham Lincoln' - Book for kids
BT Brinjal and Env concerns on food thrown away in...
Charles Dickens, a journalist
Kids Book Recommendations and more on Books
Mind is a thought factory - We are prisoners of our thoughts

January

Managing a good Classroom - child
Alice in Wonderland : Literature Projects
Do nitrogent enriched gasoline create additional p...
Robert Burns and the new year song Auld Lang Syne
Creative sundays, better mondays!
Haiti Earthquake Aftermath
The fear phobia in kids - Aftermath Earthquake
Green clean vehicle
Send messages - Happy Uttarayan
Television and kids - Harmful effects
Spare quality time - break communication gap...
My mind is like a racing engine
A new beginning 2010 - Stay tuned

2009

December

Farewell 2009....welcome 2010
Faith
A Happy Christmas Holidays....

November

COP15 - United Nations Climate Change Conference
Toast your life with 'Thanksgiving' - Never late!
Comics Project for Kids
Sun Signs and daily/weekly forecasts
What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong - Lyrics
Sesame street celebrating 40 years-Chamki spreadin...
Barbie - Toys R fun

October

Happy Halloween, Dev Diwali
Official Gujarat State Portal
Diwali and New Year Significance
Nobel Prize for Peace
Bloggers Unite - Make the Change!
Wolf Hall wins - Countdown ends!
Man Booker Prize - Countdown begins..
Banned Books: Read, Speak, Be Aware
Mahatma Gandhi - Truth and non violence

September

Vote for Ideas - Say Happy Birthday Google and joi...
Kidoz - For Setting Parenting Controls
Energy Star
Pen mightier than Keyboard?
September 18 - NYT and Guardian of Angels
Ozone Day - 16th September
Television viewing and Kids
Environment concerns - Kids and 'climate change'
9/11 : Obama proclaims Patriot Day and National Da...
Creative writing
Join Kidsfreesouls mission to promote Literacy
Kids Health & Resources
Happy Teacher's Day
I learn, you learn, we learn
September events - Birthdays and celebrations!

August

Doodle4Google - My India!
Mood swings? Take a Break!
Go Green - Build Roof Top Gardens and read Judith ...
Happy Independence Day
Happy Janmashtmi
Rabindranath forgotten??? Samsung Star 3 G

July

August Projects and Friendship Month!
Cars can be modified to run on water!
Total Solar Eclipse images and find profile of Ber...
Moon Landing on 20th July 1969 & Total Solar Eclip...
Global Warming & Gujarat
Hands-on-parenting
Green Revolution - Earth Talk
Science is Fun, Maths is Rocking!!!
Kids Blogs & Reading
Sesame : Virtual games

June

Kidsfreesouls Interview on Your Story
Michael Jackson - Heal The World
Let Kids Grow Gracefully
Father's Day - 21st June
Setting parenting controls
World Environment Day - Aesop's Birthday!

May

Shy Kids, follow Kidsfreesouls tips
Google 'Doodle' Vote for kids
Edward Lear's Limericks & How to write Poetry!
Rabindranath Tagore!
Tips to set right mood swings of kids

April

Yoga - Change4Life
World Book and Copyright Day
Earth Day 2009
Literacy and Creativity in Summer Vacation
Online Poll for Nasa's greatest hits for Earth beg...
Friedrich Froebel-Kindergarten system
Summer Projects, Titanic info
Easter
World Health Day
Summer Vacation - Activities and fun time
We are the World - with subtitles

March

Examination Tips
Gandhiji's Salt Satyagraha and 12th March!
Barbie's Birthday Celebration

February (8)

Grimms - Amazon reviews; added Links Page
Literature Learning: Profiles and Project tips
Top Blogs on web - If My Blog died today..what wou...
Act of Kindness - Randomly
Explore Valentine Pages - Kids Valentine Project
Internet Bus Project and Doodle 4 Google
Dental Hygiene Month - Calendar and Projects for F...
Stuttering/Stammering

January (11)

'Abide with me' - Beating Retreat and Martyr's Day...
Listen to Aishwarya - Allah tero Naam Lyrics
Jan 27, Lewis Caroll (Alice in Wonderland) Born. F...
GCCI, Aishwarya, Tanvi Vyas and Minister Maya
Kodn...
Obama - Perfect Family!
Kite festival, music and Kids
Happy Uttarayan
Don't Worry, Be Happy!
Sun Sign Character Traits and number reading
Phishing scams in Twitter and Facebook too!
Social networking and Kids!

2008 (141)

December (8)

Happy New Year - Farewell 2008, Welcome 2009 Midnight mass pics - Educate kids and stop child l...
Merry Christmas - I Believe!
Spiritual Wisdom in Kids and How to Tithe
Imagine Peace! Lessons on Anti Terrorism and Peace...
Educator Links
Computer Literacy and Kids Projects 'Can Kids Teac...
Never too Late! World Aids Day

November (7)

Protect kids from crime, stop them to be criminals... Saying 'Thank You' & helping kids to write Thank y...
Family Reading Report and Kids Reading
Children's Day with Kidsfreesouls Picture Gallery
'How much do children know about Politics? Guide w...
Barrack Hussein Obama : Change has come to America...
Times of India founded as Bombay Times and JC in N...

October

Diwali and Creativity with Rangoli
Unleash Creativity

September
August
July
June
May
April
March 
February
January
2007

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Welcome to Gujarat : Swagatam
As I content wrote the Gujarat Government State Portal for last many days, here's presenting the newly revamped Official Gujarat Portal. The thematic Portal provides glimpse into 5.5 Crore Gujaratis ‘Apnu Gujarat – Agavu Gujarat’ (Our Gujarat, Unique Gujarat) and act as catalyst to positively influence Gujarat and its rich Culture and traditions which has marked its footprints Internationally. The Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi lives on to the boom of a 21st century Gujarat with robust and mass movement of Development and Progress with a Proactive Government.
 - Explore Gujaratindia.com

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Kidsfreesouls is Kids NIE (Newspaper in Education) with Extensive Use of Contents in Classrooms Worldwide. It promotes Literacy & Academic Achievement. Contents of this site may be used for Educational, Information or Entertainment Purpose. It should not be reproduced in any other way without written permission of the Editor (ilaxi patel),  Kidsfreesouls, Ahmedabad. (India)