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Teacher's Sense Of Humor Comes Through In Multiple-Choice Tests UNIONTOWN, PA—Most educators view multiple-choice exams as an opportunity to couch the correct answer amidst three or four other plausible alternatives. Not so for Uniontown High School teacher Tom Campbell. Campbell, 47, who has taught freshman history at the school for the past 11 years, uses the popular test format not only to instruct but also to delight his students with his quirky sense of humor......Click for read More

Karate Lessons Give Child Self-Confidence To Quit Karate After months of being taught to develop courage, inner strength, and other values of the martial arts, Daniel Finkelstein finally achieved the self-confidence necessary to stand up to his parents and quit taking karate lessons, the area sixth-grader reported......Click to read more

KIDSFREESOULS  NEWS FOCUS: Present & Past News

British Kids gets lessons
- kidsfreesouls

Children as young as four are being taught about same-sex relationships using puppets, plays and fairy tales in a government funded scheme in Britain. The No Outsiders Project is run by Sunderland University jointly with Exeter University and the Institute. Pupils are invited to act the parts of gay characters during after school arts clubs and in some literacy and drama lessons. The researchers say, pupils must be taught about same sex relationships from an early age to combat playground bullying of gay pupils. Maragaret Morrissey, spokesman for the National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations, said, "We are putting issues on young shoulders that actually don't need to be there."

Sidney Sheldon, No More!
- Kidsfreesouls

Sidney Sheldon, the highly read US Author in India, died at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage due to Pneumonia on Tuesday. He was 89. (Born on 17th Feb) Sidney Sheldon who won wide acclaim and awards in three careers - Broadway teater, movies and television, turned a best selling Author when he started writing at the age of 50. His most famous and wide read books are : Rage of Angels, The Other side of Midnight, Master of the Gave, If Tomorrow comes and Sands of Time. He always referred, "I try to write my books in such a way so the reader can't put them down"  He use to dictate 50 pages a day, corrected next day and continued till he churned out a story with 1200-1500 pages with several re-writes. His book Naked Face paperback sold around 3.1 million copies. 


Missing Kids Racket
- Kidsfreesouls

There has been a concern recently with over a 40,000 children who went missing across India every year. 30% are almost never traced. It is learnt that majority of the kids who are missing has been forced to begging or into sex trade or domestic work.

This calls in for parents to play a major role to follow guidelines of discipline and safety to protect younger children. Children need to be taught on self protection and refrain from being exploited. Kids need to be well attended and taken care of. It is much to learn on how to keep children safer - be it at home, school or out at places. The 'stranger-danger' term is to be made clear with safety guidelines properly given to a child. The tips on Missing kids (US) site might be helpful in protecting kids from potential dangers. 

Scooby Doo Animator No More!
- Kidsfreesouls

TheScooby Doo Animator, Iwao Takamoto who designed the cartoon canine as well as characters on such shows as The Flinstones and The Jetsons, died on 8th January 2007, Monday at Los Angeles. He suffered a massive stroke. He was 81.  Iwao Takamoto designed Scooby Doo, his equally famished and cowardly master Shaggy, and their pals Velma, Daphne and Fred in the late 1960s while working at the Hanna Barbera animation studio. He also designed the snickering dog Muttley who was featured in a number of productions and Astro, the family dog on The Jetsons. For The Flinstones, he created the Great Gazoo, a green alien. He was the Vice President at Warner Bros. Animation. His death came soon after that of Hanna Barbera co founder Joseph Barbera, recently and his business partner William Hanna died in2001. 

Cartoon King Barbera dies
- Kidsfreesouls

Joe Barbera, half of the Hanna Barbera animation, team which produced such beloved cartoon characters as Tom & Jerry, Yogi Bear and The Flintstones, died on Monday (Dec 25). He was 95. Barbera died of natural causes at his home. With his long time partner Hanna, Barbera first found success creating the highly successful Tom and Jerry cartoons. The antics of the battling cat and mouse went on to win seven Academy Awards, more than any other series with the same characters.

The partners had first teamed up while in MGM in 1930s. Hanna, who died in 2001, once said his partner could "capture the mood and expression in a quick sketch better than anyone I've ever known" . The two first teamed cat and mouse in the short 'Puss Gets the Boot.' It earned an Academy Award nomination and MGM let the pair keep experimenting until the full fledged Tom and Jerry characters eventually were born. 

Mobiles are dangerous for kids, says Doctors in Austria. They warned of the dangers of carrying mobile phones and called for labels showing the radiation levels. Dr. Erik Huber specified that when drugs are launched, its effects is made public with the market research but with new technology being distributed, its effects are not known. Dr. Erik Huber specializes in environment issues and believes children should be particularly protected of the dangers of radiation emitted by mobile telephones. 

Children under the age of eight should not use mobile phones, parents were advised after an authoritative report in 2005 linked heavy use to ear and brain tumours and concluded that the risks had been underestimated by most scientists. The news prompted calls for phones to carry health warnings and panic in parts of the industry. The first mobile targeted at 4-8 year olds also been withdrawn. There were concerns about health risks.

Note:Once again a concern arises as an Austria Dr. Eric Huber calls for the potential dangers in kids using mobiles and calls for Mobile companies carrying labels showing Radiation levels. It is recommended, children below 16 years should not use mobiles. 

Children who use mobiles are found to be using more as fun gadget. They play games on their mobiles, use for sms and pics. As such, we've heard of mobile bullies too.

The child should know, it's a use of mobile phone only in time of special/urgent needs only. Teach them three things if they are using mobiles (Best is 'No mobiles till 16) and don't let them get attracted for the fancy picks.

Three things children using mobiles should know:

1. Protect the mobile numbers. Do not give your no. to everyone. Do not let others see your number. 
2. Do not respond to unwanted SMS or call back for strangers who sms or ring you.
3. Do not give your information to any caller unless you know the person.

There's no denying that we live in a dangerous world and that children are overwhelmingly important. A day when our mobiles go off even for a while, we are used to adjust but the next generation is out with the newer technology and its safety more a concern for them right now. Protect kids from the dangers using mobiles.

PAST NEWS

Parent Coach : A Rising Trend!
March 2005 (NYT News service)

Parent Coaching, the newest self help approach for overstretched parents is catching on for some time due to several reasons. Cheaper than counseling, many coaches charge $75 an hour and at least one Internet Coaching service charging $30 a month. Usually done by phone, it lets parents squeeze in sessions without hiring baby sitters or taking time from work. It is capitalizing on the parental penchant for seeking secrets from pros - the tendency to call in the super nanny depicted on reality TV instead of calling your mother. "This is so American. We want a quick answer, we want to do it yourself" says Dr. Alan E Kazdin, Director of the Child Study Center at Yale University School of Medicine. Many parent Coaching are quick to say and to write into their contracts, that they are not experts in mental health and do not consider themselves therapists. A report of Oburn, Mass says, Parent Coaches say they try to be both chipper cheerleader and straight talking sage, rathar than proponents of a particular parenting philosophy. Several parents said coaches have helped them change their children's behavior, or at least not get so upset or harbor unrealistic expectations. "My children were beating me down said a 37 year old mother of a 6 year old boy and 3 year old girl. They were winning the war with the whining and just the constant needing me and not being able to do anything themselves". After a parenting class and reading failed to solve the problems, she and her husband aged 54, sought help from a Parent Coach in Cambridge, Mass who previously taught preschool. She gave things to work on even though the system to adopt was hard enough. It is reported too that some Parent Coach are found to give wrong advice, even though it may be well intended. Psychologists and Director of a clinical training center at Idaho State University shows concern over such Parent Coach who can bring about reverse effects. If Parent Coach are to comfort and support Parents, its wonderful as far as they do not exaggerate things. More love is dangerous and at the same time, ignoring a child's bad behavior is danger too. A parent need to take care of the tender minds with love, care and discipline by teaching right manners from the very start. Neglected kids often end up to be a challenging kid.

Donald Duck Gets a Star - Mickey & Minni Happy too!

Cantankerous Cartoon Character Donald Duck was joined by his rival Mickey Mouse some time back as he recieved his very own Star on the Hollywood walk of Fame. Walt Disney Co's chief Michael Eisner said 'Donald deserves and appreciates this'. Donald Duck celebrated 70th Birthday belately (He was born 9th June 1934). Mickey, Minnie, tongue wagging dog Pluto were present for the occassion. Donald Duck made his debut in 1934, in a Disney Silly Symphony Cartoon, 'The Wise Little Hen'. He was drawn by animator Dick Lundy and was voiced by Clarence Nash for 51 years. Nash earned a Hollywood Star before the Sailor suit wearing Duck. The Duck's often unintelligeible dialogue is now provided by Tony Anselmo. Some of Donald Duck's most memorable lines are 'Oh Yeah?' and 'Oh Boy, oh boy' Donald Duck has become one of the most beloved cultural icons on the planet, said Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which bestows the Stars.

British Parliament against total ban on spanking children

The British Parliament's proposal to completely not to ban spanking of children is a concerned view of many people. Tony Blair says that the child-parent relationship is unique and should not be solely regulated by the state as it is being done in countries like Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, etc.The parent has every right to lay down the rules using minimum force if required as most children, in hindsight, respect a strict dosage of parental guidance. In countries with outright bans, Blair says that there are cases of children bringing charges against their parents simply to have their way. Today's children do not accept authoritarian behavior on the part of their parents and even spanking 'lightly' administered, hurts the emotional kid and can fuel the creation of more aggressive, edgy, violent and lonely child. However, as a general thought process, against physical spanking, even if psychological abuse is administered, that too can be more insidious and damaging. There are no scientifc studies to prove that mild physical rebuke from the parent leads to aberrant behaviour among children later in life. As such, there should be a distinction to be made between child abuse and a parent's right to correct the child's behaviour in as humane a way as possible.

- Read the Review (Down this page) Discipline without shouting or spanking
By – Jerryl  k. wyckoff , Barbara c unell
- Kidsfreesouls Counselling pages

Reading at Risk in US!

An enormous cultural shift is experienced from print media to electronic media and the unintended consequences of that shift lead to a shocking survey result with a big drop in reading in US. The Report was released by National Endowment for the Arts that reveals the number of non reading adults increased by more than 17 million between 1992 and 2002. In 1992, 72.6 million adults in the United States did not read a book. By 2002, that figure had increased to 89.9 million, the NEA said. The NEA study titled 'Reading at Risk' was based on a Census Bureau survey of more than 17,000 adults.

Only 47 percent of American adults read 'Literature' (poems, plays, narrative fiction) The NEA Chairman Dana Gioia called the findings 'Shocking' and a reason for grave concern. 'We have a lot of functionally literate people who are no longer engaged readers' Gioia said in an interview. This isn't a case of 'Johnny can't Read' but 'Johnny won't read' The likely culprits hang on to television, movies and the Internet, says the report. The declines comes despite of Harry Potter craze and best efforts of Oprah Winfrey with her creation of Book club in 1996. Reading fell even as reviewers review and the websites like Barnes & Nobles and Amazon boast of expanding markets and selling books.

- More on Reading 'Articles' | Kidsfreesouls Amazon Shop

Obesity - A rising concern

Obesity in Kids has become a 'Rising Concern' in US. Why US, kids all over the world has been getting a tendency for overwieght. Though there are many causes for obesity, genetics do play a major role. However, genes alone cannot account for the huge increase in rates of obesity. The main victims are the same as adults : eating high calory food intake and less activity. Television viewing is on rise and most of the people glue in front of the 'idiot box'.

As per Kidsfreesouls report, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health has teamed up with NRPA to offer a nationwide program called Hearts N' Parks. Park and recreation departments and other community-based organizations receive assistance from NHLBI on providing activities for kids and adults that encourage healthy lifestyle choices. The goals are to reduce obesity and the risk of heart disease by encouraging nutritious eating habits and regular physical activity. Kids may go on field trips to local grocery stores and restaurants to learn how to make healthy selections and read food labels. They might participate in soccer, tennis, basketball, bowling, swimming, or hiking.

Karen Donato, coordinator of NHLBI's Obesity Education Initiative, says that the program emphasizes non-competitive activities where everyone joins in the fun. "There shouldn't be kids sitting on the sidelines," she says. An increasing number of schools are also encouraging healthy lifestyle behaviors. More nutritious choices in cafeterias and vending machines, such as salad bars and baked food rather than fried, encourage kids to try items other than sodas, candy bars and french fries. Some schools offer opportunities for increased physical activity through intramural sports programs and good-old-fashioned recess. A recent report from the U.S. Surgeon General's office calls on schools to provide daily physical education (PE) for all grades. In schools where PE classes are offered, kids are now engaging in more activities that emphasize personal fitness and aerobic conditioning, rather than the competitive dodge-ball games you may recall from childhood.

Obese children now have diseases like type 2 diabetes that used to only occur in adults. And overweight kids tend to become overweight adults, continuing to put them at greater risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. But perhaps more devastating to an overweight child than the health problems is the social discrimination. Children who are teased a lot can develop low self-esteem and depression

The recent info on Schools cutting Fats in Food is welcoming as kids meal would no more contain 'junk' and 'canned' eating stuff. Instead a fair meal served with portions of nutritious, fresh vegetables, no junk like cheese or butter and non fried food.

World Literacy Day in September - Stop Child Labor & educate the Kids

As we say of World Literacy Day, the first thing that comes in mind is that "Education without Exposure and Experience is Incomplete!"

The growing technicalization of society has brought increasing demands for literacy which the schools educationists are hard pressed to meet in present times. Schools are sure to a headway run into a profession rathar than educational institutes imparting education! A higher level of literacy is need in business and industry too, in the armed forces and even in every day life. Today's education is on threshold - more degrees, more percentages but lack of moral values.Better Education leads to better understanding, to lead a private and social life in a healthy way. Lack of knowledge leads to disasters, morally and mentally - a breakdown, leading to misunderstandings, lack of unity and harmony. Also more poverty, destructive minds, chaos and confusion, imbalanced minds and the like! It is the need of the hour to understand that Education is a process complete with Exposure and Experiences and Experiences afterall, are the best teachers in Life! The most important factor is developing reading habits which is almost neglected part in the life of a student as he mugs his way through the lessons to get the scores.The reading ability needed to comprehend materials important to daily living such as income tax forms and newspapers has been estimated to be as high as the 12th grade level. As such, to be illiterate is lack of ability to read and write. Words and printed symbols carry the message that a person understand as their eyes move across to read the written matter. As such, with the latest technology development such as computers, people sort for learning of computers but forget in the process to be literate and update with latest information and lack awareness. The basic literacy is must for any person. In 1971, some 780 million people over the age of 15 were illiterate. The 25 poorest nations of the world have rates of illiteracy in excess of 80 percent. Now, as years roll, the illiteracy rate is getting lower but yet, there is dire need esp. for the children who labor for money work wee hours without getting any education. It is a fundamental right to be literate for modern development and democracy. As such, the Gujarat Govt. has given priorities with the promotional campaigns to spread Literacy which has been effective through the newspapers, TV media and other sourses.

"Beware! Don't brand yourself as an Educated Idiot!"

If you are literate, educate at least one child who needs to learn the basics or at least one can try to encourage and cultivate reading habits among children who are lost in textual lessons.
Be a HIP (Home Instructional Programmer) with Blossomsmile ilaxi's Swagat Children Library Worksheets online! Help kids - wherever you live!

OZONE LAYER BEGINS TO RECOVER
- Kidsfreesouls

The rate of destruction of the protective ozone layer in the upper reaches of the atmosphere is slowing. Scientists say it mirrors a decline in the use of certain man made chemicals. Using NASA Satellite observations, the scientists say the rate of the ozone layer depletion matches the drop in chloroflurocarbons used in refrigeration and air conditioning. The 1897 Montreal Protocols ratified by more than 170 countries requires that CFCs be phased our of production and use in developing countries by 2010. Industrialised nations stopped using them in 1996. Scientists said that it will take decades to repair the damage to the ozone layer, which helps protect the Earth from ultraviolet radiation from the sun. "Ozone is still decreasing but just not as fast", said Mike Newchurch, associate professor at the University of Alabama and lead scientist on the study. "We are still decades away from the total ozone recovery"

NEW YORK CITY CUTS OUT THE FAT IN SCHOOL FOOD!
- Kidsfreesouls

The Education Department has acknowledged that obesity is epidemic among New York City School Children and hence, reducing the fat content in the 800,000 meals it serves daily. It is banning Candy, soda and other sugary snacks from school vending machines. School districts nationwide have been re-evaluating the meals they serve and cutting back the amount of junk food in cafetarias. Gone may be staples like beef ravioli, potato saland and macaroni and cheese. Favourites like Chicken nuggets, cheese pizza and Jamaican beef patties will remain on the menu but in smaller portions or in a leaner, less finger licking taste. While federal guidelines recommend that only 30 percent of school lunch calories come from fat over a five day period, New York city intends to abide by the 30 percent rule for each meal by end of 2008. The changes will begin this September.

Vending machines have become common, especially in high schools, because they are a lucrative revenue source for financially struggling schools. Education officials say that by providing an alternative to traditional meals on trays, they also encourage teenagers to stay on school grounds during the lunch hour. Though many school contract with vending companies on their own with no central oversight or nutritional requirements.

To ensure that each meal contains no more than 30 percent fat, schools will use more whole wheat bread instead of a current 60 percent white, 40 percent wheat blend; reduce the use of canned vegetables and offer fresh and frozen vegetables five days a week instead of the current three; serve more fish and soy based foods like fake chicken and burgers that are made of soy protein; and decrease the number of mayonnaise based salads offered daily to one from three.

KIDS HEADACHE - A DANGEROUS DISEASE
- Kidsfreesouls (Science News)

According to a new study by Researchers in Cincinnati Children Hospital Medical Center, Children who have severe Headaches pose a dangerous threat comparable to that of children with serious conditions like Cancer and Rheumatic Diseases. According to lead Author Scott W. Powers, Ph.D., Co-ordinator of the Cincinnati Childrens' Headache Center (one of the largest pediatric Headache centers in the world), the study shows that children with headaches appear to be affected more in emotional functioning and school performance than children with other serious, chronic medical conditions. Dr. Powers says, Out of every 10 children and 4 adolscent, Headaches are common problems. The researchers surveyed 572 children and adolscent who receive care at the Cincinnati Children Hospital and the report was published in the July Issue of Pediatrics. Ninety percent has a diagnosis of migraines and forty percent had chronic daily headaches. The patients and their parents completed a standardized headache assessment and a reliable valid measure of quality of life. The results were compared to established norms for healthy and chronically ill children.

Dr. Powers says "The impact of these headaches is at least equal to that of children illnesses often considered more severe and debilitating suggests that pediatricians and other care givers should place more emphasis on their recognition, diagnosis and effective treament" Researchers discovered that quality of life is negative in all aspects for such patients in their areas of functioning than normal healthy children. It has effects on school functioning, emotional functioning and physical health. Children with migraines had negative effects in school and emotional functioning compared to healthy kids.

The Cincinnati Headache Center's Multidisciplinary team has seen more than 1500 children with headache problems, out of which 86 percent has migraines, 11 percent has migraine with auras and 11 percent has tension type headaches. The treatment therapy offers psychological intervention, relaxation and change in lifestyle behaviour patterns. Treatment therapy also include abortive therapy for individual headache problems and prophylactic therapy for preventing headaches.

The Headache center of Cincinnati Children Hospital Medical care began in the fall on 1996. 373 bed institution dedicated for perfect health care. The center has been a colloboration between the divisions of Neurology and Psychology at the Childrens' Hospital and its program is lead by Dr. Powers and Dr. Andrew D. Hershey. M.D.,  Phd. a pediatric neurologist.