Inspired Children


Book Description

This book provides a practical guide to raising children from pre-conception to teenage years. It includes areas of interest for parents-to-be, including how to prepare for conception in order to give a child the best start in life and ways to avoid stress during pregnancy and its negative effects on the unborn child. Parents, grandparents and teachers can learn how to support a child's development in fundamental areas like good self-esteem, resilience and managing emotions and behaviour. Practical activities and guidance is provided on how children can develop skills in setting and achieving goals, communicating, building and nurturing relationships with family and friends, managing stress, understanding health and nutrition as well as environmental awareness and social consciousness. These key life skills and personal qualities are the platform from which a child can create a happy, productive and fulfilling life. Parents are also introduced to a framework for managing their family life and making it all work.




A Very Unusual Journey Into Play


Book Description

Why do children need play? Play has the very real power to transform children’s lives. It has a unique and profound impact on the neurological, emotional and physical development and wellbeing of children - from therapeutic play and overcoming anxiety, to positive behaviour, mental health and even life expectancy. This book brings together two hot topics - play and neuroscience – breaking them down in an accessible way and offering a new perspective and voice on the topic of play. Weaving theory and practical examples together, and based on over 30 years’ experience of working with children, Ben presents a compelling argument that play is not merely an optional extra to childhood but a vital developmental process and one of the most important things a child ever does.




Inspired Photography


Book Description

Inspired Photography is packed with creative ideas to enable any photographer - from enthusiast to professional - to push their work in new directions. Divided into actions, city scenes, the great outdoors, inspiring images and photographic subjects, the book describes 189 sources of inspiration that stimulate creativity and help photographers get more from their passion. You'll discover: - New subjects to shoot in the city, the countryside, the center, and the suburbs. - Original ideas to build on and personalize. - Long-term projects that will keep you and your photography inspired for months. - Quick ideas for instant photographic fun. - Concepts, styles, approaches and techniques that you've never considered with suggestions to get started and resources for further research. - And much, much more. Filled with practical suggestions and exciting ideas, Inspired Photography helps to keep your explorations in photography fresh, challenging and always creative.




Reflecting Children's Lives


Book Description

Consider new possibilities in documentation, observing, and activities when planning child-centered curriculum with this updated handbook.




Children’s Ministry Moving Forward


Book Description

Navigating the ebbs and flows of Children’s Ministry can come with its own set of challenges but take heart. With the right approach your journey through the great world of Kidmin cannot only be successful but enjoyable. In her own whimsical way, Esther Moreno provides key insights to do just that. Whether you are a Children’s Ministry director or a Kidmin volunteer, the principles in this book, if applied, will revolutionize the way you see ministry, and will dramatically change the type of results you are currently experiencing. Esther Moreno has dedicated her life to reaching the next generation for Christ. She has over 15 years of Children’s Ministry experience across various churches and denominations. She is one of the hosts of Children’s Ministry Today on Fishbowl Radio Network. In addition to hosting monthly live webinars on social media, she leads virtual trainings for Children’s Ministry departments all over the country. Esther is a gifted speaker, teacher, and author. She holds a Masters in Christian Education from Ashland Theological Seminary. She currently attends Life Church of Huntsville, Alabama, where she resides with her husband Guylando and their two beautiful children, Grace and Gideon.




Children’s Literature and Culture


Book Description

This collection of scholarship on the world of the child offers an eclectic overview of several aspects of youth culture today. The first essay focuses on Donna Williams, Joanna Greenberg, Temple Grandin and other children whose unusual minds raise questions that take us deep into the mysteries of all of human existence. The second, “Colonel Mustard in the Library With The Sims: From Board Games to Video Games and Back,” gives a historical context and theoretical frame for considering contemporary video and board games in our current age of television The third, “Just a Fairy, His Wits, and Maybe a Touch of Magic; Magic, Technology, and Self-Reliance in Contemporary Fantasy Fiction,” takes on the technological world of childhood, in this case considering how it is represented in three fantasy series, Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl and Faerie Wars, The fourth essay offers a detailed view of the history of children’s literature in China, including discussions of the important philosophical views that controlled what got taught and how, detailed charts of significant historic dates, genres of children’s literature, and award winning books of Chinese literature. The fifth considers contemporary Western world consumerism, in this case three popular book series, Clique, Gossip Girl, and The A-List, all published by Alloy for teenage girls. The sixth, “Surfing the Series: A Rhizomic Reading of Series Fiction,” once again deals with series fiction. The seventh explores the recent “Monet Mania” that has sparked interest in the great Impressionist Claude Monet among adults and educators. The final essay, “Jean Craighead George’s Alaskan Children’s Books: Love and Survival,” focuses on her book Julie of the Wolves and how it expresses aspects of Alaskan culture.




How to Get Your Child to Love Reading


Book Description

Offers advice and guidelines on how to expand a child's world through books and reading, introducing three thousand teacher-recommended book titles, craft ideas, projects, recipes, and reading club tips.




Children's Literature in the Nordic World


Book Description

This book introduces Nordic children's literature and some of the children portrayed in these stories: from the little matchbox girl and the small boy revealing the nakedness of the emperor in Hans Christian Andersen's fairytales to independent boys and girls in more recent children's books.0It provides an account of the role played by books in the lives and upbringing of children in the Nordic countries from the 18th century Enlightenment until today. The emergence of a specific market for children's books coincided with early school reforms, and children's literature has been used for education, entertainment and aesthetic experiences, for disciplining and debate, for strengthening of traditions and for experimenting with new ideals and lifestyles. 0The book addresses these and the changes and continuities in the relationship between child readers and adult authors, artists, publishers, teachers, librarians and parents. Important contexts that explain the world of children's books in the Nordic countries are introduced: family patterns and values, pedagogical methods and everyday routines in creches, kindergartens and schools, different types of libraries - as well as literary and artistic trends in everchanging media. Many such developments interact with European and global trends, but distinctive features of Nordic children's culture, cherishing the voices of independent, active and creative children, are visible - both in the books themselves and in the ways in which they are used.




The Tale of a Child Pirate


Book Description

In The Tale of a Child Pirate, Max is a young boy who loves stories about pirates and exciting things. Even though his parents want him to have a more normal job, Max is still very interested in pirate stories. On a rainy night, a beautiful ship called The Crimson Wave appears on the horizon. Captain Longbeard is in charge of the ship. Max's heart jumps, and he joins the crew with excitement. Max learns how to be a pirate with the help of Captain Longbeard. He makes friends with the crew and gets better at sailing, sword fighting, and climbing the masts. Max learns that being a pirate means more than just looking for wealth. It also means following a code of honor, justice, and respect for the innocent. Max is exploring a remote island when he finds a secret cave and a diary written by a little girl named Amelia. Max realizes, thanks to her determination and love of the sea, that they both want more than just to find treasure. They both want excitement and the chance to do things they enjoy. With the help of the crew, Max goes on a quest to find a famous treasure marked on a map in Amelia's diary. Max and his gang finally get to the treasure after facing many problems and other pirates. When they open the box, the shiny gems, gold money, and old artifacts inside amaze them. But one of the riches is a worn-out diary. Max figures out that Amelia, like him, set out on a mission she couldn't finish. She had hidden the wealth for treasure hunters to find in the future. Max comes up with the idea of using the treasure to start a foundation that encourages children to learn and explore. The crew agrees, and when they go back to their town, they are seen as heroes, not just because of the treasure, but also because of how it will help people. Max's parents, who used to be skeptical of his pirate dreams, are thrilled to see him grow up. The foundation does well, giving students the chance to follow their dreams and giving them a love of study and adventure. Max's story tells kids to have faith in themselves, follow their dreams, and be brave when they face problems. The story has been told all over the world to show young thinkers that anything is possible as long as they believe in themselves and sail with courage. Here is how the story starts: Max was a young boy who used to live in a small beach town. From a young age, Max was pulled to the idea of adventure and the size of the sea. His ideas came from pirate stories and the brave things they did. Max's mind took him on amazing trips across the ocean waves every night as he went to sleep. In his dreams, he saw himself at the helm of a grand ship, sailing to places no one had been before in search of mysterious riches. The picture of a brave and bold pirate leader stuck in his mind and made him want to be like that. Max was so interested in pirate stories that he wanted to be a pirate himself. This was more than just a passing interest. The stories about brave heroes and hidden riches took him to a world where bravery and daring had no limits. When he read or heard these stories, his heart would beat faster, and his mind would wander to the ends of the world. Max was always excited by the idea of sailing the huge ocean, which held unknown secrets and the promise of adventure. In his dreams, his mind painted fantastic pictures of strange places, dangerous storms, and meetings with mythical sea creatures that went beyond the walls of his bedroom. Max liked the thrill of not knowing what would happen next, and he looked forward to the hard times that were coming. Max's dreams were always drawn to the idea of looking for hidden treasure. In his thoughts, he saw deserted islands with hard-to-read maps and hidden vaults full of gems and money. He wanted to solve old puzzles and go through dangerous places to find these priceless gems. The thought of solving the secrets of the past and getting so rich that he couldn't even imagine it lit a fire in him that grew stronger every day. Max's love for pirates and the wild seas didn't change as he got bigger. He went looking for stories about great pirates and the amazing things they did, and he listened to them like a sponge. With each story, he learned more about the skills and qualities needed to lead a ship and its people. Max thought that one day he would be in charge of the ship, making important choices and leading it to victory. Max's love of stories about adventure and pirates wasn't just a passing phase; it was a big part of who he was. The dreams he made up in his head drove him to work hard and set his goals. He wished for the day when his dreams would come true and he would be able to sail the high seas, look for hidden treasures, and act like a real pirate captain in terms of being brave and strong. Max's adventure had just started, but he was already set on a road that would lead him to a life full of adventure, discovery, and getting what he wanted most. Max's parents had goals for him that were different from what he really wanted to do. They thought that Max might go to college or learn a practical job in the future. They thought that his interest in pirate stories was just a passing fad that would go away over time. But they didn't notice that Max's heart was filled with a passionate pirate spirit that was eager to live a life of adventure and discovery. Max's love of pirate stories didn't go away, no matter how hard his parents tried. It touched him deeply and started a fire that wouldn't go out. His parents wanted him to follow a more traditional road, but they had no idea how important and strong Max's goals were. Max felt like he had to be a pirate. It was in his blood. He couldn't get enough of stories about brave pirates, treasure-filled journeys, and the thrill of the unknown. Max's folks might have thought it was just a fad, but he knew it was a big part of who he was and who he wanted to be. Max secretly fed his dreams while his parents kept trying to steer him in a different direction, not knowing that their child was on fire. Even though he was proud of his parents' goals, he couldn't help but want to be a pirate. He knew in his heart that a life as a scholar or trader would never meet his desire for adventure on the high seas. Every day, Max's pirate spirit got stronger and spread to every part of his being. He ate up books and stories and learned a lot about pirate history and legends. He learned how to find his way, sail, and fight with a sword so he could live the life he thought was meant for him. In the middle of a stormy night, as the wind howled and the rain fell from the sky, a sight appeared in the distance. In spite of how bad the storm was, a mysterious ship came into being. It stood out because of how tall it was and how its black sails and Jolly Roger flag moved bravely in the storm. Max watched in amazement as the ship got closer. His big eyes were filled with wonder. His heartbeat faster, and each beat was filled with excitement. He felt a rush of energy as the name of the ship, The Crimson Wave, lit up in a flash of lightning. Claire, a crew member on The Crimson Wave, had a lot riding on that deadly stormy night. She had spent her whole life at sea, loving the restless life of a pirate who was always looking for excitement and wealth. When the beautiful boat showed up in the middle of the storm, it gave her a new sense of purpose. Claire's skilled eyes looked through the pounding storm and couldn't help but notice how excited Max was to see their ship. She saw in his eyes that he was both curious and interested. It was a spark she knew all too well, because it was the same kind of fire that had made her a pirate. Claire walked up to Max and gave him a hand as she talked to him in a voice that was both authoritative and kind. She did this because she wanted to teach young people to be brave and try new things. "Ahoy, young one! Have you ever dreamed of sailing the endless seas, having exciting adventures, and figuring out the mysteries of the unknown?" Her words, full of the wisdom of years at sea, struck a deep chord with Max. Max said yes to Claire's offer because he was excited to explore his new connection and go on a trip he had never thought of. She became his teacher and showed him how to be a pirate and how hard it is to sail across the big ocean. From the crow's nest to the bottom of the ship's hull, they looked at every part of The Crimson Wave. This made Max love the ship and its long past. Max ran towards the bay, not afraid of the steady rain that was soaking his clothes or the loud thunder that was going off above him. He kept going because he was determined, but he didn't know what drove him. When he got close to the dock, his heart was pounding, and his breath was quick. A man coming down the ship's gangplank greeted him. It was strange to see an old man with scars on his face from a life spent at sea. His long, gray beard fell down to his chest, and his eyes shone with knowledge and life that made him look much younger than he was. Max's eyes got big as he looked at the stranger in front of him. He was surprised and interested by what he saw. The old man had a mysterious air about him, as if he were carrying the weight of countless stories and tales on his shoulders. Max walked up, his face wet with rain and full of boyish joy. He could tell this was a chance like no other. Max asked, "Who are you?" with a voice full of wonder and hope. The old man's wrinkled face broke into a smile, and his eyes showed a hint of mischief. "I am Captain Longbeard," he said, his accent giving him a rough, seafaring look. "And this," he said, pointing to the ship behind him, "is The Crimson Wave, the ship that has sailed the Seven Seas and faced the fiercest storms." Max's heart raced when he heard the name of the ship, because it sounded like the names of ships in the stories that had captivated him for years. He had dreamed about these kinds of things, about meeting famous leaders by chance and getting his sense of adventure back. When Max stood in front of Captain Longbeard, he felt the weight of fate on his young shoulders. Max talked about his biggest wish with fear and excitement. "I want to be a pirate," he said with a lot of determination in his voice. Captain Longbeard's eyes sparkled with understanding as he looked straight into Max's soul. "Ah, the spirit of a young adventurer," he said with a touch of sadness in his voice. "It's a dangerous path, but it's also full of great discoveries and unimaginable wonders. If you're ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead, I'll welcome you aboard The Crimson Wave." Max's heart soared, and in an instant, his hopes and dreams merged with reality. He gave a firm nod, his mind made up. At that moment, he understood that his life would be tied to the legends and myths of the high seas in a way that couldn't be broken. So began Max's adventure as a young pirate, a journey marked by bravery, brotherhood, and the pursuit of possibilities that could not be imagined. Max learned more and more from Captain Longbeard and the rest of the crew of The Crimson Wave as each day went by. He got good at navigating dangerous seas, climbing up and down the ship's rigging, and using a cutlass. At a time that seemed to go beyond reality, an old man's voice ripped through the air and reached Max's ears with a clear sense of urgency. Max turned to face the caller, and as he did, his heart started to pound. The old man was standing in front of him with his hand out, trying to get him to come closer. His wrinkles showed that he had lived a full life, and his words were full of knowledge and experience. Max couldn't shake the question from his mind. "Are you brave enough to sail the seas and seek adventure?" the old man asked, echoing Max's deepest hopes and giving him a thrill. At that crucial moment, it seemed possible to start a life full of exciting adventures and endless possibilities. Max's answer was strong and determined, and the weight of his goals came through in his voice. "Yes! I want to be a pirate!" he shouted with a passion that left no room for argument. Max's fate changed in an instant, setting him on a path that would change the rest of his life forever. The old man's eyes lit up with a mix of laughter and admiration as he watched Max's unwavering determination. Max was able to face the challenges and wonders that met him on the open seas, and he could tell that the young boy's spirit of adventure was burning brightly. The old man, who turned out to be Captain Longbeard, gave Max a nod of approval and welcomed him into his world. In this world, the oceans hold a lot of secrets and endless potential. Max's heart started to beat faster when he understood how bad things were. He was about to go on a trip that would try his strength, help him make friends for life, and show him how strong and resilient he really was. After that, Max's life was never the same again. The people who once gave him shelter and safety would soon be a faraway memory, replaced by the rolling waves and salty air that would always be with him. Max said goodbye to his old life and stepped bravely onto the deck of The Crimson Wave, a ship that was both a physical representation of his goals and a doorway to the unknown. As The Crimson Wave set sail, Max found himself surrounded by a group of rough but kind pirates. They went on exciting adventures that took them through dangerous waters and made them deal with hard problems. Max took on the responsibilities that came with his new identity as a pirate. He studied the finer points of pirate life, like how to raise the sails and look at the stars, how to use a sword, and how to keep the code of honor that bound the pirates together. Max's adventures had become real, and every day that went by brought him closer to achieving his goals. Max's growth was helped by the crew of The Crimson Wave. They gave advice and guidance to a young man who had decided to go a different way.




Inspired Creativity - Achieving Goals & Dreams


Book Description

All parents want their children to be empowered & successful in life. By setting & achieving goals kids can fly through life. Helping children to be proactive when striving at school, developing their creativity, training for sport or overcoming obstacles will set them up for success. Key areas explored in this book include: Goal setting, identifying steps for success, using a calendar or diary, time management, planning, motivating your child & fostering your child's creativity. The activities in this ebook are created for the busy family & only take around 15 mins to complete.Research shows that tenacity & resilience are very important factors for life success. Do your children 'keep going' in the face of difficulty or do they tend to give up? These activities will help your children overcome difficulties & develop resilience & personal power. For example, if your child experiences a difficulty or set back in life, teaching them how to identify the problem, set goals & take action to overcome the issue, enables your child to turn a negative situation into a positive one. This is empowering & encourages your child to be creative, resourceful & resilient. The activities in this book help your children to discover what inspires them by fostering their imagination and creativity. Creating opportunities for children to nurture their creativity is beneficial for both work and play. In today's fast changing environment, being creative & thinking outside the box is a highly sought after and valued skill. Specifically, your child will learn how to turn their goals into a series of action steps, estimate the time each step will take, diarise times to work on the steps & learn how it is important to ensure that all scheduled tasks are actioned.Helping your children learn how to set goals & achieve goals will help them do well at school, sport or other creative activities which can springboard them into a successful career & serve them well in their personal lives as well.