The Importance of Play:

This is an excellent article on playtime! It’s so important for our health, especially for children’s writers, to find your inner child!

Words Chosen Wisely...

It is common knowledge that children enjoy playing.  As a former first grade teacher I had a special center set-up for play, it was called “house.”  In the “house” center students had an assortment of real world items in which they simulated the world around them.  They had a kitchen center, numerous stuffed animals, and even costumes for various adult jobs (fire fighter hat, police hat, etc.).  My students would often create a whole community with rules and regulations.  One of their favorite games was to play “teacher.”  When my students played “teacher” they would mimic my teaching.  They would even teach each other using little books and white boards.

Children’s play has long been researched and is a way for children to grow both cognitively and socially.  There are many different types of play that children participate in including video games.  Children learn a lot from what they play…

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Teaching and Learning:

An excellent article for teachers and educators, and anyone who has children in their lives, by author and educator, Brooke Layton #BrookeLayton #TeachingLife #ParentingLife #Principals #Principles #WritingLife #EducatorsLife #Teachers #ValueOfTeachers #Education #KimChildress #ChildressInk

Words Chosen Wisely...

        I believe that by giving teachers the tools to provide differentiated, individualized instruction to students of all ages instructors can meet the preferred learning styles of each of our students.  Brophy (1987) defines the motivation to learn as “a student’s tendency to find academic activities meaningful and worthwhile and try to derive the intended academic benefits from them” (p.40). This can be done as we differentiate instruction and implement activities that tap into each of our students’ learning styles.      By creating classrooms that not only allow for, but encourage individual control we will be effective in sustaining a mastery of content learned. I believe that as we create and strengthen our bridges by developing learning communities we will begin to create student-centered classrooms that will be effective in helping students succeed.

Reference:

Brophy, J. (1987). Synthesis of Research on Strategies for Motivating Students to…

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Titanic in China

This has been added to my bucket list!
#TitanicMuseum #China #PeggyWirau #StarsInApril

Peggy Wirgau

Welcome back to my blog about the RMS Titanic. I took a short hiatus due to moving, but I’m back to posting regularly again. As for writing updates, I’m still seeking publication of my novel about twelve-year-old Titanic survivor Ruth Becker, and I’m in the middle of writing a new novel, based on a true story that took place during the American Revolution. I love hearing from readers, so please continue to comment and share the posts with others.

In 2017, we looked at the new Titanic replica being built in China—the first full-size replica of the ship ever constructed. Designed to be a tourist attraction and not actually sail anywhere, Titanic II (as some are calling it) is situated 930 miles from the nearest ocean, in Daying, Sichuan Provence. It will float, though, in a man-made reservoir to be built around it.

Construction site showing the hull interior, with…

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The Cultivation & Care of Climbing Roses OR My Second Son Spreads his Roots

The Care and Cultivation of Climbing Roses

or

My Second Son Spreads His Roots

By

Kim Childress

 

Though I have the proverbial “green thumb,” a love for all things gardening, I’ve never been good at growing roses.

Rose growers know this flower is temperamental and highly reactive to its environment. Everything has to be just so—the soil acidity, the need for watering at specific times, the constant threat of a multitude of diseases, and the susceptibility of attack from all kinds of insects specific to roses, Over the years, every rose plant I planted, I’m sad to say, died.

38th Annual Salute to Women in Sports

G3: GOD, GIRLS, GAMES

I love this . . .

We can now live stream this entire evening if we can’t make it to New York City!

Photo courtesy Women’s Sports Foundation

Register for FREE for access to the awards show and mark your calendar to join us on October 18 as the Annual Salute is streamed LIVE from Cipriani Wall Street in NYC. The event kicks off with our Grand March of Athletes at 7 p.m. EDT featuring Billie Jean King, Maya Moore, Michelle Kwan, Lyn St. James, Gabby Douglas and more, followed by the presentation of awards.

The evening is presented by Chevrolet, espnW, FOX Networks Group, Gatorade and NBC Sports Group with our Co-Hosts Julie Foudy and Jessica Mendoza.

And…there’s still time to buy a ticket or table to join us at the event in person. Click Here

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101 Ways to Have Fun wins 2017 Christian Retailing’s Best Award

Winners of the 2017
Christian Retailing’s Best awards

Children’s Nonfiction

101 Ways to Have Fun
By The Editors of Faithgirlz and Girls’ Life Magazine
Zondervan

2017 Winners Christian Retailing’s Best Award

Why Writers Write

I’m not going to lie. It’s painful …

When I talk about the writing profession, I share with my students, “Be prepared to have a day job.”