Sherry Alexander's Blog, page 2

Kids Knowledge is Power Series: Should You Be Afraid of Immigrants? Part 1

There has been a lot of talk in the news about immigration. Some people are loudly for it, and some are loudly against it.  The arguing back and forth is enough to make anyone shiver, but should you be afraid? The answer is"No" especially when you understand what immigration, and even emigration, is all about.First, let's look at the definition of each of those terms. Immigration is when a person comes to a country that is not his/her own to live permanently. Emigration is when a person leaves his/her country to live permanently in a different one. So immigration is coming, and emigration is leaving.Immigration is not new. In fact, we are all immigrants in one way or another, and it happens in every country throughout the world. Let's just look at America. Scientists believe that the first immigrants to this country crossed the Bering Land Bridge from northeastern Asia more than 13,000 years ago. Their immigration led to the Native American tribes. The next wave of immigration came during the Age of Exploration when Europeans started moving west for gold, land, freedom, and trade. Since that time, people from other countries have flocked to America looking for many of the same things, but mostly for freedom and a chance to live a peaceful life. So how many people born in a different country are actually in America?According to the Migration Policy Institute, there are over 80 million immigrants and their America born kids in United States. They make up about one-fourth of our population. Chances are you have classmates who were born here after their parents came from another country.When you understand what immigration is, it becomes less scary and therefore no reason to be afraid. However, there is more to immigration that just looking at the definition or the numbers. Next week, we will look at the difference between illegal immigration and legal immigration.
"You are our future, and knowledge give you the power to make good decisions."

You Have a Right to an Education, So Use It!

One of my 2017 Bill of Children's Rights, is your right to an education. Now I know for some of you the idea of school makes you roll your eyes and sigh. However, for 101 million children, according to UNICEF, the ability to go to school is denied. 
For them there are no books, no teachers, no homework, and no education. They will not be able to read or write, and for a large number they will not be able to even add or subtract simple equations. There are many reasons they are denied an education. For some, there are no schools. For others, school is a luxury that only a minority can afford. For even more however, they are denied school because they are girls, or their culture is different that the government's, or the government just does not have enough money to provide all their citizens with an education.These kids are destined to become part of the growing illiterate (not able to read or write) adult population of almost 760 million adults who do not have the means to make themselves a better life. That is not what I want for you!Think about the world today. Can you imagine what it would be like if you could not read or write? How would you understand the rules to your favorite video game? How would you build that Lego village you begged your parents to get you? How could you get lost in the latest Rick Riordan series? How would you write that story that only you can tell? Better yet, how would you text or email?For the majority of Americans, school is required. However that does not mean they get the education they need. Some school districts cannot afford books, so students have to share. Some cannot afford enough teachers, so their classrooms are crowded, which means those who need extra help to succeed don't get it. So how can you get the most out of your education?
Pay attention in class. If your mind tends to wander, try taking notes. Sometimes just jotting down a thought or two will keep your brain in the moment.Ask questions. If you don't understand the class discussion or the assignment, speak up. Ask the teacher to explain it again. If that is too embarrassing, ask her after class.Do your homework when you get home. I know, you would rather have time to watch TV, play a game, or visit with friends. But if you grab a quick snack then crack the books, you'll find that your homework goes much faster than it does after dinner or before bed.Read, read, read. This is probably the most important thing you can do all by yourself to expand your education. Reading helps your grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and enjoyment.Finally, GO TO SCHOOL! It's your job right now. Take advantage of it. At least you are not home cleaning your room--right?

MY 12 BILL OF RIGHTS FOR KIDS 2017

by Timon Studler/unspalsh.comI was hoping 2016 was a better year for you, but it seems that very little progress has been made to help children move out of poverty and hunger, grow up in peace, and receive an education. As we enter 2017, this world is faced with a challenge just to get food into every child's belly. In the world, one in every eight kids go to bed hungry. In addition, over 20,000 kids die each and every day, and one in five die before they reach five years of age. That is unacceptable! The world grows enough food to feed over 10 billion people, but it cannot seem to feed the 795 million people who are dying of starvation. Why? Well maybe it has something to do with greed and war. After all there are more than 230 million kids living in war torn countries. Then there is the matter of education.  For 57 million kids, there is no education--no school--no teachers--no knowledge. So here is my 2017 Children's Bill of Rights.  
Every child has the right to food.Every child has the right to climb out of poverty.Every child has the right to health care.Every child has the right to play without fearing for their life.Every child has the right to go to school.Every child has the right to an education.Every child has the right to shelter.Every child has a right to live in peace.Every child has the right to grow up.Every child has the right to dream and to expect those dreams to come true.Every child has the right to privacy.Every child has the right to be loved.
What can you do to help yourself? To help another child? Or, to educate your parents so that they reach out and help a child in need? Let's make 2017 a better year and give children the rights they deserve!

Kids: Racism or Prejudice? What's the Difference?

What is the difference between racism and prejudice? Are they the same? Do you really know? Several recent experiences I've had at my local school have led me to believe there that some kids are confused by both terms. Why?  Let's consider two things that happened in the last few weeks. A 5th grade student recently told a peer, "That's racism, don't say that," when all the other kid did was say he didn't want the poster board they were working on to be black. He wanted green. Another incident involved a kindergartner who sat at the middle grade lunch table by mistake. A much older peer told her to move that 8th graders were prejudice against "babies". Now both of these situations are not the norm for this school. The student population comes from a diverse background, religions, countries, and cultures. But it made me wonder how many of you actually understand the difference even though the majority of adults think the words are synonymous--and they kind of are. Confused? Maybe this will help.Racism is simply the belief that the color of a kid's skin or where he/she came from makes him or her less of a person than you. Second, prejudice is having an opinion about someone or something before you even know them. So basically, if you don't like all Martians just because they came from Mars, you are practicing racism. But if you refused to sit next to a new student just because she has the physical characteristics of a Martian, you are being prejudice.Finally, don't you think the world would be a more peaceful place if everyone took racism and prejudice out of their vocabulary and out of their minds? I do. 

Kids: Understanding Protesting

With so much going on in the news, I think it's time for us to talk about protesting. Not sure what it means to protest? A protest is a way for you to say that you do not agree with, are angry about, or object to a person, an idea, a policy, or the action of someone else. Simply put, it means that you have a right to speak up when you think something is wrong. That "right" is protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
The First Amendment protects five basic rights, but the two concerning protesting are: freedom of speech and the freedom to a peaceful assembly. Notice that I said a "peaceful" assembly. Under no circumstances is violence in a protest protected by the Constitution. That's important to remember. It's also important to remember that when something is wrong, you need to speak up and say it is wrong. I know this is not easy. In fact it is downright hard to stand up and say enough is enough. We've talked about this in terms of bullying. If you see it, stand up and say "Stop it." If it's happening to you, tell the bully to "Stop it." Doing this is protesting what is happening and speaking out. The protesting you have seen lately is not really much different. It is a group of people who feel the same way about something they believe is wrong. So, they decide to use their constitutional right to speak out and to gather with others who believe the same thing.Peaceful protests are not something to be afraid of. You may not agree with them--and that is okay--but there is nothing to fear. It's only when it gets out of hand and becomes violent that it becomes scary. And, when that happens, you do not belong there.So what have we learned? You have a right to speak out when you believe something is wrong. You have a right to PEACEFULLY join with others to protest a wrong. 
Lastly, if you ever feel the need to protest a wrong, talk with your parents. They are there to guide you and keep you safe.

Kids: If you love dinosaurs, you will love "Dinosaur Toby:Finding Mommy"

I love dinosaurs, and I know I am not alone. Just the idea that an animal bigger than a house might have walked right where I live is fascinating.  That's why I always check out the new books for kids on dinosaurs.  The one I want to highlight today is the story of Toby.Toby is a newly hatched T-Rex. You would think that there was nothing in the world that could frighten a T-Rex especially when he has a giant mama to protect him. But Toby is small, and in the pre-historic world, small is not always a good thing. Small things get eaten by bigger things. So, when the giant bird swoops down and steals Toby from his nest, Toby thinks he is never going to see his mama again. But, all is not lost. Instead, Toby sets out on a fantastic journey to find his mama. Will he succeed? Will Toby find his mama? You have to read "Dinosaur Toby: Finding Mommy", a Kindle book, to find out. Get your copy today. It's free to read if you have Kindle Unlimited, or only $1.99 to buy. Here is the link Amazon.
Meet the Author, Daria Kravets: Daria Kravets is a writer, wife, and mother with a passion for history. She studied and taught it for over six years. However, when her son, Elijah, was born, her life took on a new meaning. Family became her most important passion, and out of that love came a new passion--writing.
"I wanted to read fairy tales to my son, but he didn't like the ones I read. That's when I decided to write my own fairy tales. It's so exciting to invent stories with your own son. Besides, he loves dinosaurs."

Kids: Two Major Parties: One Donkey One Elephant

Have you ever wondered why the two major political parties in the United States are represented by a donkey and an elephant? Would you believe, American humor?
The United States political system is dominated by two major parties--the Democratic party and the Republican party. Both were created, as we know them today, in the 1800s. And, both have had their share of ups and downs, hardships and victories, and good campaigns and bad campaigns while attempting to swing voters to their ideas of the best government. Through it all, however, their symbols have remained the same.
For the democrats, the donkey became their representative when Andrew Jackson ran for President in 1828. It's said that an opponent called Mr. Jackson a jackass which is a male donkey. Mr. Jackson thought this was funny and decided to include a picture of a donkey on his political posters. It didn't take long for German political cartoonist, Thomas Nast, to have fun with the picture and start using it to represent the democratic party.
The Republican elephant also owes its life to Mr. Nast. In 1874 he drew a political cartoon to make fun of President Ulysses Grant who people thought was going to try to win a third term as president. That cartoon featured an elephant he labeled "The Republican Vote". The elephant and other animals were being scared by a donkey in a lion skin. After the cartoon, Mr. Nast often featured the elephant as the republican party, and the symbol took off.
Now you know. Who said grown-ups don't have a sense of humor?

Kids: What Qualifications Must a Candidate for President Have?

This is a major election year with the United States set to choose the new President. You've probably heard numerous discussions about who will or who will not be elected in November to take office in January 2017. But, do you know the qualifications a candidate for a US President must meet? Did you know that you can find them in the Constitution of the United States?
According to Article Two of the Constitution, only a natural born citizen can run for president. A natural born citizen is someone who is born in the United States, but it also includes anyone born in a foreign country if their parents are U.S. citizens. That means that immigrants--those coming into this country from another country--are not eligible to be a presidential candidate. 
The person wanting to be our president must also be at least 35 years old. This allows the person to hopefully gain experience, education, and wisdom. The person is also required to have lived in America for at least fourteen years. It is believed that this period of time allows the candidate to become familiar with the various roles of government and thoroughly understand America's rules and people.
In 1951, an amendment was approved to be added to the U.S. Constitution. This is the 22nd Amendment which says that a President cannot hold more than two terms. One term is 4 years, so if a President wants to stay in office, he or she is limited to 8 years.
Next week, we'll take a look at what it means to be a member of the Democratic, Republican, or the Independent Parties.

Want a Great Middle Grade Book? Then you need to read Stone Faces.

MuseitUp PublishingSchool is back in session, and the weather is getting cooler. So, it's time to read a great book, and "Stone Faces" is just the one for you. It's the first book in a new series called Alice and Friends, by the husband and wife team of authors, Anne Rothman-Hicks and Kenneth Hicks.
STONE FACES is the story of a ten-year-old girl named Alice who notices one day that her parents’ faces have turned to stone. Soon afterward, they tell her they are going to get divorced and, in reaction, she allows her own face to turn to stone because she doesn’t want anyone to know how much this hurts her. It is easier to deal with her friends when her stone face is in place, but she also begins to find herself alone more and more.

While on her summer vacation at her aunt’s house on Cape Cod, she sees a stone on the beach in the shape of a laughing man’s face (called Mr. Happy Man). She soon discovers that this stone can talk and that it has friends among the other beach stones, who play games in the sand when people aren’t around.
Together with Mr. Happy Man and his friends, Alice develops an ingenious scheme to help her parents resolve their differences. Their plans are thrown awry when a woman finds Mr. Happy Man in the sand and walks off with him. Alice decides to rescue the stone and sneaks into the woman’s house where she learns that the woman is actually a witch.
Meet the Authors: Anne Rothman-Hicks and Kenneth Hicks have been married for well over forty years and have lived in New York City for most of that time.  Their first writing collaboration was a student project while Anne was a student at Bryn Mawr College and Ken attended Haverford. Since then, they have written a total of twenty books and have plans for a lot more. Many of their books are set in New York City. Check out all of their books at their  Website.

Available as an ebook or in print. Where can you get your copy?MuseitUp Publishing
Amazon

Kids: You can be an Olympian even if you are not an athlete.

The Olympics are over. The world's fastest, strongest, and smartest--so it appears--took home the gold, the silver, and the bronze. They demonstrated their athletic perfection, their stamina, their endurance, and their single desire to win, and win big. After all isn't that what being an Olympian is all about? Or is it? Did you know that you do not have to be an athlete to be an Olympian? 
The Olympic games are a present day version of the ancient Greeks Olympic games. The games were held as an honor to Greek gods who the Greeks believed governed mankind from Mount Olympus. They were to honor humans who had the qualities of their gods. Today, like then, the games put an emphasis on physical ability and stamina, but YOU--every kid in the world--possess the same qualities every Olympic athlete has even if you are not an athlete yourself. 
No one is born with a sticker that states, "This is an Olympian." Instead, somewhere in their life to are introduced to something they love. It could be swimming like Michael Phelps, or gymnastics like Gabby Douglas, or complex mathematical equations like Albert Einstein, or Dolly Parton who recorded her first single when she was just 13, or Akiane Kramarik who demonstrated her artistic talent for painting at the age of 8, and so on and so on.
True, all of those listed had a talent or skill, but so do you. You may not have found it as yet, but you will. And when you do, what are you going to do with it? If you are the Olympian that I believe all kids have inside of them, you are going to set goals. By setting a goal, you move from  "I wish I could" to "I know I can". A goal makes it real and not just a dream.  Your goal can be as simple at first. Say for instance you want to be an Olympic speller, then your goal can be as simple as memorizing 5 new words each week. After a few weeks of success, you can move that goal to 10 words a week, then 20 words per week. Get the idea? 
If music is where you want to go, then focus on the type of music. Are you going to sing or play an instrument? Have a vision of what you want to accomplish, then work--yes, I said work--at it until you find yourself getting better and better.
The idea is to find something you like to do, focus on it, then work on it to succeed. It doesn't matter what it is. Everyone of you has the power to be an Olympian inside. It's not a dream. You, too, can be an Olympian.