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Teaching Essay Structure Through Children’s Books: A Fun and Effective Approach

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Teaching Essay Structure Through Children's Books: A Fun and Effective Approach

Teaching Essay Structure Through Children's Books

Learning is like a journey where we explore and discover new things. In the same way, teaching how to write an essay is also a part of this process. Teachers are trying to find fun and new ways to teach kids how to write. Using children's books is a good idea. This article explores how to teach kids how to write essays using kids' books. We want to show educators how they can make essay writing fun for kids by learning about this approach's benefits, strategies, and creative elements.

The Magic of Storytelling: 

Kids' books have been loved for a long time because they can take readers to magical worlds, inspire creativity, and teach important lessons about life. Using storytelling to teach essay structure helps kids understand and learn interestingly.

  • Clear Narrative Structure: 

Most kids' books have a story that follows a clear pattern, with a beginning, middle, and end. This natural story shape helps to explain the parts of an essay in a way that's easy for students to understand.

  • Engaging Characters and Themes: 

Kids' books have many interesting characters and ideas that kids like. These familiar elements make it easier for students to discuss essay parts and relate their writing to their favorite characters and themes.

Visual Aids and Illustrations: 

Pictures and colorful drawings in kids' books are great for starting conversations about writing in a way that describes things and includes details about the senses. Inspiring students to use the colorful descriptions in their favorite stories can help them be more creative when writing essays.

From Story to Structure: 

Moving from storytelling to writing essays needs to be done carefully and slowly. To help students understand the change, teachers can use unique methods to bridge the gap.

  • Drawing Parallels Between Story Elements and Essay Components: 

Start by comparing the parts of a story (beginning, middle, peak, ending) to the parts of an essay (intro, main paragraphs, conclusion). This comparison helps students see that a story and an essay have a logical order.

  • Interactive Story Mapping: 

Use activities where students work together to map out the essential parts of a kids' story. Expand this activity to outline the critical parts of an essay, showing how they are similar in structure to other types of writing.

  • Transforming Characters into Arguments: 

Encourage kids to make arguments about characters from their favorite books for children. How would their favorite character deal with a specific topic or problem? This exercise helps to create solid and convincing arguments in an essay.

Conclude Transition Words: Enhancing Essay Structure: 

Transitions help to connect the ideas in an essay so that readers can follow along easily. Teaching students to use words like "in conclusion" can improve their essays.

  • In Conclusion:

Start by using the familiar words "In conclusion. " This simple transition shows that the essay is ending and helps students to quickly recap their main points before finishing.

  • To Sum Up: 

Promote using "To sum up" as a flexible transition phrase. This makes students organize their thoughts, shortly repeat important points, and emphasize why summarizing is essential at the end.

  • Ultimately: 

Discover the word "Ultimately" to show a feeling of coming to an end. This helps students express the main idea or point of view on a specific topic and prompts them to think about the more significant effects of their essay.

  • In Summary: 

Just like "In conclusion," the phrase "In summary" reminds students to review their main points. Highlight how important it is to be clear and to summarize the main points to make a firm conclusion.

Crafting a Compelling Introduction: 

The beginning of an essay is crucial because it sets the mood and grabs the reader's attention. Teaching students how to write an Introduction for an essay means learning to tell stories and connect with things they already know.

  • Start with a Hook: 

Start by discussing a hook, a solid and exciting opening that catches the reader's attention. Ask students to try different ways to start their writing, like asking compelling questions, sharing surprising facts, or using detailed descriptions. This makes the reader interested and encourages them to keep reading the essay.

  • Provide Background Information: 

After grabbing the reader's attention, ask the students to share some basic facts about the topic. This puts the subject in context and helps people understand the bigger picture of the essay. Support adding important information or historical background to strengthen their points.

  • Thesis Statement: 

Highlight the importance of a strong thesis statement. This central point briefly explains the writer's opinion on the topic. Please encourage students to clearly define their primary idea in their essay to help them develop strong arguments.

  • Preview the Main Points:

A good introduction usually shows what the essay will talk about. This map shows readers where the essay is going and prepares them for the upcoming arguments. Please encourage students to briefly explain the main ideas they will discuss in the essay.

Fostering a Love for Writing: 

We want young students to enjoy writing rather than just focusing on how to structure an essay. Using children's books to teach essay writing helps to create a fun and creative way for students to learn.

  • Encourage Creativity and Expression: 

Celebrate and cheer on people who are creative when they write. Kids' books usually show how it's good to be unique and express yourself creatively. "Tell students to put their thoughts and ideas into their essays and write their way. "

  • Celebrate Diversity in Writing Styles: 

Recognize and enjoy the different ways people write. Like many kinds of children's books, there are also many different ways to write essays. Please encourage students to try other writing methods, such as tone, voice, and storytelling, to discover their unique writing style.

  • Offer Constructive Feedback: 

Give helpful and detailed feedback that points out what someone is good at and gives ideas for how they can get better. Making a place where students feel supported and that their hard work is essential helps them become better writers.

 

Teaching how to write essays using children's books is like blending storytelling with the rules of academic writing. Teachers can make learning more enjoyable for kids by comparing stories to essays. This helps kids understand and relate to what they are learning. Concluding transition words  at the end of a paragraph in essays makes more sense. Also, having good strategies for writing introductions can help make writing easier.

Aside from the technical stuff, encouraging a passion for writing means celebrating creativity, recognizing different writing styles, and giving helpful feedback. As teachers, we can make essay writing fun, help students learn essential writing skills, and love writing forever. Looking at kids' books, we encourage future writers to try different types of writing happily and imaginatively.

How to Increase your Attention Span?

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How to Increase your Attention Span? - Mindfulness Games & Activities

In recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in the attention spans of human beings, particularly among children. The average human attention span has decreased from 12 seconds in 2000 to 8 seconds in 2023.  Did you know that even notoriously ill-focused goldfish has an attention span of 9s. This reduction in attention span is largely due to the rise of technology and social media, which bombard us with constant stimulation and distractions. The impact of this on children is particularly worrying, as they are still developing their brains and learning how to focus. Children who are constantly bombarded with stimuli are more likely to have shorter attention spans and difficulty concentrating on tasks. 

This shortened concentration can have far-reaching consequences on their cognitive development, academic performance, and overall well-being. Educational settings and parents alike are faced with the challenge of finding innovative ways to engage children in activities that promote sustained concentration and deeper thinking, ultimately shaping their ability to navigate an increasingly fast-paced and complex world.

There are a number of things that parents and educators can do to help children develop longer attention spans. These include limiting screen time, providing opportunities for unstructured play, and teaching children how to focus and concentrate.

Here are a few instances illustrating how technology and social media can influence cognitive focus:

  • The constant stream of notifications and updates on our phones and computers can make it difficult to focus on anything for long. We are constantly being bombarded with new information, which makes it hard to stay on task.
  • Social media platforms are designed to be addictive. They use algorithms to keep us scrolling and clicking, even when we're not really interested in what we're seeing. This can lead to us spending hours on social media without even realizing it.
  • Video games can also be addictive and can interfere with our ability to focus on other things. When we're playing video games, our brains are constantly bombarded with new stimuli, which makes it difficult to switch gears and focus on something else.

The good news is that there are things we can do to improve our attention spans. Here are a few tips:

  • Take breaks from technology. When you're feeling overwhelmed, step away from your phone, computer, or TV and give your mind a break.
  • Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. This can help you to focus on one task at a time and to be more aware of your thoughts and feelings.
  • Get enough sleep. When we're sleep-deprived, our brains are not able to function as well. This can make it difficult to focus and concentrate.
  • Exercise regularly. Exercise helps to improve blood flow to the brain, which can improve cognitive function.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet provides your brain with the nutrients it needs to function properly.

By following these tips, we can help to improve our attention spans and reduce the negative impact of technology on our brains. Additionally, there exist specific toys and activities designed to facilitate mindfulness practice and enhance both our own and children's capacity for sustained attention.

This captivating picture book, designed for both children and adults, introduces the concept of mindfulness in an enjoyable and engaging manner. The endearing Monkey and his tranquil companion, Happy Panda, lead readers on a charming journey towards a more focused and attentive mind, combining whimsy with warmth to captivate all audiences. With a wealth of experience spanning more than two decades in education, Lauren Alderfer has taught diverse levels, from graduate studies at the SIT Graduate Institute in the USA to primary grades in overseas American schools. Meanwhile, Kerry Lee MacLean, an accomplished author and illustrator of acclaimed picture books like "Moody Cow Meditates" and "Peaceful Piggy Meditation," brings her expertise to this project. Kerry, a mother of five young adults who have embraced meditation, imparts her wisdom through family meditative arts workshops across continents. The narrative follows Monkey, initially plagued by a restless "Monkey Mind," until he encounters the playful and enigmatic Happy Panda. Under Panda's guidance, Monkey learns to find contentment in the present moment, a lesson underscored by the phrase "doing what you're doing while you're doing it."

Promote students' self-awareness, self-management, social understanding, decision-making, and relationship abilities through interactive mindfulness exercises. This set encompasses 39 diverse activities alongside clear instructions, facilitating both individual and collaborative participation. These mindfulness activity cards are a valuable resource encouraging children to contemplate various scenarios and subjects, fostering meaningful conversations and vital life skills. Tailored for students and kids, these activities are geared towards enhancing communication and skill-building. Ideal for grades 1-5, these tools offer a comprehensive approach to nurturing emotional intelligence and personal growth.

Experience the transformative power of mindfulness with this comprehensive boxed card deck comprising 50 engaging activities, visualizations, and exercises, thoughtfully divided into five categories. Designed to foster grounding, calmness, focus, loving-kindness, and relaxation in children, each practice is expertly presented through whimsical, dual-sided cards featuring step-by-step instructions and vibrant illustrations by Mina Braun. The inclusive nature of these activities is highlighted through tips on the cards and an accompanying 8-page instructional booklet, ensuring accessibility for children of all abilities. Praised by Tillywig Toy & Media Awards for its impact on both children and adults, this resource provides a diverse range of playful tools for inner strength and peace. Notably, illustrator Mina Braun's charming drawings promote inclusivity and accessibility. The card format enables flexible use, whether with a child, classroom, or even for short sessions. Whitney Stewart, the author, brings her wealth of experiences, including interviews with the Dalai Lama, into her work, while Mina Braun's artistic journey from Germany to Scotland and now Berlin adds a unique touch to the illustrations. This compilation truly captures the essence of mindfulness, making it an invaluable asset for both young minds and grown-ups seeking tranquility and growth.

 Discover a wealth of mazes in varying levels of difficulty and settings within "Mindful Mazes," offering over 150 captivating challenges. Start your mindfulness journey with uncomplicated designs and numerical puzzle identifiers, minimizing distractions on your path towards completion.

Navigate through intricate and winding mazes while staying rooted in the present moment, enhancing your sense of centeredness. A convenient answer key at the book's conclusion ensures a satisfying resolution to each maze.

 

The ideal gift for children aged 6 to 14, this play and learning kit offers a screen-free, engaging experience. Featuring 153 parts and a 120-minute build time, it fosters STEAM concepts encompassing aerodynamics, hydraulics, and scissor mechanisms. With longer gameplay, it captivates kids with innovative, educational construction. These STEM toys promote brain and behavioral development, ensuring lifelong learning skills. Designed for easy assembly without glue or tools, the kit includes instructional materials and videos. Certified safe in 30+ countries, this internationally-acclaimed brand offers a free lifetime parts replacement guarantee. Sourced from sustainable vendors, these durable toys provide an eco-friendly and child-friendly experience, endorsed by 6 million parents and children across the globe. Welcome to the future of sustainable and engaging play.

Unlocking the Power of Screen Time: Cultivating Virtues and Values

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Unlocking the Power of Screen Time: Cultivating Virtues and Values

Unlocking the power of screen time for kids

Cartoons hold a pivotal role in every child's upbringing, serving as not only the most favored source of entertainment for both youngsters and adults, but also as a profound educational tool. These animated creations offer a unique window through which children can grasp insights about the world, their own emotions, as well as challenges that manifest across various scenarios. These shows not only entertain but also impart valuable life lessons in a relatable and engaging manner. By witnessing characters engage in acts of kindness and cooperation, children are inspired to emulate these behaviors in their own lives. Moreover, such shows provide opportunities for meaningful discussions, allowing parents and caregivers to reinforce the importance of empathy, compassion, and lending a hand to others. As children internalize these values from a young age, they are more likely to grow into considerate and responsible individuals who contribute positively to their communities. So, while sharing these shows with kids, we are nurturing the seeds of empathy and generosity, helping to shape a brighter, more harmonious future for them and those around them.

Watching cartoons that emphasize virtues can have several benefits for both children and adults. Cartoons can be powerful tools for teaching and reinforcing positive values and virtues in an engaging and relatable way. Here are some of the benefits of watching cartoons that promote virtues:

 

Character Education: Cartoons that highlight virtues such as honesty, kindness, empathy, and perseverance can help children develop a strong sense of ethics and morality. By seeing characters model these virtues, children are more likely to internalize and emulate these behaviors in their own lives.

Social and Emotional Learning: Virtue-focused cartoons often explore complex emotional situations and interpersonal relationships. Watching characters navigate these scenarios can help viewers develop better emotional intelligence, empathy, and social skills.

Inspiration and Role Models: Virtuous characters in cartoons can serve as role models, inspiring viewers to adopt positive traits and behaviors. These characters can provide examples of how to handle challenges and make ethical decisions, which can be empowering and motivating.

Conflict Resolution: Many cartoons depict characters resolving conflicts through communication, cooperation, and compromise. Watching these scenarios can teach viewers valuable lessons in conflict resolution and problem-solving.

Cultural Awareness: Cartoons that showcase virtues from different cultures and backgrounds can promote cultural awareness and understanding. This exposure to diverse perspectives can help viewers develop a more open-minded and inclusive worldview.

Entertainment with a Purpose: Virtue-focused cartoons can provide entertainment while also imparting important life lessons. This can make learning about virtues more engaging and enjoyable, especially for younger audiences.

Language and Cognitive Development: Cartoons that emphasize virtues often feature characters engaging in thoughtful conversations and critical thinking. Watching these interactions can contribute to language development and cognitive growth.

Positive Entertainment Choice: In a world where entertainment options can sometimes include negative or harmful content, choosing cartoons that promote virtues provides a healthier and more positive alternative for individuals of all ages.

Family Bonding and Discussion: Watching virtue-focused cartoons as a family can lead to meaningful discussions about values, ethics, and real-life situations. These discussions can strengthen family bonds and create opportunities for parents and guardians to actively guide children's moral development.

Life Skills Acquisition: Virtuous behaviors and values depicted in cartoons can contribute to the development of essential life skills, such as responsibility, self-discipline, and resilience.

Resonance and Identification: When viewers see characters facing challenges and making virtuous choices, they may identify with these characters and see themselves in similar situations. This identification can make the lessons more relatable and impactful.

It's important to note that not all cartoons are created equal, and the quality of the content matters. Parents, educators, and caregivers should carefully select cartoons that align with the virtues they want to promote and ensure that the content is appropriate for the intended audience. Additionally, watching cartoons should be just one part of a broader approach to character education and moral development.

Social-Emotional Learning Toys: Nurturing Emotional Intelligence in Children

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In today’s rapid-paced, and technology-driven era, the importance of teaching children valuable life skills extends beyond academic knowledge. Social-emotional learning (SEL) plays a crucial role in a child’s overall development, fostering emotional intelligence, empathy, and kindness. As educators and parents recognize the significance of SEL, the demand for social-emotional learning toys has surged. These toys are purposefully designed to support children in developing essential social and emotional skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

What are Social-Emotional Learning Toys?

Social-emotional learning toys encompass a diverse range of products that encourage children to explore, understand, and manage their emotions, as well as relate to others with empathy and kindness. These toys are carefully crafted to provide a safe and enjoyable platform for children to practice essential social skills, problem-solving, communication, and self-awareness.

“The development of social-emotional skills begins right from birth, but it becomes more pronounced during the preschool years when children start forming relationships with their peers. These social and emotional skills continue to evolve during their childhood and adolescence,”Pamjit Sudan, Content head at the blog Parental Daily, told lizstoryplanet

 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) toys aid in fostering Emotional Intelligence in children by assisting them in recognizing and comprehending their emotions, thus enabling them to express themselves in constructive and positive manners.

Let’s explore few of our picks to develop empathy, kindness and corporation in children

The game is appreciated for its ability to teach empathy and is described as a quick game that doesn’t stress parents out. a cooperative approach rather than a single winner, promoting teamwork to achieve a common goal.

This picture book teaches children that no matter what feelings we experience or how different we may be, it’s important to communicate, understand others’ perspectives, and recognize that we are never alone. The book aims to help children acknowledge and empathize with different emotions, fostering a sense of understanding and connection with others.

The game helps kids identify and express their emotions, and the prompt cards also suggest simple actions to enhance mood or cope with challenging feelings. The set aids in developing essential skills such as social-emotional learning, sensory education, logical thinking, dexterity, and speech. It is an ideal gift for pre-schoolers, shipped in a presentation box, and suitable for use during travel.

The game encourages strategic thinking, cooperation, and planning ahead. Playing together fosters emotional development, shared decision-making, positive self-esteem, and creative problem-solving in a stress-free environment.

KINDNESS- THE BEST MELODY TO SING

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KINDNESS- THE BEST MELODY TO SING

Imagine if we all start treating others the way we would want to be treated, think about others the way we would want to be thought of, feel about others the way we would want others to feel about us, speak to others the way we would want to be spoken to or spoken of.

Let us help our kids to understand this so very impactful virtue by reading some short stories and start creating the ripples of kindness that radiate from person to person with no end in sight.

.Kindness

 

moral stories for kids on kindness

Humility – The most powerful trait to empower our kids with

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Humility - The most powerful trait to empower our kids with

Recent studies have revealed that humility is one of the most powerful trait to empower our kids with while we prepare them for a successful journey ahead. Many famous and great personalities have proclaimed the power and importance of this virtue. Business schools have started calling it as a key ingredient for an excellent leadership. So, let us help our kids to understand this super powerful virtue by reading them some short stories and can try to bring up happy, well adjusted, confident and resilient children ready to face the realities of the world. Moreover, better human beings, better family dynamics and better society.

quote on humility

moral stories for kids on humility